Even though I wasn’t aware of this band, their debut album was a nice surprise to me. Heavy music, with strong melodies and a thrashy attitude was quite challenging to listen to. Toni Watzinger, the guitarist/songwriter of the band, was more than willing to talk about his band, their future plans and music in general… Hence, have a look below…
Hi Toni. I’m glad I came across your debut. It’s of great heaviness and melodic beauty I must confess.
T: Hi Thanos. First of all, thank you for the opportunity to have a little talk with you today. You’re right, the record is indeed heavy but still melodic – that’s how we wanted it to be.
First of all, give a bio of your band in brief, so that people are aware of you.
T: Alright, the band’s name is Declamatory. We founded it in 2000, at the age of 16. Of the original line-up only I and Robert are still here. Greg joined the band several years ago, in 2007 I think. Sebastian and Eric both joined the band, after their project “Dethless” broke-up. During the last 12 years, we played hundreds of shows and released several demos and EPs.
Although you were formed in 2000, it was only after 12 years when your debut saw the light of day. Why’s that?
T: Well, haste makes waste, right? No seriously, it’s pretty hard to get a record deal for a band like us in Germany and in times like these. We simply needed to find the time and money to do it our own way. (i.n.: I know exactly what you mean…)
You had released several demos, an EP and given various gigs but it seems that something was holding you back from going further, right?
T: As I said, it’s hard to get a deal nowadays and thus it’s almost impossible to make a living from this kind of music. So, we all have a job or other obligations that keep us from doing music as a full-time activity. Still, everyone works with the most possible engagement and effort for the band. (i.n.: That’s the a bad thing for an artist to do…)
Thus, your debut is finally out. How do you feel about that?
T: For us, it’s a milestone. I really can’t describe the feeling but I think, the closest would be pride. Maybe the same kind of pride as when your child is born or when you built something from scratch. When I put the CD into the player and listened to it for the first time, it simply blew me away…
I’m sure that you did have some label offers… but why did you choose to go independent finally?
T: Haha, actually, we never received any label offers, at all. Like, none… never. So, one could say we were forced to go independent. (i.n.: That’s very weird indeed!)
Why did you name it “Human Remains”? Is there any story behind it?
T: I like the ambiguity of this term. It could mean human remains as in corpses, but maybe it could also mean that humanity remains. And since the songs of this album are concerned with the future of human life on earth, we found this title fits. And also it’s short, “catchy” and somewhat provocative.
How’s the cover artwork with the post-apocalyptic ruined city along with the odd alien-like figured related to the album’s title?
T: The post-apocalyptic city describes the ambience in general. The figure was created to give “The Raiders” a face. Maybe he’s that guy that is described in the song “Raider Messiah”.
Some might complain for you have only included only 8 songs & the albums is kinda sort. How come you didn’t add a couple of tracks (e.g “Empty Eyes” along with the video) as bonus?
T: We surely could have put some more songs on the album, but we rather decided to put only those songs on it, that we were most convinced of. We didn’t want to make any compromises. For me, bonus stuff is nothing that needs to be on a debut album. That’s something for re-releases, Greatest Hits and so on…
T: Hi Thanos. First of all, thank you for the opportunity to have a little talk with you today. You’re right, the record is indeed heavy but still melodic – that’s how we wanted it to be.
First of all, give a bio of your band in brief, so that people are aware of you.
T: Alright, the band’s name is Declamatory. We founded it in 2000, at the age of 16. Of the original line-up only I and Robert are still here. Greg joined the band several years ago, in 2007 I think. Sebastian and Eric both joined the band, after their project “Dethless” broke-up. During the last 12 years, we played hundreds of shows and released several demos and EPs.
Although you were formed in 2000, it was only after 12 years when your debut saw the light of day. Why’s that?
T: Well, haste makes waste, right? No seriously, it’s pretty hard to get a record deal for a band like us in Germany and in times like these. We simply needed to find the time and money to do it our own way. (i.n.: I know exactly what you mean…)
You had released several demos, an EP and given various gigs but it seems that something was holding you back from going further, right?
T: As I said, it’s hard to get a deal nowadays and thus it’s almost impossible to make a living from this kind of music. So, we all have a job or other obligations that keep us from doing music as a full-time activity. Still, everyone works with the most possible engagement and effort for the band. (i.n.: That’s the a bad thing for an artist to do…)
Thus, your debut is finally out. How do you feel about that?
T: For us, it’s a milestone. I really can’t describe the feeling but I think, the closest would be pride. Maybe the same kind of pride as when your child is born or when you built something from scratch. When I put the CD into the player and listened to it for the first time, it simply blew me away…
I’m sure that you did have some label offers… but why did you choose to go independent finally?
T: Haha, actually, we never received any label offers, at all. Like, none… never. So, one could say we were forced to go independent. (i.n.: That’s very weird indeed!)
Why did you name it “Human Remains”? Is there any story behind it?
T: I like the ambiguity of this term. It could mean human remains as in corpses, but maybe it could also mean that humanity remains. And since the songs of this album are concerned with the future of human life on earth, we found this title fits. And also it’s short, “catchy” and somewhat provocative.
How’s the cover artwork with the post-apocalyptic ruined city along with the odd alien-like figured related to the album’s title?
T: The post-apocalyptic city describes the ambience in general. The figure was created to give “The Raiders” a face. Maybe he’s that guy that is described in the song “Raider Messiah”.
Some might complain for you have only included only 8 songs & the albums is kinda sort. How come you didn’t add a couple of tracks (e.g “Empty Eyes” along with the video) as bonus?
T: We surely could have put some more songs on the album, but we rather decided to put only those songs on it, that we were most convinced of. We didn’t want to make any compromises. For me, bonus stuff is nothing that needs to be on a debut album. That’s something for re-releases, Greatest Hits and so on…
Please tell us what’s behind every song…
T: “The Die Off”: Describes the general situation of humanity, 50 years in the future…
“It´s All Over”: A guy sits in the ruins of a skyscraper and remembers how it could come this far…
“Raider Messiah”: Introduces “The Raiders” for the first time. In this song they are just raiding a smuggler’s convoy. The guy they are saving, is the “Raider Messiah”…
“Law of The Gun”: Said “Raider Messiah” in his day-to-day work: hide from the “Seekers”; raid a convoy, blow things up…
“Night Club Booze Tale”: Even in 50 years, in a post-apocalyptic world, people will still get wasted…
“Nomad”: Some people try to get along on their own, living as nomads…
“A Perfect Drug”: There are some people that manage to live in the old cities. They are ruled by the “Crystal Gods”, who blow a crystalline drug into the air. This drug is used to subjugate the city-dwellers, who are needed to maintain the city’s infrastructural systems.
“Human Remains”: This song describes the ambience of such a city.
Where did the recording take place and who’s responsible for the production and the mastering of the album? I can say that you have actually done a hell of a job!
T: Thanks! We recorded the record in our own studio/rehearsal room. I am responsible for all recording and production activities but in the end we gave the mastering to Mr. H-Beta from another great Berlin band called “Sub Dub Micromachine”. You should check them out! (i.n.: I’d certainly do so…)
You have released a video for “Empty Eyes” which was included in your EP “Losing Patience with the World”. Do you intent to release a video for any song of the new album?
T: Yes, a video for “A Perfect Drug” is already filmed and we are about to release it during the next coming weeks. It’ll be fuckin’ awesome! (i.n.: That’s great to hear!)
Are there any live shows anytime soon?
T: Until the end of the year we’re playing one show every two weeks in Berlin to promote the album.
So, what are your expectations over “Human Remains”? What does the future hold for Declamatory?
T: For “Human Remains” we expect it to leave a mark in the (Metal) music world. Hopefully, we will sell some of them to refund our expenses. In the future we will try to release one album a year. The next albums will continue the story around the “Raiders” and the “Crystal Gods”.
I’ve written: “…I’ve been listening to this album for more than a few days now and still I’m amazed by the musical quality, the ideas and the heavy, powerful & contemporary production…”. What’s your say?
T: Nothing to add, but glad you like it!
How do you see this new mp3-digital-free-dowloading culture of the 21st century? Would you offer the whole album or some songs from it for free to the fans at any time?
T: We actually already released “Losing Patience with the World” for free on the internet. We made the experience that especially Metal-Fans rather like to hold something physical in their hands. I don’t believe that we’re going to give away “Human Remains” for free, but we surely will give away some of the songs that didn’t make it on the album. To people that subscribe to our Newsletter, for example.
Some bands/artists have decided to call it quits due to downloading problems. Are bands/artists and music in general threatened by the “free-download” generation?
T: If you’re truly passionate for making music, you will never stop. There’s surely some transition going on currently. Best case would be that in the end, bands and musicians will be a lot more independent and fans will decide themselves how much they would like to pay for music that they like. Still, it will become much harder to make a living from making music.
OK now it’s time for you “weird” questions!!! How did you come up with the name Declamatory for the band?
T: Haha, true story? Robert was sitting in the English lesson at school. Being quite bored, he started browsing the dictionary for the most complicated words that he could find. He decided that “Declamatory” could be good name for a band.
Which are the top 3 thrash metal bands & albums of all time?
T: That’s a tough question. For old school stuff it would be:
1. Slayer – “Reign in Blood”
2. Testament – “The New Order”
3. Flotsam And Jetsam – “Doomsday for the Deceiver”
For new school it would be:
1. Municipal Waste – “The Fatal Feast”
2. Lich King – “World Gone Dead”
3. Testament – “Dark Roots of Earth”
How would you define your music style to someone that hasn’t heard of you before?
T: That’s pretty tough, too. We would like to describe our music as Melodic Thrash Metal with some heavy parts, catchy melodies and even some quite songs. Some have compared us with bands like In Flames and even others said, we got some Metal Core influences. Maybe all of this is true. We are all listening to different styles of music and all these different styles influence our music, too. Maybe it’s better to make it simple and call it “Melodic Thrash/Death Core Crossover”… just joking. (i.n.: I think you might have forgotten a genre or two
)
How would you convince him to get your new album instead of others that are on the market?
T: I don’t know, maybe by answering interview questions like these?! (i.n.: Well, why not!)
Which is the most overrated band today?
T: Metallica… (i.n.: I’m sure the Metallica maniacs won’t be happy with that… hehe)
Which is the record you wish you had written and why?
T: Meat Loaf – “Bat Out of Hell”. This record is from ’77 and I can still listen to it. It’s a perfect, timeless masterpiece. To write such a timeless masterpiece should be the goal for every musician. Through such an album he will receive immortality like Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, Metallica, AC/DC, Queen - you name it.
If you could be a member of another band… which one would it be and why?
T: Motörhead – Rock’n’Roll for a whole lifetime.
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
T: Dimmu Borgir – “Death Cult Armageddon”. When those Aliens hear “Progenies of the Great Apocalypse”, they will think twice before trying to invade us. (i.n.: hahaha…)
You have the opportunity to sleep with the movie-celebrity of your choice. Who would it be?
T: I choose Jack Black - he will teach me how to lay any woman. Then I can sleep with all the movie-celebrities, I want.
Which are the things that piss you off in today’s music industry?
T: Greed, mediocrity, generic bands…
One night stands or long term relationships?
T: Long term relationships…
Are groupies a necessary evil for each and every rock/metal band?
T: In Germany, we don’t have groupies, but the thought can be tempting. (i.n.: Probably, the German bands have them out of their homeland…)
What do you think of Charlie’s quote: Beers, Pizza, Hookers? Which one is the most tasteful of all?
T: Beer and Pizza…
Imagine that your girlfriend/life partner is selling your whole album-collection just to buy for herself an expensive ring. How would you react?
T: This is so absurd my mind would not even be able to grasp such an event. (i.n.: heheh, Let’s hope it will never happen then!)
That’s all for now Toni… Please leave a note to Grande Rock readers… Take care!
T: Always be aware that you only have this one life – live it to fullest! Don’t look back, never be sorry, never regret.
T: If you’re truly passionate for making music, you will never stop. There’s surely some transition going on currently. Best case would be that in the end, bands and musicians will be a lot more independent and fans will decide themselves how much they would like to pay for music that they like. Still, it will become much harder to make a living from making music.
OK now it’s time for you “weird” questions!!! How did you come up with the name Declamatory for the band?
T: Haha, true story? Robert was sitting in the English lesson at school. Being quite bored, he started browsing the dictionary for the most complicated words that he could find. He decided that “Declamatory” could be good name for a band.
Which are the top 3 thrash metal bands & albums of all time?
T: That’s a tough question. For old school stuff it would be:
1. Slayer – “Reign in Blood”
2. Testament – “The New Order”
3. Flotsam And Jetsam – “Doomsday for the Deceiver”
For new school it would be:
1. Municipal Waste – “The Fatal Feast”
2. Lich King – “World Gone Dead”
3. Testament – “Dark Roots of Earth”
How would you define your music style to someone that hasn’t heard of you before?
T: That’s pretty tough, too. We would like to describe our music as Melodic Thrash Metal with some heavy parts, catchy melodies and even some quite songs. Some have compared us with bands like In Flames and even others said, we got some Metal Core influences. Maybe all of this is true. We are all listening to different styles of music and all these different styles influence our music, too. Maybe it’s better to make it simple and call it “Melodic Thrash/Death Core Crossover”… just joking. (i.n.: I think you might have forgotten a genre or two
)How would you convince him to get your new album instead of others that are on the market?
T: I don’t know, maybe by answering interview questions like these?! (i.n.: Well, why not!)
Which is the most overrated band today?
T: Metallica… (i.n.: I’m sure the Metallica maniacs won’t be happy with that… hehe)
Which is the record you wish you had written and why?
T: Meat Loaf – “Bat Out of Hell”. This record is from ’77 and I can still listen to it. It’s a perfect, timeless masterpiece. To write such a timeless masterpiece should be the goal for every musician. Through such an album he will receive immortality like Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, Metallica, AC/DC, Queen - you name it.
If you could be a member of another band… which one would it be and why?
T: Motörhead – Rock’n’Roll for a whole lifetime.
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
T: Dimmu Borgir – “Death Cult Armageddon”. When those Aliens hear “Progenies of the Great Apocalypse”, they will think twice before trying to invade us. (i.n.: hahaha…)
You have the opportunity to sleep with the movie-celebrity of your choice. Who would it be?
T: I choose Jack Black - he will teach me how to lay any woman. Then I can sleep with all the movie-celebrities, I want.
Which are the things that piss you off in today’s music industry?
T: Greed, mediocrity, generic bands…
One night stands or long term relationships?
T: Long term relationships…
Are groupies a necessary evil for each and every rock/metal band?
T: In Germany, we don’t have groupies, but the thought can be tempting. (i.n.: Probably, the German bands have them out of their homeland…
)What do you think of Charlie’s quote: Beers, Pizza, Hookers? Which one is the most tasteful of all?
T: Beer and Pizza…
Imagine that your girlfriend/life partner is selling your whole album-collection just to buy for herself an expensive ring. How would you react?
T: This is so absurd my mind would not even be able to grasp such an event. (i.n.: heheh, Let’s hope it will never happen then!)
That’s all for now Toni… Please leave a note to Grande Rock readers… Take care!
T: Always be aware that you only have this one life – live it to fullest! Don’t look back, never be sorry, never regret.