EMQ’s with ADDER’S FORK
Hi everyone! Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with Austrian based Gothic Metal project Adder’s Fork. Huge thanks to main man Marko for taking part.
What is your name, what do you play, and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
Hi, my name is Marko and I’m the man behind ADDER’S FORK. Everything within this project is made by me, all instruments, vocals and production. Sometimes I collaborate with friends, but basically AF is my baby and it was born a few years after the demise of my older (less professional) extreme metal attempts. I’m looking for the finest mixture of classic metal heaviness and profound 80’s music, like The Sisters of Mercy, The Mission and especially early The Cure.
How did you come up with your band name?
Adder’s Fork originates from Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth, It’s an ingredient for a special brew that three witches are cooking up in their cauldron. I actually kind of stumbled upon it and thought it would fit the imagery well.
What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?
I’m from Austria, a little country in the centre of Europe. Our scene is pretty small, it’s rather hard to find well known international bands. Some of our more famous heavy artists include Belphegor, Pungent Stench and of course Summoning. I’ve actually gained more fans from foreign scenes, to be honest, but I’m working on that.
What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)
“The Fatalist” is my new 4-track-EP, you will be able to download it for free very soon (Bandcamp, Website) and pre-order your (also free) CD, if you are still into physical releases. An accompanying music video was released on 4th December! This EP might be the finest thing I’ve ever done in terms of songwriting and performance, but be sure to check out its predecessor as well, “The Individualist” (+ music video) was released in 2018 and I’m still holding it in high regard:
‘The Fatalist (A Coming Dark)’ (Official Video 2020)
‘The Individualist’ (Official Video 2018)
Who have been your greatest influences?
The Cure, (early) Rotting Christ, The Sisters of Mercy, Megadeth, The Sound, Woods of Ypres.
Basically, Heavy Metal and Dark Wave/Post-Punk/Goth music from the 80’s. I’ve never been too much into idolizing certain musicians, but Dave Mustaine’s guitar playing has taught me a lot in my early days and Robert Smith has shown me how many different emotions can be transported through unique singing styles. The late David Gold’s multi-instrumental abilities and the resulting approach to songwriting/recording and his hard-hitting lyrics are an inspiration to this day.
What first got you into music?
It was the moment I realized that the commercial radio sounds would rarely resonate with my kid-self. I started searching for music outside the box of the usual easy listening fluff one is constantly being battered with and the excitement, that fresh, different soundscapes provided, keeps me going to this day.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
Idle Hands/Unto Others – this could be an amazing synergy, but I tried and Gabe told me there was not enough time in their hands (pre-Covid) and I believe him 😉
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
I’d prefer the more intimate feel of smaller clubs, pubs and generally indoor arenas, it makes the music breathe a lot stronger, meaning that the festival experience has less to do with the actual material presented, as the social activity (and heavy drinking!) matter more.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
Nothing weird yet, the best things I got were CD reviews by people who didn’t actually work for magazines, but did this as a favour and I also got Adder’s Fork band-shirts printed for me!
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Thank you for actually taking the time to listen to my music. It’s hard enough to be recognized these days and TIME is the greatest value.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Ronnie James Dio. If I could choose one or two more, it would be Peter Steele and David Gold. So much talent lost way too soon.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
Good – being creative; playing with words, playing with moods. The element of surprise.
Bad – Expectations. I also hate that money talks, like it does everywhere in the world.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
The “all for the money”-mentality of many label monstrosities. Creativity and artistic expression are being held hostage by those who have control over the distribution and visibility of bands.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
Rotting Christ – “Triarchy of the Lost Lovers”; it has the best mixture between grimness and soothingly beautiful melody, extremely strong, varied songwriting and it’s one of the most memorable extreme metal records I have ever heard. Simple and complex at the same time. Intense, gritty, mystical, powerful and catchy as hell. A masterpiece for all eternity!
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
Vinyl – just for their appearance alone, digital releases for the ease of use.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
Waldstock Open Air 2006 – the tiny version of the original Woodstock here in Austria. We were just a bunch of young dudes having our first festival gig. It did work out rather well, considering how inexperienced we were.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
Since being a solo musician doesn’t quite pay your bills, I also have a day job + various other interests in Via Ferratas (and everything involving mountains) and I’m also writing reviews for a metal webzine.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Sakis Tolis, Robert Smith, Nergal Adam Darski, Stefan Necroabyssious and Brittney Slayes. Quite the conversations would arise, don’t you think?
What’s next for the band?
CD pressing for The Fatalist EP and a website overhaul.
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
www.addersfork.wordpress.com/
www.facebook.com/addersforkofficial/
www.addersfork.bandcamp.com/
Jaffa Cakes! Are they a cake or a biscuit?
It’s a biscuit, right? I actually have no idea!
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
I thank you for asking me all these questions and actually shedding some light onto my project! If any of you readers enjoy Gothic Metal with heavy riffs, lots of melodies and a hefty dose of 80’s dark elements – be it New Wave, Post-Punk or even the gloomier side of Synth Pop – listen to Adder’s Fork, you will not regret it!
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of said party. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
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