MASTER (U. S. A. / now Czech Republic !)

2008-01-04 18:39:17

*** Hello Paul. As everybody really into the Underground knows about MASTER, no introduction needed. So how are you going and what are the freshest news about the band ?

Well, things are quite busy in the MASTER camp these days. The latest CD called "Slaves To Society" will be re-released on Ibex Moon Records in America in the next few months. I am pleased that finally a record will be released in my old homeland and available in stores nationwide. It’s really a pity that most Americans think that the band was finished after "Faith Is In Season", which also brings me to a funny story about this record. I was at a show in Switzerland last year, and some girl came up and asked me if the band had gone religious, that she had read it somewhere. I got a real laugh about this. What kind of idiot who knows anything about MASTER would have thought this could be true. The band has been anti religion, anti establishment as well as anti organized chaos since the beginning. So for any other dumb ass’s out there who don’t get it yet, MASTER is a band that hates all these idiotic people that cannot believe in themselves and have no clues about their lives. Wake up and figure it out, “ Belief in yourself is the only way to live.” The original ABOMINATION CD’s will be re-issued on Metal Mind Productions from Poland as well at the end of January worldwide.

*** A few words about the Displeased re-releases maybe ?

Yes, of course. The original MASTER debut was recorded originally in Chicago, and then re-mixed and re-mastered at Morrissound Studios in Florida by Scott Burns, because Markus Staiger thought that this was the thing to do as many other bands were recording and mixing there at this time. I remember calling Mr. Burns and specifically stating that he forgot to add some of the guitar solos. He said, ”Sorry Paul, It’s too late, I am finished and already sent the recording to Nuclear Blast.” So the original recording without the bogus triggering and the missing solos will be released in January 25th 2008. "On the Seventh Day" will be re-mastered and both CDS have two live shows a piece from the times when the CDs were first recorded.

*** Where does the content of the DVD parts come from ? What are the differences with the original versions ?

MASTER - CD+DVD MASTER
  Master album [ original mix withouth the drum triggers & all solos included and correctly mastered ]
  Live gigs [ Drieluik, Zaandam, NL, 01.12.90 & Rockfabrik, Ludwigsburg, DE, 13.12.90 ]

MASTER - CD+DVD ON THE SEVENTH DAY GOD CREATED... MASTER
  On the Seventh Day album [ remastered ]
  Live gigs [ Simplon, Groningen, NL, 29.04.92 & Donkey Shot, Heemskerk, NL, 05.06.93 ]

*** Let’s speak about the new "Slaves to society" album. How was your state of mind during the recording process ?

The same as always. The entire world has gone to shit and America is trying to dictate the way we should live. It also seems that many Europeans believe in Bush, Putin, and the former Prime Minister Blair’s ideas. These geriatric patients are destroying this world with their idiotic ideas and silly values. The youth of today better take notice and forget Greenpeace, as we have more important problems to deal with. They need to take a stand against these hypocrites and learn to rule themselves. If steps aren’t taken to make these changes, then freedom is most certainly lost. I cannot believe that with all the false promises Bush made to the Czech government, they will be allowed to put the missile shields here. Obviously the Russians will attack Czech first to destroy the shields. I thought when I moved to Europe, I was escaping Bush and the silly Americans, I guess I was wrong. Big Brother is always looking over my shoulder.

*** What did inspire you this times, musically and lyrically ?

The world is the greatest inspiration for writing songs. Forget Satan, the world is filled with all the ideas I need to write a killer song. "Slaves To Society" really speaks the truth about what is happening in the world today. I realize that people would rather be lied to about everything, but I have to continually sing about trouble. People would rather be led to the slaughter than speak their own mind.

*** Has the cover artwork been really censored ?!

The Germans told me that they would never be able to get the CD in the shops with the cover. But, you can go to any petrol station in Europe or the USA for that matter, and see sex on the stands everywhere. What a bunch of hypocrites. Sex sells in every shape or form, so I thought the cover was perfect. We are all Slaves To Society.

*** Will you tour in support of the album ? Will you have some gigs in good old’ France ?

Where have you been ? I played in France supporting the record in 2007. I actually toured to support the record twice in 2007, and will begin again supporting the record in Europe on February 1st in Holland. Of course I would like to play France again, but it seems that the bookers aren’t interested in original music, they would rather book MASTER imitator’s which are many.

*** You now live in Czech Republic for quite some time. What is the main differences with your life in the USA ?

In the USA I had to work a shitty job moving furniture to support my Metal habit. In Europe I work as a tour manager, or a merchandiser mostly, to support myself between tours. This really works out for me because the fans buy MASTER merchandise on every tour as well as the headliners. So, this is a way for me to keep alive in the scene as well, and meet and greet the fans that support the underground like I do. I also get to travel on the tour-bus, hang out with the same crew, and meet many of the killer bands that are still traveling and touring this world. I’ve had the chance to meet many cool people in this job, like ILL DISPOSED, TESTAMENT, BENEDICTION, and my friends MACABRE as well as two tours with VITAL REMAINS, a killer band.

*** I guess the audience and gigs possibilities helped you a lot to move uh ?

Of course the real scene has always been in Europe. No one supports Metal like the Europeans period. I moved here when the opportunity to join KRABATHOR arose and have never looked back. People tell me that the scene in the USA is growing, but I cannot remember it ever being very good for underground music. I mean MOTÖRHEAD and OZZY sell out, but this is more of a commercial genre these days.

*** Do you regret something from your native country ?

What’s to miss ? Drugs, violence and police rule the USA. How would anyone miss that chaos ? I mean I have a few brother living in the USA, but I always tell them if they want to see me, then they’ll have to visit the Czech Republic.

*** You began playing metal nearly 25 years ago now ! How does it feel to be named by thousands of bands to be a huge influence for them ?

It doesn’t sell records. But, I guess it’s cool knowing that you were a part of the inception of a particular genre.

*** What do you think about the evolution of bands who began as the same time ? It seems a lot look like rocktars, a lot are forgotten but just one continued playing real Underground extreme metal at all costs : you haha !

It doesn’t matter to me anymore. At least I can go to sleep knowing that I have always created original music. I am still happy being in the underground. Ok, I have to work a little harder to stay alive in some aspects, but I love touring and will continue for years. The next tour after MASTER is the JUNGLE ROT tour for one month beginning in March. This will be my third time with the guys and I look forward to this again.

*** Yeah I know some like MALEVOLENT CREATION or MORBID ANGEL did continue too but labels / money helped them a bit uh ?

Everyone could always use more money, but for me it’s still a struggle.

*** By the way what do you think about all these nowadays "resurrections" (even CELTIC FROST, POSSESSED, REPULSION argh !) ?

It’s great to see some of the old greats out there doing it again, but don’t forget, I never left, I have been apart of the scene since the beginning. I think for many, it’s about money.

*** I always wondered what do you think about the so common gore / horror lyrics in the death / black scene as you always had a somewhat punk attitude with such social political / critical lyrics ?

It doesn’t really make a difference to me personally, what their singing about, and many actually sell more records than I do. But, the point is if you believe in your music, then more power to you. I am neither judge nor jury.

*** What would you say to people who think that DM = lyrics about death, satanism, violence... ?

More power to them !!!!!!!!!!

*** Please comment the following words :

  DEATH STRIKE : Dead, but one of the biggest influences on the entire beginning of the genre, hell, Bassist Terry Butler told on the recent MASSACRE Tour that he and Chuck played a DEATHSTRIKE cover called "The Truth" on the first DEATH tour.

  Bass guitar : Gibson

  Georges W. Bush : The Modern Day Hitler

  Extreme metal : NAPALM DEATH, EXTREME NOISE TERROR

  Slow ( ?) Earth destruction by mankind : Nearing the end.

  Internet : Great for interviews and getting concerts, fucked up with illegal downloads.

*** Ahem subsidiary question... Is there a possibility to see a WARCRY re-release one day ? Thank you Paul and keep up the horns !

It’s already been done by the original second singer, Rich Rozek. WARCRY may record three new tracks this year with me onboard.