RSS
Interview
Deutsche VersionInterview mit Orange Goblin (06.02.2012)
HH: First let me congratulate you on your seventh studio album A Eulogy For The Damned. How are the reactions of fans, press, mates to the new material? Are you satisfied with the feedback up to now?
Joe: Thanks very much. The feedback's been great so far, the people and friends that have heard it seem to really love it, although the album's not out until the 13th of Febuary so the real test will be if the fans like it! But seriously, we're really happy with the end product. It was a really fun album to record and think the energy and passion we put into it really shows and I feel pretty confident that the fans will like it too.
HH: You chose a very special date for the release of Eulogy. Would you please tell our readers about the very special meaning of February 13th 2012 and about the background why you did want this day as the date of launching your new album?
Joe: Well this was the date that Black Sabbath released their 1st album back in 1970. We were given a list of dates to choose from as the album's release date and February 13th was one of them, of course we had to choose it! We all have a lot of different musical influences in the band but Sabbath is the one that really brings us all together. We've always celebrated this day every year like its Christmas day. That's how crazy we are about Black Sabbath! It really couldn't be any other date.
HH: What do you think about Black Sabbath today, the re-union with Ozzy and the upcoming tour this year? Do you already have purchased your ticket for the show next to your home town?
Joe: I think it's a great thing. A lot of people seem to be worrying about it saying that Ozzy's not really into it and that it's just a big money making scheme but really, who cares? These four guys made such a huge impact in this scene and have consistently made great music for the last 42 years. The chance to see them all back together again and possibly making a new album is as good as the Beatles reforming to me. I don't have tickets yet, I guess that I'm still hoping they'll ask us to support them. Well I can dream can't I!
HH: Black Sabbath will always be a subject metalheads have much to talk about. But we want to talk a little bit more about Orange Goblin now. Doing music for about 16 years, Orange Goblin today of course has its own reputation and solid fan base. What does the band await (or maybe hope) from the new album? You know something like getting new fans, sell more units than of the last album or open doors to special events or festivals...
Joe: This will sound corny I'm sure but seriously our priority has always been to just enjoy what we're doing and not worry about how much money we're making are how big we can get. We only really started a band because we were all out of work and bored at the time and wanted to look cool in front of the girls, although to be honest that didn't work at all. Nothing's really changed in the last 16 years. We have a few little diva requirements now, like good beer, whiskey and wine on the rider but not much more. Of course the other main thing is to not disappoint our fans. We have got a really loyal bunch of supporters now so as long as they're happy we are too.
HH: Before dealing with the songs and the music let's talk about the cover artwork which is a real eye catcher as I think. Who is the artist and what's the idea behind the motive that shows several daemons tearing a half naked couple asunder?
Joe: The artist is a great friend of ours called Jimbob Isaac and we're really happy with how it's turned out. We wanted him to draw a picture that captured different aspects and lyrics from the album tracks and stick it all together. The main theme is taken from the first track "Red Tide Rising" which is based on an H.P Lovecraft story about mythological creatures re-emerging from the sea and taking over the world. But there's a lot of different stuff going on in there as well. You'll just have to read through the lyrics to find what else is in there!
HH: So you gave the painter some requirements concerning the content or did you just let him listen to some new material of the album?
Joe: A bit of both really. We knew from his previous work how good he was so we just gave the basic idea and let him run with it. Jimbob's done a lot of great work for bands in the past. He did some great stuff for Clutch which is well worth checking out!
HH: Your new home is called Candlelight Records, a company that usually is known for signing bands among the Death and Black Metal genre. How did that happen? Haven't you been a little bit sceptic about being in contract with a label whose fans are used to listen to bands like Emperor, Onslaught or 1349?
Joe: No not really. I think it's a good thing to be on a label that has a lot of different stuff going on as well. Don't forget it's also home to C.O.C and Crowbar so it's a real mixed bag. We were approached and signed by them a few years ago now and we've been incredibly lucky that they were willing to wait for us to get our shit together before recording anything new. They've been very supportive so far and I think it was a great move and hopefully we'll work together for a long time to come.
HH: Listening to the new songs you spontaneously and superficially can speak of Stoner Rock, but certainly there are much more facets in your work. What kinds of music do the members of Orange Goblin prefer to listen to in their free time today that may influence your work. You already mentioned in the beginning that there are quite different interests in the band...
Joe: Absolutely. Apart from the obvious Sabbath, Zeppelin influences we're all quite different musical. Chris is from a punk background and is into bands like Fugazi and Black Flag. Martyn's more of your Iron Maiden classic metal fan. I'm really just a big blues and 70's rock fan and Ben's into, well everything actually! I think that one of the reasons that we're still going is that there are no rules as to what we should sound like and what we're not supposed to sound like. As long vibes right then it's ok!
HH: In your own words: what do you say the long standing Goblin fan awaits him on Eulogy? And what do you say to a bloke who never ever has heard about Orange Goblin yet?
Joe: There's something for everyone on this one. We wanted to write and album that really captures the different styles from the last six albums, and I think we've achieved it. On every one of the last few albums, although unintentional, they all sound completely different to the one before. Time Traveling Blues for example had a bluesy feel where as Healing Through Fire was more "metal". So this one is a real mix. Also the song structures are more though out and a lot more work has gone into making it sound as big and loud as possible. And to any one that's never us? Well if you like Loud/hairy/drunken Rock'n'Roll then we're your boys!
HH: Is there one special song on Eulogy you would recommend to this bloke (who never has heard about Orange Goblin) to help him getting familiar with your music?
Joe: The first track "Red Tide Rising" is a pretty typical Goblin song. It's the first single and we've just made a video for it so keep an eye out for that.
HH: What events in your everyday life would you call an influence or incentive for composing songs and writing lyrics?
Joe: Most of Ben's lyrics come from films or books he's read. Ben has a huge film collection and a very imaginative brain. Half the time I have no idea what he's talking about. But I love all of his lyrics and he really puts 100% into every song. As for the music, well me, Chris and Martyn will usually have a bunch of riffs and its just a case of sticking them all together until something sticks. It really is that simple!
HH: I recently had a look at your homepage where I discovered the dates and venues of your upcoming tour across the UK. Unfortunately I couldn't find any concerts or festivals that are planned in Germany for 2012 - certainly a mistake, isn't it? But to be serious: I can't remember lately reading the name Orange Goblin in the line-up of any concert or festival especially in the south of Germany or Bavaria (to be even more concrete)...
Joe: Yes it is a mistake! We are booked in to play the Metalfest open air festival in Dessau on June the 1st and again in Lorelely on 8th June plus the Stoned From The Underground Festival in Erfurt on July 14th so hopefully see you all there!
HH: Do you have something like a wishlist concerning venues, festivals or other bands (supporting you or getting supported by you) for the future?
Joe: Well apart from Sabbath I guess Zeppelin would be the band I'd most like to share a stage with. As for venues I'm really more into the small sweaty clubs to be honest, big venues are great but very impersonal as you're so far away from the crowd. I like to be right up close! A Goblin show should be more like a party than anything else!
HH: O.K., we're coming to the end. One more question, then you've done it. And this question is: Is there any question that you wish you have heard from me or maybe any other newspaperman concerning A Eulogy For The Damned or Orange Goblin in general, but unfortunately you didn't?
Joe: Ha ha thank you. The question: I'd like to offer you the main support slot for the upcoming Black Sabbath tour. Will you accept?
HH: I'd like to offer you the main support slot for the upcoming Black Sabbath tour. Will you accept? Haha
Joe: Yesss!!!
HH: Ha ha, I hope you enjoyed doing this interview. I wish you the best for 2012 and hope to see you soon on stage!