How did the band get together?
Stephan Gebedi: I already had the idea to form a band with Ed Warby on drums many years ago. Due to various circumstances (Thanatos reforming and Gorefest reuniting for example) it never happened. About 2 years ago my other band Thanatos played a show with Martin’s band Death by Dawn and I mentioned the idea to him. He liked the idea, we kept in touch and I asked the other guys if they were interested. We got together at the end of 2006, had a few drinks to find out if all five of us clicked on a personal level and that night we decided to form a band together.
How would you describe the sound of Of Frost And War?
It’s pure old school death metal. Nothing more, nothing less. We’re obviously influeneced by bands like Autopsy, Massacre, old Death and Celtic Frost, but of course we added our own touch to these influences. I think we managed to transport the old school death metal feeling into a sound that fits 2008.
How did you decide on the subject matter of the World War II Eastern front?
Martin already had this idea for a couple of years, and when he heard the first couple of songs we’d written, he immediately knew that this would be the perfect soundtrack for the concept he had in mind
Was the songwriting done collaboratively, or did individual members bring songs to the table?
We all collaborated in the songwriting process, but I must say that our drummer Ed came up with 70% of the guitar riffs. He’s been playing guitar for a couple of years now and he turned out to be a very creative and above all very productive. We had to slow him down a bit so Paul and me could also include some of our songs on the album!
Was the band chemistry immediate, or did it take a while for everyone to adjust to each other?
I think it was pretty much there from the start. We all have a pretty harsh, black sense of humor and we enjoy taking the piss out of each other every now and then. Had there been someone in the band who couldn’t cope with that, I guess it wouldn’t have worked that easily. Everybody’s got their own opinions and we do not always agree on every point, but there’s definitely no clash of the egos going on in this band. I guess we’re too old and lazy for that kind of (crap)!
Did you have to do a lot of research for the lyrics, or was someone in the band a history buff?
Martin has a huge interest in this topic and he did a lot of research to get all the facts right. We’re not a political band and we’re simply telling the atrocities of war from an objective point of view. WWII is a black yet very intriguing page in history and there’s a lot of interesting stuff that can be told about it without glorifying war itself.
What impact does having someone like Dan Swano mix and master the CD?
The guy obviously knows what he’s doing, and after mixing our promo CD we knew he was the right man to do the full length album as well. During the mixing process Ed and I were in close contact with him and I think the final result turned out absolutely great!
What are your expectations for the CD?
A lot of the reviews and reactions have already surpassed our expectations. I mean, we are aware of the fact that we made a strong album with exactly the sound and music that we all love ourselves, but when fans and journalists start calling it the best death metal album of the last 10 or 15 years then yeah, those reactions are surpassing our expectations.
Will future albums continue the World War II theme, but different battles?
I have no ideas about that yet. There are so many wars to choose from, so I don’t think we are limited to WWII. Martin is already thinking about a new concept, but the next album might just as well be a selection of 10 songs that are not connected to each other lyrically. It’s too early to day something relevant about it at this moment
How did you decide on Metal Blade as your label?
A number of labels were interested is signing us, but the Metal Blade deal turned out to be the most interesting one. They were on top of our wish list for labels because of their rich history and the strong promotion activities they’re known for. So far they have not disappointed us since they’re doing one hell of a job for sure.
You guys are obviously fans of old school death metal. What bands inspired you?
Well, apart from the ones I already mentioned (Autopsy, Massacre, Death and Celtic Frost), I think we should also mention Possessed, Bolt Thrower and Obituary.
You’re playing some European festivals this summer. Any in particular you’re looking forward to the most?
Martin and Paul already played last year’s Party.San festival with Asphyx and they were very enthusiastic about that, so I’m definitely looking forward to that one. I also can’t wait to play Waldrock cause we’re playing with Slayer on that one, and they’re still one of my all-time faves.
With your other band obligations, will Hail Of Bullets be able to tour?
We need to plan things carefully with all our other bands but if something good comes up, we’ll grab the opportunity. Right now we’ll concentrate on the summer festivals first and then a bunch of club shows later this year, but who knows what we might do next year.
What’s the metal scene like these days in the Netherlands?
I think it’s pretty healthy, although it’s still more or less dominated by all these (crappy) female fronted gothic metal bands. But apart from us, bands like Asphyx, Gorefest, Severe Torture and especially Legion of the Damned are doing pretty well.
