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Well, some think they are above some legendary American names in death metal but I wouldn't go that far, in any case they are by far the most prolific and promising Nippon death metal band. And much above this new shitty wave of HATE ETERNAL, NILE, VITAL REMAINS and EXHUMED imitators. The interview was partly done by chat, partly by e-mail, because there were problems with the chat channel. Hope you'll enjoy it.
Necromantic Art: Why did you form the band? What were your main influences?
Hideki: To create the most brutal music on this planet! We are influenced many kind of music actually but the main one is of course Metal!! Especially 80's thrash.
Necromantic Art: Your style is a death metal in force. Why didn't you go for a slow death metal?
Hideki: 'Cause we love this style! We love playin' fast, with head banging. It's just challenging and exciting for us very much.
Necromantic Art: For a band with only one guitar player, it is appreciable to notice that you can create quality music better maybe than other bands having usually 2 guitar players. How do you manage?
Hideki: Hotmail seems not working well... Well, we think it's enough having only one guitar player for us DEFILED. We don't feel needing another guitar player.
Necromantic Art: How was for you in the beginning? How long did it take you to get known in Japan and worldwide?
Hideki: I think we've not been known enough yet and hope this album will change some situations! To get known in the world, all we have to do is to write good songs and tour frequently. We wanna tour worldwidely again with this new "Divination" album!!
Necromantic Art: It is said that Japanese people ignore totally native bands. Why do you think?
Hideki: Well, it's pretty hard to explain but yeah there are some kind of complicated prejudices against domestic bands here in Japan. Some conservative people/fans seem not like Japanese bands doing like their faves. Of course we have strong fans that are always true to the band and support much here, but some part of the Metal fans love foreign bands only. I heard that the similar situation exists in a certain European country... I think they wanna have their faves as God or something. Fuckin' stupid, anyway.
Necromantic Art: What can you tell me about your live performances? You have toured with great names such as MORBID ANGEL, CANNIBAL CORPSE, VADER and INCANTATION. What have you learnt from this rich tour experience?
Hideki: Everything!! And we are trying to be more brutal on stage than them though I don't know it's performed.
Necromantic Art: Do you consider yourselves an original band?
Hideki: At least we are always trying to be original. We're always trying to make our songs unique, you know, and avoid imitating other bands in this genre. We attach more importance to our bases, roots and interests to many other things existing, not only music but also other lines like Eastern philosophy or psychology, and aiming at sublimate them to our own originality.
Necromantic Art: I'd say the production of your last album could have been far better than it has come out. What about you?
Hideki: Are you talking about "Ugliness" album?? [No, I was referring to "Divination". Ed.] Yeah, we have some regrets on the album but it's natural for any musicians, I think. We should learn from the blunders, and, almost all points are cleared on our new "Divination" album!!
Necromantic Art: Do you consider that death metal still has the impact it had in the late 80's and early 90's? What do you hope to achieve with your album?
Hideki: I think it is still possible describing Death Metal as the most violent, severe, intent style of music on this planet and don't you think it's splendid?? [OF COURSE. Ed.] I'm proud of myself being a part of this genre. I think Death Metal will stay in this position, the most brutal music in the world, as far as the bands keep their progress. We, the Death Metal bands definitely evolved these 10-15 years and there still are much area left to be developed, I think. Death Metal is, as a matter of fact, broad-minded opposed to its looks, and we found no limits here musically. That's why we love this kind of music.
Necromantic Art: Was it important for you to work with Jim Morris as producer of your albums?
Hideki: Yes, they, the Morris brothers, are really nice guys moreover are great producers/engineers and it's always great for us to work with them. They are so kind and very professional at the same time. And the studio is very comfortable for us. When doing the works in a studio, it's very important if we can relax and Morrisound is also perfect on this aspect.
Necromantic Art: What would be the best songs on "Divination"? What else could be interesting to know about this album?
Hideki: Well we don't have particular favourite songs. Parents should love any sons! I want everyone to listen to the album anyway. And I want everyone to check out my lyrics. I'm influenced from Eastern philosophy and you can find some significance or Eastern originality here.
Necromantic Art: Your favourites vocalists?
Hideki: I love many singers from many genres. For example I'm very much influenced by Thrash singers like Chuck Billy from TESTAMENT or Russ Anderson from FORBIDDEN, but my full-time favorites are Dickinson from MAIDEN, Gillan from PURPLE, and Rusty Day from CACTUS. They are the best three for me.
Necromantic Art: How is SEASON OF MIST doing its job so far regarding the promotion of your album?
Hideki: Hope they're doing well with the album! They promised us their best promotion and we really expect that.
Necromantic Art: In your bio it is said that your music "would put most of the European and American bands to shame...". Can you describe a bit this affirmation? Does it belong to you or your label? Don't you think it's kind of a hazardous one? From your point of view, do you think you are above many death metal bands that activate nowadays in the scene?
Hideki: Hey, it's just an ad copy and no one will take it so nervous! Actually someone from SEASON OF MIST made the copy, not by us!! [I thought so. Ed.] Well, one thing we can say is, we will definitely kick Western ass, yeah!!
Necromantic Art: What are the death metal legends that disappointed you with their latest releases? What about the ones that impressed you?
Hideki: Nowadays I don't listen to Death Metal so much. I prefer listening to old rock/folk music recently. Oh, but I listened to new VITAL REMAINS just yesterday and it's great!! Glen Benton joined the band and the songs are cool too.
Necromantic Art: Is it unusual for a band in Japan to start playing death metal?
Hideki: Yeah, only a few bands are playing this kind of music here in Japan. As you know, some people are still too conservative here and it's pretty hard to find a job if you have long hair or something. But we don't care at all. We fully devote ourselves to this band and no need to be accepted by anyone...
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