Sad Iron Interview

ANSWERS BY BERNARD RIVE

 

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

   Actually we are in a very good flow at this moment. We  are part of the Dutch Steel compilation album, SKOL Records have released our album Total Damnation and we are invited to do some shows in Holland. Our line up at this moment is very heavy compared to the 80's. We have found in Marc van den Bos an excellent guitarplayer and singer. Robert Bakker is our drummer and he kicks ass!!!

 

2.Recently Skol Records re-issued your 1983 album with some bonus live and studio tracks, what are your thoughts on the final product?

    Maybe you know that we recorded this album in 1983. Unfortunately there was a very, very small budget so we had to record the album within one day. So we didn't have time to record extra guitars and we didn't have the time to make a proper mix. So the sound is rather poor. I think Bart Gabriel (from SKOL Records) did a good job. The cd has a great inlaybooklet with a lot of ,very old, photo's, lyrics etc. And it's very special because of the bonustracks. It has some songs from the very beginning and also some songs from the period after Total Damnation.

3.I have heard that the band plans on releasing a re-recorded version of the 1985 album 'The Antichrist, what was the decision behind re-recording the album?

    Yes indeed, we had the plan to do that but we decided not to do. These are old songs and we like to keep it that way. The album has an 80's feeling and sound, and we like it and we'll keep it the way it is.

 

4.The band was broken up for a long time, what was the cause of the split and also the decision to reform?

    The cause was that our singer Herke van der Poel and the drummer Paul Gebhart decided that they wanted to play more a.o.r. In the year 2000 a dutch metalclub asked us to do a reunionshow in our hometown. We did this and as a result we did some shows with Vortex and Hammerhawk in Holland and Germany.

 

5.What where some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

   The antichrist album is about the feeling and the lifestyle of many people. Songs about war, being a metalhead or a poser, SM, etc.

 

6.The band has a history that goes back to 1979, do you feel you have been a huge influence on the later bands that have came out of the Netherlands?

   No. we don't. Although we were one of the first speedmetal bands in Holland I can't say we've influenced other bands.

 

7.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Sad Iron'?

   Haha, actually nothing. It just came up.

 

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

   I think the reunion show in 2000 was a blast! The crowd went crazy and we were not allowed to leave the stage! Great memories! This year we attended the Very Eavy festival in Holland, where we played with Satan, Tokyo Blade, Raven and more. Great to share the stage with my idols! Our show is very energetic, we move a lot and it's very loud!!! You can watch a show at YouTube search for Sad Iron Dutch Steel Hedon Zwolle. It was filmed at the Dutch Steel festival in February this year and gives you an impression of our live shows.

 

9.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?

    Yes sure! We hope to do some international shows, festivals etc.

 

10.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your reunion by fans of metal?

   We had great comments! Although some people had to get used to our new members, the sound is more heavy than it was in the old days.

 

11.Are there any plans to write and release new material in the future?

   Yes maybe we will. At this moment it doesn't have our priority but i'm almost sure we will write new songs!

 

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

   We listened and still are listening to Judas Priest, Megadeth, Exodus, Slayer, Testament but also UFO, Thin Lizzy. It's hard to say they have influenced us but they were important for our interest in Heavy Metal!

 

13.What are some of your non musical interests?

   None! I'm always busy listening our playing music! (Well, to be honest I have to mention my wife....)

 

14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

 I want to thank everybody for their support and believing in us! We hope to see you all on tour. Keep on rocking! Cheerz!