The German heavy/power metal group Legions Of The Night are in the spotlight for this week’s Meet The Band. The trio’s lineup includes vocalist Henning Basse (ex-Firewind), guitarist/bassist Jens Faber (Projekt, Malefistum) and drummer Phillip Bock (Dawn Of Destiny). Their debut album is Sorrow Is The Cure. Faber introduces us to his band.
Chad Bowar: Give us a brief history of Legions Of The Night.
Jens Faber: Legions Of The Night was founded during the Corona pandemic in 2020. I already recorded an album with Henning Basse and due to our common passion for Savatage. We wanted to create something in that style.
Describe the songwriting process for Sorrow Is The Cure.
All songs were written within two months. Unlike my main band Dawn of Destiny I did not want the music to sound too European, but yet it was an emotional process for me.
What will be your strongest memory of the recording of the album?
Probably my personal experiences during these times. But it’s always a nice memory to record demos with my voice and listen and enjoy Henning’s versions afterwards.
Did the pandemic affect the process?
Not really. Maybe I had more time for creating and recording so in some way I could be grateful for having that space.
How would you characterize the album’s style/sound?
I guess it is quite obvious that we wanted to create a sound that is similar to some Savatage songs and albums. But we could create our own style because of Henning’s unique voice and my way of songwriting.
What lyrical topics did you cover?
Sorrow, fear, love, hate and joy. Human topics we all have to deal with and how emotions lead to decisions. It should be possible not to judge people only led by feelings neglecting facts. I have the feeling that many people are not able to build an opinion based upon emotions as well as on facts.
How did you come to sign with Pride & Joy Music?
Pride and Joy work with AniLo Project. Her latest album was composed and recorded by me so it was a familiar label and easier to make contact. I have a good feeling with Pride & Joy.
What are your goals and expectations for the album?
I have recorded albums with Dawn of Destiny for about 15 years, I have my solo albums ExoS and MalefistuM and now Legions of the Night. I have no expectations to make much money out of it. I just want to follow my passion and this is making music, recording albums, work with different musicians. Of course I want to reach as many people as possible but I don’t make music to earn money. I always lose more than I win. (laughs)
Do you have plans to play live shows?
Not yet, but who knows what the future brings?
How did you get started in music?
I learned keyboard by myself when I was 18 and started guitar when 21. That’s quite late, but I guess it was always my passion to make music and especially write songs. I wrote my first song in 2000 and still got it. Rather average song, to be honest.
Who were your early influences and inspirations?
I guess John Petrucci’s playing style is phenomenal and he is one of my idols. Jon Oliva of course as well as Tuomas Holopainen and Tobias Sammett because of their songwriting skills.
What was the first metal concert you attended?
Does Bon Jovi count? That was my first ever concert. Considering metal it was Stratovarius in my hometown Bochum in 1997.
When did you know you wanted to be a professional musician, and was your family supportive?
It was a lifetime dream. After I studied I did not work (as a teacher, now I do). I only worked as a pizza delivery boy to have enough time and space for making music. My parents had some (comprehensible) fears but always supported me.
What’s currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Lord of the Lost, Powerwolf and Bloodbound are my favorite new albums.
Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
Thank you for this interview and support, stay healthy.
(interview published August 21, 2021)
Listen To Legions Of The Night – “Lie”
