SOURCE – Can you introduce us to your band members and tell us whether we should know them from other bands or projects. Do they have other activities at this moment in time?
Britta (Vocals) – Hi, I’m Britta and lead vocalist in Critical Mess. I’m also the singer in Cripper.
Benny (Drums) – Hi, my name’s Benny and I’m the drummer. I also play in the bands Magna Mortalis and November 13th.
Marco (Guitar) – Hi, I’m Marco and I wreak havoc on the guitar for CM.
Elmo (Guitar) – Hi, I’m Elmo and I shred my 6-string for CM.
SOURCE – You recently filmed a video for the track Feasting. Could you tell us a little bit about the video. Who came up with the idea to it?
Marco (Guitar) – The idea was to release a powerful, fast-paced performance video in which we could present ourselves, the band CRITICAL MESS, as newcomers to the death metal scene. The band members, the roles within the band and the Feasting song message were to be conveyed in the video – I think we did a great job!
Britta (Vocals) – We’re lucky to have great friends with great skills, who are never hesitating to support us. So we had awesome help from friends who did all the filming and editing etc.
SOURCE – So we are looking for around fall of next year for the album?
Britta (Vocals) – Fortunately much sooner! We recently got signed to Metalville, a German label but with international releases. Our debut album will be out March 29th and we will even promote it with a tour. We’re supporting Six Feet Under on their European tour in May/June. That’s very exciting. It’s also about time to release the album – we finished the recordings a year ago.
Marco (Guitar) – Like Britta said, it’s time! We’re really happy about the timely release and thus being able to give everyone access to our debut ‘Human Præy’ earlier than expected.
SOURCE – Have you experienced any differences in how the foreign press treats you and the band compared to how native press and media treats and writes about you?
Britta (Vocals) – Our promotion cycle has just started and we’re new to the press. We need to come back to that topic next time.
SOURCE – What has been the biggest obstacle to overcome as a band from starting out to where you are now?
Marco (Guitar) – Probably agreeing on the same goals in respect to music and a career in music. Not everybody wants to take their music onto the world stages or sign up with a label and release records and that’s ok, but everyone has to be on the same page for things to come to fruition. That’s where CRITICAL MESS is now, in mutual agreement and fully prepared to give what it takes.
SOURCE – What are your thoughts on your local metal scene in Hannover? What are some of the challenges or obstacles that you work through to move higher up the ranks in terms of popularity or respect?
Benny(Drums) – I don’t think the local metal scene in Hannover is very different from others. It’s like a big family and everyone in the band has been part of that scene for many years when Critical Mess first surfaced. Our old and new friends in Hannover have always been very supportive with the band – so I’d say there are no real challenges or obstacles at all.
Marco (Guitar) – Quite the contrary. Like Benny said, the scene and fellow musicians have been very supportive and their current feedback regarding our signing, tour, endorsements etc. has been more than positive. We’re very lucky and thankful to have so many well-wishing metalheads and musicians in Hannover.
Elmo (Guitar) – As a musician: Unfortunately, a few clubs in Hannover have closed in the last years, and thus the number of regular metal events has decreased, which also limits the possibilities for smaller gigs.
As a metal fan: Hannover is geographically in the middle of Germany, so we are lucky to have some frequent shows of bands touring Europe in our hometown.
SOURCE – Outside of music, are there any specific passions, hobbies, or interests that the individuals of Critical Mess like to pursue when you have the free time to do so? And how do you handle the dreaded work/life/music balance that probably takes place, as it’s challenging to make a living solely from your musical efforts?
Benny (Drums) – It’s always a big challenge to find a balance between the musical efforts, friends/family and possible hobbies. But over the years the borders between things tend to fade – music becomes an important part of everything in your life. And I think that’s good – if you’re an active musician and you love what you’re doing, you need the support from your friends and loved ones. Free time in the end is still a very rare thing to have, and for me it’s always very special to really have a couple of days of free time to spend on whatever I feel like doing.
Britta (Vocals) – We all have full time jobs – no chance in sight to make enough money with the band to make a living – let alone for all band members. We’re still in the “investment phase” when it comes to Critical Mess.
In my free time I love riding my motorcycle, doing sports or hanging out with friends. My interest in painting recently re-appeared. So there might be something coming soon.
Marco (Guitar) – Outside of CRITICAL MESS duties and work there’s always room for more guitar playing and learning more about music in general (arrangements, styles, techniques etc.). When I do find some spare time outside of all this, I like to spend it with friends, drink Whiskey, play computer games or hit the gym. Oh and I’m an avid Snow- and Skateboarder too. How do I handle the balance? Take it as it comes and do what you can or have to do.
Elmo (guitar) – Outside the band life, we are in the first place all Metalheads who love to go to concerts and festivals. If there is still time left, I ride my motorcycle and I am a big american football fan… go Broncos!
SOURCE – Any closing words at all?
Britta (Vocals) – Stay open-minded, stay metal.
Marco (Guitar) – Thanks for your time and all the best for SOURCE! \m/
Contact:
Critical Mess
Video: