Interview:

2006-03-08 Count Raven

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A few months ago, the four albums of COUNT RAVEN have been re - released, which can be counted to the best products in Doom ever. But also the reunion of this exceptionally gifted band and what they plan in the future were reason enough to put vocalist und guitarist Dan "Fodde” Fondelius some questions… InterviewAt first: what has happened within the band since you split in 1998 and what has been the main reason to reform COUNT RAVEN??? What have you done in these years? How far do you think is COUNT RAVEN 2005/06 different from COUNT RAVEN in the earlier days?



Well, Wilbur started a group called SEMLAH, which he still plays with today. Renfield played for a while with some local band. I didn´t do much for a long while. Later I formed an outfit called DOOMSDAY GOUVERNMENT. When it comes to reform COUNT RAVEN, my personal goal was from the start to take this band as far as we can get, and that is what I intend to do. We have lost so much and have all to gain. The newly started COUNT RAVEN of 2006 is really hungry in spirit and body, and we are looking forward to kick some ass.



Are you finally content with the new re–releases of your four studio–albums? Are these the versions that stuff you finally wanted to have?



Pretty much, I suppose. People have really worked hard with us to get these albums out, and I have to thank them all for their efforts. It wouldn´t have happened without them.



The bonustracks on the new versions of the albums have been taken from several old demos, I guess. Have these demos ever been officially available? And do you think the demo - tracks are as good as the "original” songs of the albums?



No, they have never been for sale officially. I know that a lot of people have asked for them to be released as a full CD. When the discussions to re - release the old albums, this came up. The band wanted to release it as a full CD, but It did´t happen. One can only hope... I think those songs are fairly good.



Which one of the four albums do you like most when you look back? And why?



The "Destruction Of The Void" - album, simply because it was recorded during our most "optimistic" period, and people say that that can be heard. Also I think it is because it has more changes in tempo and spirit.



Why did you only change the cover - artwork of the "Messiah Of Confusion”-album and not the other covers?



We still liked the artworks on the first 3 albums, so we kept the original idea. The "Messiah..." we never liked, simply because the former record - company did it themselves, WITHOUT our approval. Furthermore, the actual background picture comes from a real massgrave, and with Charles Manson thrown in it, we felt it had real bad taste. Now the new one is better, cos it fits into the whole theme of the album.



You have played on some festivals in 2005, like on the "Wacken Open Air”, the "Keep It True” or the "Doom Shall Rise”. Did you like the gigs and the audiences? How did you feel being on stage again after all these years?



Oh yes, the audiences have been really great. It warms the heart, I can tell you. I have missed it all really. Now I am looking forward to record a new album again. That I still miss!



Are you already working on your much expected fifth album? Can you already tell us some details of it, for example the title of the album, of the songs and perhaps when it is going to be released?



Yes, we are working on some new stuff, and I can tell you it so far sounds extremely promising. Hopefully we can enter a studio in the summer. No dates so far.



Before your new album is released, the fans can look forward to a special boxset containing a CD and a DVD. This boxset is announced to be released within the first half of 2006. What can you tell about this release???



This release has unfortunately been cancelled.



What are your plans by now? What can we expect from COUNT RAVEN in the future?



The plan is to record a new album and to keep on doing that and to stick firm to what we do best. Make more Ravenistic riffs and lyrics and touch more hearts. The Raven will fly on... You can, if we are allowed to get back to you, expect a more hungry Raven than before. That is a promise!



Do you have some final statement for your fans in Germany?



Take care of yourselves, cos you´re eternal and precious! The Raven knows you and watches you.



Dan




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