EMQ’s with ALIEN FORCE
Hi everyone! Welcome to another new EMQ’s interview with Danish Classic Heavy Metal/ NWOBHM band, Alien Force. Huge thanks to their guitarist, Henrik Rasmussen, 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?
My name is Henrik Rasmussen – Guitarist in Alien Force.
In 1982, the band currently known as Alien Force started playing music under the name Zeyking. The band was started by the two brothers Henrik Rasmussen (guitar) and Michael Rasmussen (drums) and the style was already then classic heavy metal. Together with Peter Svale Andersen (vocals) and Michael Østerfelt (bass), Zeyking released the single ‘Get It Out’.
In 1985 we changed the name to Alien Force, and with a record deal with Telaeg Records, we released our first LP “Hell And High Water”. The record is nowadays a classic in the NWOBHM underground, being reprinted several times. In 1986 we released our second LP “Pain And Pleasure” via own record company Alien Records.
After that album, times became difficult for us, and the metal scene changed in a direction that we tried to follow. Sweden’s Europe took the stage, and all of a sudden, we all had long jackets and pop hair! It created a rift in the band, and disagreement and led to replacements in the band, and the band was never the same again.
In 2008, we were invited to play a reunion concert in the famous rock club The Rock. The concert was a great success for us and once again, we got the desire for metal back.
Unfortunately, our guitarist Michael Wenzel lost his life to cancer, and it was a great blow for us again.
After a long break, in 2018, we were invited to play Keep It True, one of Germany’s largest underground metal festivals. We went there with the original line-up from the “Hell And High Water” album, and the concert served as a turning point. We met fans from all over the world, who welcomed us with open arms, and showed us that we have a loyal fan base larger than we believed.
How did you come up with your band name?
I really have no idea… hehe! I think all the good names were taken…
What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?
We are from Denmark and the Metal scene is really strong here as in Europe.
What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)
“We Meet Again” which came out on 26th November 2021, on The Vaults label.
Who have been your greatest influences?
Judas priest definitely…
What first got you into music?
By listening to rock music in the 70s and 80s – especially the hard rock music.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
Judas priest!
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
In Denmark, we have a festival called Copenhell, that would be nice to play… Home court, you know.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
I have not received anything strange yet, only love letters: 0)
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
We hope you enjoy the new album, the album is made because of you … Love Alien Force.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Phil Lynott
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
The pleasure is clearly playing live music in front of dedicated audiences… I hate waiting time…
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Bring the music and its value from social media back to the musicians
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
That’s a hard one… Right now it’s “Firepower” – Judas priest.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
If it’s done right, Vinyl!
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
Keep It True, in Germany
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
No idea
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Rob Halford, Ozzy Osborn, Richie Blackmore, Angus Young, Dave Grohl
What’s next for the band?
Getting the new album out to people as soon as possible by playing live.
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
www.facebook.com/AlienForceDK/
www.instagram.com/alienforcedk/
www.open.spotify.com/artist/05GH5nEOeKj5hHlZkLxA7q
Jaffa Cakes! Are they a cake or a biscuit?
Cake
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
No…
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.