Condemnation

interview by - Wouter Roemers

A while ago we received an e-mail from one Leopold Srebo detailing his new extreme metal opus "Abyssies Of Anguish" and the involvement of former Vader and Behemoth bassist Marcin "Novy" Nowak. The record was indeed a stunning display on unearthly heaviness, dexterity and technical finesse. When the chance to arose to talk to its main composer and founding member Masterful Magazine let no time to go waste. After numerous delays and setbacks we were able to get Leopold Srebo to talk about the history of his band Condemnation, the spectacular debut "Abyssies Of Anguish", its many session musicians and how he sees the future of his band.

Hi Leopold! Thanks for doing this interview with us! What are you and the rest of Condemnation currently up to?

I've received a lot of work to do; promo packs, etc. By the way, I'm focused on composing for the new material. So it takes all my energy and free time as well.

Condemnation was formed in 1988 with an entirely different line-up, of which only Leopold "Leo" Srebo (vocals, guitars) remains today. In 1989 you released the 3 track "The Fall Of Lucipher" demo and in 2002 the single track "Into the Abyss" demo was released displaying the band's current direction. What led to the dissolution of the first Condemnation line-up?

Well, back then we were very young. In general, young people are interested in many different things or they change their mind. So, guys what I played with did it. I've lived in a small town so there was very hard to find out another people with the skills and good equipment too. The first demo tape was recorded in 1990. In Spring we started the recording process in 1998 on December. Telling you the truth, in couples of years time we decided to record the first demo in a brand new version with the completely new line-up. I moved to the North part of Poland and we started all preparations. It was all really good times for me and the band. We spent a lot of money to cover all our expenses. Finally, I decided to move to England and for a few years lived there. In 2002 I came back, just for a while, to Poland to record a promo track and do some business as a website or so. I had to record something new to check out how people respond to the music we do. That is the reason I did it. After that some guys from the USA invited me to America to play with them together and we re-organized the band. I've lived there a couple of years. What a pity we have no time to talk about it.

What is the main difference in the music between this debut album and the two promotional demos released in 1989 and 2002? How would you describe the music on the promos, for people who haven't heard it? "Abyssies of Anguish" – the recently released new album – was originally slated to be released in 2003, but now some six years later sees a release. Did the material of this album went through a lot of changes over these intervening years?

I have changed the whole structure and put more different ideas (avant-garde too), emotions, feelings. I cannot describe the music I play for other people, they have to do that by themselves because everyone hears differently.

So, why the title "Abyssies of Anguish" – is there a special meaning to it, according to you?

Good question, I will try to explain the meaning the right way. First, I wrote the title with "I" in the brackets especially. It is not a mistake like journalists think. It is a kind of subtitle, the beginning of another hidden sentence. It means in whole "I'm the Abyss". Because I had to wait several years to put the CD out, it was very painful. I cannot tell you everything because it is very personal.

How would you say, since the early days, that your goals or your vision for the band have changed? In progressing from just sitting around the rehearsal room back then to sitting here, now, how has what Condemnation means changed for you?

A lot of things had been changed, no doubt. My equipment, my skills, ... And all conditions I got now. Actually I possess a home recording studio (small one); quiet, comfortable and enough time. According to my point of view, the band is obligated to keep the progress constant.

Your sound is very reminiscent of "Formulas Fatal to the Flesh" Morbid Angel, Hate Eternal, Myrkskog, Zyklon and Lost Soul with progressive jams, extended technical sections and ambient interludes that remind of Cynic, Atheist and Watchtower. What or who would you describe as your biggest influences?

First of all, I listen to the sound. Then I have to analyze what kind of frequencies were used to create that sound. Secondly, I pay a lot of attention on the feelings and sensitivity of the musicians during the performing process. My biggest influences are changing constantly. I do research and experimenting in my home studio every day. If you are comparing our sound to Morbid Angel or Hate Eternal, etc, it's great. I did not expect to hear it anyway.

The album was recorded at different studios in Europe and the United States. It was mastered by Bob Katz at Digital Domain in Orlando, Florida. That's quite a big name you've been able to attract for this debut. Are you happy the way it all turned out in the end?

Not really. I have heard Necrophagist's production before and I was shocked who did it. So clean, so dynamic, so powerful. Just perfect. I decided to work with Bob Katz, I asked him and he answered yes. In general, I'm almost happy. A tiny problem is my guitars have been moved back a little in proportions. In other words, less guitars. Well, what is done is done.

It seems to me that the band members have been earning their stripes in other metal bands prior to Condemnation. Bassist Novy's band history is known, especially in Behemoth, Dies Irae and Vader, but in what bands have the other guys played prior to joining Condemnation? I assume Condemnation is the priority band for everyone?

In fact, Condemnation is the not the priority band for anyone, except me. Novy is my close friend and he proposed to move from the USA and record the material together. These days it's very hard to play in one band only. Actually, I'm preparing to move to England. I'm very bored to live in Poland. Secondly, it is very hard to find dedicated and skilled musicians to cooperate with. I'm sick and tired of working with sidemen. Everyone I played with is a professional musician. We know very well how to manage and organize our activities. We had no problem with it so far. Now I'm looking forward to complete a new line-up.

In what ways do Novy's many years of recording -, touring – and business experience with Behemoth, Dies Irae and Vader lift Condemnation to a higher level? Has his involvement helped establish Condemnation more quickly on a domestic and international basis, do you think?

I don't really know. I think basically it helps, sometimes it interferes. Because big labels think we are a side-project, nothing more. I needed his skills to use in the stuff we have done. I do not really care about huge popularity, because big labels sometimes try to tell you what you have to do. It means more money for the labels. Funny, isn't it?

Behind the drum kit you have Piotr Wojtanowski who is a humble unknown to me. For a while you considered Adam Sierzega (ex-Lost Soul, session drums Azarath) – were there any reasons in particular why that cooperation didn't work out? How much was Wojtanowski involved in the arrangements and production of the drum parts, as both of you share writing credits?

Adam Sierzega is a good drummer – but he did not show up during the preparations we set up. Well, no further comments. Piotr Wojtanowski is another friend of mine. Extremely good musician and very experienced. I decided to use the software BFD Advanced and did the sound. I think Meshuggah used the same software to compose the album called "Nothing". We spent one month to write down all drum tracks. Hard work and very expensive, that is the truth.

Every track is preceded by a short ambient intro piece. Was Cezary Chmiel responsible for creating these segues? They form a great contrast with your otherwise blistering assault, are you planning upon expanding these interludes in the future?

Cazary Chmiel is another great musician which has been invited as a session member. He recorded some special effects, symphonic drums, harps, bells and gongs too. Then we used selected tracks to mix it together in what you called interludes. Sounds nice, I think. Doesn't it? In the future we are not going to use similar solutions. We have prepared brand new ideas.

This album comes to us by way of Solar System Production, a label/distributor of whom I have never heard prior to today. Tell us something about your cooperation with them?

Solar System Production is my own company. I set it up because we had big problems to sign with a good record label. I spent over a year to get an answer from them. It drove me insane. I did not expect to be signed with the biggest label on the planet. But I could not give it for free a some labels suggested. Solar System Production is still looking for worldwide distro.

Is there much camaraderie amongst the bands in Tarnów and Poland in general? You sure have some great ambassadors with established acts like Vader, Behemoth, Hate, Yattering, Decapitated, etc!

Well, that's hard to say. These days every single band cares about their own business and popularity. All of them are much bigger than we are. Behemoth is untouchable. Vader, hmm, I would like to say nothing. Yattering, my favourite, split up. Hate is doing better. Decapitated.. pretty good band and they reformed. Good luck, guys! I do what I have to do, that is it. I can only rely on myself, no one else.

Okay, that about sums it up. Feel free to end this interview in any way you like. If there's anything of importance we might have forgotten to mention or anything you'd like to add, just go ahead. Thanx a lot and all the best to all of you!

Thanks for a really cool interview!

Info: http://www.myspace.com/condemnationband

Condemnation

interview by - Wouter Roemers

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