- What inspired the name and formation of the band and what are your influences?
We were inspired by the 1980s movie Wolfen. The name sounded cool and we did like the idea of this reborn indian warriors as wolfs. It is a clan with a lot of power, acting together against all odds. And as you can see, we are still here and still alive, too. We never tried to copy a style, but to achieve our own sound. Our influences are of course the bands of the NWOBH and the Bay Area Thrash, but also bands of the present. Everyone of us has got his own favourites and altogether you will get the sound of Wolfen.
- How do you approach writing and recording music and has that changed at all during the course of your career?
There are different ways for songwriting. Sometimes we are just jamming and creating an idea. But most times someone has got an riff or complete song and we are working on it as long as necessary. In the past I did write the most songs and Andreas von Lipinski or we both wrote them together. Today we have got another great songwriter with Andi Doetsch in the band. On the new album is one song written just by him and he has got co-writing credits for four further songs. But it always will sound like Wolfen. I promise.
- With Rise of the Lycans what themes were you wanting to explore? Are there any songs in particular that stand out?
Andreas did write a story on four songs, but most lyrics are not a special theme. He tries to get interesting stories on the songs, that will fit with the music. There were no plans for the new album, just to get the power of our new members to the CD/Vinyl. It is a great pleasure to have these awesome musicians in our band. Siggi gives Wolfen such a big punch in the stomach and Andi is brilliant guitarist. And that is the main difference to the old Wolfen. We have got now the chance for some crazy leadguitar battles. When I heard the first time the finished songs, I told the guys, that I think we never sounded that good since the Truth Behind album. All killers, no fillers. The sound that our producer Martin created is just mindblowing. I love it.
- What plans do you have for the future?
Our plan for the future is just to play as much as possible. We think that the fans will love this album and we will have a great time at the concerts. We will start in June playing live and the fans will see and hear the new power of Wolfen, straight into their faces.
Don’t forget, the Wolfen is always gonna get ya!