Kreator are visiting Greece for once more and we found the time to learn some last details before their performance from the guitarist Sami Yli-Sirniö, who stated how happy he is for the embracing of the album by the fans, that there is a friendship climate in the band with him never getting stressed, while he expressed his sadness for Warrel Dane's passing and his joy for Decapitated being innocent. All of the above in the express interview that follows:
Rock Overdose: First of all, we'd like your impressions on ''Gods Of Violence'' in overall, a year has passed since its release, we'd also like to know how its songs were welcomed by the fans wherever you played so far.
Sami Yli-Sirniö: Good afternoon. I'm very happy on how the new album turned out. We have been playing 6 or 7 songs off of it live so far and the crowd response has been amazing. They even seem to know the lyrics.
Rock Overdose: For the first time ever, Kreator peaked at number 1 on German charts with this album. Mille had stated in the past that record sales don't matter, as long as Kreator do what they want. But since it has reached the charts on the most countries possible, how did you react to this? Was it something you waited or it took you by surprise?
Sami Yli-Sirniö: It was a pleasant surprise of course. As a musician you merely try to do your best in songwriting recording and producing but once it is finished it is out of your hands. I am immensely appreciative that the people have embraced our music and like the new album.
Rock Overdose: You are close to two decades on presence with the band. Fans are curious to know how you made it in taking the position. You took the place of great players like Tritze, Blackfire and Tommy Vetterli. Did you have any stress because of that?
Sami Yli-Sirniö: Back in 1997 Mr. Vetterli unfortunately had a hand injury and I had to replace him for a short tour. Later when he decided to part his way with Kreator the guys called me up if I would be interested in doing the band on a more permanent basis. In retrospect I'm glad I took the offer since we managed to make good music afterwards if I dare say so myself and the chemistry works very well. I don't usually stress about anything.
Rock Overdose: On the other hand, the line up has remained the same since the ''Violent Revolution'' era, the most consistent in the band's history. What is the climate inside the band? Does it feel like family or being professional puts all things aside and you just work as an unaffected bond?
Sami Yli-Sirniö: We are definitely friends. We have to be since we spend a lot of time together on tour. The amount of traveling during the last 17 years is earth staggering. It's both and I like doing this.
Rock Overdose: ''Gods Of Violence'' was the first Kreator album to be supported by four clips. The first three you did were into the concept on how evil spreads and on the birth of the Kreator. A fourth was made for ''Fallen Brother'', showing great heros of our music that passed away. Are you satisfied with the clips' result? I'd also like a comment on Warrel Dane's recent passing, another fallen brother that left early!
Sami Yli-Sirniö: It turned out very well. Unfortunately some more people could be added on the video and that is not a nice thing at all. Wardell Dane's passing was sad and extremely unfortunate since a Nevermore reunion could have been possible in the near future. Naturally that seems also rather irrelevant: Reunion or not he passed way too early way too young.
Rock Overdose: I'm sure that it reached your attention the fact that Decapitated who were supposed to tour with you were declared innocent. For obvious reasons, they couldn't tour with you right now, does the whole incident mean they'd never tour with you again, or would you welcome them by your side if possible?
Sami Yli-Sirniö: I've never met the guys of Decapitated. I'm very glad all charges have been lifted though. My friend Peter from Vader told me they would have never done something like they were accused of and I believed him. Our management advised us to change the opener and so we did as it wasn't certain they would be able to tour due to possible imprisonment. The future is open and I'm glad the dudes have their freedom back.
https://youtu.be/1l6gsOrVL2c
Rock Overdose: With fourteen albums released, the live set becomes a hard task I guess. What should the fans expect in this new tour? Also, you haven't played in Athens or Thessaloniki since November 2012, will the Greek fans enjoy some privileges on the set because of their undying and affectionate love for the band, or is it going to be the same on all countries?
Sami Yli-Sirniö: We are concentrating on our new stuff as it the freshest and the audiences seem to agree. The whole band is very happy about that. A headliner set is quite long so therefore we are playing some older tunes as well. When coming to Athens I think Betrayer needs to be in the set. Like you said it's been way tοο long.
Rock Overdose: I'd like to thank you for your time Sami, it was great to have you on Rock Overdose pages again. We wish you a happy new year and whatever you do to be filled with joy and success. Add whatever you feel like being mentioned. And please make a new Barren Earth album as soon as possible.
Sami Yli-Sirniö: A Happy New Year to all. The new Barren Earth is finished recorded and mastered. Coming out on Century Media early March 2018.
For Rock Overdose
Dimitris Aloras
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