Exclusive Interviews: Vendetta Music

Interview with Erick and Torsten of the band - Trial

September 23rd, 2006

Q1) Hello Erick and Torsten!Trial fans have been yearning for a new album and their prayers will be answered soon. "No Fate" is a true dark elektro masterpiece, and I predict "Fur Zwei", "Bruder" and "Dreamstalker" will be instant club hits.What can you tell us about your new album?

Glad you like the new material.The reactions to the shows we played lately were overwhelmingly positive as well.Your prediction concerning "Für zwei" is correct. It's making waves in german clubs. "No Fate" will fill the gap between our last album, "Secret Pain" and the next one .Tha's why we remixed six classic tracks and made six new ones. Along with the new album, we've finished recording a second disc that offers twelve mixes and unreleased tracks, and will give listeners a more complete idea of what Trial stands for.We've also prepared an EP entitled "Für Zwei" featuring five mixes of the title track and an exclusive bonus track. We took the signature Trial sound to the next level while remaining faithful to our past. Our unique style is the reason why people still love Trial in spite of the fact that we haven't released a new album in twelve years.Torsten's voice which is also a Trial's trademark, has markedly improved over the years. I'm sure that the new album will not only appeal to our hardcore fans, but to the scene's youthful audience as well.

Q2) In the early 90's, Trial has been hailed as one of the most talented dark elektro acts. Your critically-acclaimed albums "Zero Feeling" (1992) &"Secret Pain"(1994) got very positive reviews and connoisseurs of alternative electronic music foresaw a promising future for Trial. What's the reason behind your 12-year hiatus?

We haven't released any official cd since 1994 but we never split up. We always were and still are buddies working on music. We wanted to think things over. Well, I suppose one could say that time flew by but many people felt that it took ages.We're back on track and that's all that matters. For instance, the first version of Dreamstalker was written in 1999. I finished recording the track in late 2001. I'm a perfectionist and if i'm not entirely satisfied with the track, i would work relentlessly until it fully meets my lofty expectations. The other reason behind our long absence may be an astounding fact to Trial fans: we still haven't found a promising label. The first two labels we contacted told us that our sound isn't commercial enough! Torsten thinks it's a good omen because we don't make fluffy, poppy music, and we would never change our signature sound: straight forward in your face and into your heart punchy electro with unique growling vocals. I'm very optimistic that we'll find a good electro label in the near future.

Q3) What are your favorite electro bands and which styles of music did you listen to growing up?

In my personal ranking order, Skinny Puppy, Frontline Assembly, Front 242, Nitzer Ebb, Klinik/Dive are the spearheads of the electro-industrial scene. Why? Because they haven't been and will probably never be surpassed. They are in a league of their own and they have influenced thousands of electro bands.Music in general is very important to me. It's impossible to mention all my favorite musicians so I'll give you a quick overview of my music addiction: Essential original motion picture soundtrack: The King : Johnny Cash (no, not Elvis) Pure Heat: Kiss (pathfinder for my freedom and pacemaker to generations of upcoming bands for decades) Alltime favorite band: Depeche Mode (you bet) Greatest act: U2 (too big and too deep to be forgotten) Hardest fuck up: Panthera (pre-Torsten Voice era) Body and mind: Trance from the old days and Goa We could go on and on for hours...

Q4) Veteran rivetheads have expressed utter disgust at the hellektro/futurepop-infested electro scene. Do you see things ever changing to pure harsh elektro instead of trancey bands getting all the attention?

As I mentioned earlier, I'm heavily influenced by the electro legends. This is the sound that will never die. The 1990's have seen the emergence and demise of various styles of electronic music.For instance, Trance and Techno music were very inspiring let's say from 1992 till 1995, and then commercial trends creeped into the scene's spirit which led to its split into various branches. I think we have to differentiate between electro and trance-flavored electronic music .It's like a tree spreading new branches into different directions but each branch needs to rely on the tree trunk. I am glad we are one of those branches breathing life into the scene for fifteen years, and we remained loyal to our roots. Everybody should make or listen to the music that they like. I don't mind trancey guys like VNV Nation selling lots of records because I don't have to buy their releases. There's enough room for each and every style of electronic music, and I believe in freedom of informed choice.

Q5) The last few years have witnessed the return of classic electro acts (Front 242,Skinny Puppy, Portion Control and last but not least Nitzer Ebb) and the emergence of neo-old school bands (Severe Illusion, Last Influence of Brain, Spetsnaz, CAP to name a few). I strongly believe that authentic dark elektro (100%-hellektro-free) and old school EBM took the first step toward regaining ground. What's your take on that?

I can only speak for Trial. We aren't done yet and we still have a lot to offer.The pure and straight approach to electro will never die. The return of classic electro acts was only a matter of time because there is a high demand for their music.The new generation is eager to listen to the grandmasters' timeless releases and see them performing live on the stage.

Q6) Are you in contact with promising neo-old school bands and would you work with them in the future?

I am afraid not. We don't have much time and we've to concentrate on Trial. We can do a remix but I prefer to build my own sound instead of mixing it up with another talented act. But never say never...

Q7)You did an amazing remix for the Belgian EBM act, Grandchaos. What do you think of "In Sedens" EP DCD?

Our remix offers an innovative reinterpretation of the track "God Is Dead"."In Sedens" DCD is an interesting experiment. I especially like your approach to bringing EBM hardliners together and excluding futurepoppers.Maybe there are too many remixes of "God Is Dead", but the different reinterpretations are unique. You've spoiled electroheads by the plethora of remixes and everyone can pick the tracks they like best. Remixes are very trendy nowadays.

Q8)Is there any special synthesizer or software program that you consider to be the best to work with?

There is no such thing as best hardware. Machines are just instruments.It's the person's programming skills that make a big difference. Owning a Nikon D2K doesn't make you a good photographer. You still have to create your own view. I'm very fond of my Ensoniq EPS 16 samplers and they will always be present in anyTrial track. I also love the Roland Phantom. I played it once and I kind of got hooked right away.Some bands are fixated on the Emu style, others on Korg, and many others on countless plug ins.

Q9)Are you planning on re-releasing your long out-of-print backcatalogue?

If there is enough demand, we'll give it a go. We are not bound with contracts anymore but "No Fate" and "Für Zwei" EP should be released first.

Q10)Any last words or comments?

I am very happy to see the music style I started to love in 1987 is still alive and growing. To say it with the words of a very talented band, I believe in the future of the human race (we never gave up).