Midnight Ghost? Holy Smoke!
Two years in the making, German power metallers Brainstorm make a triumphant return with their new album “Midnight Ghost”. Torsten Ihlenfeld, guitarist and founding member is in the UK to promote the release and Original Rock peek out from under the duvet to talk to him.
Do you still get nervous at an album release and/or impending tour, even after all this time?
Yes, of course. But definitely in a positive way. You are starting to count the days until release or tourstart, you want to know how the reactions of press and fans are, want to feel & breath the athmosphere and vibes in the club, … yes, all the things you can’t wait for when releasing a new album because you worked on it for such a long time, countless hours, songwriting, arranging, rehearsing, recording, … it’s always almost like bringing a new musical baby to life!
When you write songs, do you write in German and then translate into English or is it all in English from the beginning?
All in English from the beginning. Does not make any sense to do it in german first. Different syllables, so you have to change measures anyway after translating, different syntax / word order, almost everything would have tob e changed, so it is better to start in English from the beginning.
Are there any topics that you would never write or sing about?
Although we are not a political band we do not say we never would write a political song and although we are not a swords & dragon band, we would not say we would never write a song about dragons, why should we limit ourselfs.
Everyday life is worth 100 song lyrics everyday, and we also love sagas, historical themes, phantasy, horror stories and so on. Just look at the Midnight Ghost lyrics, … childhood fears, the monster under your bed and so on, … we write what we think is worth writing over.
Do you find it easier to work as a group when you write, or do you prefer working alone?
Both ways work perfect if you have a good team. Even working alone. Because you know that there are some more crazy music maniacs in the band that can do the same and, if you get stuck in the middle of an idea, the rest of the team for sure can help.
How have you seen the music industry change over the years, and how has that changed you as a musician?
The world changes every day. Especially nowadays. Time waits for no one, so you can either accept it and make the best of it or wallow in self pity.
Of course, we all know the effects of streaming and downloading and all the www stuff but form e as musician, I always wanted to improve as songwriter, as musician an das recording and live artist. The biggest aim ist o write a good song and no matter how that song gets heard or how many sales happen, at least it’s always the song or better the music that matters.
What aspect of “Midnight Ghost” surprised or scared you the most when writing/recording it?
Sometimes it’s scary how real stories can become during the songwriting process. When you almost become one with the song and the lyrics you write and when you eventually have the right organic matters with you.
Surprisingly, well not really, more good to see and feel how much fun and how satisfying it still is to write new songs, create new music and play live for your fans.
Do you think that over time, through your music, you have vanquished your demons, or indeed given them a home?
Definitely both. You can be victorious over one demon and another one takes over the place immediately. Or long gone demons appear out of a sudden. Some become good friends, some even know you better than you know yourself, some help you to forget, some force you to remember, some keep you longing for more, some make you stop doing what you’re supposed to do, but there are also times when the demons seem to be asleep. Lucky me. … because sometimes demons are a man’s best friend.
In an industry that can throw you over a cliff at any time, what is the secret of your survival?
Control & resistance, … and resolution …
Is there anywhere in the world that you would like to tour?
All the world’s a stage and I would like to play them all.
Of all the places you have been, where would you like to go for a proper holiday?
There’s no place like home. Period!