interview with Ahnengrab (Germany)

Ahnengrab (Germany) In the language of Fuglymaniacs: Ahnengrab’s album “Omen” album is very good. Way better than just “good” and I would give it a rating of 8.5 or 9.

It is a very well balanced combination of music. First of all, Ahnengrab is for those that are very picky and discerning about what they like; and those that want epic metal, but memorable songs, too. Yes, this is a mixture of black, folk, and sure, some prog, maybe some heavy metal, too. Categories are stupid. The sound quality is good, so no worries there. But most of all, give it a little time for your mind to grasp what the band is actually doing. Just, you know, relax, because this music is not a hamburger to be consumed in 2 minutes. Give it a chance, like a real chance, and Ahnengrab will be a pleasing experience. www.ahnengrab.de www.myspace.com/211125219

All questions answered by Christoph L. and Christoph H. (Quritte) --

“Omen” came out some four years after your first album, “Ahnengrab” in 2008. How long did it take “Omen” to record from start to finish? Your music is not exactly “simple” and it sounds like it would take a long time to record a great album like “Omen.”

Quritte: Hi there! Thanks for the compliments. Regarding your question: The album has become pretty complex indeed. There are several reasons which contributed to this. First of all, the enhancement in terms of instrumental influences has played a big role. Furthermore, the song structures as well as the sophisticated technical realisation were of great importance in matters of time. All the production took place on the weekends, since everybody was busy working or studying throughout the weeks. Summing all this up in a nutshell it took a long time of about two or three months, but the actual recording was done within only ten or twelve days.

After the album came out, have you had more opportunities to play live in Germany and Europe?

Quritte: We have used the time after the album release to play a tour throughtout (mainly Eastern) Germany. Unfortunately, we won't play that many festivals this year, since German organisers do the billing and booking of bands about one year in advance. "Omen" was published in February this year, so it is difficult to get booked for festivals only about 4 months ahead of the actual festival season.

Is there a general concept that album is about, from your perspective? What is the story behind “Omen”? Who is responsible for the concept and lyrics, is it Christoph Fenris?

Christoph L.: There is no ONE concept, but some kind of golden thread that runs through the whole album, from the first to the last song. It all starts with the search for the past, with the processing of sadness and loss. Songs like "Feuer I", "Feuer II" as well as "Stein" deal with standing upright and facing everything that is to come, be it positive or negative. The song "Omen" represents the perception of distinctive signs of the end (i.e. of a culture or society) and emphasises the need for not giving up even though the end might be in sight. All summed up, the album deals with the unstoppable downfall and decline as well as the emotions and feelings involved. The lyrics and concepts were all created by our vocalist Christoph L. (Fenris), but all the band are contributing to the overall work.

About your song “Die Das Licht Nie Sehen Werden”. What is the light that you refer to? And who is “they” in this context?

Christoph L.: The song has to do with those, who live their lives following stupid rules and moralic values indoctrinated by society. Those, who think their acting right without thinking about their own ways and beliefs. Those, who are writing failures off as destiny and therefore invariable. The light stands for everyone's individual and personal aims and objectives. Aims everybody should determine for themselves. Aims no one but yourself can define. No one but yourself should define.

A song like “Wind” is actually easy to remember and melodic, even though it is fast. I don’t see why many people would not like it. You have to get more people to hear it.

Quritte: Well, there are some radio stations playing our songs. Mainly, Tetzel (vocalist of "Asenblut") is broadcasting Ahnengrab's music on his show on Metalonly.de But all in all there aren't that many stations playing Ahnengrab, unfortunately. But we hope this is going to change as soon as possible.

Regarding the vocals on the song “Omen.” Are there special effects on the vocals? How many voices/vocalists are there on the song?

Quritte: The respective whispered parts as well as some particular vocal parts were duplicated or recorded a couple of times and overlayed later on. Even though they vary in volume all the tracks and parts were sung by Christoph L.

And the outro. Does anyone in the band play classical instruments? Is a wonderful outro, actually.

Quritte: As far as I am concerned no member of the band is capable of playing a real classical instrument. Nevertheless, all the parts played by classical instruments were written by Quritte, Tibor C. and Benedikt K. (a friend of the band). The outro was recorded with members of the Brandenburg state orchestra playing the compositions. We are very proud of having realised this since it is something really precious. The classical instruments develop an own, distinct spirit a computer would never be able to create.

What division of labor is there between your guitarists Christoph H. and Tibor C.?

Christoph L.: It is complicated to generalize this issue. Basically, Quritte is the one having the ideas. The rest of the band is to develop the ideas, creating a complex, whole composition.

Are Johannes (bass) and Tom (drums) present when you write songs? Are they presented with the full song?

Christoph L.: We try to work our way through the songs as a band, a unit. Unfortunately, this is not possible all the time. But generally, everybody is responsible for their own instrumental parts and ideas. That way, we are able to create something new, something worth playing. Nevertheless, there's always someone in the band with ideas and concepts to overcome possible gaps of creativity. For example, Quritte always has some ideas of what the drive of a song should be like in order to preserve tension and excitement.

Will Ahnengrab ever headline Wacken?! Who knows, Scorpions are almost retired, U.D.O. won’t live forever, Kreator is not that young, maybe your time is coming in the next 10-15 years? But Edguy will probably still be around!

Quritte: Hahaha, BIG TIME! Our time will come and realisation plans have been made already. And even if this time won't come: We still have the best hobby on earth! So stay heavy, praise the Eierklaus and listen to Omen, Metalheads! Thanks for your time!