CONSFEARACY (Eng.)
– Hello, thanks for taking the time. What are you guys currently up to?
We are enjoying our debut release of CONSFEARACY and gearing up to start writing for the next record.
– If you don’t mind, I would like you to start making some history of the band; how and why did you get together, etc.
CONSFEARACY formed in the spring of 2009 when myself lead vocalist Brian O’Connor, (ex- lead vocalist of U.S. metal group Vicious Rumors) and guitarist Fabian Schwarz (of German rock band The New Black) set out to create and perform a transatlantic style of metal and expand our musical collaborations worldwide, thus CONSFEARACY was born. Soon after, talented like-minded professional musicians joined the group’s ranks; Guenter Auschrat, bassist (The New Black, Abandoned); Ira Black, guitarist (ex- Vicious Rumors, Lizzy Borden, Metal Church); and drummer extraordinaire Timo Weis.
– And why «Consfearacy»?
It fit our musical direction, vibe and image.
– You have just released your debut album, «Consfearacy»; how has been its feedback both from the fans and press?
It has been great, we have had a lot of positive feedback from the fans and the press is given us great reviews.
– If I’m not wrong, the band members are from Germany and the US; how do you manage to rehearsal, etc.?
We only need to rehearse two weeks before we go out and do a tour or festivals, we are all professional seasoned musicians that can be ready at a moments notice.
– How do you use to work?
We all have rehearsal studios and recording studios were we live so it is not hard to get things done.
– Due to this I would like to know how was the songwriting process for the album.
We worked through the internet and had a great time doing it, it was very easy and quick.
– What could you comment on the album’s artwork?
Dennis Sebijn is a killer artist with a great portfolio, he captured the mysticism and religious imagery that we were looking for in a epic metal record cover.
– Both yourself and Fabian took production duties, as both of you are band members, how positive is this for CONSFEARACY?
It makes the writing and recording process faster, less chefs in the kitchen, but all band members have a say in the final product.
– And/or what are the down-points of this?
There have been no down points, its just more work for me and Fabian but that’s alright because this is what we love to do.
– You guys sound like a mix of different styles; Heavy Metal, Thrash Metal, even some Death or Power… was this something intended?
Yes, we wanted to incorporate all metal styles that we have been influenced by and try to create a group that is truly diverse and international sounding.
– Because of this I wonder what are the main musical influences for the band.
We are influenced by all the great metal bands past and present.
– You make a perfect blend of all this, always old school-rooted but updating your sound; how easy is to achieve this?
Thank you so much. It was very easy, Fabian Schwarz, Ira Black and Gunter Auschrat are brilliant guitar players who I love working with. We all grew up listening to the same music and had the same vision for the direction of the group. We wanted to combine our countries metal influences into one band and this is what came out.
– As I said your sound is up to date, quite refreshing. Did you want, in any way, to get a bit away from the other bands you are playing or have played in?
Yes, that was a huge goal for us, we wanted to still have some classic metal vibe but more importantly we wanted to be more modern with a transatlantic metal sound.
– Most of you have played in different well-known bands into the scene, have you brought something of this background to CONSFEARACY?
Yes, we have all played in killer bands and its hard not to take a piece of everything you have been apart of with you.
– When I reviewed your album I said the heavy and low sound is one of the things that seems to characterize your sound but, from your point of view, what could you say makes different your very own sound?
I think that the overall sound of the record has a distinct tone and presence to it, very sharp and bold guitars, attacking drums and dynamic vocals that ring out or take you down. I feel you can hear the two countries coming through the record, California East Bay meets German metal.
– Songs as «Ritual Sacrifice» stand out off the album because of its different sound, as it sounds way more melodic and even voices fit better this approach. What could you tell us about this tune?
The song is about the Mayan ritual of human sacrifice; I sang this tune in two different pitches, one high and one mid range that gave it a more classic metal sound that meets a modern yet heavy tone.
– I also mentioned in my review your sound is quite dark; is this being reflected in any way with the band’s/albums name?
Yes, we are a group of metalheads that were raised on the darkside of metal, but we still felt that we needed to have a lighter side to create the full sound of our direction so that we could appeal to a broader group of metalheads worldwide.
– As I mentioned before, we could say you are an «all-star band». This terms tends to be a double-edged sword. Do you think this works more as a benefit for the band or the opposite?
I’m not sure if it’s a good or bad thing but I would like to think that it can only help the group out if all the members are well known and respected within the metal community.
– Finally, what are your near-future plans?
We are starting to write the next record soon.
– What are your goals with CONSFEARACY?
We plan on making records, touring and doing festivals. We have to be strategic; you only get one chance to make a first impression but we feel like we have a very special group that can go far given the opportunities and we are looking forward to showing the world what we can do live and on our future records for years to come.
– That has been all from my side, thank you once more for you time. If you feel like adding some final words before we wrap this interview; take the last lines.
Thank you for the interview Tania. Consfearacy is looking forward to hitting a stage near you soon! To all you metalheads out there go pick up our debut CD “CONSFEARACY” and drop us a line to let us know what you think. Horns High Metalheads \m/
Check us out at www.consfearacy.net or www.facebook.com/consfearacyband
