Interview with Paul Kimball, 1994
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Translated from the German by Matt Garrett.
They've left their fans waiting for a long time. Other than an EP, MORDRED haven't been heard from since 1991, when 'In This Life' was released. But now, following a change of vocalists, they're letting loose again. The new man on the microphone (who's now punishing his vocal chords, instead of Scott Holderby doing it) is called Paul Kimball, and Paul Kimball it was who talked and answered my questions.
Heavy Metal Breakdown: Stylistically, the new album "The Next Room" comes across as being somewhat different to the two preceding albums. Why the change of direction?
Paul Kimball: The main reason is that I'm now in the band. My voice is different to Scott's, and the lyrics I write are quite different. In the past, MORDRED changed its sound a lot, but I think that now we've finally found the right direction to follow in the future. It's also true that every new band member introduces new influences to the sound. I also think that the world is changing more and more, and that the sound has to change, as well.
HMB: I think you can pick up grunge influences on the thrashy "Next Room" album.
PK: Right, because I like a few bands from the metal and grunge scene.
HMB: What did you actually do before coming to MORDRED?
PK: I was in a few bands, for example a punk-metal band and an underground rock band. Yeah, and now I have the chance to bring these influences to MORDRED's music.
HMB: Let's talk about the songs. You've been in MORDRED since January. Did you actually contribute to the songwriting?
PK: Yeah, but most of the songs had already been written when I joined. But I contributed to the rest, and did my best, of course.
HMB: What are the lyrics about?
PK: Actually, they're about quite different things, for example personal conflicts in different situations, or people's relationships with each other, or how they keep to themselves.
HMB: Why did MORDRED wait so long to release a new album? The last album was released back in 1991.
PK: Right, the only release was an EP in 1993. This was mainly due to a few line-up changes, especially the departure of singer Scott Holderby. At that time, MORDRED didn't know how things should continue. Nonetheless, they kept writing new songs. Yeah, and in January this year I joined the band.
HMB: You didn't have much time to contribute to the songwriting, then?
PK: You can say that again. For a while I wrote music and lyrics day and night, and within 3 months we'd finished the new album.
HMB: Sounds like the album was finished quick smart. But now to the tour and other MORDRED happenings. Will there be a tour after the release (on 23 August)?
PK: Yeah, but there are no exact details available at the moment. I think we'll be touring Europe in October and November. But we'll have to wait and see about everything else.
In finishing, we discussed favourite bands, and Paul told me that Soundgarden are one of his favourites. Now it's time for patience, at least until October when we'll be able to check out the new material live.
Interview by Gisela.