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interviews

Interview Guido Hettwer for the Romanian Webzine "Metal Assault" (09/07)

1.      How are things going lately with Unrest?

Things are going pretty good with UNREST. Since we got back together in 2004, it constantly went uphill for us, and the mood of the band couldn’t be any better. We are very happy to be back in business and are proud of our latest release “Back To The Roots”. 

2T 2.    Tell us please a short history of the band, how did all start, and the most important things of Unrest career.

Unrest was founded 1988 in Bremen, Germany. At the beginning we produced 2 demos and played several shows in Bremen and the neighborhood. 

In 1992 we released our debut “Taste It” followed by first big shows for example with bands like RAGE or SKYCLAD. After the release of our second album “By The Light Of The Moon” we were touring through Europe with ICED EARTH and NEVERMORE. 

In 1997 our most successful album “Watch Out” got released which gave us the chance to eventually tour with W.A.S.P., SINNER and SCANNER. 

1998 we made our 4^th album “Cold Steel Whisper” and even played at the legendary WACKEN OPEN AIR the same year. 

After having brought our live album “Restless And Live” on the market in 2000 and having toured with DIO and SINNER, we put the band on ice because of some differences between each other. So the album “Bloody Voodoo Night” of 2001 has been just a product of Claus and Sönke alone. 

It became quite around Unrest for 3 years then, until Claus, Sönke and myself met again in 2003 and decided to reunite. We picked André Neuhaus (bass) and Marco Liedtke (guit.) with whom we had been friends for many years already, as our two new band members. Ever since then we have had many gorgeous shows and released our latest album “Back To The Roots” worldwide with Massacre Records. 

3.      How wold you describe Unrest music for those who did not listened you yet?

For almost 20 years now we play the classic German true metal without any compromises! In our music we connect elements of pressure as well as fastness with very melodious refrains to join in the song. 

4.      What is the key of your longevity? Almost 20 years, and you still playing at high class.

Oh, thank you very much! The fact simply is that we only make that kind of music that we like ourself and never let anyone talk us into by doing that. When you can stand for what you are doing, then you are having much fun and you work on it with very much spirit. 

5.      I know that on 10 November 2006, you have released a new album, "Back To The Roots", please could you explain us what did you've tryed to express through this album?

What we want to express with the title of the album is that with this album here you can buy classic metal without any experiments, just like it had been in the 80^th. Within the last couple of years new genres of metal were invented again and again but we do not and will never ever join in that. We are from the 80^th and that’s what one can hear too.

6.      Could you tell us some things about each track of the album?

It is a varied album. It contains fast songs like the opener “Go To Hell”, “We Will Rock” or “Lost”. In addition to that we have catchy tunes like “Bang Your Head” or “Far, Far Away”, but als pounding songs like “Don’t Stop” and “Breaking The Chains” as well as songs in mid-tempo like “A Legend Is Born” and “Open The Gates” and of course ... with “Burning Desire” a ballad.

7.      After almost 20 years you have released 6 full-lenght albums, and one live album, it would be possible to release a DVD in the near future?

That would be great, of course. But let’s see, maybe with our next album.

8.      How are things going with Massacre Records? Do you are a priority for them?

It is working out pretty good with Massacre Records. We get good support there and generelly have a very friendly relationship. We are very glad that it worked out getting a deal with them. 

9.      What do you think of the new wave of Metal in comparation with the end of the '80s or with the early '90s?

Sureley, an upward trend is recogniseable, even though it still doesn’t for a longe time yet reach the old times. But there are again younger people who are going to the shows now what compared to the end of the 90^th didn’t happen; the fans in front of the stage mostely happen to be in the same age like us. So, that surley gives some hope for the future of metal!

10.  Which is the latest album that you have listened?

I don’t know what my colleagues listen to at present. As for me, the last live DVD & CD is that of RAGE “Full Moon In St. Petersburg. Great album… greetings to Peavy !!

11.  I've noticed that in the end of this year you will play to some very important festivals like Back To Rock Festival or Destroyed World Festival, would be any chance to see Unrest here in Romania in the near future?

We don’t know yet. What we have in mind now is to prepare for our next album and write news songs, so there isn’t any small tour planned for the time being. But let’s see, maybe it is possible for us to come to Romania after the release of our next album. 

12.  Thank you for the interview! In the end would you like to transmit something to the Metal Assault readers?

Thank you for the interview. We also would like to thank our fans that have been loyal to us in all the years. You are the best! 
To all others who still don’t know us I would like to recommend our website where you will find free downloads of 7 complete MP3 songs as well as 2 videos … bang your head!

Rock on

Guido Hettwer (Drums)