Hanna Tsepesh: Hello Lars! Thanks so much for accepting this interview and Welcome to THE GATES OF METAL! First of all: how are you and for those who do not know Metalium could tell us a little how it all started?
Lars Ratz: I got the idea middle 1998 to created an extraordinary Metal band and called some friends. We have met to wrote songs and in 1999 we created the very first cd “Millennium Metal –chapter one”.
Hanna Tsepesh: What inspired you the most to create the lyrics? The band writes the lyrics first or first the band creates the riffs and the melody to comply with the lyrics?
Lars Ratz: First is always the music and then the melody lines. Afterwards we write the words.
Mostly related to the reality but wrapped in metaphors often.
Hanna Tsepesh: What are your favorite bands?
Lars Ratz: We have as inspiration more the old bands like , Rainbow, Black Sabbath, old Maiden, Deep Purple and combine them with our own ideas.
Hanna Tsepesh: I would like to know if Henning had or have any singing lessons?
Lars Ratz: Henning had classical training for vocals.
Hanna Tsepesh: Metalium will have a new album called “GROUNDED - Chapter VIII”. For people who don’t listen yet can you tell to us what we can expect about this new album and what is the big different for you between this album and the previous one?
Lars Ratz: There is no big difference in the previous albums. We are METAL and never will be something else! Even if it’s a similar style every album has its own touch.
Hanna Tsepesh: Everything went well at recording studio? The band feels proud with the final result or you think that miss something?
Lars Ratz: Well…. as I’m the producer I can state that I would not have finished the way it is unless it would have been as I wanted it!
Hanna Tsepesh: The band is thinking about a European tour? You guys have plains to include Portugal in your tour or something?
Lars Ratz: We would love to come again to Portugal but at this moment we only have Germany scheduled. In case there would be any professional promoter in Portugal we definitely we would come to play.
Hanna Tsepesh: If one young guy (that is starting a band like Metalium) asks you one big advice, what will be your answer for him?
Lars Ratz: Believe in YOURSELF and ROCK !
Hanna Tsepesh: Thanks o much for your answers and time. THE GATES OF METAL wishes the entire band a big success with “GROUNDED - Chapter VIII”! We hope to see Metalium very soon in here…
Lars Ratz: Bom Dias Portugal, we hope to see you on tour soon.
By: Hanna Tsepesh
To listen to some METALIUM music’s and for future information’s go at:
www.myspace.com/metalium
www.metalium.de/
