It seems that the band started as a thrash band and later evolved to a death metal style. What motivated the change?

This is due to a long-time Making-up-of-mind. It is not the case that we met and decided to play Death Metal. It was a natural development at that time.
Our music was quite simple at the beginning. After some time when our instrumental abilities developed, we ventured playing some more demanding songs.

Why did you decide to start your own record label Contraption Records?

Because we did not find a label that suited our wishes. Beyond that, nobody was
able to foresee the things to come.


The first Mini-CD "Gateway to the Underworld" was a success in the underground? Why do you think this happened?

Openly, I can't tell you. Success depends on too many factors as to be
calculated precisely. At least for non-professionals. We simply produced 2000
copies, totally without any promotion. Our biggest help was Nuclear Blast
Records, who distributed this CD.
At that time our music was brutal and somewhat demanding. Some guys used
"Techno-Death Metal" to describe our music. It looks as if a couple of people
liked or still like our stuff.


Do you find big differences between the production and the studio where you
recorded "Heliopolis" and M&M Productions or Tonstudio Gress?

Sure. M&M Productions or Tonstudio Gress are highly professionally equipped
studios. At least M&M Productions was one. Exponent Studios in Hlohovec/Slovakia
(where we recorded Heliopolis) is no expensively equipped studio. The
mixing-desk, harddisc and other recording-devices are high-class, no question.
But there is nothing in there, which is unnecessary.
While the other studios have one and the same special effect in 4 or 5 different
machines, the guys at Exponent have it just once. But Tomas and Roman know
exactly, what they can do with their stuff. We are very contented with their
work.

Why does it seem that the band keeps on changing bass players so often?

Ask the bass players ha, ha. Our first bass player wasn't interested in our
music very much. Most of the others didn't fit into the band in the long run
(some weren't all too reliable).
I think that Gert, who has been with the band for one year already now, is best
choice for us. He is an excellent bass-player, he is very motivated and kind of
kicks our butts. I am happy that he and Peter are with us.

How is the recording and composition of the new material going?

We just finished recording a 3-Track-Promo-CD. We want to apply for recording
contracts since we got out of the contract with Morbid Records.
The songs are really cool and on the next CD you will hear the first
APOPHIS-ballad ever.
We plan to enter the studios during Easter or Pentecost. The studio is still to
be announced but it will be either Exponent in Slovakia or another one in
Budapest/Hungary.

How do you see the evolution of the band since "Gateway to the Underworld"
until "Heliopolis"?

At the beginning we wanted to play fast, rough and wild music. Before "Gateway
to the Underworld" our style tended to become more technical, but was still fast
and brutal. It was at that time that we realized that melody should play a major
role in our songs (a fact which has not changed ever since).
Our second CD "Down in the Valley" was more of a straighter kind of music.
Nowadays we think that it is far more difficult to create a straight song, which
keeps interesting, than to create a songs with 12 different parts and 20
different rhythms. And that's the road we're travelling now. But don't worry: We
still have songs, which will kick ass!

Are you releasing material from other bands through Contraption Records?

No, since Contraption Records no longer exists. We received some applications
mainly from Swedish Bands, but we told them that Contraption only serves one
purpose. We simply didn't have the money to produce another band's music.

Did all the songs of the "Promo-CD 1997" ended in "Heliopolis"?

Yes, they did. Of course in a different running order.

Is there any plan to tour supporting the new CD?

Yes, we will be touring Europe this year. It's either April or June. We still
don't know for sure. This tour will not be the CD-Support-Tour.
Let's see if we can manage to get on a tour as a support band to support our new
CD. I would love that, since I wasn't able to play our 2000-Tour myself. I am a
teacher and therefore it isn't easy to have time when you need it. I have got to
stick to school holidays.

How did you ended signing with Morbid Records?

We sent them our "Promo-CD 1997" and they liked it. Before long we agreed on the
terms. But our co-operation turned out to be disappointing. Meanwhile we ended and
cancelled our co-operation. We are looking for a new contract at present.

Any final words for people in the south of the world?

I wish you all the best in this new millennium. I wish we could tour Argentina
one day.
Our new CD should be available in summer/fall 2001.
Stay heavy.

Interviewed by Federico Marongiu

Gateway to the Underworld - CD (1993)

Down in the Valley - CD (1996)

Promo 1997 - CD (1997)

Heliopolis - CD (1998)

Erik Stegmaier - drums

Roger Kirchner - guitar

Jörg Bartelt - guitar

Kristian Hahn - vocals

Gert Wiedmann - bass