Sepultura (Andreas Kisser)

Thursday, March 12th, 2009, posted by K.Panagiotis

Just a few days after the release of Sepultura’s eleventh album, Andreas Kisser speaks to Metalpaths about the writing process of “A-Lex”, the band’s beliefs and Brazil’s general condition. Let’s take a look at what this -genuine to all- musician has to say.

There has been about a month since your 11th album titled “A-Lex” is out. Of course it is kind of early yet to build any conclusions, but are you satisfied with how things are moving so far?

Yes, very much. The album has been received very well from our fans and the media in general, we are happy with the recordings and the songs. The shows we did in Europe so far went really good and it is a great start for the “A-Lex” tour.

The album is based on Anthony Burgess’ novel “A Clockwork Orange”. Were you a fan of the book or a fan of Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation? What makes it so special for you?

I’m a big fan of the movie, I didn’t know the book until we decide to work on it for the album. I think the book is much more complete and intense, the movie is great but the book is stronger, so we were much more influenced by the book in comparison to the movie. I think the novel is very complete, it talks about drugs, music, politics, family friends, religion so we could express our ideas and points of view through the book.

“Dante XXI” is a concept as well which is based on Dante’s Divine Comedy. Do you feel like your albums are a kind of a tribute to express your admiration to these artists? Are you still willing to continue at the same patterns in a following release?

Who knows what we will do next? It is still very early, we are very deep on “A-Lex” and we want to tour a lot and then see what the next step will be.

When I first read the “A-Lex” lyrics, they kind of seemed to me like having a pessimistic mood and also it was like speaking to someone special. Were you thinking of something specific where you were writing them?

We talk about all the bullshit we see in the world, which is very pessimistic and chaotic, but we also like to instigate people to think about the problems and find out decent solutions for them. This is a very optimistic view despite all the chaos.

This is the first time you record without any Cavalera member. Was it a bit strange getting into the studio without Igor? Did you worry about a possible negative result for the album?

No, it was not strange at all, the mood of the band was one of the best in our history, we all enjoyed a lot working on this album and we were not trying to copy anything we did in the past. Every time we get on the studio is beause we are doing something really new, so there’s no room to miss anything. I have no fear to try out anything in music.

Have you listened to the “Cavalera Conspiracy” debut album? Do you think that maybe one day will happen to co-operate again with Max and Igor?

I’ve heard the album, it is not bad but they could do a lot better. For what people was expecting, I think it is very weak. Who knows what the future will be? This is something we don’t think about, I am looking forward to see, respecting our past but working towards the future.

Jean Dolabella is a pretty good drummer though and has left the worldwide press with the greatest impressions and there is no need I guess to mention Derrick’s great work all these years. Was it difficult for you to find members who would perfectly fit to the band?

It is always hard to change a member, especially such great musicians like Max and Igor but we are lucky to find even better ones like Derrick and Jean. They are exceptional guys and musicians, who are helping Sepultura on every level.

The “Sepularmy” has done quite a great job so far and I think it is a big plus in Sepultura’s promotion. How do you feel having all these dedicated people by your side?

It is great and amazing! We have fans that are very unique and they dedicate their lives and energy to support our music and our message. Without them it would be impossible to continue as a band.

There is only one official live CD released from the band so far in November, 2005. Are there any plans for another one (CD or DVD) with a new footage?

We have plans to do another live DVD for the next year, playing the complete “A-Lex” album and including an orchestra.

You were one of the guests in the Latin Grammy Awards which were held in Houston, Texas in 2008. Could you please describe us your experience and how did it feel to be invited in such a big event?

The Grammy we participated was in Sao Paulo Brazil, it was the Latin Brazilian Grammy Awards and it was great to be a part of this. Hopefully next time we will be able to win the prize.

You are a person pretty close to your family. You have three children and a wife and you seem to be very focused on them. How do you feel when you have to be on tour for a long time away from home?

It is a part of what I am. I have to be on the road in order to support them. This is something that is very clear in our minds. It is not easy but this is what I do. I’m a musician and I have to play everywhere.

What are the conditions in Brazil nowadays? I remember seeing an interview where you have told that everyone choose to play football cause this was one of the few chances someone can go further. Is it still the same?

No, Brazil is in a much better situation. Maybe the best ever. Besides the world financial crisis, Brazil is holding up strongly. Of course we still have many big problems but we are in a better position to deal with them.

And what about metal music? Are there any Brazilian bands you really believe they have some things to offer to the international scene?

Metal is always very strong in Brazil, we have many different group from North to South. I think bands like Claustrophobia, Krisiun, Torture Squad are great examples of our power in metal.

You have been in Greece several times and I gotta tell you that everyone speaks about your last visit, where you were more than friendly with the audience. What do you have to say about the Greek fans and are there any promises for a return to our country soon?

I love Greece and I always have a great time with the very fanatical and energetic fans. I love the food, the ruis, the islands, it is a great place. Hopefully we will be back soon.

Thank you very much for your time Andreas. We wish all of you the best for your musical careers and your personal lives.

Thank you, see you soon on the road!!!

Interview by Rena Koutsou.

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