10 EYES is a young band, I assume? Then let's start this interview as always, with the band's history…

- Ok. The band was found in 1998. We released one CD (after the demo version), and now we try to get a deal with record company.

Should we perceive "II" as an official album or a demo recording?

- It's the second one, a CD released in April this year (not on a label, though). We have a little studio, and it's where we recorded "II".

So it's named "II" because it's your second offering?

- Yeah. It's the second work by 10 EYES.

It's really hard to describe what 10 EYES is all about stylistically… So maybe you would tell us what style do you reckon your band to, yourself?

- We're influenced by many-many bands because everyone in 10 EYES listens to different groups and music styles - and that's the result (*laughs*). We're melodic and progressive and...

... doom and power metal too, perhaps?

- Yes. Progressive and power metal. Independent metal.

So why haven't you inked a deal with any record company yet? It seems to me that your music has all chances to go well in terms of sales...

- We're trying to get a contract at the moment. I believe we have a record deal with the second CD, so we won't have to release it independently.

What the response to your latest work has been so far?

- Very good! I only hope that the labels will see the result... Maybe we don't have a contract yet, because people in Germany don't want to hear any metal at the moment. Hip hop, techno, y'know. And it's very difficult for a metal band to reach anything.

But hey, I always thought that heavy and power metal appear as very popular genres in Germany! Just to recall BLIND GUARDIAN and HELLOWEEN...!

- Yeah, you're right. But it's very hard for a young band to get into the market. As to BLIND GUARDIAN, they have eight albums out, and HELLOWEEN exist for more than ten years. So it's difficult for the new band. Record companies just want to make some quick money...

I don't know what about you guys, but in Russia we have this PANTERA / KORN trend at the moment... Is it the same in Germany?

- This kind of music is very popular over here too, yes.

Nevertheless, I believe that, at least musically, PANTERA is much better than some techno and stuff like that, y'know...

- Yes, you're right! I totally agree with you (*laughs*).

Do you like PANTERA?

- Yes, sure. And ICED EARTH... (names few other bands, although I couldn't fugure out which ones exactly, sorry - ED)

What about the distribution of your products? Is it available in mailorders, music stores or only via the band directly, a German one?

- At the moment, it's available only via Internet and the band.

What is it alike, to live in Germany?

- Ah, very good! At least, at the moment... (seems like "at the moment" is your favorite phrase, pal? ;))) - ED)

Are there any particular difficulties you have endured being a metal band?

- No. We all have jobs, because we don't make much money to live from the music; from playing at all those little clubs, y'know...

I guess, the same happens not only with German acts. Almost all those who take part in metal band, also have to work somewhere else...

- That's the way, yeah.

Some time ago, almost a neo-nazi government took over in Austria, the country which seems to be your closest neighbor… What is your view on that happening?

- Well, we think it's a normal Party. Most people have voted for them, and... But we're not a "political" band, though.

What do you know and think about Russia?

- Ah, we think that with the new president... Ehh... Putin? ... you'll have a better future.

And what about the present situation?

- I think it's going for better, but it will take a long-long time. Just like in East Germany, y'know.

Any metal bands coming from Russia you've heard lately?

- Yeah, they're similar to SCORPIONS... Can't recall their name. Do you know such a band? (waits for a moment, and since I can't recall such a band as well, finally fugures out it's...) GORKY PARK!

Ok, thank you. Anything for the end?

- Yeah, we want to thank you and your magazine, our fans in Russia (*laughs*) and in all the other countries! And thanks for the good review!

You deserved it!

- Yeah, we deserved it (*laughs*).

10 EYES contact -
Email: 10eyes@10eyes.de