Hailz, welcome to MetalIndia. Before we start the interview, I would like you to introduce yourself to our readers. To begin with where are you from and a brief history about your band ?
We are from Holland. Altar was formed in 1992 with the original line up was edwin Kelder on vocals, Bert huisjes on Guitars, Marcel Van Haaf on guitars, Nils Vos on bass, and Marco Arends on drums. I Joined Altar in 1994 by replacing Marcel van Haaf the line up was changed in 1996 with a new drummer called Sjoerd and a new guitarplayer call Richard
How would you describe your music ? And what bands have influenced you the most ?
As Metal, brutal and into the beat as rock`n roll should be. Think bands like Slayer and the older stuff like Iron Maiden and lots of bands of the early years.
How many and which albums/demos has ALTAR released ?
We just released one demo
Which happens to be your favourite album? of ALTAR and personal
Fav Of Altar it is the album called Provoke and of other bands it is Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets of Metallica.
Do you feel that ALTAR’s music has changed over the years and how?
Altar has become much more mature, we are thinking more about our music now.
How much time does it take for ALTAR to record an album?
It does not take a long time, with the rehaersals and recording mixing etc, from having ideas till the release of a CD, about 6 months
Tell us something more about the latest album ‘In The Name Of Father’.
It is our most aggressive album since Youth ….(1st CD), and we like it a lot!
Whats next? Working on any new album? If so, some details please.
Yes we are rehearsing for a new CD , which will be recorded in october this year, it will also be a very brutal and rocking CD.
Any tours, gigs for promotion of latest album?
About a few days we are playing in Czechie and we are having some gigs in Holland and Belgium in August.
Any future plans for playing in Asia or India?
Yes hopefully, if there is anyone who wants to have us and organise such thing.
Has ALTAR done any opening acts for other major heavy weight bands? If yes, then when and where?
We played on several festivals like Dynamo Open Air, Waldrock and Lowlands so all in combination with well know bands.
What do you feel about the Metal Scene here in India?
I don`t know anything about the metalscene in India, so please give me some information!
How do you feel being the first band to be featured in ‘Metal Underground’ Section on Metal India?
We are honoured and proud, thank you
Any messages for the fans in India?
Hopefully seeing you and stay healthy and musical.
Interview By : METALINDIA (metalindia@yahoo.com)