Perzonal War – כשת'ראש הופך אדום

Perzonal War have released 5 excellent albums as of today, which musically can be described as melodic thrash metal. Their latest – When Times Turn Red, released in 2005, took things into a rawer, more dynamic direction, which saw the band moving somewhat away from the former Metallica comparisons they've become known for. The band is currently putting the finishing touches on a new epic, and we spoke with guitarist/vocalist Mathias Zimmer about the state of things, and of what is about to come for the band.

Hey, I'd like to start by asking about the making of your new album, at what stage is the album now?

The album is nearly finished. We are planning to do 2 additional tracks that have to be recorded and do the final mix. Everything should get pretty quickly finished and 90% are already done. So we hope to release it in January 2008.

Any first clues on how is the album going to sound like?

It is pretty heavy and in my eyes a bit darker and meaner than the previous release. Songs turned out to be a bit longer with more parts again and have a good combination between heaviness and melodies. Most of the guitars are tuned deeper than on "When times turn red" and also the vocals have a much heavier touch.

Who's handling the bass playing these days?

The bass was played by Bjoern Kluth; the guy who already helped us out at the Candlemass/ Destruction tour 2 years ago. He learns pretty quick and is really tight; by the way he is a really nice guy.

Your Myspace has a post about Destruction's Schmier singing backups for the album, what kind of a song is it going to be?

Schmier is going to do a pretty heavy Thrash song… what fits best for his voice. In the song we are sharing the verses and do the chorus together. It is a good combination and of course the whole thing reminds of Destruction. The perzonal butcher strikes back!!!

The guy looks pretty intense in the pics you posted (you seem to be choking in your pic with him…), how did the process of recording with him go?

It was really funny and Schmier seemed to like the song very much. He tried out a lot and gave everything! We really appreciate the time and power that he spend for the recordings. thanx a lot for this!!! After doing the vocals we partied a bit longer that we could go to bed early at 6 o' clock. Metal indeed!

Is Martin again producing the effort? If so, did you consider using a different producer this time?

Martin again produced the record. Martin and me spend most time in the studio to arrange/complete the songs and try out sounds and tunings. Martin has really grown to a brilliant producer and the new stuff sounds so powerful and professional that we really don't have to hide behind any other production. Meanwhile Martin's studio is so fully booked that he does productions for different bands during the whole year. Of course working with different kinds of music and different musicians makes someone better and more open-minded…that's also our profit. So as long as we feel getting forward we don't mind about any other producer.

Your last album, When Time Turn Red, was a more direct, and raw sounding effort than your precious stuff, is that the direction you're pursuing here?

The new stuff is also pretty raw; but more the songs themselves than the production. But we try to keep this raw sounding attitude because that's the way the songs turn out to sound like… we just do what we do best. Nothing is planned; it just flows out and that's the way it should be in my eyes.

One of the things always said about the band, and your vocals, is your similarity to Metallica, is it still in there in the new album?

I think there is not much left in the new songs. Of course there will always be the comparison to the voice but that's the way I sound like. I really tried to do a different phrasing and also the whole music turned out to be different than the Metallica stuff. I don't know if the people will see it the same way but I don't care about this anymore. That's our curse that will follow us forever!

Since When Times was released Sven has left the band, why is that?

It is a pity that Sven is no longer with us. Sven is a really good bass player and one of the friendliest guys ever. He just doesn't have the time and power anymore to spend so much energy into the band. Since the time Sven left the band we had a little break. First we wanted to focus on the new album; than care of a new bassman. At the moment it seems to be the following: We will carry on with two "free" bassplayers: Bjoern who already plays on the album and Sven. Bjoern plays also in two other bands and can..t play always with Perzonal War and Sven would like to play in general but not as a steady member. When all of us can live with this situation it will be the best compromise. It is really hard to find a good bassplayer; but the heaviest thing is integrating a new member when you don't spend so much time together like years ago. We know each other really well because we didn't have any line up changes ever except Frank some years ago. This is an important part of Perzonal War; stand together in unity and presenting as a band… not as 4 musicians!

Some history now, you started out in a group called Crossing Skulls, how did Personal War start out?

Nearly 11 years ago now I met Martin and knew that he was the best drummer around. We were about 16/17 and had nothing else in mind than music. So we played together and decided to do a "project" besides our other bands. That turned out to be such great fun that we decided to make a "real" band of Perzonal War and do a Demo tape. After a short time we completed the line up with Frank (Martin's brother) and Sascha who also played in bands around. Sascha played bass for Crossing Skulls and Frank also played together with Martin in Doubtful Thoughts". So everything started… hell… it is neraly 11 years ago!

Why the name change to Perzonal War?

The name "Personal War" was Martins idea. We both liked it from the beginning because it sounded like "Metal" without cliché! After the break with B-Mind records we decided to change the name into "Perzonal War" to get released from the contact and here we are still making noise.

What were the lyrical issues that interested you when you started out, and how different were they on "When Times Turn Red"?

I always liked to put personal experiences into little stories or pictures that can be seen in different ways; and this didn't change so far.
For me the band is a kind f self-therapy because I can free myself by screaming and singing out my inner thoughts, fears etc. Sometimes it is hard to talk about something; but singing about it is much easier. From the beginning I never planned lyrics when I started writing them: I just began and at the end I thought, wow, that's exactly what I think at the moment but I didn't know it before writing it down. So music is still a good vent for me…

You've had a long and fruitful relationship with AFM records, was it changed in any way after Andy, the label bass, passed away?

To be honest it changed a lot. Andy was resonsible for us and he was the one we talked to concerning the band and also personal things. I knew Andy from the time with Crossing Skulls when AFM just released their first band! He was the most important part of AFM and it is a pity that he has gone by such a tracical way. Rust in peace Andy and thank you for everything!!!!

I remember talking to you after Faces came out, and you had a good rotation for the video for My Secret, is that something you've managed to repeat since then? Or are planning to with this album?

We did a 10th Anniversary show and filmed the whole thing with 10 cameras. I don't know if we also do a video for the new album but we have enough material for different options. A new video track would be amazing but it is to early to talk about that.

I've noticed that Martin also drums with Squealer A.D these days, how do his timelines coincide with yours?

Not so far. Martin's priority is Perzonal War and if anything collides we have to arrange it. But I don't think it will cause any problems because both bands don't tour that excessively!

Before starting to record the new album, what did you do since releasing When Times and the following touring?

We had a break; didn't play so much and keep the band for some months aside. All of us have jobs that also need time and so we decided to slow it down a bit. Another thing was that Sven left the band and we decided not to hurry up and take the wrong guy into the band. So we concentrated on new songs without any pressure. Now everything seems to be clear for the future again and we are eager for what lays in front of us. We are planning new shows, a release date… and then the machine will roll again!!!

Finally, what's next for the band? Any messages to the fans reading this?

Shows, release and hopefully great festivals next summer!!! We are still waiting for some more guest-appearance for the new album (I will let you know). By then, Perzonal War for president!