Lucem Fero | Interviews | Holy Moses

“Bloodbound of the Damned” - The fans ease Agony of Death's bitter reality for Holy Moses vocalist Sabina Classen

By Anthony Morgan

In roughly September 2007, both songwriting and production began in support of Holy Moses' twelfth full length. Formed during the summer of 1980 in Aachen, Germany, Holy Moses issued a raft of classic Thrash albums during the eighties, such as Finished With The Dogs, The New Machine Of Liechtenstein and World Chaos. During the early nineties however, the international Thrash scene suffered from difficult times. Holy Moses folded during mid 1992, and vocalist Sabina Classen laid down two full lengths (1995's Absurd and 1999's Mother, Creator, God) as part of Temple of the Absurd alongside Warpath guitarist Schrödey. In mid 2002, Holy Moses reformed. Since that time, other lineup changes have occurred. Numerous gigs across the globe have been honoured, and at important festivals such as W:O:A and With Full Force, and the Pusam Festival in South Korea. In addition, the reactivated assemblage issued 2002's Disorder Of The Order and 2005's Strength, Power, Will, Passion.

Whilst the material was largely recorded at Blue Castle Studio near Hamburg, Olli Jaath's drum parts were laid down at Hunting Ground Studio in Hanover. Produced by guitarist Michael Henkel, Classen was afforded six months to cut her respective parts. Provisionally christened Bloodbound, Agony of Death's title concerns the struggles that plague individuals throughout their life, and mirrors the struggles which Holy Moses have had to endure over their years as a group. “Bloodbound of the Damned” forms an ode to the act's fanclubs worldwide, whereas “Schizophrenia”'s title is self-explanatory. Meanwhile, “Through Shattered Minds” touches upon the severe mental troubles which haunt erstwhile bassist Robert “Ozzy” Frese, whilst "Dissociative Disorder" delves into the topic of amnesia.

A whole plethora of guest musicians feature, namely; Axel Rudi Pell's Ferdy “Carpenter” Doernberg upon the keyboards and samples within the intro and outro sections, not to mention slide guitars upon “Through Shattered Minds”, Ralph Santolla (Obituary / ex-Deicide / ex-Death / ex-Iced Earth) donating solo guitar to “World In Darkness” and “Dissociative Disorder”, Obituary's Trevor Peres providing a guest solo for the composition “Angels In War”, Henning Basse (Sons of Season / Metalium) and The Wolf (Darkside / Demolition) supplying backing vocals towards “Schizophrenia” and “Imagination” respectively, Janos Murri (Darkside / Demolition) executing solo guitar on “Imagination” and “Alienation”, Destruction's Schmier (also frontman for Headhunter) upon “The Cave”'s backing vocals, and last but not least, Karlos Medina (Agent Steel) handles bass upon “Imagination”.

Agony of Death will be issued in three differing versions; a jewel case edition, a digipack edition which boasts both instrumental intro and outro sections between tracks, and bonus cuts (namely “Delusional Denial” and “Through Shattered Minds”), and a double vinyl edition. From late September towards late October, Holy Moses will be paired alongside Britain's Benediction as part of a co-headlining European tour. With much scope for discussion, Holy Moses vocalist Sabina Classen heartily agreed to a telephone interview with Lucem Fero. A range of topics were approached, such as songwriting sessions in support of Agony of Death, its lyrical content, cutting vocals at Blue Castle Studio, the album's musical style and its raft of guest parts, why the album will be issued via three differing versions, and the possibility of a music video. In addition, Classen shares her thoughts upon Holy Moses' upcoming tour alongside Benediction, what she feels are the outfit's greatest and weakest full lengths, her greatest memories, and look back on her time as part of Temple of the Absurd. Classen elicits passion towards her music in spite of her time in the music industry, and hasn't let its toils dampen her mood overall. Whilst Classen has figured amongst Metal's fringes for a whole twenty-seven years, the frontwoman seems both musically fresh and keen to conquer goals anew.

Hello?
Hello. Is this Anthony?
Yeah, this is Anthony.
Hi, this is Sabina from Holy Moses.
How are you?
I'm fine.
Would it be alright if I began the interview?
Yeah, we can start.
Could you provide an introduction to Agony of Death?
An introduction to the new album? In my opinion, Agony of Death is one of the greatest albums that we've ever penned. For that reason, I'm really happy with it.
In support of Agony of Death, when did songwriting sessions begin?
Roughly more than one year ago, both the production and songwriting process began. We didn't wish to hasten the process, so for that reason, we took our time. Each specific process which gave birth to Agony of Death was handled solely by ourselves; the material was recorded at Blue Castle Studio near Hamburg, and that studio is owned by Holy Moses' guitarist Michael Henkel - Michael handled most of the various aspects which spawned the album. On this specific album, I had to cut my vocals within six months. I didn't sing on a daily basis, but chose to cut my vocals on days I felt I was in really good condition. Consequently, I could channel all of my vocal capabilities into the actual songs. As a result of that, Agony of Death boasts a wide range of voices.
Agony of Death's lyrical content reportedly touches upon subjects such as suicide and amnesia, so can you expand upon that?
It has nothing to do with suicide. The term “agony of death” refers to the fact that as soon as you're born, you're immediately struggling to prevent life from diminishing. In general, most individuals have a variety of luxuries. If you're a small child who's born into a really great family, then your life doesn't initially hold problems. As you grow older, life's reality takes grip, and you experience life's struggles - that might encompass gaining a good scholarly education, not to mention earning a decent job position, and things of that nature. Additionally, you have to fight against mental struggles, and that's yet another battle. For twenty-seven years, Holy Moses has been part of the music business. As a group, we've always had to struggle, and undergo an “agony of death”. The album looks behind those deep emotional themes, and my own inner “agony of death”.
So Agony of Death concerns life's struggles?
Yeah.
When mentioning suicide, I was referring to a specific number. Agony of Death features a track called “World In Darkness”, and the press release states that it concerns “suicidal reflections”.
“World In Darkness” concerns one's personal mental issues, but doesn't directly concern suicidal reflections. The track lyrically ponders as to whether a world of darkness exists within yourself, and possesses therapeutic qualities. As you can tell, Agony of Death's lyrical content touches upon important topics. Look at issues more deeply, and the occurrences which happen throughout your life.
In terms of Agony of Death's lyrical content, what else can you reveal?
Agony of Death features a track called “Bloodbound of the Damned”, and that song is dedicated to our fanclub institutions situated around the whole globe. As a group, you can only fight against those aforementioned struggles with the support of a genuine fan following. Meanwhile, “Schizophrenia” delves into the schizophrenic thoughts one can suffer from. “Through Shattered Minds” touches upon the story of Holy Moses' former bassist, who had to part ways with the group as the result of an extremely severe mental problem. He really lost the carpet from under his feet so to speak, so I dedicated that song to him. Hopefully, the song will help him in thinking about those shattered minds which dwell inside his head.
Were all of Agony of Death's respective parts laid down at Blue Castle Studio?
The drum parts were recorded at a different studio, namely Hunting Ground Studio in Hanover. Mixing, and the various other processes, were handled at Blue Castle Studio. Michael largely handles mastering duties, and we're fully aware of how great a producer he really is. Michael can unearth a really aggressive tone, so for that reason, we have total faith in him.
As you mentioned, your vocal parts were recorded over a six month period. In comparison to past Holy Moses full lengths, how was that beneficial towards the quality of your vocal parts?
In preparing my vocal parts, I was really happy. When preparing my vocal parts in support of past Holy Moses records, my contributions usually had to be laid down over the course of seven days. If you weren't feeling very well, then only one type of emotion was channelled into the vocal parts. When you're feeling extremely well on the other hand, then you can channel an array of emotions into the vocal parts - for example, you can utilize overtly hysterical cries, or really deep growls, and so on. Having six months to cut my vocal parts, I could record whenever I felt extremely great. In recording my parts, I could attempt a range of vocal stylings, and a variety of noises were produced by my throat. I compiled each of the vocal stylings I had exploited in past albums, and channelled them into Agony of Death. I'm really satisfied with the album.
In comparison to past Holy Moses albums, you feel that your vocal parts are much more varied?
Yeah, definitely.
When you record future Holy Moses material, will you take roughly six months to record your vocal parts?
Yeah, as I could choose when I laid down my vocal parts.
What musical style does Agony of Death feature?
Holy Moses was founded in 1981, so the group is in great health. During the early eighties, Holy Moses could already forge its own individual style. At the moment, I feel that Agony of Death fuses together each of the elements prevalent upon past albums. Music fans deem that Holy Moses' style is a brand of Thrash Metal, but that it additionally contains Death Metal instances. We write pure Thrash Metal in my opinion, but music fans draw comparisons towards Death Metal. My voice lies somewhere between Thrash and Death Metal, but it's the vocal style I've always used. Music is always filed into specific categories, and specific genres. We don't try to adopt Thrash elements, and Death Metal elements. We're Holy Moses, and Agony of Death is purely a Holy Moses album.
As you mentioned, Holy Moses has been in existence for twenty-seven years. Does Agony of Death feature anything specific which wasn't featured on past Holy Moses albums?
We paid attention to penning great chorus lines, and deep, extremely great solo parts. Those aren't fresh elements, but elements we paid more attention towards. In the past, Holy Moses was extremely rhythm guitar based. However, we've always known that Michael was a really great solo guitarist. Also, we made sure to write an album which fuses together each of Holy Moses' musical aspects. Consequently, that meant the inclusion of the following; solo parts, extremely technical aspects, extremely great chorus lines, and great backing vocals - backing vocals were always something extremely important to Holy Moses. We've issued eleven albums, and will shortly release our twelfth album, so nobody actually needs to purchase a new Holy Moses record unless it's really great. As we have a lengthy discography, we can schedule live concerts whenever we wish. For us, it was extremely important to make an album which smacks the listener in the face, and that's what we've achieved. I'm really happy with the result.
So you feel that Agony of Death is actually an outstanding album?
Yeah, Agony of Death is indeed outstanding. Everything which Holy Moses stands for was streamed into Agony of Death, and that's the reason why it's more distinct than our past albums. If you listen to Holy Moses' past albums, you'll actually notice that we channelled ourselves into those albums. For this album, we looked within ourselves so that we could discover what we wanted to personally achieve, and following that we converged those feelings into Agony of Death. After all these years, we know how to use a studio, and how to play our instruments. Also, I know how to exploit my voice. All the experience that we've gathered over the last twenty-seven years in the music industry was focalised into Agony of Death, and that was really important. We didn't think about the album's tracks so much, so the resultant material came from our souls. The music overwhelms you, so it's difficult to describe in words at times. While sitting in the studio and producing a song, you begin to realise that you're composing the greatest album you've ever written. Afterwards, you wonder why you hadn't written that album at an earlier date. Sometimes, the time arrives to write your greatest album, and now was the time to write our greatest album.
Agony of Death features various guest musicians, so how did those individuals become involved?
We toured alongside Obituary, the members of which are good friends of ours. When we entered the tour bus, Agony of Death's production had been mostly handled. We produced part of the album within the backstage area, and began the mixing process. Ralph Santolla listened, and said; “This is great. I'd like to cut a solo for the album”. Personally, we felt that it was a great idea. Trevor Peres held the same attitude as Ralph, and said; “I'm rather surprised too, and would also like to lay down parts for the record”. Destruction's vocalist Schmier approached us even, and said that he wanted to provide guest vocals. Agony of Death wasn't originally meant to feature guest musicians; too many guest musicians can be featured upon an album, so I mostly dislike their inclusion. Especially, this applies if you exploit the inclusion of guest musicians as a promotional tool. Friends came together, enjoyed a party, and played material together - that's why we loved their guest parts so much.
Was it difficult to find suitable tracks for each musician to guest upon?
No. The featured guest musicians listened to the material in the backstage area, and said; “This is the song part that I want to guest upon”. Their inclusion wasn't planned, but was emotionally motivated. We didn't decide upon a specific track for Ralph to guest upon, or Trevor and Schmier for that matter.
Will future Holy Moses albums feature guest musicians? You stated that, in general, you aren't a fan of that premise.
Yes, I'm not really a fan of albums featuring guest musicians. It's Holy Moses' new album, and not another group's new album. Music fans who wish to purchase the records of Holy Moses want Holy Moses featured upon the tracks, and not ten to twelve other groups. If guest slots arise through friendship though, then that's a different premise. The guest musicians involved only participated upon minor aspects, and that was a great feeling. However, guest slots aren't a central focus.
Will a music video be filmed in support of Agony of Death?
A music video will be filmed. Right now, we're rehearsing in support of our upcoming tour alongside Benediction, and that'll begin during late September. For our official MySpace page, we recorded several small rehearsal videos such as our preparation for Wacken Open Air. At the moment, we're concentrating, although I'm handling press interviews. During the tour, we'll collect movie footage via our handicams. Whilst on tour, I think we'll film, and then cut a genuine promotional video.
Has a specific track been chosen to accompany Agony of Death's inaugural music video? Do you have a specific song in mind?
Yeah. Personally, I feel that “World In Darkness” is a really great, outstanding number. On the other hand, Agony of Death additionally features tracks such as “Imagination” and “Alienation”. It's particularly difficult to select a track. I would conduct a poll through Holy Moses' official website, and ask our fans which track should accompany Agony of Death's initial music video.
Of the tracks featured upon Agony of Death, do you have a favourite?
I like Agony of Death very much, so it's difficult to select a favourite track, and choosing a particular favourite is usually difficult. For me personally, my favourite tracks are always those which are favourites amongst our fans. The ones I really love are the following; “World In Darkness”, “Bloodbound of the Damned”, and “Alienation”.
Of the tracks featured upon Agony of Death, is there a specific song which you feel will be a great live number in future concerts?
Yeah. At Wacken Open Air, we performed the following tracks from Agony of Death; “World In Darkness”, “Through Shattered Minds” and “Bloodbound of the Damned”. They were greatly received, and those three will feature amongst the setlist for our upcoming tour. Additionally, we hope that our upcoming setlist will feature more tracks from Agony of Death.
Three versions of Agony of Death will be released, so you can supply details regarding that?
Agony of Death will be released in digipack format, and that version will contain two bonus songs. Each song features intro and outro sections, and those sections lend a musical film-esque ambience to the album. Therefore, it helps to cement Agony of Death's concept within individual's minds. If you dislike those electronic sections between the songs though, then you can purchase Agony of Death's jewel case version - it features ten songs, and has no intro and outro sections. Agony of Death will also be issued on double-vinyl, boasting two vinyls inside that contain three songs upon each individual side - each track contains an intro and outro section. Each music fan can purchase a version of Agony of Death which they personally enjoy.
Are the intro and outro parts featured upon Agony of Death merely instrumentals, or do they additionally feature spoken words?
No. The intro and outro sections do not feature spoken words, but are wholly instrumental. That was really important, otherwise the listener wouldn't have been able to understand the meaning behind those sections. Agony of Death features aggressive harmonies, and profound lyrics. We listened to the tracks, and felt that each specific song contained so many elements both musically, and lyrically. So that the listener could calm down prior to listening to the next track, and could also contemplate the previous track, we felt it was necessary to use twenty second instrumentals between each song. That's the reason why we chose to use intro and outro sections.
As you mentioned, Holy Moses will tour with Benediction from late September to throughout October. When music fans attend the concert, what can they expect from Holy Moses?
Onstage, Holy Moses are always extremely aggressive, and powerful. I hope you can expect a genuine party, and will experience much fun at these shows. Three groups comprise this tour package, and the package is really great in my opinion - Thrash and Death Metal has been fused together in this instance. My expectations are high, and I think music fans will hold high expectations as well.
Holy Moses now has twelve full lengths under its belt, so how does the group approach forming a live setlist?
If you've recorded so many albums, it's always difficult to compose an appropriate setlist. That's why we usually compose our setlists in collaboration with our fanclubs; we ask the music fans which tracks they'd like to hear being performed live, and we also receive requests via email. In total, we've penned more than two hundred songs. If you've been granted a sixty minute set as part of a tour package, then composing a setlist everybody is satisfied with is a difficult task. We'll play material from each of our albums, but will definitely concentrate on Agony of Death, and perform three new tracks.
Has a setlist in support of the upcoming tour been composed yet, or not?
In the next few days, we'll compose our setlist. Our tour alongside Benediction begins in twenty days, though we have rough ideas concerning the setlist. We'll have to discuss the issue as a group, and alongside our fans. We'll see what the setlist contains; the final setlist will be a surprise (laughs).
Of Holy Moses first eleven full lengths, do you have a favourite?
I've been Holy Moses' vocalist for such a long time, so it's always difficult to choose a specific album. Every album is special to me, and that's because each album forms a diary, and and documents a certain aspect of my life. When I listen to each of Holy Moses' albums, I can hear how I felt at the time of recording. I can name which songs I penned, and why I penned them. It's difficult to select a favourite Holy Moses album, though I love Terminal Terror, The New Machine of Liechtenstein, and Finished With the Dogs. Favourite Holy Moses albums is an issue our fans have to decide, and not me.
Of Holy Moses first eleven full lengths, is there an album you least like?
Yeah, there is. Reborn Dogs was recorded when I suffered from extreme difficulties in my private life - when I listen to that album, I can identify which intense problems existed in my life. Writing Reborn Dogs was therapeutic. Each Holy Moses album forms a part of my life, and it's great that I have Holy Moses in my life. Otherwise, I couldn't stand here.
When you suffer from issues within your private life, is it difficult to lend justice to your vocal parts?
What I actually do is pen lyrics, and channel them into the songs. Yeah, music helps me. It's a healthy activity, and can be compared to engaging in sports. When other individuals suffer from personal issues, they engage in much sports such as jogging, walking for thirty kilometres, or whatever. When I enter my rehearsal room, I sing, and feel happy when I leave.
For twenty-seven years, Holy Moses has been in existence as you said. As part of the group, do you have a greatest memory?
We have so many great memories, but the greatest is the fact that Holy Moses is still alive. When Holy Moses formed in 1981, I never thought that singing would be my life. This is unbelievable. My greatest memories? Two great memories would have to be our inaugural performance at Dynamo Open Air, and our first European tour which happened to be in 1987 alongside D. R. I. and Holy Terror. Another is our inaugural performance at Wacken Open Air, and performing in front of seventy thousand people a mere few days ago. If you write music, then you've achieved many special things - that's the lucky aspect of the music industry.
Obviously, you've sung for quite some time. However, it's only today that female Metal vocalists are being discussed on a prominent scale. In some respects, do you feel it's a little silly that it's only today the topic is being prominently discussed?
I don't really know what you mean. In the past, I didn't ponder upon the topic of female Metal vocalists so much. It's great to know that I was one of the initial female Metal vocalists, although I wasn't the only female Metal vocalist by any means. More girls work in the Metal industry nowadays, meaning that female talent is more prominent. I don't muse upon the topic so intensely, and think as to whether that's a good or bad consequence.
Do you feel that you've influenced today's female Metal vocalists?
Yeah. Over my twenty-seven years as a vocalist, I think I've influenced a lot of girls - no other individual sang like me. A lot of girls have told me that I was the reason they opted to become a vocalist, and that provides me with a great warmth.
Do you have a great road story which you can disclose?
A great story might be one I recently experienced. When we performed at Wacken Open Air, an audience member said; “Hey, look at this group. The singer has tits” (laughs). He thought I was male, and not female, so therefore wondered why I have tits. After twenty-seven years of both penning this material and performing at festivals, that was a particularly funny road story I feel.
In the nineties, you were part of a group called Temple of the Absurd. In hindsight, how do you view that time?
Temple of the Absurd was a part of my life as well, and was really important. During the mid nineties, Holy Moses suffered extremely difficult times. In terms of Thrash Metal, a lot of circumstances changed here in Germany. Temple of the Absurd formed my personal therapy. Holy Moses needed to discover a fresh musical direction, and that's the reason why the group split. Temple of the Absurd comprised some of my best friends, and the two albums we recorded had a really great vibe. Those circumstances have since changed, so Temple of the Absurd is no longer. I had great times as part of Temple of the Absurd, but Temple of the Absurd will definitely not reunite. Right now, I'm part of Holy Moses, and I'll front Holy Moses until my life comes to an end.
You're ruling out a possible reunion as part of Temple of the Absurd?
Definitely. Temple of the Absurd emerged from unique circumstances, and those circumstances will not return. Temple of the Absurd was solely meant for a specific chapter in my life. A feeling from somewhere above told me to discontinue with Temple of the Absurd, and reform Holy Moses - I believe in this.
Thanks for the interview.
Yeah, and thank you as well.
Alright, take care.
Take care, When we return to the UK, I hope to see you. Thank you very much.
Ok, goodbye.
Bye bye.