ENCLAVE
HEAVY THRASH METAL
FROM
Austria
Band Questions
answer by
Reiner Höllersberger
Please introduce yourself and the band members briefly?
Hey Martin,
first of all thanks for having us in your zine. Enclave is a Vienna based
thrash metal band with Martin on drums, Reece & Michi on guitars and me
on bass and vocals
What does the band name mean and how do you get it?
We started in 2008 as young lads and searched for a name. After some
more or less serious attempts to find a name, Enclave came up as an option
and we thought that it sounded good, while not pushing us in a certain genre
or direction.
Where and how was the band founded?
As most metal bands we were hanging out, having some beers and thought
“hey, why don’t we start a band and play the music we love”
Have you played in other bands before?
Yes, we all played in different bands and styles before. Even though always
enjoying old school heavy metal most of us have started in several Black
and Death Metal bands. I started in Angels Torment, Infestigation and also
played in Horns of Hattin, Martin was a longtime member of the
Black/DeathOutfit Empyre, Michi played at Threshold Value and Camp
Chaos and Reece had his band They when he was still living in Australia
Was it hard to find suitable band members who fit musically and humanely
with the band?
Yes and no. On one hand we started with a certain vision and similar skill
level because we all played in bands before but on the other side every time
a bandmember left we wanted a successor that fits on musical and personal
level. Sometimes we had to search for longer periods and other times we
had someone in our circle of friends who was up for the task to join us.
Despite having many different members over the last 10 years the core
remained stable and I think the current line-up works pretty well.
What does the band name mean?
To quote Wikipedia:
An enclave is a territory, or part of a territory, that is entirely surrounded by
the territory of another state.
We thought it is a nice analogy that the band is our own territory, where we
can do what we want, compared to society with all its problems and issues
as a surrounding state.
What are the lyrics about and who of you is writing them ?
The lyrics cover a vast range of issues and nuisances we have to deal with
in these times. Exploitation of the little man, Surveillance and other
Orwellian topics, personal struggles but also glorification of the thing we
love, Heavy fucking Metal. Until now I am the one writing the lyrics
Which bands inspired you and how would you describe your music to
someone who has never heard a sound from you?
Our biggest influences are obviously old school bay area thrash acts like
Metallica, Testament, Exodus, Megadeth but also classic NWOBHM acts
like Iron Maiden or Judas Priest. At least that are the common denominators
within the band. Some of us are also into Death and Black Metal,
progressive stuff like Opeth, Porcupine Tree or even classic rock. All this
influences have their impact on our sound.
To a stranger that has never heard of anything I mentioned: Expect fast and
aggressive Riffs and drum beats, harsh Vocals and melodic guitar solos or
to quote Exodus, some good, friendly, violent fun
The album New Age Disorder is already two years old! are there any new
songs and which direction are they going?
Man, time flys! It’s already this long ago? Anyway we’re currently working on
several new songs and some will have their stage debut on the next gigs.
How do they sound? For me it sounds like Enclave with some adaptions to
the current moods and influences. Be sure to check it out live!
Your debut album United Desperation is still satisfied with 2012 as you have
been today almost six years later and would you change anything?
That’s a good question! To be honest I wouldn’t change anything at all
because we as a band sounded exactly like that at this specific time and I
think it is important to see the development of a band over the years. Of
course we became better musicians over the years and also have now a
different approach regarding sound and production. Maybe if it would be a
new album, some things would turn out different because we have more
experience in certain areas now but in the end I am still happy and proud of
United Desperation.
What were your live highlights and with which bands did you play?
Over the years there have been many highlights that I am very grateful for
and also very proud of. Both CD release shows have been amazing for us
because most of our friends and fans showed up just for us. This is an
indescribable joy and makes me very proud. Also to share the stage with
bands we deeply admire like Exodus, Heathen and many more were
absolute highlights. How often do you get wasted with Lee Altus?
Have already resulted in friendship ?
Of course we made a lot of friends over the years. Bands like Mortal Strike,
Eruption, Tulsadoom or Insanity Alert share the same passion like us for
Thrash Metal and over the years we shared stage many times with those
guys!
If you'd like to play live and if you would like to ?
In general we would like to tour at some point and just come around. The
goal is to bring the band forward the more you play abroad the higher the
chance to meet new fans and friends.
What do you think and what do you think about the Austrian scene in
general?
I think we have a very solid scene in Austria with some very good bands and
a fair share of true metalheads keeping the scene alive. The infrastructure is
professional and there is also a good share of individualism in a tough
business. Sometimes I wish that the fans would turn their eyes a bit more to
the underground because there are some hidden treasures waiting to be
discovered that are not worse than international acts but aside from that I
think it’s a good place to be as a fan but also as a musician.
Why do you think in the Austrian media the hard rock or heavy metal,
regardless of whether national or international almost not considered(I
remember a rock and metal show that ran centuries ago in orf on Saturday
night) ?
I don’t know to be honest. Maybe because Austria never really had a big
history for these scenes and the charts are mostly dominated by boring pop
music. Luckily in these days there are also a lot of underground zines and
webradios that focus on our scene. So despite not being in the Boulevard,
there is a certain interest for metal music.
Why do you think Austrian acts are not supported by national record labels?
z.B. napalm records !
That’s a question for the labels but maybe an international act is easier to
promote because of being “exotic”. Only a certain few bands have the will
and consistency to survive in a very competitive business.
With what do you earn your money except with the music?
We all have our daily jobs from mechanical engineers to teachers to
caretaker for the elderly
How important are social media for you as a band?
“Unfortunately” very important these days. Sometimes it even seems that
being present and active at social media is far more important than being a
good artist with integrity.
We try to be as present as we can but to be honest we are more interested
in the musical aspect of being a musician.
What would you (her) want to achieve with the band?
World domination! But fun aside, as long as we can continue our hobby,
have a great time and joy in releasing new music or being on stage I for
myself can say that is what makes me happy. The appreciation of other
people is the cherry on top.
Maybe you can recommend some bands from your area?
As I mentioned before there are some really good metal bands in Austria!
Mortal Strike, Tulsadoom or Insanity Alert if you wanna thrash, Ewig Frost,
Vargsriket and Misanthropic Might keep the flame of Black Metal burning,
Parental Advisory for fans of brutal death metal sounds and Veil of
Deception and Titan Killer for Heavy Metal fans!
To all the guys: you know my account number :-P
Personal questions !
Where did you grow up and how was your childhood?
I grew up in Vienna and later in the suburbs when my family moved there. In
general I had a happy childhood and my parents always supported me and
my hobbies, be it sports or music.
How was your school time you were rather the good student or the break
clown ?
I guess somewhere in between. I was neither a genius student nor a
troublemaker just a bit different from the rest.
How did your parents react when you started making metal music? did they
support you and how do you feel about your music today?
I am very grateful that my parents supported my desire to make music in
general even though we don’t have any tradition in our family of being
musicians. I guess sometimes I got on their nerves practicing at home but
they never complained and supported me over the years.
Would you be successful in making music as a musician?
If you mean if I would be a good professional then I would have to say hell
no! Creating music for me is a very personal thing that I couldn’t produce on
command. I am very happy to be in the privileged situation to have a daily
job for financial security and don’t have any stress with my art. Music comes
from the heart and soul not because of the necessity to meet deadlines.
Are you someone who loves the hustle and bustle of the big city? or rather
looking for peace and relaxation in nature?
Since I was born in Vienna and lived in a very lively district and moved to
the suburbs afterwards with my family I know both worlds but in the end, I
am a city child through and through even though and came back to Vienna
when I moved out of my parents home. Still I also enjoy peace and nature
from time to time.
Do you actively practice sports or are you more of a passive spectator?
I regularly attend a gym and take a little care of my body since we all don’t
get younger and from time to time I love to play football with friends. Passive
I follow my club FC Barcelona as much as possible.
When it comes to your physical well you can cook or let you cook for you ? I
am a passionate hobby cook in my spare time but I also love to check out
new restaurants and cuisines. My friends mock me to be a little possessed
by food ^^
What does your environment tell you about your passion for metal (friends /
family / colleagues) ?
A lot of my friends are into metal themselves so it’s something that we have
in common and share great memories. My parents always supported me
despite not being into metal themselves and I think it makes them happy
that my passion makes me happy which is great. For my colleagues at work
they know I have a band and a little weird hobbies but don’t dig any deeper
which is also fine with me.
How do you see the problem with the haters on the internet who have to
announce their mental garbage in anonymity always and everywhere?
In general I think of it as quite disturbing that some people forget all their
common sense, logic and manners spreading their hatred anonymously on
the internet. I mean criticism is necessary and productive but as soon as it
turns out to hate any discussion usually turns out being obsolete because
people tend to blindly stick to their (often not well researched) opinions
without any interest to reflect their point of view.
If you follow political topics it can be pretty scary to read some comments
that people spread publicly without thinking.
What do you think about the internet in general? a blessing or a curse?
I would say both. On one hand a resource of infinite knowledge, the
opportunity to promote yourself and access all over the world but on the
other hand place for phenomenons as data theft, fake news, blind hatred
and mind control. Sometimes it seems people are not ready for so much
possibilities and we all have decide for ourselves what to do with it.
What would you personally like to do in your life?
I think I am a modest character so if I can continue to do what I love like
being a musician, travel around the world and meet nice people I am
actually pretty happy.
Which question would you like to have answered and why?
Why don’t we learn from mistakes of the past
Lower Austria or Vienna
Vienna, I am a city child after all
Metal Church or Heathen
Impossible to answer maybe 6 out of 10 times I would choose Heathen
Iron Maiden or Metallica
Even harder than impossible to answer. Can only live with both of them
Soccer or Ski
Soccer
Favourite movie
Maybe Pulp Fiction
Family
I have one
Live play or Studio work .
Love both but if I have to decide I would rather be on stage to make people
happy
Beer or Cola
Beer
Red Bull
only if I had too many beers the day before
Austrian food
Still like it despite having it for all my life
Girls
Love them
Your top 10 all time faves
Ride the lightning - Metallica
Fabulous disaster - Exodus
Number of the beast - Iron Maiden
Seasons in the abyss - Slayer
The legacy - Testament
Rust in peace - Megadeth
Pump up the Valuum - NoFX
Storm of the light's bane - Dissection
Appetite for Destruction - Guns n' Roses
Painkiller Judas Priest
top 5 in time !
Darkness Remains – Night Demon
Cloaks of Oblivion – Eruption
Disillusion – Loudness
Somewhere in time – Iron Maiden
Live in Gothenburg 87 - Metallica
The closing word is yours?
Once again thanks for having us, I had a lot of fun answering your
questions!
I wanna give a shout out to all our metal brothers and sisters out there,
without you we are nothing!
© 2019 by Haschi`s Metal Corner
