Metal Shock Finland‘s Mohsen Fayyazi recently conducted an interview with legendary guitarist and ACCEPT mainman Wolf Hoffmann. An excerpt follows:
Q: 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?
A: “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!”
Q: You’re going to tour the US and 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?
A: “The tour is about five 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 was 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!”
Q: 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?
A: “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.”
Q: 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!
A: “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.”
Says guitarist Wolf Hoffman: “This will be a show from Hell! Together the very first time in Canada and North America. We are fired up and when the plan leaked, we got fantastic reactions from fans of both bands. See you on the road!”
Teutonic Terror Attack 2012 tour dates are:
September
5 – Howard Theater – Washington, D.C.
6 – The Trocadero – Philadelphia, PA
7 – Best Buy Theater – New York, NY
8 – The Palladium – Worcester, MA
10 – Metropolis – Montreal, QC
11 – Imperial de Quebec – Quebec City, QC
12 – Phoenix Concert Theatre – Toronto, ON
14 – Newport Music Hall – Columbus, OH
15 – Mojoe’s – Joliet, IL
16 – The Beaumont Club – Kansas City, MO
18 – Gothic Theater – Englewood, CO
19 – The Complex – Salt Lake City, UT
21 – Rickshaw Theater – Vancouver, B.C.
22 – Showbox at the Market – Seattle, WA
23 – Roseland Theater – Portland, OR
25 – The Grand Ballroom – San Francisco, CA
26 – The Avalon – Hollywood, CA
27 – The Grove – Anaheim, CA
28 – Marquee Theatre – Tempe, AZ
30 – Emo’s East – Austin, TX
October
1 – Trees – Dallas, TX
2 – House Of Blues – New Orleans, LA
4 – Tremont Music Hall – Charlotte, NC
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!
Prostage has uploaded a three-and-a-half-minute video clip of ACCEPT‘s Wolf Hoffmann talking about his guitar rig, using the Prostage XDS Loop System and 2x X05 Foot Controller. Check it out below.
ACCEPT‘s new album, “Stalingrad”, sold around 5,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 81 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band’s previous CD, “Blood Of The Nations”, opened with around 2,900 units back in September 2010 to land at No. 187.
“Stalingrad” was released on April 6 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was once again helmed by British producer Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, EXODUS, NEVERMORE, ARCH ENEMY), who worked on the band’s critically acclaimed comeback effort, “Blood Of The Nations”.
“Stalingrad”was made available in the following formats:
* Limited CD+DVD
* CD
* 2LP (red) in gatefold
* 2LP (white/red) in gatefold – exclusive Nuclear Blast mailorder edition
Commented Wolf Hoffman: “ACCEPT and Andy Sneap have the perfect synergy. This was so clear with ‘Blood Of The Nations’ and we are excited to continue on that path. Andy is not only an amazing and prolific producer but also a very good friend who has long become a member of the ACCEPTfamily.”
Regarding the musical direction of ACCEPT‘s new album, Hoffmann told The Rock Pit last year, “We’re just gonna have the same attitude, the approach; we’re just gonna do more of the same, you know, without it being the same. More similar-style stuff, hopefully fresh new ideas. And I mean, we’re not gonna… The intention is not to change it right now. I mean, why would we? . . . But I have to say, it’s always easier said than done. It’s incredibly difficult to write songs that are sort of reminiscent of the past but they’re not, you know, rip-offs of your own music. That sounds incredibly very simple, but it’s really not, especially if you have a sort of history of 15 albums or whatever we have. Then there are always similarities that you have to avoid. It can’t be too close, but it can’t be too far away from it. So it’s a pretty fine line that you have to walk sometimes, but, you know, hopefully we’ll manage again.”
ACCEPT 2012 is:
Wolf Hoffmann: Guitar Peter Baltes: Bass Herman Frank: Guitar Mark Tornillo: Vocals Stefan Schwarzmann: Drums
Legendary German heavy metallers ACCEPT have recently revealed artwork and track listing for their upcoming album, “Stalingrad” which will be released on April 6th via Nuclear Blast. The album was recorded at Wolf Hoffmann‘s Nashville studios with British producer Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, EXODUS), who also worked on Blood Of The Nations. Because of the huge success of Blood Of The Nations, the expections are very high for the new album.
“We put ourselves under enormous pressure to bring out a new album right after this tour marathon, which brought us two times around the globe. But we are very proud about what we delivered with Stalingrad and we hope our fans will like it as well.” legendary guitarist Wolf Hoffmann said.
Check the artwork and tracklisting for ACCEPT‘s “Stalingrad” below:
The tracklist for the CD:
‘Hung, Drawn And Quartered’
‘Stalingrad’
‘Hellfire’
‘Flash To Bang Time’
‘Shadow Soldiers’
‘Revolution’
‘Against The World’
‘Twist Of Fate’
‘The Quick And The Dead’
‘Never Forget’ (bonus track)
‘The Galley’
Stalingrad will be available in the following formats:
– Ltd. CD + DVD
– CD
– 2 LP (red) in Gatefold
– 2 LP (white/red) in Gatefold – excl. Blast! Mailorder Edition
The DVD will include:
Official Bootleg
Live At Bang Your Head 2011:
‘Princess Of The Dawn’
‘Pandemic’
‘No Shelter!’
Live At Masters Of Rock 2010:
‘Teutonic Terror’
‘The Abyss’
Perhaps you know that the Origin of Halloween represents a Scottish variant of the fuller All-Hallows-Even (“evening”). But of course all of us know what’s happening on Halloween and the meaning of “Trick-or-Treat”. And also Halloween is one of those events that has had much of its imagery and background used through rock and metal history, and some bands and artists such as King Diamond and Impellitteri have used the title of Halloween for their songs. Moreover, we have Helloween, a band whose name and logo represents Halloween.
For many of us Halloween is a reminder of some yummy and funny things such Candies, Chocolates, Pumpkins and some horror symbols like Vampires, Frankenstein and Ghosts. This horror part of Halloween was/is really an interesting issue for RockMetal bands and artists to be creative in writing songs about those topics.
Metal Shock Finland’s Chief Editor asked me to be the DJ of the MSF Halloween party, and select for you 10 best songs as the Top 10 Halloween songs. She left no choice and it has to be done! But forget about the number “10” because It’s Halloween and I want to give you my lucky number “13” and let’s hope we will not be trapped or hunted by some Halloweenish creatures!
13. Helloween – Dr. Stein
One of the Helloween’s most popular songs from the upbeat “Keeper of the Seven Keys Part 2” It was written by Michael Weikath and The Dr.Stein single was released in July 1988. It also re-recorded for compilation album “Unarmed – Best of 25th Anniversary“, the new version is in Jazz and Roll though.
I want to put it in the chart and start the party with this song because Helloween and this song are really Halloweenish.
12. Iced Earth – Dracula
From “Horror Show” the sixth studio album of Iced Earth. This time we encounter with horror and a sad story about a Halloweenish demon, the lyrics are lifted straight from the Bram Stoker’s Dracula movie that was one of the best movies in this genre .
The songs and lyrics are written by Jon Schaffer and the style of singing from Matt Barlow is extremely AWESOME.
11. Wolf – Voodoo
Nothing is scarier than when the Wolf is howling upon the mountain in the dead of the night. It sends a shiver through the whole of your body so you could even feel the sharpness of wolf teeth in your flesh. Now Wolf is singing about one of mankind’s most scary horror stories, Voodoo!
This song is from the treasure of chest, “Ravenous” album, and it ‘s written by Niklas Stalvind. His singing style is really great, reminds me of old school heavy metal. Also Niklas studied psychology and I think that was a good basis to help him write a such a great horror song as Voodoo.
10. Megadeth – She Wolf
It seems tonight we have a great thrash song from a golden album by Megadeth here in our party as well, Both the Music and lyrics to She-Wolf is written by Dave Mustaine and it was released on June 17, 1997 on the “Cryptic Writings” Album.
The song starts with a great thrashy riff and it is completed perfectly by a great solo in the end. I believe She-Wolf is the best choice for having some thrash in our Halloween Party.
9. AC/DC – Highway to Hell
“A fucking highway to hell” Angus said when he was asked to describe what life was like being constantly on tour. By all means it’s time to rock with a gem from the Rock&Roll world, the “Highway to Hell” single by AC/DC spent 45 weeks on the German Singles Chart, even though it peaked at only No. 30, in its 19th week on that chart.
The song was written by Bon Scott, Angus Young and Malcolm Young while the main guitar riff was created by Angus Young and it was released in July 1979. But let’s remember Scott who was found dead, in the back of a friend’s car, just over six months after the song was released. R.I.P. Bon Scott.
Yes, let’s listen to a true Horror Metal song. King Diamond is a legendary Heavy Metal band who focus on horror stories and that’s what we need here. When King starts to sing, the whole of your body will be filled with horror and fear and nobody can do it better than the King!
Bye Bye Missy is written by King Diamond on the “Them” album that was released in 1988. This album is a concept album about a young King and his mentally ill grandmother. One night, King investigates strange voices and discovers his grandmother having a tea party alone, with the teacups and kettles floating in the air ….
Time to eat some fire, sent by one of METAL GODS. Tell me what is the most scary thing in this world?! You may agree with my view that it’s doomsday. Jugulator is the 13th studio album by Judas Priest. This album describes for you such a hellish end that you feel those shivers again, yeah, I can hear you whisper!
“Burn in Hell” was released in 1997 as the promo single for their 13th studio album Jugulator and is written by K. K. Downing and Glenn Tipton. A music video was produced for the song. It was shortened down to a little over four minutes.
Burn In Hell tells us about the evil that we do, As Nostradamus predicted the year 2012 will be the end of the world and it’s coming soon! So we are going to blister, BURN IN HELL!
After the doomsday and after we made Hell as our home, now it’s time to bang your head with some Power Speed elements from Germany. Some people call Kai Hansen a Metal God as well, and as he is one of the creators of Melodic power Metal, why not?!
“Hell Is Thy Home” is written by Kai and was released on the “Majestic” album in 2005. You’ll find it as fast and powerful as a Metal song could be plus it has a very dark lyrical concept. And I believe this song is a great example what the band is capable of.
Black Sabbath is another band I can call Halloweenish because of the horror kind of image the name invokes. Many critics and writers mention them as the first Heavy Metal band! They brought some horror elements to Rock music with using some Chromatic and Diminished scales.
“Lady Evil” was released in April 1980 on the golden album of Black Sabbath, “Heaven and Hell”. The exact origins of much of this album’s material is still a topic of debate. And this was the first album after Ozzy Osbourne was fired from the band and replaced with the Legendary Ronnie James Dio, R.I.P. The song has a strong Rainbow feel and is filled by a great Heavy rhythm and great guitar solos.
“We had read an article that someone was working on an artificial heart and that one day everybody is going to have a computerized heart. It talked, in general terms, about how more and more of humanity gets sucked out of the daily life and more and more replaced by machine. It’s not a new thing now, but then it was new. Humans versus machine, was the general vibe of the record.” Wolf Hoffmann explained the concept behind the album and that shows the reason why I chose this one.
The song starts with famous classical theme, Tchaikovsky’s Slavonic March, and continues with an awesome galloping riff, including Beethoven’s Für Elise in the main solo. Metal Heart was released in March 1985 on the album of the same name.
3. DIO – Night People
It’s still sad and painful, and I’m sure many of us need to wipe away our tears when we listen to our VOICE OF METAL, R.I.P. Ronnie James Dio, one of the most talented musicians in the whole of heavy metal history.
Night People is the first track of the fourth DIO album, Dream Evil. The song starts with awesome heavy riffs that make you bang your head from the first moment and the Ronnie’s voice is as perfect as ever. By continuing with that great solo in the middle of the song, the circle of perfection is completed.
2. Iron Maiden – Transylvania
For understanding why I chose this song as the second one in this list, just close your eyes and imagine yourself walking in Count Dracula land, Transylvania, It’s night and you can sense the smell of blood from everywhere. Yeah the Shivers again and that’s because of you are walking on the land where the most scary Halloween symbol, Dracula, lived his life and maybe he’s still somewhere there hiding. :s
Transylvania was released on 14 April 1980 on the self titled album of METAL GODS, Iron Maiden and composed by founder and bassist Steve Harris, which was later covered by Iced Earth on the album Horror Show. The fast and powerful riffs and solos in this song could show you how it’s dangerous and scary, walking in the land, Transylvania!
1. Helloween – Halloween
Listen… take care … In the streets on Halloween, The spirits will arise….
Now it’s time to go back to our most Halloweenish Metal Band, Helloween. The legendary creators of Melodic Power Metal released this long length song on May 23, 1987 on their most successful album, “Keeper of the Seven Keys Part 1”. This album has credits by many to be the birth of Power Metal.
The “Halloween” song is written by Kai Hansen and it is 13 minutes 18 seconds long. The scary and horror style riff, played by the keyboard and guitar in the intro disconcerts you and suddenly starting with a powerful riff, you’ll find out that you are entered to a Halloween party full of Ghosts, Witches, Pumpkinheads, Vampires and … The song keep going and you would like to dance with those creatures but BEWARE … Black is the night full of fright and you’ll be missing the day … And now horror is back again and this is the point that fantasy Rocks horror, you run and scream on Halloween. Now Listen to me again, Keep your praying: “Save me from the evil one Give me strength to carry on I will fight for all mankind’s Deliverance and peace of mind”
At the end of the song you’ll not exist anymore, you’ll find yourself a part of Halloween, singing “IT’S HALLOWEEN, TONIGHT”.
PS: Special thanks to my friend Ali Blackdiamond for help
The concert of the 19th October of heavy metal legends Accept at the Key Club in West Hollywood (California) will be streamed live around the world via Stickam.com.
“Blood Of The Nations”, the new album from Accept, has registered the following first-week chart positions so far:
Germany: #4
Sweden: #7
Hungary: #7
Finland: #9
Billboard European Chart: #12
Austria: #19
Czech Republic: #27
Commented guitarist Wolf Hoffmann: “This really swept us off our feet! Of course, you dream about being on top of the charts, but this was pretty much out of the question. We tested new waters with our new singer Mark and emerged as winners! But even more than that, this is the reward for our unique collaboration with our label Nuclear Blast, Brainstorm Music Marketing, and all the others who gave their everything for ACCEPT. But most of all, we want to thank our fans without whom we would be nothing! THANK YOU!”
“Blood of The Nations” was released in Europe the 20th August and in North America the 14th September via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD marks the recording debut of the band’s latest addition, vocalist Mark Tornillo (ex-TT Quick).
Lineup 2010 is:
Wolf Hoffmann: Guitar
Peter Baltes: Bass
Herman Frank: Guitar
Mark Tornillo: Vocals
Stefan Schwarzmann: Drums
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s ASA unveil the long-overdue release of "Collective Failure" + first music video for title-track! Check it out and stay tuned for more news! Click image to watch the video
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
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Kimmo Kuusniemi's Ancient Streaming Assembly - 'Perpetuae Memoriae', ft. Tuomas Rounakari + Steve Di Giorgio - Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland‘s Mohsen Fayyazi recently conducted an interview with legendary guitarist and ACCEPT mainman Wolf Hoffmann. An excerpt follows:
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 