Das Interview mit der Band Revenge Division über ihre Formation und das aktuelle Album The New Generation (English Version)

Artist: Revenge Division

Orgin: Slowakei

Genre: Melodic Death Metal, Thrash Metal, Metalcore

Label: MetalGate Records

Link: https://www.facebook.com/revengedivision

Bandmitglieder:

Guitar – Matej
Guitar – Juraj
Bass – Edward
Drums – Brighter

Revenge Division - The New Generation Cover

Time For Metal / Rene W.:

Hi Revenge Division,

I’m glad you found some time to speak about you, your scene in Slowakia and your current release The New Generatin. At first I would like you to introduce yourself. Where do you met first and when did you decide to found Revenge Division?

Revenge Division:

Thank you for your interest, we appreciate it. Our history is more complicated than it seems. But long story short – in a small city called Považská Bystrica in Slovakia, there met three guys in school: guitarist Matej, bassist Eduard and drummer Tom. They had one thing in common, love for metal music. There lie our origins. It was probably in 2006-7. We started to play covers and created our first original material. Then we’d split up, but two years later we started to play and compose together again. Sometime after, we were joined by guitarist Juraj and lastly by vocalist Jeremy and this ushered the birth of Revenge Division in May 2011.

Time For Metal / Rene W.:

Your music is widley ranged. It containts Melodic Death Metal and Thrash Metal but also elements of Metalcore. Is this a combination of the genre the bandmembers like or how did you develope this genre mix?

Revenge Division:

Yes, exactly. These genres are full of energy, power and melodies, and we like to play in this fashion. After adding some other ideas and elements, for example piano, violin or soprano, we established a really widely ranged style of music. We wanted to build a strong atmosphere on the album and have songs that are different from each other.

Time For Metal / Rene W.:

In Novembre you sent your new output The New Generation in cooperation with MetalGate Records around the world. How was this cooperation started? How did you experienced the time of promotion, before the CD was released?

Revenge Division:

In 2012 we enrolled into a competition called MetalGate Massacre which is organized by MetalGate Records. There we made the first contact, as well as making it all the way to the final round. We probably made an impression, so when our CD was finished MetalGate offered us a release deal. Of course, we also sent promotion e-mails and packages to many labels in Europe, but in the end, we decided for MetalGate. We knew their crew, their vision and attitude and their offer was really fair.

Time For Metal / Rene W.:

Before you can spread your art, you had to work hard to create songs. What are the sources of your creativity? Are you inspired by other bands?

Revenge Division:

Composing is mostly done by our guitarist Matej. Of course, most musicians listen to music and are influenced by it when they compose themselves whether they are aware of it or not. Some songs are completely composed by Matej, while other songs and passages came from jamming sessions or from the input of the band as a whole. Lyrics also have an important position. When you know, what your song is going to be about and what emotion you want to evoke, it ́s easier to create and compose melodies together.

Time For Metal / Rene W.:

How much time dit it take to start creating the first song until finishing the album inclusive cover and how do you feel about the production progress in your rehearsal room and in the studio?

Revenge Division:

Creating The New Generation was a really hard and long process. Just consider – the first song, called Like a Drill was composed by Matej in 2007, when he didn ́t have his own electric guitar yet The album itself was released in November 2014 so it took approx. 7 years to finish, but there were breaks in between the process. Recording sessions themselves started in December 2012 in Prague, so from recording to the actual release it took less than two years. It could have been sooner, but there were many struggles, mostly with the album cover art. We said to us: when we are making an album, let ́s do it as best as we can. Therefore, we did not rush. To answer your second question, the recording and production process was a really great experience for us. We learned a lot and had a lot of fun. Listening to final master evokes a lot of memories for us.

Time For Metal / Rene W.:

Where is the main focus related to the lyrics on your album? Is it a concept album?

Revenge Division:

It ́s not quite a concept album – if you mean something like Abigail by King Diamond. That said, most of the lyrics do have one common idea, namely the notion of personal freedom and of the influence of modern world, religions, media and technologies on mankind. There are actually two songs that follow each other – the title song The New Generation could be taken as a continuation of the one that precedes it, which is called The Secret of Palms Sheets.

Time For Metal / Rene W.:

Before I listened to The New Generation I never heard about you guys and – to be honest – reading the name The New Generation did not make me feel enthusiastic. But after listening to your new CD, I had a positive impression of your work. What echo did you receive for The New Generation and how do you deal with critics?

Revenge Division:

Of course, there are those who like our music and those who do not. In general however, we feel, hear and read positive responses overall. People write us how they like our songs, about specific passages and what they feel during listening. And that ́s important for us – music should evoke emotions.

About critics – we try to take it constructively, but if it is a destructive criticism, we just ignore it. Our primary objective is to have fun with music. Of course, you cannot please everyone and this needs to be taken into account.

Time For Metal / Rene W.:

The german metal scene is one of the strongest in the world. There are a lot of concerts every day and all bands are touring through the country. What about the scene in Slowakia? Is metal a popular genre?

Revenge Division:

Of course, we can ́t compare the metal scene in Slovakia and Germany. Slovakia has 5,5 million inhabitants, so the market is limited. But that doesn ́t mean that there are not metal fans. There are labels, clubs, booking agents and studios too. For example – Roland Grapow lives in Slovakia and leads his studio. But as we said – the market is rather small, so it ́s not exactly easy for us metalheads in Slovakia.

Time For Metal / Rene W.:

Young bands normally find a way into the scene quickly: There are a lot of possibilities to present theirselves on gigs, even if this gigs are visitied by 50 – 100 visitors. A deal with a big label is not impossible here, but how do I have to imagine the situation in your home country? What kind of possibilities do newcomers have and how important is the internet for spreading your art?

Revenge Division:

Of course, today internet is the key. More people can learn about a gig and help spread the word, than just by looking at posters. On the other hand, people today are also picky and they freely choose which band they are going to see. So you need to be attractive for people. But if you are good, you can reach a decent fan base.

Time For Metal / Rene W.:

In Germany the reactions regarding The New Generation were quiet good. Are there any chances to see you live on stage in Germany soon?

Revenge Division:

We are very pleased We currently don ́t have any gig booked in Germany, but of course, if there is any possibility to play in your country, we will be honored to come.

Time For Metal / Rene W.:

My last question deals with your future plans: Which wishes and ambitions do you plan to fulfill with Revenge Division in the next 12 months?

Revenge Division:

That’s simple. This year we would like to start recording a new album. That’s our first priority. Then a music video and play as many gigs as possible.

Time For Metal / Rene W.:

Thank you for your the interview. The last words to our readers and your fans belong to you. I wish you a lot of success for the future!

Revenge Division:

We thank you for your questions and wishes We would like to thank every reader and every fan for support, we appreciate it and hope to see you on our live show.