Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

Wolf Hoffmann is an amazing artist indeed, a legend for many of us who influenced many bands and musicians. He is one of the founders of the legendary band ACCEPT who play Metal loud, heavy and powerful. I am one of those lucky journalists who got a chance to have a talk with Wolf and ask him some questions. I believe you’ll find his answers interesting. Check them out below:

Mohsen: Hello Wolf, How is it going today? Any shocking news?

WOLF: Mohsen, nice to meet you. It is  a real adventure to be talking to someone from IRAN!

Wonderful news ….plenty. STALINGRAD  has been as successful as BLOOD OF THE NATIONS – both albums are still selling and both have been in the top of the charts, sometimes even competing with each other! We are very happy about that.  The tours are going great and we have been around the globe twice in not even 24 months and we are starting another tour around the world again in a few weeks.

Mohsen: To begin with, we had a tribute project to Ronnie James Dio and we got several nice messages from many artists like your band mate Stefan, but I’d like to know your opinion about Ronnie and if you have any particular memory of him?

WOLF: Like everybody, I remember him well and he has been one of the greatest and he has left a huge legacy for all of us to enjoy….forever. One of the great artists and great human beings!

Mohsen: You’re going to tour the USA and the Canada with KREATOR this September, it would be a long tour and I’m sure it won’t be a new experience, but would you tell me how do you find living on the road? Myself personally and perhaps our readers would like to hear if you have any particular or funny memories?

WOLF: The tour is about 5 weeks with KREATOR. We share the bill with them as co-headliners. This package is a historic one. It is to bring GERMAN HEAVY METAL  to the fans. Both bands are from the industrial area of Germany, where the German Steel is coming from.  ACCEPT opened the door for KREATOR and Mille told me, ACCEPT has been his first concert. The interesting aspect of KREATOR is, that he did not copy anybody, they took the inspiration and created their own niche, they made their stand and will leave their vey own legacy. So this is a very special co-operation and the fans will love it!

Mohsen: You shared a stage with Swedish heavy metal band WOLF in the UK last year. The vocalist Nik is a good friend of mine and they are one of my favorites, but what are your thoughts about them?

WOLF: You know, I guess they are a cool band. But, we are so very busy that we hardly have time to hang around. I wish we cold have seen them. However, they did a good job.

Mohsen: Let’s go back to 2009, when the best news of that year, “Metal Heart Beats Again” was published. Can you tell me more about those days, how did you and Peter get the idea of a reunion and did you expect such success that you got from both of your latest albums at the beginning of this reunion?

WOLF: We lived a different life for many years and it has been sheer destiny, that Mark Tornillo – who lives very close to Peter – never ever met Peter. But, he ran into us one day and like us, he had a different life and being a musician has not been on his agenda at that time. In a spur of a moment we invited him to jam with us, fell in love with his voice and he with our music and the rest is history!

Mohsen: ACCEPT seems to have followed the same themes in writing and recording the “Stalingrad” album as you did in your previous album “Blood Of The Nations” (For example writing lyrics which were influenced by WWII). Would you tell me more about it and what exactly the band wanted to say with those albums?

WOLF: ACCEPT has been one of the very first Bands who made very controversial lyrics and it is always about suppression, dark sides of humanity and a reminder, that there is something you can do about it. We cannot talk about that here, you really have to read the lyrics from BALLS TO THE WALL on….you will see, as the majority of the songwriters and the lyricist are still together  there is a golden thread running through it and Mark Tornillo had the gift to continue our tradition.

Mohsen: Some of your fans believe that ACCEPT with Mark is even better than Udo and some do not, but how did you find the differences between working with Mark and Udo?

WOLF: Every time in your life has different circumstances. The voice of a singer is a matter of taste. Today – with Mark we feel absolutely on top of the game! To compare the times we are living in NOW with the past –  is not possible.  We all grew into different directions and Mark is with us at a time, where we are at our happiest.

Mohsen: Some critics and people believe record labels were killing metal in the 90’s when they were supporting Nu-metal bands. How do you see metal music and the industry today?

WOLF: Yeah, there is something to it.  Same thing here, you can not compare the past with the present. Nothing is the same and the Internet has changed EVERYTHING.  Today you have to do totally different  things than in the past.  I consider it as normal. Times change and who cannot change will be left behind!

Mohsen: Would you tell me more about ACCEPT’s future plans and when do you think it would be time for the band to retire? Hopefully not soon though!

WOLF: Hey…we just started…how can I think about RETIREMENT!!! Not possible. We are at our best and as long as the fans want us, we will be there…

Mohsen: You’ve chosen Andy Sneap for both of the band’s latest albums, would you tell me what was the reason and how it was working with him?

WOLF: Andy Sneap is the perfect match for us. We really got close and our creativity is exactly where it needs to be … FLYING HIGH!

Mohsen: Have you any plans to work on another solo album, as your “Classical” album is a masterpiece indeed?

WOLF: yes, that is my secret dream and like with all dreams, they take their time…but something is coming up. I miss that music and I can never let go! You got it …this is MY PASSION!

Mohsen: Photography is one of my favourite kinds of art, so I’m glad to ask you about that part of your life, how did you find out that you like photography? And would you tell me more about your techniques and influences?

WOLF: I am an Anselm Adams scholar…but drifted towards corporate photography in later years. I always work, when I can. Lately ACCEPT’s taking up all my time. But, this will never leave me – like CLASSICAL MUSIC.

Mohsen: As a final word feel free to leave a message to your die hard fans and our readers.

WOLF: I am really sorry, that we have no way of coming to your country.  Please follow us on our web site – if you can. We wish for you, that times will change and that we will be able to live in a world without borders. We can only write songs ….telling you, that we understand you and that we love you!

Mohsen: Thanks a lot Wolf for giving me your time.

WOLF: THANK YOU and you are always welcome to write to us!

Interview by Mohsen Fayyazi

Photos by Ali Blackdiamond