German power metallers BRAINSTORM have traveled far and wide since their inception back in 1989. Currently, they are sitting pretty at the top of the hill, and with their new album, "Downburst", they'll more than likely be staying put there for quite a while, even after the promotional campaign winds down. While the majority of Power Metal bands insist on continuing to put out the same old thing, year after year, BRAINSTORM opt to stray in the opposite direction, and "Downburst" is proof of that. Blessed with soaring vocals, inspiring rhythms and that vital "Metal" feel, not to mention a hell of a lot of versatility, "Downburst" is by far the band's most dense work to date. Guitarist Torsten "Todde" Ihlenfeld agrees, and makes it clear that BRAINSTORM have no intention of disappearing anytime soon.

"Downburst" is your seventh full-length album. Can you tell us about the concept of the album, explain its title and meaning behind it?

"The only concept is that we wanted to create the best BRAINSTORM album to date and to progress as songwriters, as band and as musicians. We really had very intense songwriting sessions. We did re-arrange and try out a lot until we have been completely satisfied. The title should express what we felt when we listened to the songs the first time after finishing the pre-productions. We felt something very strong, impressing, like a thunderstorm that rolls over you within 45 Minutes. That's exactly what a 'Downburst' is all about."

Do you feel this is your best album to date?

"Yes, no doubt about it. We never spent so much time in a studio before and working with Sascha and Miro was very creative and absolutely the right decision."

"Downburst" is a huge achievement and a huge progression for BRAINSTORM. What vision did you have when you began writing the material for it?

"As I said, we wanted to create the best BRAINSTORM album possible. We wanted to widen the borders and try out new things without losing our roots and hey, I think you hear it when you listen to 'Downburst'."

This is the band's seventh full-length album. How do you feel the band has progressed and developed both musically and internally during the course of your career?

"Oh, we definitely got better musicians over the years and the songwriting skills had grown a lot. But that was a natural progress, we never did care about if a solo part is amazing or difficult - we always did focus on the song. Internally, we found real friendship between the band members, which is worth more than any career or whatever."

How did the recording process go with producer Sascha Paeth?

"Amazing. He is a very good producer, a very talented musician and a very nice, down-to-earth person. He always has a vision but gives you enough freedom to decide together what is good for a song and what maybe is better left out or changed."

How do you prepare yourselves every time you enter the studio? Is there a certain procedure you follow religiously?

"We go into the studio as well prepared as possible but there are no certain rituals we have... besides there needs to be some Four Roses available. But we take care of that ourselves."

The material on "Downburst" itself stays true to BRAINSTORM's signature sound, but this one is more mature, and different than previous albums. Would you agree?

"Absolutely. We had more time for the songwriting process and working with Sascha was very creative as well. The previous two albums had been written in an album - tour - album - tour period, which is good as well but this time, we decided to take our time until we are totally satisfied with the result."

Can you please describe the lyrical content on the album?

"We always write about things that that happen around us or happen in the world every day and about things that we think is worth writing over. This time, a lot of personal things and demons are in the lyrics but also ways out thereof."

What is your favourite song on the album?

"'End In Sorrow' is kind of one of my favourites. Very strong atmosphere and something we never did before."

Describe the concept behind the cover artwork.

"When we toured back in 2005 for the 'Liquid Monster' album we talked about what the next album cover could look like and we all agreed that we want to have one figure on the cover with no background and the colours white and red. The figure should represent the band and show that we always did things our way and fought for what we believe in and for our aims. So, we never looked left or right or followed any trend and that's what the cover should express. This means this time cover and title are absolutely independent. The cover stands for the band and the title for the music."

What are your thoughts on the upcoming European tour?

"We can't wait to go on tour again, and we are very looking forward meeting up with our fans and play at least 90 minutes of real good Metal music."

Over the past several years, your sound has gradually progressed to include more melodic elements. Was this a collective decision by the band?

"More a natural process I would say, although I have to say that there are still fast and furious elements on every album."

Andy's voice has grown stronger with each album. On "Downburst" it sounds more refined and diverse. How has he managed to develop his vocal ability over the years?

"Constant training, sports plus this time, working with Sascha and Miro brought in some very interesting, new points of view in the way of how to sing different sometimes."

Andy is in another band, SYMPHORCE. Is BRAINSTORM the main priority or does he juggle the two bands equally?

"No. BRAINSTORM is the way bigger band and top priority, no doubt about it."

Where would you like to see BRAINSTORM in the future?

"Well, you know, we have grown with each album, increased sales with each album constantly and reached new territories with each album as well. As long as we are still able to grow and please and entertain our fans and listeners, this is a very nice picture to paint. We'll see what future brings, but we are around for a long time now and we are definitely here to stay."

What personally would you like to achieve in your career that you have not achieved yet?

"Simply be a good human being, a good Christian, stay healthy and be there for my family is the most important thing, I think. Anything else is just bonus and I am very thankful that I can do what I do and write music that other people (and myself, of course) enjoy." [FIN]