With:	Steve Stell - Guitars
Conducted by:	Azhidahak
Published:	16.11.2004
Band profile:	Enforsaken

-Could you please give a short history of your band?

Enforsaken was formed in 1998. In the beginning it was only a two man band. Myself, and our former drummer Patrick. In 2000 we got all of the other members we needed to make a full band. The lineup has been the same since then, except for Patrick. He left in 2002 and was replaced by Dave Swanson on drums. Patrick played on our first cd, EMBRACED BY MISERY, however. We were on a few different labels from 2000 to 2002, then signed with Century Media in Early 2003. Our debut album on this label is called THE FOREVER ENDEAVOR. It's out now everywhere. We're working on the follow up to that cd right now. Hopefully it will be out in late 2005. That's where we're at right now.

-How long did it take to record your new album "The Forever Endeavor"? Did you confront any difficulties during the recording or anything?

It took about two months to record it. We recorded it with Chris Djuricic at studio one. He's done work with Soil, Novembers Doom, Fleshgrind and many more. We recorded it maybe 3 days a week for two months. Doing editing, fixing stuff etc. We had some problems when it came to mastering it, but nothing major. All in all, it went smoothly. We learned a lot from the experience.

-On your album there is a sticker that says "For fans of Dark Tranquillity, In Flames, Soilwork & Darkest Hours", and you really sound like them. Are these bands like, your main inspirations?

I think we have some similar elements, but we're all not the same sounding. We have more of an American influence in our music. That is just a label for the record company to help sales. I think people that like those other bands might like us, so it's ok with me. We are not influenced by Darkest Hour for sure. Dark Tranquillity are a different story. We are all big fans of them for sure. At the same time, we are not trying to sound like a Swedish band. We just grew up with these bands from the Early 90's, and learned how to play by playing along to their albums. We are actually more influenced by bands like Sentenced, Entombed, Dismember, Dissection, Hypocrisy, Death, Iron Maiden, Megadeth etc.




-You have played many gigs with many famous bands such as Dismember, Kataklysm, Naglfar, Malevolent Creation etc. which band was the best one you have played with? Which band do you wish to play with?

The Dismember gig was great. Like I said, we're fans of them, so it was fun to share a stage with them. That was actually like our second show ever. It was a good experience. I'd like to play with Arch Enemy. That would be a good crowd to play to. SOmetimes when we play with a gore metal band like Cannibal Corpse, the reaction is not so good. Our best crowds are for people that like melodic death metal.

-What is the best memory you have from all your gigs?

I only have worst memories of gigs. Like when my amp doesn't work right. I only remember the bad stuff. Haha. The technical difficuliites we've had here and there.

-How close are the relations between the band members?

We all hate each other. We can't stand being in the same room together. It's almost time to file for divorce, I think. haha. Nah, it's ok. We all get along ok.




-In your website its written "Enforsaken have already begun work on the follow up to this release". When do you think your fans can expect the new album to be released?

Steve: We hope to record it in the spring of 2005. Then get it out in maybe September 2005. That is the plan right now. We have more than half the material already written for it. So we're still on schedule. I'm looking forward to it.

-As a musician, what is your biggest goal?

To keep my guitar in perfect tune when playing live. That's all, really.

-What are the last albums that you have bought?

The last cds I bought were the new Megadeth, Rise Against and Shadows Fall cds. I'm actually going to see Megadeth live in Chicago this Friday. I can't wait! Dave Mustaine is my hero.

-How do you compose your songs? I mean, do you do it all together or do you do it individually?

Usually individually. We don't jam as a band, really. Either Joe Or Myself will write all the music at home, record it on a 4 track, then give it to all the members. We try to have everything planned out. It's usually Joe Or Myself that writes all the music. We like to have all the guitar riffs ready to go. They just need to add drum beats, bass lines and vocals. The structures and arrangements sometimes get changed when we play them as a full band. It's a long process sometimes, but it works in the end. Our singer writes all the lyrics.

-What is your opinion about the metal scene in USA? Compared to the European metal scene, which one do you think is better?

The European scene for metal is better. It always has been just a little bit better than the USA scene. I don't know what it is. The musicians are better in Europe, I guess. All of my favorite bands, about 75% , are from Europe. I'm not saying that the USA sucks, but as far as metal, I like the Euro scene a little better.

Thank you for your time, any last words?

Thanks for the interview! Everyone please check out www.Enforsaken.com and check out our new video for "The Poison Me." See ya!


- I would like to thank behemoth666 and the guys from Enforsaken for making this interview possible.