Thoughts Factory Interview

For those that have never heard you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

5 guys who are completely nuts about prog-metal music - professionals on their instruments and aged 23-45 years. Really hard working guys for their passion – taking any loss and costs of time, money and nerves the project will cause.  We were merged  by fate, luck and fortune - delivering finest prog from Germany !

2.How would you describe your musical sound that is present on the new album?

A good mixture of dark parts and moods, sharing their existence with straight metal riffs, tender keyboard melodies and euphoric orchestral passages that alternate with  heavy grooves and breathtaking melodies. Gentle, as well as aggressive vocal passages supported virtuosic guitar, bass and keyboard solo parts which proofs the complexity of the topic.


3.The new recording was a concept album, can you tell us a little bit more about the concept and lyrics?

The story grabs the listener and takes him on a trip through the mental state of our singer Marcus who was left behind, and processes his emotions and questions he has to face after the suicide of his beloved brother. (Sad but true story)

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Thoughts Factory'?

Concept-albums like “Lost” are not written at a bonfire in the woods – you’d rather use a flipchart or a technical drawing-table – but without disregarding the “heartstrings”. We tried to apply these to the band name as well, where “Thought” stands for the emotional and human aspects of the music, while “Factory” implies the complexity and the technical side.


5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

We start touring with Thoughts Factory on March 3rd in Vienna (A)
Be there or be square ! J Ok, honestly : You can expect a great show, as all of the band members are very experienced professionals on stage and we will deliver a great evening to the audience. But finally we’ll leave the judgement regarding the show to the reviewers of the Release-Tour 2014 !

6.What are the touring and shows plans for the new release?

We start with the support for SUBSIGNAL, a German Prog-Metal Band from Munich in March. The tour starts March 3rd in Vienna and ends in Frankfurt on the 9th. 7 shows in a row with more than 4000 km travelling! More live event dates will be released in the near future.



7.The new album is coming out on Melodic Revolution Records, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

Melodic Revolution Records (MRR) is an independent grassroots music label formed in 2006 in New York and the Label relocated to Orlando, Florida in 2007. The label originally started out as a music store in 2004 by Nick Katona who is really fantastic guy (and friend meanwhile) thats always very helpful, spends time to listen and is doing everything possible to support his artists.

MRR is becoming known around the world as a progressive label, not only because they have many great prog bands on their label but because they are always on the outside looking in, thinking outside of the box. They are more than a record label; they are a family of musicians and individuals that work hard together as a well-oiled team bringing the listener music that will stand the test of time. It is through this family atmosphere that new collaborations have evolved, to create rich and dynamic new music.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of progressive metal?

Absolutely stunning. We had positive reactions of fans and reviews by some magazines so far, that where really outstanding and blew us away. The whole band was very touched by these reactions and we can only say: Thank you for listening to our music, we really appreciate that positive feedbacks !

9.What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases

We’re pretty sure you can already guess the name of the 2nd album ! But “pssssst” !! Mum’s the word !!! We’re experimenting already with new styles and songs, and you can be sure it will be something “fresh” again !

10.What are some bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

This differs from band-member to band-member, and is a reason for being the album unique. But to give you a clou: Markus is surely influenced by Black Label Society, Damageplan, Disturbed, Circus Maximus but also every kind of music that touches him very deeply. So it is quite possible that you see Markus listening to Esperanza Spalding as well…

Chris‘ influences in his childhood were The Beatles, in his youth Maiden, Priest, Metallica and today any kind of good music that is recorded by his favourite drummers such as Vinnie Colaiuta, Jeff  Porcaro, Dave Weckl, Steve Smith, JoJo Mayer, Mike Portnoy and Mike Mangini!
Marcus and Sven love to listen to Seventh Wonder, Kamelot, Sonata Arctica, Circus Maximus, Symphony X,  Opeth and Ayreon.
Bernds roots are leading to traditional 80th metal, and basic prog bands like Rush, Yes and Saga. Basslines from Geddy Lee and Steve Harris (Maiden) affected his decision to become a bass player.


11.Do you have any non musical interests?

Of course we do have some other interests. Sven is studying philosophy, maths and politics and plays table-tennis. Markus is a private student of a special police force officer where he trains all kinds of nasty close combat things the rest of the band doesn´t really want to know about, and Chris loves Harley riding and playing golf.
Marcus is doing sports as well as Kawasaki riding and cooking, and it is to unluckily circumstances only, if you will not meet Bernd on any Prog-Live-Event somewhere around Europe..

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?  
We love music – we’re not doing it for the money ! We found each other by fate and are friends and partners for life, with the first priority to spread our music and our passion all over the world! See you on the release-tour 2014 !