You brought out the CD Truth Or
Delusion. But this CD didn't come down entirely unexpectedly so tell us something about
the history of the band first .
Well, their ain't much to tell about that. It
started four or four-and-a-half years ago. At that time I wasn't part of the band. And we
recorded a demo in 1997 and then we wanted more. So we began saving money and doing
several gigs and so Truth Or Delusion came forth.
And Truth Or Delusion is a rock-opera, like you call
it. The theme is depicting the life, suffering and dying of Jesus Christ. Why did you
choose to do a concept-album?
Just for the challenge. Yeah, the idea to put a
story on CD we had in mind for quite some time because that would challenge us in
combining songs. And the challenge of trying to get the atmosphere and the story across.
That's what we've tried.
And if you look at the theme, it's something more
bands have done. So, why this theme specifically?
Well, because it's the most important story of the
Bible. This is all Christianity is about.
And therefore it was a challenge to try this, I
understand.
Exactly.
After releasing the CD the band went through some
changes. Like vocalist Frank Tuk leaving the band. Why did he leave the band?
Private reasons! Too busy, I'm afraid. Having a
family, children.
Don't you think the moment to leave was a bit
unfortunate as you were bringing out a record?
Yeah, but we had worked on it for one-and-a-half
year so we just wanted to put it on CD. And during the recordings we knew that he was
going to stop. But we wanted to go on with it. So, it's for us to have it on a CD.
And how did you handle this situation? I guess you
did some concerts to support the CD?
Yeah, we did so. A few times we performed the CD
live with Frank as singer.
Ah!
But that's over now. Right now we have a female
singer.
And that's Marrieke van Veelen. The band changed
it's name in Troy too, because you had a change of musical direction.
Yeah, that's right.
How does the band sound like now, compared to the
CD?
The change of direction is that we continue with
what we were doing -symphonic rock- but a little bit heavier.
And what should I imagine with that? Heavier?
Personally I see it go in the direction of The
Gathering. A cross between The Gathering and Iona.
And as you speak about The Gathering you mean their
latest material?
Yes.
Okay. Why then a change of name? There are other
bands that went through style-changes but kept their old names. So, why a change of name?
Well, there wasn't much behind that name, Sinical
Glance. There were all kinds of stories about why that name was chosen. We just thought
this to be the right moment to change the name. We never liked the name. And so we
thought, with a female vocalist being added to the band, this was the right opportunity to
go for a new name.
Ha! So, what's behind the name Troy?
Troy? Well, we all liked that name. But there ain't
much behind it either. If you check out the dictionary you'll see that it's a certain
weight for gold and silver. But we just thought this is a beautiful name.
Interestingly Fear Dark is distributing this CD now.
Fear Dark is known for the heavy metal-records they do. How did you get involved with them
and what do you think of it?
Well, it all started spontaneously. I sent them the
CD and they were enthusiastic about it as they were about our story about the new material
we're working on which is heavier. And they thought this is interesting. That's why we
started this cooperation. And they indeed have a lot of contacts within the metal-scene
but they have other contacts as well on which they will be working.
So, you feel that the band is at the right place?
Yes.
Finally I have one question left: What can we expect
of Troy in the coming time?
Like I said we're working hard on new material and
we hope to have a new CD around August. |
