Obszön Geschöpf

After a genre change, and an upcoming tour of the USA, Brutal Resonance caught up with Obszön Geschöpf's front man, Remzi, to discuss the future...

Let's start by congratulating you. "Symphony of Decay" has been a massive success, with 90% of reviews being extremely positive. As a result of your heightened web presence, you are now arranging a tour of the USA. How much of a boost would you say this release has given you?
- "Thanks. Yes, S.O.D has had a lot of good reviews all over the world. I spend all my time promoting Obszön Geschöpf on the net. About USA, yes I have organized an USA tour in March 2011. Actually, Obszön Geschöpf is well known in the USA because my sound is very similar to the American style and I have released two albums there: "Son of Evil" and "Erection Body Mutilated" on the label BLC Productions. But I can tell you that just because you're well known, you do not sell more CDs."

Despite your Industrial influences still shining on, many old school fans still resent your change from an EBM band to a Metal band. Acts such as Dawn of Ashes, Psyclon Nine, and (more recently) CeDigest have all also changed direction, and almost universally, have ended up losing their fan base. Despite the initial cynicism, you appear to be retaining it, and doing very well. What is your secret?
- "A lot of old fans have been surprised or disappointed , it's normal, But the most important thing that my fans have told me is that there is still the OG sound in the new album, and Obszön Geschöpf has their own style. This is the crucial principal to me."

Unusually, you went from a Metal project, to an Ebm project, and then finally rediscovered your Metal roots. Your limited and hard to find demo "Day of Suffering" is a very accomplished amalgamation of Thrash Metal and Dark Electro, with some magnificent tracks. Is there a possibility of this being re-released to the fans that don't have it
- "Yes. In fact, I have had the idea to release something special in 2012 to celebrate Fifteen years of Obszön Geschöpf. I'm thinking about putting the demo "Day of Suffering" in a box set ,something like a compilation of all my albums, unreleased tracks, rarities, Remixes (old and new) and maybe a t-shirt... But of course, it depends on the album sales."

Your obsession with Serial Killers, Gore, Blood, and overall Fear is something I take a deep interest in. In most cases, I recognise samples and references that you put in your music. However, there are also elements that remain a Mystery to me. Is there any real life story behind songs like "Port Elizabeth Massacre" and "House of Wustefeld"?
- "Yes. Very often my lyrics are about real murders that have been committed. For example: "Port Elizabeth Massacre " tells the story of Steward Wilken. He was a South African serial killer who had committed horrible murders. He was certainly one of the worst sexual maniacs and Necrophiles. He killed his own daughter too and raped her over many days after her death. I won't give you details. The track "House of Wustefeld" is the famous story of the cannibal Armin Meiwes. Wustefeld is the name of the village where it happened."

Although the scene in France is tiny, compared to neighbouring Germany, I am aware of a small movement of dedicated bands that are closely connected to your sound, such as Arsch Dolls, Bran Terror, A7IE, and more closely, the Electro/Metal hybrid "Forsaken Corpse". Do you have any connections or interests in the above artists?
- "I know A7IE because the front man Guillaume was the creator of "La chambre froide" my first label for the "Yell of fright" album. Regarding the other bands, I either know their names or I have met them during concerts."

You have previously revealed that having a live Guitarist now allows you to take your sound and concept to a much richer level. Are we to expect yet more surprises and elaborate sounds on forthcoming releases? Previously each album has been more developed and significantly different to the last. Do you aim to carry this on, or have you now found the true sound of Obszön Geschöpf?
- "Actually I'm beginning to have found the sound I wanted for Obszön Geschöpf since the beginning, especially on my last two releases "Erection Body Mutilated" and ?Symphony of Decay". I have already composed the base of all tracks for the next album and can tell you it will be (of course) very Metal but with a lot of Hip-Hop sections and some EBM/Industrial sounds too."

It is rather delightful to see you visiting the USA. It's about time small projects such as this get a chance to tour internationally. Are there other countries where you are aware of a big fan base?
- "We have a lot of fans in Mexico because of my dark electro past. But the audience of this scene is very open in this country. Most of them have nothing against guitars. We have fans in South Africa too. Maybe we will arrange some gigs there in 2011."

You have silenced all the nay-sayers with the new album, which must have been a nice revelation to you. I recall being part of the last.fm argument with you when you announced and defended your new sound. There was a lot of hate, and I'm delighted to say that those haters seem to enjoy "Symphony of Decay". With this information, what message would you like to send to the old fans that haven't yet listened to your new sound?
- "Simply put, take a listen to the extracts which are on Myspace, Vampirefreaks, etc. You can hear the new sound of Obszön Geschöpf. But if you hate Guitars, ultimately this album is not for you."

You hinted about a side project in 2011, would you have any info to give to the readers here at Brutal Resonance?
- "The new project Dead Teenagers will be softer than Obszön Geschöpf. The sound will be a sort of Techno-rock-industrial, something between Junkie XL, Prodigy, Celldweller, Pitchshifter, Ladytron , KMFDM etc, but with a lot of female vocals. This project will be (the producer) Andy Classen on the Guitar, my wife will sing and I will write all the synth, drum loops and fx, as well as the male vocals."

Finally, thank you for taking the time to conduct an interview with me. I've been a fan since 2006, and it's great to be given an Insight to how Remzi Kelleci operates. Please close this Interview by adding some words of your own!
- "First a big thanks to you for this interview. For all the readers: If you like violent Metal and Industrial with a horror movie atmosphere and harsh vocals, this album is for you!"