A Dirty Dozen with MAIK WEICHERT from HEAVEN SHALL BURN – April 2020

According to a recent press release: “Eradicate” marks the next single release before HEAVEN SHALL BURN’s new double album Of Truth And Sacrifice drops worldwide on March 20th, 2020. For the official music video for “Eradicate” HEAVEN SHALL BURN teamed up with African film producer Isaac Nabwana at Wakaliwood a.k.a. Ramon Film productions, who is known for his unique and ultra-violent movies. HEAVEN SHALL BURN is Maik Weichert (guitar), Eric Bischoff (bass), Alexander Dietz (guitar), Marcus Bischoff (vocals), and Christian Bass (drums).” We get guitarist Maik to discuss new music, influences, and much more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets the band put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

If so, I would of course not betray it here. There are no shortcuts dealing with this record. A thing that should come across is the variety of styles we’ve put into this album. I really hope people will live the rollercoaster of emotions and metal-styles on this record.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

No, not really. Actually I started making music, because I wanted to express my opinion and I found out, that more people listen to me when I have a guitar in my hand. Sure my first metal shows were important as well, but more for the style of music I love, not for my way as somebody in a band.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

Sodom and Kreator with Frank Blackfire.

4. Who would be your main five musical influences?

Music: In Flames, Bolt Thrower, Dark Tranquility and Dismember Ethics.  Lyrics: Earth Crisis and Napalm Death.

5. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Trent Reznor, would love to see what he finds is the essence of our sound and songwriting.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

Iron Maiden Melodies ride on Bolt Thrower Tanks to a demo vs. Trump.

7. When the band are all hanging out together, who cooks; who gets the drinks in; and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Drinks are Alex’s and Chris’ job. Me and Eric take care of cooking and whoever grabs an acoustic guitar dies…

8. When was the last time you were star struck and who was it?

Sanna Marin prime minister of Finland.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

Just being a musician sucks, I would never go 100% for being a musician. I would like to work in museums.

10.  What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

“Tell me about your band” is not a very good start into an interview… And an interesting question would be, what is the best Exhorder record Slaughter In The Vatican or The Law. And the answer is Slaughter… of course!

11.  Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over”, even if it didn’t change your current situation?

No not at all, we did so many things right in our career, it is almost scary. We were always lucky and the things we decided not to do turned out to maybe being a mistake anyway. I would not change a single thing.

12.  If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

I guess I would like to witness the recording of Rammstein’s first record. Defining a kind of new sound is not something that happens every day. This record blew me away back in the day.

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Category: Interviews