Interview with Vengeance (August 10th 2006)

Vengeance is back, loaded with a brand new album entitled: "Back in the Ring". We have put a few questions together for them to learn just why they've decided to return to the scene now...

Hi, first off I just want to congratulate you on your new album "Back in the Ring". This is your first album in a very, very long time - why now?
Vengeance - That is a hard question to answer. I didn't and wasn't planning this, it just happened to be presented to me at the right time. My bass player Barend Courbois called me to ask if I was interested in doing a new Vengeance record. The moment felt right.

Comebacks have been quite popular for many 80's bands lately, what made you return?
Vengeance - Like I said, I was jumping on the revival bandwagon. I was asked to do this, it seemed right. And judging by the result, IT WAS!!!

The album has been out some time now, how has it been received by the fans?
Vengeance - The fans have been great. Judging by the sales and the reactions, especially at the Bang Your Head festival. They went crazy at that show - something we never expected!

The album has received excellent reviews in the media, did that surprise you and how does it make you feel?
Vengeance - Really surprised. I didn't know what to expect. We just went into the studio to cut a real, old school vengeance CD. No pretences at all. It came out the way I wanted it to, with the help of Barend and Michael Voss of course. My new band kicked ass on the recording and the guest musicians were awesome. Our label gave us the freedom to do this. We weren't expecting the praise the press has thrown our way. Unbelievable! I am thrilled.

If your music was an emotion, which one would it be?
Vengeance - So many! Pain, anger, frustration, joy, happiness, laughter you name it it's all in my performance. But all done with a big helping of humour!

Was it hard to re-create the old magic of Vengeance?
Vengeance - No, not at all. Vengeance was always a natural thing for me. So I never had the feeling I had to re-create something. It just comes out! I don't have to think about it at all!!

The album cover is very symbolic as well as the title - who came up with the idea? And how important do you feel a striking title and good album cover is these days?
Vengeance - The title was originally going to be something else, I can't remember. Our manager pointed out that the title of this song said everything about this come back. It’s simple to the point and covers ALL the bases. After that the CD cover was a straight forward thing. It describes the title and the power of the music!!!
Titles are important, but the best ones are the most obvious. Sometimes it takes an outside opinion to spot the obvious!!!

The sound on the album is very good, where did you record it and who has produced and mixed it?
Vengeance - We recorded it in Munster at Michael Voss studio Kidroom music. Michael Voss produced and mixed.

You took part in this years Bang Your Head festival - how well did that go, and do you have any touring plans for 2006?
Vengeance - We will be out on the road in Germany in September supporting Axel Rudi Pell, and hopefully we will do a headliner tour in the beginning of 2007! We have some support dates in Holland with UFO and Y&T and a few headline dates also.

Let's speculate - you have been granted a free slot on a tour of your own choice - who would be your ideal touring partners?
Vengeance - Personally I'd love to support Status Quo - my all-time favourite band. But anything from AC/DC to ZZ Top.... and all bands in-between!!!!!!!!

The internet is a very important source for many music fans - how do you use the internet and how important is it for you and other bands, and what's your opinion of Napster, file-sharing and so on?
Vengeance - I think if you get a 'burned' CD from someone, just to listen to, that OK, as long as you buy the original if you like what you hear. But people burning CD’s instead of buying are not only killing the music industry, it is robbing the artists of the very LITTLE income they get of CD sales. So ultimately, bands won't have the finances to pay the rent, let alone finance a new record or tour. THINK about THAT the next time you copy a CD. And feel proud you are doing the right thing when you buy a legitimate CD!!

Name an album, person or event that has had a huge influence on your life - and why?
Vengeance - Status Quo. There music just covers the basics. That’s what I like about Vengeance too.

If you want to kick back at home and relax, do you put on music, turn on the TV, read a book or?
Vengeance - I like to have a beer with some friends......usually the band!!

Thank you very much for participating in this interview and sharing this information and your thoughts with us - these last lines are entirely for you. Any final words you would like to round off with?
Vengeance -
Thank you for asking the questions, maybe next time we can do it face to face! To all our fans, old and new - thanks so much for letting us back in to your lives - see you on the road.

Interviewed by Kenn Jensen

Vengeance - Back in the Ring

Album available on MTM Music.