Vratyas: The pure translation means "Falcon" and "brook". But I think the meaning behind it cannot be translated easily. It's neither a place nor a name of someone I know, nevertheless it has got a special meaning to me.

Falkenbach is often referred to as a 'viking metal' band. How would you describe your sound?

Well, I do not use to describe the sound of Falkenbach to be honest. In my opinion people should make up their own minds, and I do not use to persuade anyone to listen to Falkenbach.

With your third release Ok Nefna Tysvar Ty, you accepted help from Bolthorn, Hagalaz and Tyrann. Apparently you were pleased as they joined you for your latest release Heralding-The Fireblade. Were you expecting for the collaboration to work out so well?

Yes, absolutely. I've know them for years now and we're good friends. So I knew what could be expected, they enriched the recordings by their musical skills as well as due to their outstanding characters. I am glad to see them helping Falkenbach out at the studio.

How do you go about your song writing process? How do you manage to paint such beautiful pictures with your lyrics? Where do you draw your inspiration from-what inspires you the most?

I think inspiration itself is the only inspiration. It doesn't care about the mood I am in, it doesnŽt ask for a special place or something like that. It just appears and wants to be realised. I cannot say where inspiration comes from, nor what inspiration really is, I guess this is one of the oldest questions of mankind, and I am not the one to answer it. The only I can say is I try to keep the inspiration as pure as possible, I do not plan music or lyrics, I do not change a lot after an idea came to my mind. It's just the inspiration itself.

Is there anyone you idolized growing up that helped you become who and what you are today?

Of course members of my family did play an important role in my life, beside that I do not think anyone influenced my life too much in that direction.

In Falkenbach's near 17 year existence, what are your greatest achievements?

Every single demo and/or official release has got the same value for me. Also the feedback I received from those who listened to Falkenbach does mean a lot to me. I think those are the main things I did achieve with Falkenbach, Falkenbach itself and the ones who were reached.

Is there anything you regret? Is there anything you'd go back and change?

Some interviews probably, as people sometimes use to change answers afterwards without to let me even know. A good basis for rumors, and a good reason to kick someone's face.

How did you come about signing with Napalm Records?

It's quite a while ago, they offered a maximum of artistic freedom, and that's the most important aspect to me. There were quite a lot of offers throughout the years, but in the end I decided to sign to Napalm due to the reasons mentioned above.

With 4 full length albums under your belt, which album has the most significance to you?

Really, none of them, they do all have the same value for me. They are different, sometimes I prefer to listen to this one, another day to that one, but in general they are all in one row.

What's foreseeable in 2006 for Falkenbach? New album? Touring?

ThereŽre never fixed plans for Falkenbach to be honest. Maybe a new album will be released soon, maybe it will take a couple of years, maybe no more Falkenbach album will appear, time will tell. The "Tribute to Falkenbach" is going to be released soon, any news about that one youŽll find at www.Falkenbach.de. Thanx for your support!