First of all let me please thank you for giving us the chance to introduce our band to your readers! This really means a lot to us.
Since we released „Banners Of Destruction“ in April 2016, we tried to play live as often as possible to promote the album. But at the end of 2016 and the beginning of 2017 our both guitarists left BATTLESWORD and we had to find new members again. That went faster than expected, but we first had to prepare the live-set for the shows, that were already booked. We recently started the songwriting for a new album and the first songs are already finished. So, we hope to enter a studio this year and to release a new full-length in 2019.
2. How would you describe the musical sound that has been presented on the recordings you have released so far?
We in principal play melodic death metal and combine it with traces of other metal styles. So you can find a lot of traditional heavy metal vibes on our latest album for example. There´s no certain or primal influence. We just focus on ideas that sound good and heavy in our ears. Normally we work out special ideas from our guitarists together in our rehearsal room. They come up with single riffs or nearly complete songs. Throughout the years we have created our own style and idea about BATTLESWORD. For us, the focus is always on the music and not on a certain image or trend.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you have explored over the years with your music?
For the lyrics I´m inspired in different ways. Sometimes it´s based on literature or a cool movie, sometimes on personal experiences. To me it´s important to tell short self-contained stories that can be interpreted by everybody in his own way.
4. The band has been around for almost 20 years but so far has only released 2 full lengths, can you tell us a little bit more about the gaps in between releases?
BATTLESWORD was founded back in 1999. When the line-up for the band was completed, they recorded the first Demo „Crusade Of Steel“ in 2001. That demo was quickly followed by the first full-length „Failing In Triumph“. BATTLESWORD was lucky to find a label for its release and presented their music live a lot. But as often, the band had to face several line-up changes, when they were close to start working on a new album. That forced them to make a pause with the band. In 2008 Ralf, Ben and me joined and completed the band. We thought, that we have found a new stable line-up again, so we released our next demo „The 13th Black Crusade“ and began touring again. But in 2009 the next and not the last change within our line-up happened, as we had to replace our guitarist Ralf, who left BATTLESWORD. We were glad to find a new guitarist within a short time. But then we had to wait with the songwriting for the next album, due to a lot different personal issues.
We then released the two songs „Enemy Divine“ and „Where Demons Awake“ in 2012 in digital form for online promotion and to show the world that we are still alive. They were re-recorded and released as bonus tracks on „Banners Of Destruction“.
5. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Battlesword'?
I think the founders of BATTLESWORD didn´t think that much about giving the band that name as you might expect. I think it was a quite spontaneous idea and decision. Today the name for us is kind of a quality label. We have reached a certain level with our outputs and our energetic shows and we want to keep and surpass this in the future.
6. What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
An unforgettable show for me of course is my first one with the band and for sure the one from last year´s Metaldays Open Air and the "Schlacht um Otzenhausen", a German indoor event.
I think, playing live is why we all are part of this band and this scene. To play live is what we want most and we try to do it as often as possible. You can see and feel it, when you attend one of our shows, because it´s full speed from the first to the last note. We always just want to be honest and authentic. That´s what the fans should see and feel. We are still only some metalheads that want to play metal and have a good time on stage, as well as we are also still fans that bang their heads in front row to their favourite bands´songs. We are burning for our music and want to share it with as many metalheads as possible.
7. Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
Within BATTLESWORD every single member is burning for playing live. But as we all have fulltime jobs and/or family it is not so easy to play that often. Not to mention touring. The biggest problem is to find gigs where your expenses are covered. This year we will return to Slovenia for the Metaldays Open Air. Besides this we will play some further handpicked shows and festivals. There are also some gigs planned in Belgium, Italy and Luxemburg. But they may be realized in 2019 only, because we want to focus on the songwriting first this year.
8. Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
We indeed have received any interest and we surely would love to get signed. But not at any cost. There have been many unserious offers in the past and we will be careful in the future. We have some labels on our list that we would love to work with and whom we will provide a demo of the upcoming release.
9. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of melodic death metal?
The feedback we received was overwhelming. We got so much positive response from nearly each continent, what we never had expected before. With our latest release we found new fans and friends worldwide as we for example could see by the album and merch orders. As well as our songs got airplay at many international radio stations. We still are very thankful for this and hope going one better with the next album.
10. What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?
Currently only our bassist and one of the guitarists have some side-projects. They are also releasing stuff and playing shows. Christian has released a new album with his project EAARTH RECORDER for example and Ben will support mighty VADER with his other band RESURRECTED who released their latest album in 2017.
11. When can we expect another album and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
As I mentioned before, we are currently working on songs for a new full-length album, that should be released next year, when we celebrate our 20th anniversary. Besides that we are also already planning all the things around that coming release, like layout, which studio to book or new merch for example. We are also looking for a booker to get us on stage more often. It would be great to play more festivals and to play more often outside Germany. Musically you can expect a new piece of melodic death metal with our trademarks and also some new influences.
12. What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Every one of us has a wide range of music he likes. We are not limited and also listen to other music styles, too. But the common denominator is melodic death metal as it is played by Scandinavian bands.
13. What are some of your non musical interests?
I thinks there´s first of all sports to mention. We are partly interested in soccer and other kinds of sport. Being fan as well as active sportsman. There´s also interest in literature or cinema. But in the end we are nearly always spending most of our time and attention to metal.
14. Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Surely! Thank you for your interest and support. If anybody has now become curious about us, we would love if you check us out at facebook, leave us a like and send us a message with an order or just with your feedback. Never stop supporting the metal underground!
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