Violent Solutions Webzine, France 2001By Martin Carlsson
Translation by Mathias Karihtala

VS1. At first, could you tell us some words about your last show in Paris ? Is it a good memory for you ?

The show in Paris is a wonderful memory for us. It was the only French date on the tour and as expected, the French audiences were beyond words. We thank you all for your respect and patience.

VS2. We are still waiting for more dates in France, will you come back soon?

We are hoping to come back in November and we will try to make sure that there is much more of a focus on France.

VS3. You will put out your long awaited release "Terria". Can you tell us more about this release ? What is you personal evolution with Terria ?

Terria is a very relaxed version of what I do yet it is very refined. Production wise, performance-wise, song structures and all that. It is the best example of what I have been able to do so far. As far as personal evolution, it just represents the 28 year old mindset I was in when I wrote it.

VS4. What are the lyrics of this new release about ?

Day to day things. Learning to cope and compromise in a newly realised world of reality and the confusion surrounding that transition. It's a pretty confused record lyrically but that's what makes it neat because it's not unhappily confused.

VS5. After the Ocean, the "Terria", will your next project be named "Air" or "Oxygen" ? Is there a full concept in your mind ?

Yes, there is a concept in mind but I'm not going to tell anyone about it. I can tell you the colours. It is white and red so far.

VS6. You have a lot of support in Japan and in France too. How things work in the other country ?

Sometimes good, sometimes really bad. I think the people that like my stuff will start becoming more adamant fans and as a result of that I think our core fan base will continue to grow steadily in most countries that we have access to. But we will take what we can get.

VS7. How are you, Devin, right now, after the recording of Terria ?

Anxious, confused, bored, happy, content, tired most of the time and eating plenty.

VS8. What are you thinking about the metal scene of 2001. Do you find some interesting new bands ?

I don't mind Static X and I kinda like the Deftones. There are tons of really good underground bands but as far as the jump-up-and-down scene goes those guys are pretty good.

VS9. You are an old fan of Iron Maiden, or Judas Priest. Do you think you will be still here in 15 years, playing Heavy Metal ? What are you thinking about this old band ?

The only reason I pay attention to those old bands now is for fun. I have no clue what I will be doing in the future. Is there a future? I'll keep you posted.

VS10. You have work with Jason Newsted a few years ago on the IR8 Project. Will you work again with him ?

I haven't talked to Jason in years. I wish him luck in his new project and I think he made the right decision with Metallica. We will wait to see what his own stuff is like.

VS11. Have you listen to his new project Echobrain ?

No, I haven't

VS12. You are proud to be a Canadian. What are you thinking about the Canadian metal bands like Voivod, Gorguts, Cryptopsy ...

I like Cryptopsy but I was too young for both Voivod and Gorguts. We had No Means No even though they are a bit punk. Canada, historically, is limited as far as good music is concerned. I don't think it's the country as opposed to the industry though.

VS13. I've just read that Century media will issue a CD with rarities from Stuck Mojo. You are singing on a few tracks there. Can you give us more information please ?

While we were recording Pigwalk, I sang on a silly couple of versions. One of Shout At The Devil and the other of Wrathchild. Unfortunately there is some rap on it - not me - Bonz... Not that he is bad, it is just that classic metal... well you make up your own mind.

VS14. Have you definitively turn the page with SYL and Punky Brüster ? Is there an other side of music you want to explore (free jazz, industrial, funk, ambient etc.) ?

There are tons of things I could do and Terria sort of opens the door for me to do what I want. I think the point of Terria was to say "this is what I am capable of doing regardless of what is expected of me."

VS15. I have to tell you that I find your work on Ocean Machine, Infinity and Physicist really marvellous. I listen to this releases when I need to feel good with myself. I have never understand how a man who says having problems with himself can create a so beautiful music. Your music is not depressive or sad at all. Have you got an explanation about this ?

I think it is depressive and sad in certain parts ... I just have a desire to hear nice things or pleasing things in whatever style I choose to explore.

VS16. Is it really important for you to know that you music is listened by hundreds of guys ? Don't you play music for yourself at first ?

Yes, it is important. Sometimes I play music for me first, and sometimes for the audience. For instance, in live shows you do it for a combination. I usually write primarily for myself but it is nice to be vindicated when people enjoy it.

VS17. Do you imagine a day without listening or playing music ??

Absolutely, as much as I love music, it is also what I do for a living. I have got to take a break from it sometimes just to keep perspective. Sometimes abstinence makes the heart grow fonder.