Interview auf Christian Extrem
Metal Fanzine

1. How long have you guys known each other and how long have you been together as a band?

A.P.: 
We started in 1996. Daniel K. (former-singer) Florian M. Kraus (Guitar) and Lynn A. Neiner (Drums) were the first members of a white metal project, which we later  called Ancient Prophecy. Daniel and Florian have known each other from school, and met Lynn on a birthday-party at a friend. Some years later Daniel Jung, Tobias Buss and Andrea Busch joined the band. Daniel K. left the formation in 2001.     

2. What would you like the listener to gain or get out of listening to an Ancient Prophecy CD?

A.P.:
The most important thought of our lyrics is that God loves everybody one this planet in that way, that he sacrificed his own son to create that bridge which realized a relationship between him and us, although we actually are sinners. If people recognize that they are living next to sins and understand that cut between God and oureselves we would be happy because thats the first step of coming nearer to god.

3. What bands did you guys listen to growing up and which ones influenced you the most?

A.P.:
Yes, shure you could say that every band is influenced by songs its member listen to. During the time of creating our demo CD, some people joined Savior Maschine, Helloween, Paramacium, Running Wild Crematory, In Flames, Hammerfall, Gamma Ray, a.o. For a few years we have been including some new metal styles of bands like the following ones in our music style:
Children of Bodom, Soilwork, Brainstorm, Sonata Arctica, Archenemy, FearFactory, Nightwish, Narnia, Stratovarius, Iron Maiden, and many ohters more .

4. Where do you guys come from? and do you only tour locally or have you done any extensive touring in the US or any other countries?

A.P.:
We wre born in Germany and were living in Hessen, one of the federal states of Germany. Its an area in the middle of our country. Were still not under a major label and have no managers, so we have to keep the organisation and the payment for touring to ourselves. Since 1997 we have played some gigs in smaller clubs in germany. Two years ago we were invited to switzerland for a small Christian metal festival. Its difficult to travel around and play concerts because every band member has a normal job and works at weekends too.

5. What is the inspiration behind your lyrics? What drives you to play? What is the Christian music scene like in Germany?

A.P.:
We make music, especially metal for our savior and for the people.
We want to give hope and the offer to be reconciled with God. To tell everyone about Jesus, his mercy and our personal relationship, thats why we make music and freak out on stage. The Christian music scene is under construction, **smile** therere a lot of new commers, in so many different music styles. We personally dont know many Christian metal bands. Its sad but true ;-)

6. What do you think of bands such as P.O.D. and Switchfoot making it in the mainstream market? Also what do you think of bands like Creed who use Christian themes in their music but do not want to be categorized as a Christian band?

A.P.:
We actually dont prefer mainstream music! On one hand its important that those bands like P.O.D., Switchfoot, etc.  are established by majority although they sing about Christian themes. We dont want to give any comments about the lyrics of bands which we dont know exactly. In our opinion its hypocritical if bands use Christian lyrics to make profit and dont believe in Jesus. Obviously, true Christian bands need much courage to talk about Jesus and be present in the public eye.

7. Since Jesus is the driving influence behind your songs, do you find it hard to come up with lyrics that will easily be consumed by today's generation?

A.P.:
Well, I think you mean it could be hard if we see other bands (not Christians) to come up with normal lyrics which describe love, sex, political, and social problems or just fun, isnt it ? Was this your question ? Or do you mean that the young generation consumes the music and deosnt think about lyrics? Of course, that can make you angry but its the world. Only God knows for which people these lyrics are a possibility of hope, of forgiveness and new life to join the great relationship with Jesus Christ.

8. What's the story behind the bands name?

A.P.:
At first Ancient Prophecy contains all histories of the bible in generel. If you read the old testament you can see that some of the old prophecies were fullfilled. We believe that prophecies in the name of God will also fullfilled in the future. God often chooses normal men who trust in him that much that they are called to do the job of a prophet. We dont think of ourselves to be superheroes. The reason why we want to tell people about Jesus Christ is that we have experienced the grace of God are reconciled with him and will enter the gates of heaven !  

9. Are you guys with a record label now and if not do you have plans on signing with anyone in the near future?

A.P.:
Thats the great question for many unsigned bands. To know that youll lose many rights, your name and some other independent possibilities, makes us frightened. Shure there are some good Christian underground labels which provide bands and offer contracts which are acceptable  for both sides. But at the moment were still looking for a male and female vocalist, and for a bass player. We would be happy to find a manager or friendly underground label which enables us to play some more gigs and concerts.  

10. What Cd's are in the bands Cd players right now?

A.P.:
Haha, well, there are a lot of bands who are our favorites. We listen to many different metal music styles, but we prefer Soilwork, In Flames, Night Wish,  etc.. I think if anyone of our band wrote down his favorites, we could fill the hole interview, haha **grins**

In the end of this interview we thank you a lot for your provitation and the possibilty to tell the metal heads in the hole world about Jesus and our band Ancient Prophecy. All of you guys around the world, we wish you a great relationship with God and many good expieriences.

Bang your head for the allmighty
Raise your spirit to the sky
Feel the power of your prayer
Bang your head until you die

Greetings from germany J