Unholy Terror (Germany)
1. Hi Yusuke, Metal brother!!! How are you? Please introduce your pure band
DEFILED to the readers of UNHOLY TERROR. Donft forget a short summary of
the band historyc
Hi Andi, Hacker and the readers of UNHOLY TERROR! Yusuke here from DEFILED.
Yes, we all are fine and thanks for this interview. I'm ready and let's
start it! First, we would like to tell you our band bio briefly. Formed in
Spring of 92 and had 2 demos in 93 and 96. Released 5 songs mini-cd "Defeat
of Sanity" in 94 and had 2 full-length cds from American labels... "Erupted
Wrath" (99) from Nightfall/Terrorizer Records, and "Ugliness Revealed"i01)
from Baphomet/Necropolis Records. Opened for the following bands' Japan tour
like Cannibal Corpse, Vader, Morbid Angel, Testament, Arch Enemy etc. Also
played in Milwaukee Metalfest twice, NJ Metal Meltdown 3 times and so on.
Toured the states with Incantation in 98 and had European tour with Dementor
in 2000. And, brand new "Divination" album will be out on the 12th of this
May. That's all... not too short? hahaha... Well we're gonna introduce our
sound policy next, okay? We are playing music that should be categorized
as "Brutal Death Metal" 'couse we love this kind of music very much. Though,
the most important thing is, we don't want to follow anyone else, don't want
to be a copycat, and always try to be "original". Yes, we always are trying
to make our sound quite unique. Our direction is going to be more twisted,
hysteric and weird style...!!
2. You told me that the Metal scene in Japan is pretty small. So, aren't
there that many Metalheads in your country or is it, maybe, too hard to
"survive" as Japanese band (i.e. to get gigs or to get recognition from
Japanese and foreign Metal fans)?
Actually not so many bands from here are recognized worldwidely. But the
local scene is pretty sound, we think. The bands support each other and the
scene is getting bigger now. We are very proud to be a part of this scene.
There're not a few metalheads here and they supports the bands very well.
They always encourage us very much, actually.
3. Okay, you're about to release your third full-length CD "Divination"
on French label Season of Mist. I've checked advance promo from the label.
I must say that I really dig your new compositions: Compared to your older
works (especially your self-released mini-album gDefeat Of Sanityh from
1994) the songwriting, the musicianship and the production has become so
much better! Especially the drumming is more intense than ever? Yuichi
seems to be a rather talented guy. Probably youfre pretty proud of your
latest effort, right? Please give us all important information concerning
the genesis of "Divination".
Yes, Yuichi took us to the higher level musically than ever before! We are
very proud of "Divination" album and want to show you all our progress with
it. This time, we tried to embody many fresh ideas musically. One
outstanding
point is to have tempo changes so often even in repeating same rhythms...
Oops, we should not give the readers too much hints before they listen!!
Well,
please listen to the album and check out our progress with your own ears!!
You will never be disappointed!!
4. The new album features again artwork by Wes Benscoter and it really looks
awesome! This is the third time you used Wes's talents. So are you like
IMMOLATION who always use the same artist (Andreas Marshall) and will you
only use artwork by Wes in the future as he's the "perfect man"?
Well, Wes had been living in Tokyo in past, about two years, and we could
get
a chance to make friendship with him. He is very cool guy and his artwork is
great too! Of course we hope to have his artwork for our future releases
too.
Is he the "perfect man"...? Absolutely yes. He is very professional as well
as a good friend of us. Yeah, I know Andreas is also great, I love his
artworks too. Both artists are great! Though, anyway, Wes, one of our best
friend, is the perfect man for DEFILED for the time being!
5. Season of Mist is a rather established label in Europe, for example in
Germany itfs no major problem to get their releases in regular record
stores. So the distribution of your new CD will most likely become much
better on the old continent, but what about the USA and Japan? Does your new
label have the network/capacity to spread "Divination" anywhere in the
world?
As for "Divination", yes, we do not worry about the distribution in Japan or
U.S. at all. Season of Mist have their U.S. office and good distribution
there too. No problem in Europe and the states means no problem in Japan, as
well! We don't know well about the rest of world, but, it may not be such a
big problem.
6. Talking of labels, "Erupted Wrath" has been released by
Nightfall/Terrorizer
Records and "Ugliness Revealed" by Baphomet Records, both American labels.
As
already mentioned above "Divination" comes out on Season of Mist from
France.
How come you changed the label with each release? Were you as band not
satisfied with the labels or were the labels, maybe, not satisfied with the
sales?
It came from our policy for signing. We've trying to have one-shot license
deal with the labels so far. We're seeing what's going on with each release.
This business style gave us much flexibilities in any aspect. It must be the
best and fair way for both, band and label. There are no complaints for the
past labels, of course. This time we just wanted to get some fresh air....
7. One thing I really like about DEFILED are the weird bass-lines by
Norihisa ? obviously hefs a very capable guy. How long has he been playing
his instrument? Who is his favorite bass player? In an old interview I read
that he has a musical education, so his above-average playing doesnft
really come as a surprisec
Thanks for mention of his bass play. Yes, we are very proud of his play...
it's always ingenious and gives originalities to our songs. He's been
playing
bass about 15 years. He learned music formally at a certain music school in
Tokyo and excels especially in Jazz, Fusion or Funk. He brings the elements
from those genres to the sound of DEFILED. Yes, he is into those kind of
music
as well as Metal. He likes and may be influenced by Marcus Miller, Victor
Wooten or the greats from the genres. Anyway, we respect his roots and
playing
skills.
8. Describe a typical DEFILED gig. What's your state of mind before,
during and after a live performance?
Our typical gig? It's very easy to describe... it's "crazy"!! Yes, it's like
a war!! Audience go crazy and we also! Slam-moshing, headbanging and
diving...
It's a realm of chaos !! Before stage, we're quite calm as for our attitude.
Not so different with other bands, I think. Warm the fingers with
instruments,
and have calisthenics little. We don't drink at all before stage. And, we
try to do our best in any show! Trying to be professional as much as we can.
It is very important.
9. So far you've played in many parts of the world: The United States,
Europe, Asiacany remarkable differences between the crowds in these
countries? As I'm of Korean origin, I"m particularly eager to find out how
the Metal fans in Seoul were. How was the show in the capital of South
Korea?
Basically not so much differences between these countries. There are lots
of mosh pits, stage divers everywhere in the world. As for Korea, Seoul has
good metal scene. So far we have played 3 times in the city and every show
was amazing. People in clubs were going crazy and had lots of slamming and
headbanging. There are many great bands practically in South Korea. For
exapmle Doxology, Black Syndrome, Oathean, Holy Marsh, Sad Legend, Crush,
Magwi, Silent Eye, Bolt, Off, Slam, Deadpoint, Kalpa, Diablo, Moonshine,
Assassin, Seed(R.I.P. now they are Doxology) and Saduh (R.I.P.). They all
are very good.
10. Could you imagine to live in another country? If yes, which country
would be your first choice?
Definitely Germany!!! German beer rules!!! (lol)
11.How would you define Death Metal?
We believe Death metal must be fast, heavy, aggressive, powerful and
evil... Will you agree?
12. What Death Metal bands are your most favorites? Please name few c
Cannibal Corpse, Morbid Angel, Deicide, Sinister, Vader, Malevolent
Creation,
Immolation and Incantation are the basic of basics. Angel Corpse, Vital
Remains, Diabolic, Monstrosity, Krisiun, Centurian, Pessimist, Gorguts,
Cryptopsy, Unholy Ghost, Burning Inside, Eulogy etc. are always our
favorites!
We are not into trendy death metal. Well, also Venom, Slayer, Possessed,
Kreator, Celtic Frost and Voivod were influential for us in our very early
days.
13. Is there any other style of music you dig apart from Metal?
We all are into progressive styles... and also love some technical, abnormal
styles. But, we don't specify the music genre when we listen to. We enjoy
any kinds of music, from Bossa Nova to Harsh Noise! As for me, I like music
that keep it's tension high.
14. Are you religious people Hope youfre not? FUCK the gregarious
animals!!! If you believed in reincarnation ? as what/who would you be
reborn?
We all are basically atheist and not interested in having particular
religion. But we never insult religious people. We understand religions
give many people happiness. It's okay at all. But few "excessively"
religious assholes brings big troubles in the world. I hate politics
combine religions. It's always bringing huge conflict and tragedy. Life
after death? I don't believe it. Death means the end for everything, I
think.
15. I noticed that some prominent people wore DEFILED shirts, as for
instance Corpsegrinder of CANNIBAL CORPSE or Steve Tucker when he was still
a member of MORBID ANGEL. Do you think that this has helped a lot you to
spread the name DEFILED?
Yes, it definitely helps us a lot!! We really appreciate their friendly
supports! It's a quite underground way but definitely will work. We also
wear other bands shirts and try to support them. To support each other is
very important for underground metal scene, as you know. We thank and
respect for Cannibal Corpse and Morbid Angel very much.
16. Okay my friend, no more questions from my side. Your final words?
Andi, Hacker and all readers of UNHOLY TERROR, thanks a lot for this great
interview! We really enjoyed it!! Hope you too! See you on the road this
year!
Interviewer : Andreas Carl Bernhard Kleine / Unholy Terror zine
Interviewee : Yusuke Sumita / DEFILED Guitarist
2003 April 25