Scanner, the beloved German Speedsters, now fronted by our “own” compatriot Efthimios Ioannidis, finally after a quite long hiatus from studio activities, manage to return with a new album, that really seems to be capturing the essence of their old sound, bringing it headlong into the 21st century! Both “Efthi” as well as their guitarist, Axel “AJ” Julius take turns to reply to a barrage of questions about the bands past as well as future... Enjoy!
First of all thanks for doing this interview…
A: You are welcome, but let us thank you for your questions and interest, also.
It took Scanner some thirteen years to come up with a follow up to “Scantropolis” an album that didn’t exactly capture the imagination of fans. What took you so long and how does it feel to be back?
A: Yes, at the moment we are really happy with the situation and we look forward to the publication of “The Judgement” around the ball with joyful anticipation and are curious to see how the album will be accepted outside. We put a lot of passion and energy in there and think and hope that fans feel that too. And that they will return some of the spirit and energy back to us. Both, during the live shows as well as all its other feedback on Facebook, on our webpage etc… Nothing we want more than that, so we hope really we can bring some fun to the fans with this album. And concerning the past, well, it was not that we walked through the valley of frustrations; I mean we had a lot of fun meanwhile. The band has found new, so to speak. This does not mean that we had split up in the meantime. But after it was clear that we would not continue with the former cast of “Scantropolis” we were again looking for a singer. We came back to concentrate more on the traditional strengths of Scanner to distinguish ourselves from the concept of “Scantropolis” clearly.
With Efthi our new singer coming in 2003, who is faithful to us until today, we played our shows from 2003 on, and the poor man had the almost impossible task in addition to interpret for Scanner singers + Ralph Scheepers as guest singer (Primal Fear) of our recent albums. Not an easy task. Especially since one singer included still was a woman’s voice. But our first effort, it was not to run into the studio to record our next album, but first just to play live primarily. I mean we had a repertoire that could be put together out of 5 albums and have always been able to deliver an entertaining show of Scanner classics from the band’s history. And this can also make very much fun for a while. Also, in this period you must see that the music business had changed completely. And it went from bad to worse for record companies, they were less willing to invest in good productions and the artist at the end of his work would never be able to survive. Even record companies and portals today offer an incredible € cents 0.07 for a legal download. With this bargain no artist can tape, record and distribute his music. Nothing could draw us back in this spiral by our own will and since we did not even enter we first wanted to wait and look at the development. The record industry had just slept through a development and was just whining on about illegal downloads and others instead of bringing own concepts to life. Many bands have even bought themselves into promotion and distribution channels of record companies to have the chance to release a promoted album. If you want to make sure to get your first album done, then you’ve got all this enthusiasm against all odds and you are ready for anything.
But for us it was out of question. We stood at the 6th album to make and since that you’re just relaxed. But the point was the requests for a new album became naturally louder after some time at our concerts. And then you do not you tell the people that you do not intend to make a new album, but promise a new one coming soon. Then when you are playing for the second time there and the new album was not done in the meantime, things get tight and somewhat embarrassing. However, we had to do something. And at that point, you know as a band, the time has come to make the album finally. After our show in Moscow in November 2013, we have locked up in our studio and finished our album. In the summer of 2014 it had finally come: Our new baby was born…
Eythimis has been with Scanner for a while now, how did you come to discover him? How do you think he compares to his predecessors.
A: Well, Efthi did join the band in 2003 after an audition we made. He had a strong and powerful voice and his intonation was accurate. Also, he character wise was fitting totally to the band. So he was our first choice. He was influenced by opera singing style mainly and we worked on his rock performance through the years. So he is an excellent singer who is able to present the whole range of Scanner’s vocal challenge. You may say compared to all our former singers he is the most reliable and versatile singer and a real friend, what’s indeed so much more relevant than anything else.
How did you get the name? Did it stem from the movie or from the devices? Or is the story different altogether?
A: Yes, the story is slightly different. Michael “Major” was a big SF fan and I was studying Astronomies when we both decided to make a concept out of this for our first appearance. We wanted to rename “Lions Breed” into something more modern sounding. So Michael found this word Scanner in a Perry Rhodan book, and we presented it to the band. After checking all under that name, even the movie “Scanners” we choose the name. Later many different things were named Scanner, what we could not guess at that time.
“The Judgement”, is your newest album, the sixth overall release and it seems to try and bridge the early style of the band that was brassy and heavy and fast, with the somewhat more reserved but much more lyrical albums, you did with “The Duke”... what are your feelings now that it’s been released?
A: We attempted to receive and revive the sound and the spirit of the 80s Speed Power Metal on “The Judgement” and we were guided by our old stuff from this time. And therefore the album sounds old school metal by default. Our fans will get an intense and passionate Scanner album they were awaiting for a long time after our former release. And there are voices already heard saying it is our best album so far. The more people thinking like that the more I’m getting happy! Definitely “The Judgement” stands nearer to our first releases than to “Scantropolis”.
Indulge us a bit in the lyrical themes covered on the album and if there are any ties to older songs? (At least on a couple of songs?) Which songs stand out in your opinion? Also was the album originally called, “The Judgement of religion”? Why did you drop the latter part?
A: Yes, pooh, OK, these are many questions in one… thematically and basically “The Judgement” means doomsday for us. As seen on our cover. And on that very day the Scanner (the SF character/figure from our story on the band’s first album “Hypertrace” in 1988) returns back to earth and witnesses what’s going on. Did evil triumph over good finally? And how will the future be on earth after this. Thus, in the broadest sense it comes to religion and we detail songs about different groups in our society (Pirates, The Legionary, Warlord), all of their own religion and values throughout. The alarming thing about it is that almost all people who rely on religion are still directly related to violence also, especially when it comes to conflicts. One can see that especially in the extremes in Syria and Iraq with the IS. So the question may arise what religion actually contributes to peace in general? Or, isn’t religion the root of all evil perhaps. The exciting question is: “If there was no religion and man would not believe in a higher power would the human race be more able to live in peace than all the millennia with religion?”… This is the question the title song “The Judgement” is dealing with.
The main idea in almost every song of the album is that something is going wrong on the planet in terms of our ethical value system. And that runs up through all religions and societies. But today, it is really getting worse and is actually unworthy for a highly developed and technologized human race of the 3rd millennium. You can ever think about it, we thought
We changed the title and dropped “religion” in it because to leave it more open so the people can come themselves to any conclusion that is related to religion and make their thoughts on it. I can’t say which song stands out on this album for me. I’m not objective as the producer dealing so long with all the songs, if you know what I mean. I still have no distance to it yet. But let me say I have much fun yelling “F.T.B.” on stage!
Are there plans to shoot a video from the new album?
E: Of course, we recorded a video of “The Judgement”. It is available on our YouTube channel. (i.n.: You can watch it below…)
A: Yes, right, we did that already and will shoot some more in spring/summer. The clip to the title song “The Judgement” is available here.
When you were young, prior to Lion’s Breed and the change of name to Scanner, which was the defining moment or the reason that made you want to pursue music as a career. Which would you call your influences?
A: When I was studying physics and astronomies at that time going to release the first Scanner album I was forced to decide myself, I just want to do things either totally or not at all. There is no “in between” for me. I mean I do things 100%. So I could not spend 12 hours in University, because mathematics was hard and time-consuming for me, and later at night rehearse with the band in a professional manner and a few hours later being back concentrating in the auditorium. So I told my parents I will be a musician – that was the worst day of my parents. My main influences at that time were Mike Oldfield and Gary Moore. Mike because he was a perfect mixture of a musician, producer and guitar player for me and Gary because of his skills at the guitar. But much more important for me was, both are or were quiet and modest buddies while having biggest success and have my full sympathy for this… beyond the grave in case of Gary.
You did seem to be a little “unlucky” with singers, being a little “temperamental”, then not being able to get Ralph Scheepers to join you, maybe twice and in general having to experience a very long hiatus… do you ever wish or think, things could have turned out differently?
A: Yes, of course… things could have been so much easier. Some singers in a band (means one for all, all for one) are making a big mistake by thinking the whole world is just focusing on them and they would make it alone also, when they leave the band and some mates in the lurch. And some of them really develop egoistic characteristics in their personality I do not appreciate too much and many others neither do obviously. But that this of all things happened so often to the band I was playing in…mhhh... is destiny, I think. We could not prevent those things. But just put the heads up and fight through it.
Did you still owe an album to Massacre records from a previous contract, or was it only the fact that you had known them from the previous album that influenced you to work with them?
A: No, we owed them nothing! We thought it was the right label for us again. And I know the people there for a long time and they know me. So this was the deal.
A: You are welcome, but let us thank you for your questions and interest, also.
It took Scanner some thirteen years to come up with a follow up to “Scantropolis” an album that didn’t exactly capture the imagination of fans. What took you so long and how does it feel to be back?
A: Yes, at the moment we are really happy with the situation and we look forward to the publication of “The Judgement” around the ball with joyful anticipation and are curious to see how the album will be accepted outside. We put a lot of passion and energy in there and think and hope that fans feel that too. And that they will return some of the spirit and energy back to us. Both, during the live shows as well as all its other feedback on Facebook, on our webpage etc… Nothing we want more than that, so we hope really we can bring some fun to the fans with this album. And concerning the past, well, it was not that we walked through the valley of frustrations; I mean we had a lot of fun meanwhile. The band has found new, so to speak. This does not mean that we had split up in the meantime. But after it was clear that we would not continue with the former cast of “Scantropolis” we were again looking for a singer. We came back to concentrate more on the traditional strengths of Scanner to distinguish ourselves from the concept of “Scantropolis” clearly.
With Efthi our new singer coming in 2003, who is faithful to us until today, we played our shows from 2003 on, and the poor man had the almost impossible task in addition to interpret for Scanner singers + Ralph Scheepers as guest singer (Primal Fear) of our recent albums. Not an easy task. Especially since one singer included still was a woman’s voice. But our first effort, it was not to run into the studio to record our next album, but first just to play live primarily. I mean we had a repertoire that could be put together out of 5 albums and have always been able to deliver an entertaining show of Scanner classics from the band’s history. And this can also make very much fun for a while. Also, in this period you must see that the music business had changed completely. And it went from bad to worse for record companies, they were less willing to invest in good productions and the artist at the end of his work would never be able to survive. Even record companies and portals today offer an incredible € cents 0.07 for a legal download. With this bargain no artist can tape, record and distribute his music. Nothing could draw us back in this spiral by our own will and since we did not even enter we first wanted to wait and look at the development. The record industry had just slept through a development and was just whining on about illegal downloads and others instead of bringing own concepts to life. Many bands have even bought themselves into promotion and distribution channels of record companies to have the chance to release a promoted album. If you want to make sure to get your first album done, then you’ve got all this enthusiasm against all odds and you are ready for anything.
But for us it was out of question. We stood at the 6th album to make and since that you’re just relaxed. But the point was the requests for a new album became naturally louder after some time at our concerts. And then you do not you tell the people that you do not intend to make a new album, but promise a new one coming soon. Then when you are playing for the second time there and the new album was not done in the meantime, things get tight and somewhat embarrassing. However, we had to do something. And at that point, you know as a band, the time has come to make the album finally. After our show in Moscow in November 2013, we have locked up in our studio and finished our album. In the summer of 2014 it had finally come: Our new baby was born…
Eythimis has been with Scanner for a while now, how did you come to discover him? How do you think he compares to his predecessors.
A: Well, Efthi did join the band in 2003 after an audition we made. He had a strong and powerful voice and his intonation was accurate. Also, he character wise was fitting totally to the band. So he was our first choice. He was influenced by opera singing style mainly and we worked on his rock performance through the years. So he is an excellent singer who is able to present the whole range of Scanner’s vocal challenge. You may say compared to all our former singers he is the most reliable and versatile singer and a real friend, what’s indeed so much more relevant than anything else.
How did you get the name? Did it stem from the movie or from the devices? Or is the story different altogether?
A: Yes, the story is slightly different. Michael “Major” was a big SF fan and I was studying Astronomies when we both decided to make a concept out of this for our first appearance. We wanted to rename “Lions Breed” into something more modern sounding. So Michael found this word Scanner in a Perry Rhodan book, and we presented it to the band. After checking all under that name, even the movie “Scanners” we choose the name. Later many different things were named Scanner, what we could not guess at that time.
“The Judgement”, is your newest album, the sixth overall release and it seems to try and bridge the early style of the band that was brassy and heavy and fast, with the somewhat more reserved but much more lyrical albums, you did with “The Duke”... what are your feelings now that it’s been released?
A: We attempted to receive and revive the sound and the spirit of the 80s Speed Power Metal on “The Judgement” and we were guided by our old stuff from this time. And therefore the album sounds old school metal by default. Our fans will get an intense and passionate Scanner album they were awaiting for a long time after our former release. And there are voices already heard saying it is our best album so far. The more people thinking like that the more I’m getting happy! Definitely “The Judgement” stands nearer to our first releases than to “Scantropolis”.
Indulge us a bit in the lyrical themes covered on the album and if there are any ties to older songs? (At least on a couple of songs?) Which songs stand out in your opinion? Also was the album originally called, “The Judgement of religion”? Why did you drop the latter part?
A: Yes, pooh, OK, these are many questions in one… thematically and basically “The Judgement” means doomsday for us. As seen on our cover. And on that very day the Scanner (the SF character/figure from our story on the band’s first album “Hypertrace” in 1988) returns back to earth and witnesses what’s going on. Did evil triumph over good finally? And how will the future be on earth after this. Thus, in the broadest sense it comes to religion and we detail songs about different groups in our society (Pirates, The Legionary, Warlord), all of their own religion and values throughout. The alarming thing about it is that almost all people who rely on religion are still directly related to violence also, especially when it comes to conflicts. One can see that especially in the extremes in Syria and Iraq with the IS. So the question may arise what religion actually contributes to peace in general? Or, isn’t religion the root of all evil perhaps. The exciting question is: “If there was no religion and man would not believe in a higher power would the human race be more able to live in peace than all the millennia with religion?”… This is the question the title song “The Judgement” is dealing with.
The main idea in almost every song of the album is that something is going wrong on the planet in terms of our ethical value system. And that runs up through all religions and societies. But today, it is really getting worse and is actually unworthy for a highly developed and technologized human race of the 3rd millennium. You can ever think about it, we thought
We changed the title and dropped “religion” in it because to leave it more open so the people can come themselves to any conclusion that is related to religion and make their thoughts on it. I can’t say which song stands out on this album for me. I’m not objective as the producer dealing so long with all the songs, if you know what I mean. I still have no distance to it yet. But let me say I have much fun yelling “F.T.B.” on stage!
Are there plans to shoot a video from the new album?
E: Of course, we recorded a video of “The Judgement”. It is available on our YouTube channel. (i.n.: You can watch it below…)
A: Yes, right, we did that already and will shoot some more in spring/summer. The clip to the title song “The Judgement” is available here.
When you were young, prior to Lion’s Breed and the change of name to Scanner, which was the defining moment or the reason that made you want to pursue music as a career. Which would you call your influences?
A: When I was studying physics and astronomies at that time going to release the first Scanner album I was forced to decide myself, I just want to do things either totally or not at all. There is no “in between” for me. I mean I do things 100%. So I could not spend 12 hours in University, because mathematics was hard and time-consuming for me, and later at night rehearse with the band in a professional manner and a few hours later being back concentrating in the auditorium. So I told my parents I will be a musician – that was the worst day of my parents. My main influences at that time were Mike Oldfield and Gary Moore. Mike because he was a perfect mixture of a musician, producer and guitar player for me and Gary because of his skills at the guitar. But much more important for me was, both are or were quiet and modest buddies while having biggest success and have my full sympathy for this… beyond the grave in case of Gary.
You did seem to be a little “unlucky” with singers, being a little “temperamental”, then not being able to get Ralph Scheepers to join you, maybe twice and in general having to experience a very long hiatus… do you ever wish or think, things could have turned out differently?
A: Yes, of course… things could have been so much easier. Some singers in a band (means one for all, all for one) are making a big mistake by thinking the whole world is just focusing on them and they would make it alone also, when they leave the band and some mates in the lurch. And some of them really develop egoistic characteristics in their personality I do not appreciate too much and many others neither do obviously. But that this of all things happened so often to the band I was playing in…mhhh... is destiny, I think. We could not prevent those things. But just put the heads up and fight through it.
Did you still owe an album to Massacre records from a previous contract, or was it only the fact that you had known them from the previous album that influenced you to work with them?
A: No, we owed them nothing! We thought it was the right label for us again. And I know the people there for a long time and they know me. So this was the deal.
You have rereleased the early albums through Divebomb records, in the States with bonuses and apparently there’s also an Eat Metal vinyl release of your later 2 albums? Care to comment? Will “The Judgement” also receive an LP treatment?
A: Yes, I’m kind of happy to have these re-releases at all. And I have to thank the companies, which are helping to bring the history of Scanner to the present and therefore to new fans, too. I’m sure we will do a special LP for “The Judgement” in the very near future, also. Would be a pity not to do it, I think.
How do you think downloading has changed the industry?
A: Yes, I think, the development is partly strange, especially when people have become accustomed to tinny-sounding MP3s and ultra-highly compressed productions. And not even know good analog sounds anymore. But there is also a counter-movement, especially in the metal scene. More and more fans want back to vinyl LPs of the bands. Even if the handling is more complicated, but the sound and the large cover image can make up for it too. Concerning illegal downloads, and I mentioned the small benefits for a musician before, I believe that real fans should support the bands and artists they like by buying their physical stuff since this is the only way to help a band to survive.
Scanner, has existed in 3 different decades, how do you think, thinks have changed and what is the bands place in today’s music scene? Do you still envision the band doing this for some time to come?
A: Scanner has always been underrated in the recent years. And one can say we did not have a lobby in the printing media scene like other acts have for example. But we have had always our fans around the ball and they kept us the faith. We appreciate this very much and want to give them back something. And therefore we go! “The Judgement” is part of this.
Efthimis – how does it feel to be in this band, I know that you’ve been around for quite some time – but when the album didn’t materialize in previous years, did that create any tension, or were you going to stick around no matter what?
E: When I became a part of Scanner about 13 years ago it was a great feeling to play in such a band. And I really have to say that this feeling grew over the years realizing to work with great musicians and with a great producer like Axel. We believed in “The Judgement” and in our work and didn’t give up and that’s what the audience liked and made it a success.
You’re actually performing a show in Athens on the 8th of February. Other than that, are there any more concerts planned?
E: We have also a show in Salonika on Feb 7th and we are performing in Spain Madrid in May. Our booking agency is currently booking concerts right now for all over Europe.
Funny Weird Questions!!! If aliens abducted you – what song would you play to them – to convince them to let you go?
E: Margaritis – “Stou Paradisou tin Porta”…
A: “Across the Universe”, of course…
If you were God for a week – what would you do?!
E: I would bring peace on earth.
A: Try that, dude!
Buy or Die? Your take on media coverage?
A: Do not trust anybody’s speech without checking the other side of the medal.
Which of the Seven deadly sins, are you an embodiment of?
E: Hey, I’m Greek. Of course lust and gluttony…
A: I have no clue what you are talking about, what is a “deadly sin”? Ouzo with Coke?! (i.n.: Hehehe that’s a strange-mix!)
If your wife/gf sold all your records to buy herself an expensive ring, how would you react?
E: I would sell all her shoes to by my records back.
A: I’d like that; I would not sell her shoes but buy her tons of sexy stilettos etc. fitting to the ring…