Thematic Stormwitch interview with guitarist Stefan Kaufmann on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Tales of Terror album
Stefan, do you still remember, at which point did you start working on your second album, Tales of Terror?
Hi David, as far as I can remember, Harald (Lee Tarot) and I began writing new songs soon after the release of our first album „Walpurgis Night”. In that time, our songwriting was very effective. We both met, maybe one of us had some ideas an guitar riffs and we left our rehearsal room not after having finished one or two new songs. Only the lyrics Harald wrote usually some days later at home. Then we rehearsed and arrangend the new songs with the whole band.
How long did it take to come up with new material?
Although I was studying during that period and Harald was learning or already practicing a job, we spent most of our free time for Stormwitch. I think we didn’t need a long time to create new material. Sometimes new ideas arrived up by chance. For example, the guitar beginning of „When the bat bites” came up by playing around at a soundcheck for a concert. I thought this intro might fit well for a new song.
In February / March 1985 you entered the Spygel Studio, Kirchheim/Teck, were you prepared, to record the album?
Sure, we all were prepared to record the album and the songs were fully arranged. Still, it was a slightly different situation than with the first album, as we didn’t record all the tracks together as a band. For example the guitar tracks were recorded seperately.
How did the recording sessions go?
I can’t remember how much time we needed at all. But I think the basis tracks were recorded within one or two weeks, maybe some lead guitars and vocals later.
If I remember correctly, the studio was destroyed and the master tapes were burnt, was that true?
It is said so, but I really can’t remember or know about details.
Do you agree with, that Tales of Terror continued where Walpurgis Night left off musically and stylistically, but improving on several elements?
Yes, it was the same musical style as on the first album, maybe the sound is not so rough and unpolished as on „Walpurgis Night”.
Did Stormwitch indeed solidify its status as Germany’s unofficial Iron Maiden equivalent with this sophomore album?
You have to ask the fans but we all were indeed big Iron Maiden fans.
Are the Iron Maiden influences palpable?
You can’t deny and it’s clearly heard that at that time Iron Maiden was our biggest influence. But there are certainly some other influences like Judas Priest („Lost Legions”)
Point of No Return starts with practically the same riff as 2 Minutes to Midnight…
This is the first time I’ve heard that. But I admit, it’s really similar. I swear, though, we didn’t have that riff in mind when we wrote the song 😉.
By the way, how about the solemn tones of a Gregorian-styled monk’s chant considering this tune?
The idea came from Harald. We thought it would fit well as an intro for the album and with the lyrics of the songs. I think it was just Andy’s and Harald’s voices layered several times
Do you think, that Hell’s Still Alive gives even more of an impression, that Steve Harris could have written?
Sure, the beginning is similoar to Maiden’s „Wrathchild”, even though the rest of the song goes in a slightly different direction
How do you explain, that Cave of Steenfoll established the precedent of using literature as direct inspiration for your songs and it continues with Masque of the Red Death?
Harald and I were big fans of classic horror literature back then. We both loved Edgar Allan Poe’s stories, like this song. The Cave of Steenfol is actually a fairy tale by Wilhelm Hauff, but with a creepy twist.
Can be its (Masque…) sound considered symbolic of the New Wave of German Heavy Metal that the Brits inspired?
The song is certainly a good example of how we were influenced by British bands, especially Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. It’s several parts welded together into one song: a ballad-like opening, a mid-tempo chorus, and a faster ending.
Did Tales of Terror feature a variety of headbanging riffs, energetic solos, and mid-to-fast-paced tempos?
I think so. Point of no Return, Sword of Sagon, Masque of the Red Death are certainly classics in the Stormwitch discography. One of my favorite songs of T.O.T. is Arabian Nights. Live we used to have great pyrotechnics for this song. At one concert, even my trousers caught fire because of the pyrotechnics 😊.
In your opinion, is the strongest element of Stormwitch’s work the songwriting and the atmosphere evoked by the well-written lyrics in conjunction with the music?
Both the music and the lyrics together make Stormwitch’s albums of that time so unique. Harald truly had a good hand at writing lyrics that fit perfectly to the songs.
Is musically Stormwitch’s performance on Tales of Terror tight and executed?
In retrospect, as a musician, you always find something you would have done differently. But I think, as our second album, T.O.T. was very successful and a step forward.
Would you say, that the production remained a little on the raw side, but everything sounds/sounded better than previously?
Yes, I agree with that. We tried to improve the sound, the songwriting, and the arrangements, but still sounded aggressive and heavy.
Is Tales of Terror an another engaging album where Stormwitch managed to create a mystical vibe by utilizing familiar elements through a composed and understated approach?
I think that musically, Tales of Terror follows on from its predecessor Walpurgis Night and develops the style further in terms of music and lyrics without fundamentally changing it.
Georgia (Atlanta) based Hallow’s Eve released their debut album titled Tales of Terror as well (12. 07. 1985), were you aware of it?
We weren’t aware of this fact. I’m not really sure, but maybe Tales of Terror was released one month earlier, in June 1985.
What about the shows and tours in support of the record?
I think after the release, we played mostly shows in southern Germany. But after 30 years I can’t remember all the shows from that time.
Was the Stormwitch/Killer/Stranger Germany tour right after the album came out?
I’m not sure, but I read in the web that the tour with Stanger and Killer was in April 1986. In this month our next album Stronger than Heaven was released.
So this tour called „ Young Blood Metal Tour ’86” apparently took place during or immediately after the release of Stronger than Heaven.
Was 1985 as strong as 1984, considering the amount of the records, that have been done by German bands, such as Warrant, Mad Butcher, Stormwind, Metal Sword etc.?
I think it was a good year too for German bands, but I don’t remember and didn’t hear all releases from back then. But I think there were good albums from smaller and bigger bands and not to forget „Metal Heart” from Accept.
Stefan, thanks a lot for your answers, what are your closing words to our readers?
I’m delighted and honored that after 30 years, Tales of Terror still appeals to so many fans around the world, and that new listeners keep coming.
And check out my current band, Witchbound; our third album is in the works. Rock on and stay heavy!
