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PART ONE: Interview with Ko of ASMODEUS
June 2003

Destin_TXPSY: So right off the bat, where has Asmodeus been for so long?
Ko: Okay that is an easy one, right HERE! But we had some problems. Arie, the bassist, had some physical problems with his neck. Well, problems is an understatement, he had some serious problems. He could not even get up to stand at one point...we were scouting Bart, from BB Bazooka, Lovesteaks and currently PeterPan Speedrock to play bass on our next album, but at that time he was too busy and Arie was getting better. All in all, it took about two years to get back up to speed. Now that we are back we have big plans and big offers. We just got back from Finland, did a few shows in France and Holland and we are now ready to record our next album. The new tracks have been virtually finished for a while now and now we want to record it and move on. We are currently talking to a few labels, but intend to record and produce ourselves, just like the last one...
Destin_TXPSY: FINALLY a new album from you guys, the last one (Diggin' Up the King) is still selling over here in the States.... Any new direction in sound, maybe new progression in writing? Just wondering because of the difference between the first release (Psycho on Hell's Request) to the second was an upgrade in both direction and progression in my opinion....
Ko: The main difference between the two albums is that the second is what we intended to sound like on the first! But at that time we were signed after just two gigs and had nothing to say in the production phase. But we have the masters so maybe we will re-release it someday but with our own sound. The third album (Diabolique Royale) will be much of the same sound as the second. In songwriting, there will be some changes but most were written at the time the second one was released. One main change is that we don't do much tempo changes in the songs anymore. Not as much as the last album anyway. So, expect more "songy" songs but with the same, might I say, even more power! A few covers and a live bonus again! (Sort of about where we stopped on the second!!!!) Artwork will be by Vince, of course. Furthermore, it will be mastered by JXL again (little less conversation remix), he likes us, don't know why... but he is a very good producer so.....
Destin_TXPSY: Remixing the first album and re-releasing it would be nice to see happen. Switching around a bit, I know you guys are good friends with PeterPan Speedrock and you are going to be playing out with them in Europe, I was wondering...wouldn't that be a great band to come over to the States and play some shows with when the time is right? In my opinion, I think PPS and Asmodeus touring together would change things up a bit over here for people, not such a "typical" lineup at shows, what I mean by that is not having long boring nights with the same bands opening, it would "open" the shows up for a more diverse local support lineup, ya know what I mean? More of a ROCK show. It just sounds so refreshing to me....
Ko: It is actually, exactly what is going on here. The typical Psychobilly Festivals are now mixing it up a bit with some Surf, Garage and other types of 'Hard' music. So, yes, we would like to and so would the boys of PP. However, they are big-time right now in Europe, so they have management that are not too keen on the idea. (Psychobilly still has a bad name....) We played with them at their own request a month ago on their CD release party in Eindhoven. That was a big success. Next week in Amsterdam. So maybe a sign for things to come.... to go to the States with them would be awesome! Who knows...?
Destin_TXPSY: Yeah, the States haven't gotten that far along yet, mixing the genres for a festival. Although in Texas, we have been throwing around the idea for our first BIG festival to have a mix of Street Punk and Psycho, with a big Street Punk headliner one night and a big Psycho band the other, two days is plenty for a fest...ASMODEUS should come play it.....By the way, what is the "bad name" for psychobilly in Europe?
Ko: Cool, sounds great, wanna play Texas anyway! The bad name comes from the beginning of psychobilly, early 80's. A lot of Skinheads 'converted' to psychobilly, no one knew the difference between the two. Still don't. Skinheads attend festivals in Europe, although not high profile anymore. I remember an incident in '86, where about thirty to forty skinheads were kicked out of a fest by psychos. The band, Washington Dead Cats, refused to play as long as there were nazis there. They got into fights in the street and stabbed a few innocent people...also, a lot of pissed out of their minds Psychos didn't help? In Belgium towns/cities refused to host festivals because of that! So it was like a moving caravan, after one festival in one town, they had to move the next edition to the next town. I can remember an incident or two with riot police!!!! Now everything is a lot more mellow. Here in Europe anyways. We all know each other and the rivalry between countries is not so evident anymore. It is like one big happy family!!!!
Destin_TXPSY: Yeah, actually that's how I got introduced to Psycho in the 80's was by some Skinheads that I hung out with. I thought the same thing back then, Psychobilly = Skinhead. I liked it back then, I just didn't figure things out for myself until the Internet came along. The "old school" Skins here still listen to Psycho, the newer generation of Skins has no idea about that history which keeps a lot of "that" activity down at shows. But yeah, nowadays in Europe, I agree, you guys are pretty much "one big happy family". I went to Speyer, Germany for a Satanic Stomp this past March and there were NO problems, everyone was there to have a good time and see friends and meet new ones. MUCH FUN and "Beer-Cola"???? Does the Netherlands mix beer and cola together? Which brings up another question: with you living in the area of the land of BEER, what would be your picks on great beer?
Ko: Mix beer and cola? Don't be silly; it's a German thing. In England they drink shandy, almost the same thing...If you say the land of BEER, I suppose you are referring to Heineken. It's actually something like tap water here, not at all special. I am a Lager man myself but I prefer brands like Grolsch, Dommelsch and a Carlsberg now and then. Irish whiskies and Cognac can also count on my vote. It is our neighbors Germany and Belgium that have the big beer-culture, we are just better at selling the stuff! I am not an expert on US beer, but I like Rolling Rock I guess. Anyways, after about a couple or twenty it don't matter anyway!!!! So in conclusion: I think Belgium has the best beers in the World, too many to mention them all here, but believe me, when in Belgium try them ALL out! You won't be disappointed!!!!
Destin_TXPSY: No way was I talking about Heiny. I actually meant in your neighborhood. Which you nailed it on the head with Belgium. Belgium has my vote for the most respected beers in the World. You have to respect them because 4 or 5 of them will put you on your ASS quick. I like a lot of Porters and Stouts as well from the UK and here in the States. Hell, Heiny is basically an adopted beer of the States, I think it's skunk beer myself. I will not comment on Rolling Rock. So in conclusion: Ko and myself should meet up in Belgium next time I am in Europe to drink much BEER, get pissed out of our minds and throw full bottles of Heineken at venues that will no longer host Psycho events!!!!! Until next time...