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The Danish death metal warmachine Panzerchrist recently released their long awaited follow-up to 2003's acclaimed Roomservice. Battalion Beast as the monster is called follow pretty closely in the footsteps of Roomservice, but this new round of militaristic death metal still differs a little from it's predecessor by having a more black metal kind of feel to it. With Battalion Beast fresh in mind there was of course plenty of things to ask guitarist Frederik O 'Carroll about. Unfortunately he wasn't overly in-depth in his answers. Still some interesting things came up.
Musically it sounds as if Battalion Beast is a little different in comparison to the previous effort Roomservice. What do you think is the biggest difference between the two?
Well, we've incorporated a lot more black metal elements. I think we managed to move away from the standard death metal sound.
Battalion Beast has been a long time underway. How come things have taken that long?
We basically took our time with the song writing process. We didn't want to rush it.
You had recruited Bent Bisballe Nyeng from Die as replacement for Michael Pedersen, but you ended using Reno Kiilerich again. What were you're motives for making that move?
Bent couldn't play the songs the way we wanted them. Bent might be an all right drummer, but he's nowhere near Reno. He did give it a fair shot though.
Keyboarder Dea Lillelund was replaced during the recording by Karina Bundgaard. Did that affect the outcome in any way?
Well they are different players. I obviously couldn't tell what it might have sounded like with Dea.
The keyboard seems to have gotten a more central role. Was this something you were aiming for?
Definitely, yes. We initially wanted to put more keyboards on the album. But with keyboards and death metal it's always a balance, you know. In the end we're pretty satisfied with the result.
You've recorded partially at Smart 'n Hard Studio and Zigsound Studio. What were you're reasons for recording at two different locations?
Initially we were going to record everything with Ziggy, but he fell ill so we did some at Jacob's studio. Ideally we'll record everything in the same studio next time.
Wasn't there to begin with talks about recording at Antfarm Studio again?
Yes, but Tue is booked to about the year 3099. It would be great to work with Tue again though.
Despite of the many obstacles that appear to have come along the way during the result is most impressive. Are you completely satisfied with the result?
There's always a thing or two you want to change, but in the end yes, I think it turned out all right. Because of all the fuck ups in the process this time we could have used a bit more time on quite a few details.
Originally you stated that the lyrics would be in German, but chose to write them in English instead. Is there any particular reason why it ended up being so?
Ehhh, I think there was a translation issue [laughs]. We'll most likely do another one in German though.
You were previously signed to Mighty Music. Did the contract expire or did the label just close down?
We were only signed for that record. I heard they more or less closed down, but I think they're starting up again. I think they're going to re-issue Roomservice and Soul Collector.
You're now on the Dutch label Neurotic Records. Is there any difference between being on a Danish or foreign label?
Nah, not really. Neurotic Records is doing a great job so far.
I understand that Reno is not an actual part of the band so are you currently looking for a more permanent solution to the drummer issue?
If Reno is around we'll most likely use him. He's the perfect drummer for what we're doing. We tried replacing him and it wasn't like a huge fucking success was it? [laughs]. If and only if we use a different drummer we will obviously have to put a gun to his head to make sure he fucking gets it right. "You will play it like Reno or I will have you shot!" [laughs].
Besides Bo Summer are any of you currently involved in other bands as well?
Rasmus has got a couple of bands.
Is Panzerchrist strictly a studio band or is it due to the drummer situation that you don't play live?
We're not really into playing live or touring. We keep talking about it, but there's too much trouble to it. It's actually not so much because of the drummer situation because we could probably sort that out in some way or another.
How does the remainder of 2006 look for Panzerchrist?
We're actually writing new material at the moment so that's our main focus right now.
Anything you wish to add to conclude this interview?
Yes. Check out www.panzerchrist.com - we try to update it at least twice a year!
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