Can you introduce uppercut to our readers who don't know you? Who are you?

uppercut was founded in autumn 1997 by Olaf and Daniela. Their former Band had just split up but they wanted to continue making hard music. Nico, who had played in various groups before, joined the Band and together with Henrik we went to studio in order to produce our first Demo - cassette called "First Strike", which was sold quite often. A lot of concerts followed and finally we went to studio again to record the CD "Shroud Shifter". In may 2001 Jan replaced Henrik on Bass. The present line-up is: Olaf - drums, Daniela - vocals, Nico - guitar, Jan - Bass


How do you analyze your work on your demo "First Strike" and what are the differences to "Shroud Shifter" ?

Compared to "First Strike" the songs on "Shroud Shifter" are much shorter, faster and better structured. The songwriting has improved and all in all our CD is more violent and straighter than the demo. Our main intention, to make rough and brute Thrash Metal, was quite well realized on the CD.


What is your method to create songs?

Well, Daniela and Nico both write lyrics to the songs that emerge in the practice room. Both of them use music as a medium to express what they are pissed off about. Things that make us angry are put down on paper and serve as addition to the sound. Most of the songs come into being when Olaf, Nico and Jan meet in the practice room to mingle their ideas. The songs are recorded on cassette and Daniela develops voice lines at home.


Something to say about your choice to sign with G.U.C.?

Some time ago we played a show with Fangorn - whose members belong to G.U.C. and they asked us if we were interested in them bringing out our CD. We agreed and the small deal with them was quite fair.


What is the feedback from the press and the Metal fans about your CD?

We are very glad to see that a lot of people seem to like "Shroud Shifter". The CD reviews are so far extremely positive. It makes us proud to see that many people appreciate our work and the way we make music. This convicts us to continue.


What is the importance of the stage in the life of uppercut? Can you describe us an uppercut show?

Concerts are of big importance to us. There is nothing more refreshing than sweating, shouting and moshing on stage. We have much fun during our shows and if the crowd does so, too, the gigs become a celebration of noise, headbanging and brute Thrash Metal. The after show parties always end up in a huge and devastating fuel up.


Would you like to play in France?

Of course we would like to play in France, no doubt about that, but it would at least have to be a small tour. Because to drive that far for only one show might be a bit too expensive. Nevertheless we would really like to get to know the French Metal/Hardcore scene.


What are the Bands you know and appreciate in France?

Honestly we have to say we know very little about the French scene. Nico likes Massacra and Kickback, and Jan likes the old Treponem Pal albums - as far as we know these are French Bands, but that's nearly all, sorry. This gap in knowledge should be filled - so this is one more reason that we should play in France and get in touch with your scene.


What are your projects now?

Actually we are busily writing songs which continue the direction we headed for with "Shroud Shifter". We also try to play as many concerts as possible in order to make our name known to more people.


Have you got a final message for our readers or something more to say?

Thanks to everybody who support us
Stand united against Fascism !