ICON IN ME (Eng.)
– Hello, thanks for your time, how’s everything going into the ICON IN ME camp?
Tony: Hi there, all is good here, we just released our new video for the track “ Un-Slaved” and our album release is coming up on July 12th, all is good and we are excited J (Tony)
– ICON IN ME aren’t too known yet so, could you please introduce a bit the band and explain what can people find in your music to all those who haven’t heard about you yet?
Tony: Well, Icon in Me was formed in Moscow by two e.x members of Hostile Breed. I was approached by the band in 2007, the Icon in Me guys have been fans of my vocals in my other bands I’ve been involed with , such as B-Thong, Transport League and now M.A.N aswell. The drumming on the debut album “Human Museum” & the upcoming “Head Break Solution” is handeled by Amaranthe drummer Morten Lowe Sorensen, also e.x Soilwork, Arcane Order, Submission among others. (Tony)
– How was the band formed? Because, if I’m not wrong, there are different band members from different countries. How do you manage this with your rehearsals and stuff?
Tony: ( see above), we only do quick rehearsals before we leave for a tour or have shows. (Tony)
D. Frans: Yes we are all big pros in our field – so that we are enough with a few rehearsals before a tour.
– And what does «Icon in me» mean?
D. Frans: It’s does not mean too much. It simply means that everyone must believe in their own power – potential hidden in himself, and not too believe in the gods whom we represent over. Belief in himself – that’s the truth of life.
– Your second full-length album will come out next July, what are your expectations and what are you providing with this record to your listeners?
Tony: We are pretty excited. It will be straight in your face Metal with some thrashy & yet melodic elements, all fans of The Haunted, Soilwork & Fear Factory, should enjoy our effort. (Tony)
– It’s sound reminds me to COAL CAHMBER or early THE HAUNTED, with Marco Aro, what are your thoughts on this? And what are your musical influences?
D. Frans: Hmm. Of course we are all fans of these bands. But I’m not sure that in our music a lot of “Coal Chamber” influence. Probably more Devildriver style. About “The haunted” it’s the great band – and we are pleased that we compare with them. By the way – solo at one of our songs – by Anders from “The Haunted”.
– In «Head Break Solution» we can find several guest artists such as Anders Bjorler, Rob Guz or Glen Dover just to mention a few. How did you come up with this idea? And what have these artists provided to the songs?
D. Frans: Yeah on the new album the lot of guest musicians again. Some of them it’s our friends – such as Andy from Amaranrhe & Within Y, Rob Guz from M.A.N as well as those musicians that you mentioned. All these guys have brought their sense of music in our songs, thus making them a little more interesting. By the way – guest musicians have become a tradition in our albums ever since our first album «human museum». If you have not heard – I recommend to listening.
– You have shooted a clip for «Un-Slaved», how did everything go?
D. Frans: Yes, everything went perfectly! We have shooted the band in Moscow during the day and then our director shooted the storyline in Belarus. I think that turned out great video!
We have idea to film one more vedeo for new album soon. Let see.
– Your first album was released by Massacre Records, and this new one via Goomba Music. What prompted that move? And how’s your relationship with Goomba so far?
D. Frans: Our first album, reliesed the Massacre Records. We had a contract for one album and we met their obligations to each other. We currently have a contract with the “Goomba music” for release in US and Canada. Prior to this album, we did not associate any relationship – we met just a few months ago. I think that the guys from “Goomba” real professionals and know how to submit a new group in the U.S. market. By the way now, our new album in Europe involved in MDD \ Alive Rec and Mazzar Rec in Russia.
– The band was formed in 2007 but you didn’t release your first album until 2009 and, after it, have been another 2 years to release this «Head Break Solution». What has the band been up to during these years?
D. Frans: Yes it’s true. Those two years we have prepared the promo for the band and recorded our debut album. This way is not a too long term for a group that starts from scratch. I think what we have done extensive preparatory work – and were able to shoot as accurately as possible in 2009.
– Tony and Mortem are playing in different bands, is it hard to manage these work with the ICON IN ME activity?
D. Frans: No it is not too difficult, as is currently the world is ruled interenet – and all the issues we can solve through it. I am very grateful to the internet for what it allows the guys from far Russia play in a band with excellent musicians like Tony and Morten. It is an honor for us all.
– Do you have touring plans to support this album live?
D. Frans: Yes, we plan to tour in support of their new album this fall. And I hope that we will play concerts not only in Russia but also in Europe and perhaps even in U.S.
– And finally, what are the band’s near-future plans?
D. Frans: The HBS release, tours, shooting a new video and of course writing new songs for the next release. These are our plans for the near future plans.
– That’s all from my side. If you want to add some final words, last lines are yours. Thank you once more for taking the time.
D. Frans: Thank you for interview. This is a great pleasure to answer your questions. Listen to our new album – buy CDs. Without your support we are nothing!
