Metal Express Radio’s Sean Meloy recently had a chat with Erwin Suetens, guitarist from the outstanding new band Fireforce. Their debut album March On is available from 7 Hard Records. Read on to find out more …
MER:
Congratulations on the fantastic new album March On. This album features an incredibly powerful sound of “Pure Heavy Metal”. How have things been going for the band since the release of the album in March 2011?
Erwin:
Quiet and normal. We have very good reviews and fans who are mailing us … it’s all going ok!
MER:
For our readers not familiar with Fireforce, how would you describe your brand of Heavy Metal?
Erwin:
We like to call it True Power Metal, but the “true” is not cheesy!
MER:
Flype’s vocal style is very bold and commanding. Who are some his major artistic influences which have defined his style?
Erwin:
I know he likes Rob Halford, Ralf Scheepers, and Udo Dirkschneider a lot.
MER:
Before the evolution of Fireforce, you and vocalist Flype were the driving force of the band Double Diamond. Was it tough to make a transition from playing in an established band to trying to make a new name for yourself?
Erwin:
Flype and I started Fireforce after it was clear that the other Double Diamond guys were not interested in trying to lift the band to a higher level. Since we are very good friends, and really into Metal, it was obvious we wanted to do better than Double Diamond, so we decided to start from scratch! With Double Diamond we had the feeling we were a little bit boycotted and we knew there were things we could do better, but now with Fireforce we did the best. So no one can say the efforts were not there …they were!
MER:
Talk a little about the album, March On. There are many classic styles incorporated within the tracks. Can you tell fans a little about how these songs were influenced and created?
Erwin:
I write all the songs and I really cannot say which song was influenced by what. I grew up with NWOBHM and the German bands like Accept, Running Wild, and Grave Digger. I think it’s obvious, even though I never used any of these on purpose. The songs just … came!
MER:
There are many songs on the album based on historical events. Can you tell fans a little about how those songs came together, and is it safe to say that you guys are history buffs?
Erwin:
I am. I think we only can learn from history, so I want to teach some too (laughing). Most of our history is made by war, and still we don’t learn. But, sometimes it’s the only way to reach a goal.
MER:
Now for an “easy” question – what is your favorite track from March On, and why?
Erwin:
(Laughing) Easy? For the moment I like them all. They are all my babies. If I really have to choose right now, I would say “1302 – Battle For Freedom” because it’s about the “Battle Of The Golden Spurs” here in Flanders. We kicked the French in their asses, as it was a great achievement where a peasant army fought a much bigger army of knights. However, only a few months later they kicked back … a lot harder (laughing)!
MER:
So what is in the future for Fireforce? Will there be a tour and festival dates to support March On in 2011?
Erwin:
We have some shows here in Belgium and in Holland, but we would love to have some in Germany as well!
MER:
Do you have any final words to share for your new fans out there?
Erwin:
Thanks for being interested and for your support guys! Spread the word!
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