Two of your members live in the U.K., are the others living in Chile , and if so, how do you put this in practice, isn’t it difficult to cooperate?
Anton:No, the band is based in the UK, I'm the only one who's living elsewhere, Northern Spain to be specific. What we do is we just rehearse when we have a concrete project, like a tour or a recording session, and it's worked quite well that way so far.
Your new album will be released by Massacre Records, your 2005 record 'Sicario' by Metal Blade. Did you have to leave Metal Blade ore didn't they do the job to your satisfaction?.
Anton: It was a mutual agreement, as we were clearly not one of Metal Blade's priorities. Massacre have been very cool so far and we hope this will be a long and productive collaboration. For instance, they immediately agreed when we mentioned the idea of including a bonus DVD with the album, something we had tried in vain with Metal Blade for the last three albums or so.
Who is responsible for the song writing for the new album 'White Hell'?
Anton: Almost all of the music is written by Rodrigo and myself, although on the new album our new bassist contributed two songs. One of them ended up on the European release, and the other one we used as a bonus track for South America. Our drummer Zac plays an important part when it comes to arrangements though.
Musically it didn't change that much compared to 'Sicario', what is in your opinion the biggest difference?
Anton: I think the songs on “White Hell” are a bit more complex. There's more going on as far as arrangements and harmonies are concerned. But I would agree that we haven't moved a million miles from where we were with “Sicario”. We have just refined our style a bit more.
I hear influences of Chimaira, Benediction, Lamb of God and The Haunted, but also some old thrash references such as Kreator. What are the bands biggest influences?
Anton: Well, I would have to say our biggest influences are still the ones we had when we started. Slayer, old Metallica, maybe some Sepultura, Carcass, Pantera even. We basically write the songs that we like to hear, so there's obviously going to be some references to other bands, but I think we always manage to retain our own trademarks.
A lot of heavy bands add some clean vocals as well, what is your meaning about that phenomenon?
Anton: I thought it was cool and original when Fear Factory started doing it. Some other bands like Soilwork made something new out of that element, but nowadays everyone seems to be doing it, especially the so-called metalcore bands, where you can't really tell one from the other. Anyway, I don't think it's something that would work for us. I like to keep it aggressive and raw, although I also try to put some dynamics and different tones in there without wimping out.
The title of 'Sicario' refers to killers who have specific targets, what does the title 'White Hell' stand for?
Anton: It's pretty much open for interpretation, which I like. It could be drug-related, but it could also be a hell of racism, or something completely different. To me , when I think of hell, it is a cold and desolate place, so the title fits that concept as well.
Your 2 latest cover artworks both have a lot of white in them, is that on purpose?
Anton: Not really. I do think it makes a cover stand out, especially within the extreme metal genre, but there was no major thought that went into it.
About what subjects are the lyrics?
Anton: There's a lot of different subjects. For example, “Invasion” is about the conquistadors who imposed the Christian faith by the sword, “Mobrule” is about racism and neo-Nazi's, “The Infidel” is about how the three main monotheist religions are basically the same shit that brings nothing good, etc. But there's also more personal stuff that I try to put in metaphors. There's also a couple songs that are about women, which is something new for us.
In my opinion the band plays very recognizable thrash, not super original, but very well written and executed. It sounds a bit like coming home. Can you find yourself in this meaning?
Anton: Well yeah, as I said before, we write what we like, and I think many of the bands I grew up with have changed way too much over the years, and since no one else is playing it the way it should be, we might as well do it ourselves.
The record was produced very well by Neak and Dan Biggin at HVR Studios, are you also satisfied and what other records did they produce?
Anton: I absolutely love the production! I think they managed to get a modern sound but keeping it natural. I mean, the drums sound like real drums, not like some cheap electronic kit. It was co-produced by our bassist Dan, who owns the studio, and Neak. Neak is not super well-known, but I think that is bound to change. He's worked with all sorts of bands before, not only metal bands, and he's also done quite a bit of live engineering, for example for Pitch Shifter.
Does the band have touring plans already?
Anton: Unfortunately not. For this we depend on the label and they want to sell some CDs before they commit to giving us tour support and stuff. We'll keep up the pressure though!
What are the bands goals in the years to come?
Anton: I don't know. There's no set goals I guess. We just want to do what we do and have fun with it, and write the best possible albums. Becoming millionaires is unfortunately out of the question.
Do you follow the bands that play in the same genre as Criminal does? If so, what are in your opinion the ones we have to look out for?
Anton: I only follow the scene a little bit, as I don't really have the time. I don't even know if there's bands that play a similar style. I mean, there's obviously The Haunted and Hatesphere and stuff, but I think we have more of a groove element, and also more of a death metal influence. I don't really know, sorry...
For a year you are going to be launched by Space Shuttle into space. What 5 records do you take with you?
Anton: Tough one! Probably five Devin Townsend albums...
I leave here some room for you to tell whatever you want to our readers……
Anton: Check out our new stuff and pick up the CD if you like the band!
