CL: At the beginning of 2008, Mat called round and announced: “Let’s make a Sinner album”, so everybody started writing. OF COURSE a lot of other stuff was going on, as it always is, but it’s all a question of scheduling. Since Primal Fear weren’t touring THAT heavily during that time, all was well. The bottom line was: “Let’s do a ROCK album” - as opposed to a metal album, and that’s what we did.

PM: When was it recorded? How long did you spend in the studio?

CL: Basically in April 2008 in House of Music Studios near Stuttgart, I guess it was 2 or 3 weeks and about 2000 kebabs.

PM: Were the tracks already written or did you develop things in the studio?

CL: The tracks were written, but stuff always gets changed around in the studio - up to a point. Little arrangements, guitar parts, harmonies, vocals… it’s rock & roll, whatever works, works!

PM: Who came up with the idea for the album artwork? It looks perfect for a tattoo!

CL: I think it was either Mat and/or Katja Piolka, who has done pics, videos and graphics in the past. It could indeed be a tattoo, and it could well be a drawing from somewhere, but I don’t know, to be honest. But we’re indeed quite happy with the cover, because it fits the Rock & Roll mood perfectly - and it makes for a nice live backdrop!

PM: Do you approach recording this album any differently to say that of your more recent albums such as ‘Mask of Sanity’?

CL: ‘Mask Of Sanity’ was completed different, as the band was a) starting anew after the long break following ‘There Will Be Execution’, plus b) the line-up was new: Klaus Sperling on drums and at first only Tom Naumann on guitar. Plus a new label etc… Whereas, ‘Crash & Burn’ was recorded with exactly the line-up that toured behind ‘Mask of Sanity’.

PM: How did the guest musicians get involved (Dirty Sanchez etc)?

CL: The background singers are friends from Stuttgart, and Dirty Sanchez, well; he is someone special, our Mexican friend who also played in the video. I suggest googling him to learn more about his reputation.

PM: The album flows nicely, was there a decision made on how the running order is put together or is this by chance?

CL: Of course it was NOT by chance, the sequence is very important. That’s why the boss himself is responsible.

PM: The album has been out for a few weeks now. What has been the response from fans and industry thus far?

CL: The response is great; people are reacting to exactly what we had in mind: A loose, alive, breathing Rock ’n’ Roll album that is not afraid of showing its influences.

PM: Your single, ‘The Dog’, will this be available as a CD or 7 inch single? I have only seen this advertised on your various MySpace pages.

CL: Not sure about this one. It was and is available as free download, that’s the main aspect of its “single” status.

PM: Are there plans to re-record any other tracks from the early period of SINNER? (‘Fast Decision’ was recorded after much persuasion from what I have read)

CL: Only if we can get Mat drunk for long periods of time. Any suggestions for songs? Klaus would do them all?

PM: Is there any plans in the future to re-issue your first 6 albums? These are becoming increasingly difficult to get a hold of now!

CL: That is possible in principle, and we have done it with the live album. But there are no definite plans as far as I know.

PM: From listening to ‘Crash ‘n’ Burn’ and a few of the very early albums, would it be fair to say that you still use all the classic rock and metal influences on crash ‘n’ burn?

CL: Yes, that’s true. ‘Sinner’ are not ashamed of their influences or their history. And why should we? Plus it’s obvious that we all LOVE ‘Thin Lizzy’! ?

PM: Who would you say are ‘Sinners’ musical inspiration and influences in 2008?

CL: The classic stuff obviously, but you would be surprised what for example Mat is listening to as well: ‘Disturbed’, ‘Shinedown’, ‘Papa Roach’, ‘Pink’… a good song is a good song!

PM: What about your own personal musical influences?

CL: A lot of the classics, a huge dose of Thrash (Metallica, Testament) and even more groove stuff (Stuck Mojo ruled). Plus modern day heaviness: Black Label Society etc. But it all started with AC/DC… (PM: Oh yeah!!!).

PM: What guitars, amps, monitors etc do you prefer to use or currently use?

CL: We had some old stuff in the studio, like Gibson Goldtops and old Marshalls, but also our live stuff which is Gibson Les Paul + Marshall, ESP + Engl, Gibson Thunderbird + Ampeg.

PM: Will there be any UK tour dates added to the tour, and would there be a chance to bring the tour with ‘Ross the Boss’ over to the UK too?

CL: As you know one should never promise anything if it’s not really confirmed. But be sure: If the UK wants us, we would be there!

PM: Perhaps a showcase tour with other AFM recording artists? That would be something special.

CL: Well, that can be a good idea, but it can also more difficult because of everyone’s needs and schedules. Maybe you should tell that to our agent! ?

PM: Following this tour, what are the plans the ‘SINNER’? Back into the Studio etc? Further touring around the world as well as Europe?

CL: Hopefully more shows, festivals maybe? Take this thing on the road, baby. And there WILL be another album…

PM: Thanks ever so much for your time, all the best for the future with SINNER.

For more on the band check out http://www.matsinner.com/
www.myspace.com/sinnerofficials

Interviewed by Paul Maddison

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