Interview с Arch Enemy : DARKSIDE.ru

Let's start with the Ozzfest festival that you did this summer. What can you say about the whole atmosphere of the festival? How did your fans like the new songs?

We are the official breakthrough-artist of Ozzfest. Which means, we generated the biggest interest and sold a lot of CDs on the back of this festival. Sometimes we had to play at 9 a.m. in the morning, and already had a huge moshpit going. “Nemesis” – a new track – got the best reactions actually!

What could you comment on the unpleasant incident during the Iron Maiden show we all heard of? On their place, could you play a show to the end?

I am staying out of this mud-wrestling, sorry. I wasn’t there, didn’t see it with my own eyes. What I heard and read sounds completely ridiculous and has no place in heavy metal. It should be about the fans and the show and not some stupid personal quarrels. Yes, I would have continued the show and kicked some asses backstage after the show.

What is the current status of guitarist Chris Amott in Arch Enemy? Did he leave the band for good, or is he going to return some time later?

He left and is very happy with his normal life now. He isn’t really into extreme music, has never been and hated touring. He just wants to be a good, tax-paying, working citizen. Pretty boring, but hey, its his choice.

How did it happen that Gus G (Firewind, Mystic Prophecy, ex-Dream Evil) joined Arch Enemy for the touring? Did you know him before? And will he stay with the band for next shows?

He was only filling in for the Ozzfest. We knew he was good and we had actually met him before. We have a new guy now, his name is Fredrik and he is from Sweden. He might stay longer, he fits very well into Arch Enemy and is an incredibly fast shredder (faster than Chris actually).

Now let's pass on to the new album "Doomsday Machine". What was your part on the new album except the vocals? Did you write any music or lyrics for it? What are the new songs

about?

I wrote most of the lyrics. The songs are about personal revenge, utter destruction and hatred. Very positive indeed, hehe.

This time you worked with producer Rikard Bengtsson. What were the specific moments of working with him?

He doesn’t need any sleep and is willing to work 8 weeks through with no week-ends off, haha. Besides, he is very musical, he is a fantastic singer himself (for Last Tribe and the 2nd Armageddon album). And he is located in Halmstad, Sweden – where we all come from. So we didn’t have to be abroad for the recordings this time.

How would you describe your development as a vocalist since you joined Arch Enemy? And have you ever considered doing a couple of songs in clean vocals?

My range has become wider and I am very good rhythmically. But no, I won’t do any clean vocals with Arch Enemy – ever. Too soft, too gothic.

I've never heard you sing in your previous bands. Did you sing in the same manner? Who influenced you as a vocalist?

Yes, I was growling there as well. I was influenced by Chuck Schuldiner, Jeff Walker (Carcass) and Dave Vincent (Morbid Angel).

Recording the album - is it a serious task for you or do you have a lot of fun in the studio? What are the hardest aspects of the recording sessions for you personally?

It is very serious and hard work. Its not some jam-session, its an expensive album-recording. The hardest aspect is to stay focused after hours and days of screaming.

Arch Enemy play a lot of shows, which take much energy. How do you keep yourself in a good fit? Do you follow a healthy way of life?

At home I work out every day, on the road I play a show every day. It’s not so much of a change for my body really. If you are fit, it’s no big deal. And I am fit.

How do you take care of your voice? What advice can you give to young singers, especially female ones, who are willing to sing

in the manner that you do?

Get some vocal lessons and learn the basic singing and breathing techniques. Keep fit, don’t drink, don’t smoke, don’t do drugs. Your body is your instrument. You fuck up your body, your instrument will suffer.

How do you spend time after shows? What are your favorite ways to entertain yourself? By the way, do you still make your concert clothes by yourself?

I read, watch movies, listen to music, write, go shopping, work out or just sit together with the guys and we chat. Yes, I still design most of my stage gear.

How do you usually fill your free time? I know you've been writing a book about women in metal. Is it finished now? How did the idea come to you?

I don’t have any free time at all. Arch Enemy is extremely busy and we are working through. In the touring-free months, we work on a DVD and write new material. I am also working on this book, which takes much longer than I thought though.

I guess that during your time in the music business you have come in contact with a lot of female musicians and singers. Who has impressed you the most?

Doro Pesch. She is going strong since 25 years, is over 40 years old now and still looks great and has a fantastic voice. Did you know she battled TBC when she was young? The doctors told her she will never be able to sing again, she can only use half the capacity of her lung. She beat them all!

By the way, I know that you worked as a journalist yourself in the times before you joined Arch Enemy. What are your best and worst memories from that job? Which interview do you consider your best one?

I liked doing face-to-face interviews and hated the typing after, haha. My best one was definitely with Arch Enemy, that’s how I got in touch with my future.

Later on, when you became the singer in Arch Enemy, how often have you encountered hostility or poor professionalism on behalf of journalists who come to talk to you? How

do you behave in such cases?

I walk out of the interview. Somebody doesn’t show me respect, I treat him/her like a dog too. Happened only once so far though.

How much does your image on stage match to what you are like in everyday life? Is it your intention to be yourself as much as possible on stage, or is there an element of acting in what you are doing live?

It’s me on stage, the aggressive and dominant side of Angela. It’s me off stage, the tame and calm side of Angela. I am an ambivalent person, but very much in peace with myself.

Have you ever met Arch Enemy's former singer Johan Liiva? In your opinion, how much does the change of singers contribute to the growth in the popularity of the band?

Yes, I have met Johan, he is a very nice and humble guy. He actually joined me on stage in Malmo, Sweden. We performed “Diva Satanica” together. The change of singer made Arch Enemy a new, successful band. That’s it.

Do you remember your first show with Arch Enemy? What was the reaction of the audience? What do you feel when people get excited by what you are doing? Did you ever have to encounter quite aggressive people in the audience or after shows?

My first show was in LA, the Troubadour club. It was packed, about 600 people were there. It was a fantastic show, although I was naturally very nervous. I love seeing people getting excited, I am so excited myself, haha. Yes, sometimes there are aggressive people and when they are disrespectful towards me they get a good slapping from the AE guys.

You're from a family where there were a lot of children. Did you ever think of having your own children or do you think it's out of place while you're a hard-touring musician?

It’s a big no-no as long as I am with Arch Enemy. Touring life is not for babies and small children. Maybe later.

Have you ever received any proposals to play in Russia? And please, say a few words to the Arch Enemy fans and our readers over here.

No, no serious ones from promoters. That’s why we haven’t been over there so far. But I am sure we have lots of great fans over there, I just hope we can play for them one day! Until then, stay metal!

Special thanks to Gerrit Mohr (Century Media) for arranging this interview

Anna Babicheva
December 9, 2005
20 дек 2005 the End

Arch Enemy

Doomsday Celebration