DEATHDOOM

Recently I got the chance to review the new album from Mourning Caress, "Inner Exile". Now on the back of this you get to hear the thoughts and speculations of the band themselves .....

1. Who are your main influences as a band?

Each member in the band listens to different stuff. If you throw our fivetastes together, you get all kinds of genres and different styles: ThrashMetal, Hard Rock, Death Metal, Punk, Hardcore, Experimental, Post Rock,70's and Psychedelic, Doom, Progressive Rock, etc. We don't really careabout labels or descriptions, it's mainly about the music and about if we like it or not. If we had to agree on one band as an influnece it would probably be Iron Maiden. The bottom line we five can agree on is that we want to play Metal which sounds like Mourning Caress and each of us has different favorites when it comes down to what we listen.

2. What direction did you want to travel in for the new album?

We didn't really have a direction in mind. We had a few songs done, which we were convinced of. We are quite open regarding influences and parts in our songs, but somehow they have to generate a certain Mourning Caress mood. We are always happy if we manage to create a song which is straight, catchy, melodic, raw, aggressive and which reflects some kind of introverted/melancholic mood.

3. You've been somewhat in the wilderness since 2003, how does it feel to be back?

Naturally it feels great to be back, but being in the wilderness for a while was also an interesting experience. We got to know several swamps, jungles, glaciers, caves and deserts.

4. With the departure of Florian Erhart and your split with Arise Records, did you ever have doubts about the bands future?

We've had doubts concerning our future and of course there were moments when we thought that we were close to the end regarding the band. Luckily we all get along very well and play music mainly for the fun, so as long as we do what we want and enjoy playing together everything is fine. That makes it easier to cope and our expectaions are not very high. All we want to do is write songs which we like, play live and release records. We are too old for fame and fortune.

5. Now your back with your new album "Inner Exile", what are your immediete plans?

Our immediate plans are to go to the pub, conquer the world, unite with all forces of evil, play some gigs and especially continue writing songs so that we can enter the studio next year. The wilderness was o.k., but no more five year excursions this time. We are quite eager to write and release more material.

6. Has Mr Albers fit in well with the band?

He has fit in very well, since he is an old friend of ours. He used to replace me live on guitar and the other Florian when necessary and he used to party and spend time with us before he joined. And he brought some new influences and riffs into the band, which also was refreshing.

7. Do you have any plans to come over here and tour the UK?

We'd love to play in the UK. So whoever reads theses lines, just book us. It would be an honour to play some Kraut Metal for you guys.

8. How did the deal with Restrain come about?

They signed us after they had heard that we don't want to sign with Island Records. No, they were the first interested and offered a fair deal, so we just signed. Nowadays it has become quite complicated to get a propper deal.

9. Finally, in a scene like the German underground with so many excellent bands bursting to make their way through, did you always believe you would be this sucsessful?

There were times when we didn't think "Inner Exile" would ever be released. Luckily it happened and we are thankful for that and for being back. Regarding success: the reviews have been good and hopefully we can give some people something through our music. If success means to endure and not to give up, then we've been very successful. If it means groupies, world tours and platinum credit cards, then we've heavily failed.

** You can check out Mourning Caress at the links below**

www.myspace.com/mourningcaress
www.mourningcaress.com