Exclusive Interviews: Vendetta Music

Interview with Johan of Suicide Commando

February 16, 2005

Q1: Hello Johan!Your last album "Axis of Evil" (2003) has received mixed reviews.Most of SC fans thought it lacked the aggression of your earlier works and they strongly urge you to go back to the roots.What should we expect from the new album & when is it coming out?

Well, "most SC fans" isn't exactly the right statement, indeed some fans had some mixed feelings about "axis of evil", but that certainly was a minority of people. Overall "axis of evil" got amazing reviews and we gained many new fans with this latest album-- But of course it's difficult to please everyone, I know some people/fans still prefer my older works, some people prefer the new Suicide Commando sound ... But I guess it's just a matter of finding the right balance. Anyway, it's still a bit early to say much about the next album, but first tracks can be considered as the normal continuation of "axis of evil". I'm currently working on the new single and that sounds pretty hard though, so be surprised !I still hope to get both new single and album out by the end of this year ! We'll see ...

Q2:Suicide Commando has been a source of influence for many dark elektro bands.What are your favorites electro acts & which styles of music did you listen to growing up?

I actually grew up in the early eighties with bands like The Cure, Sisters of Mercy ... Later on I discovered the electronic sounds from bands like Klinik, Front 242, Skinny Puppy ... And I guess these bands still can be considered as my main influences. I still love the so called old school EBM movement with bands like Klinik, Front 242, Leather Strip ... But on the other hand I also love the new generation of EBM bands like Aslan Faction,Tactical sekt, Grendel, Dioxyde ...

Q3: What do you think of the futurepop/hellektro scene and do you see things ever changing to pure harsh elektro instead of poppy bands getting all the attention?

Trends come and go, so I'm sure the futurepop trend will fade away some day ... At the moment you can notice some kind of EBM revival and I'm very glad about that. But the music scene is always changing, so who knows what will be trendy next year ?

Q4: Are you in constant contact with the top-notch dark elektro bands(YelworC,Hocico &Wumpscut) and would you work with promising harsh EBM acts such as Severe Illusion?

Well, besides Yelworc perhaps I'm in contact with most of the bands you just mentioned. Some of them even can be considered as close friends. Everything is possible so who knows-- I might work together with some of these artists in the future. Be surprised !

Q5: SC hardcore fans sorely miss your awesome side-project, Lescure 13.

You've told me once that a DCD (which would include demo,unreleased and brand new tracks) is in the pipeline. Is it going to materialize?

I certainly hope so, but due to my severe lack of time I had to put these plans on hold for a while, but as soon as I find some time again I sure would like to release some more Lescure 13 stuff. But at the moment all my time and attention goes to suicide commando.

Q6: The nine SC tapes are long out-of-print and almost impossible to find. Some of the tracks were featured on "Chromodioxyde 1"(Dependent, 1999). Are you planning on releasing the remaining tracks on CD in the future?

I still have plans to do a "Chromdioxyde 2" some day with more old and rare Suicide Commando material, but nothing concrete at the moment. First I want to concentrate on new material.

Q7: Is there any special synthesizer or software program that you consider to be the best to work with?

I guess that differs from person to person. Personally I like to work with the Roland JP8000 or the Access Virus Indigo ... But saying these synthesizers are "the best" is a bit overrated. I'm sure there are plenty of other great machines around ...

Q8: Are you planning a tour for North America anytime soon?

Not for the moment, no ... As I just said I now first want to work and finish my new single and album. After that we first will do another European tour, but who knows we'll finally make it over to the US after that ?! We'll see what's possible.

Q9: Any last words or comments for your fans?

I'd like to thank all my fans for their support over the last decade !
Without them I would be nothing, so thank you !!!
Watch out for our next single and album coming out end of the year !
Be prepared !!!