AXXIS [ pressinfo TIME MACHINE ] english

The time machine, synonym for the temporary relativism of events and at the same time one of the largest humanity dreams at all. For the band AXXIS, one of the leading German rock bands in the last 15 years, is it the perfect title for their new album TIME MACHINE. The title gives the signal for: The time hasnít stand still for the musicians, but it brings constantly new chances and challenges, new points of view and exciting artistical ways of expressing. At the same time is all of that what singer Bernhard Weiss, keyboarder Harry Oellers, guitarist Guido Wehmeyer and bass guitarist Udo Niemeyer on their current album perform with direct regard to their own story.

"More than ever we have squeezed out one of the clearest strengths of the band, namely the several voices choir", Bernhard Weiss says, he and Harry Oellers are the main composers of the songs. "That already became an important trademark for AXXIS in the past, though so bombastic and varied like the new material we have never arranged it before. " Especially the additional voice of the female choir singer Lakonia adds warmth and dimension. Songs like "Angel of Death", "Time Machine" or "Wind In The Night (Shalom)" are representative for a new AXXIS album full of hymns and catchy refrains, but more powerful and aggressive than in the past which creates a fresh and exciting sound mixture and is simultaneously connected with the musically history and roots of the band.

By the way Axxis took again political problems for their lyric writing. In "Wind In The Night" they are describing the never ending tragedy between Israelis and Palestinians, the sorrow and the tragedy of this hopeless situation. Weiss asks himself: Is the word shalom after assassinations and war examinations to use at all? "Nevertheless, we have tried to combine hope, love and sorrow." In "Wings Of Freedom" - the song was written during the Iraq war - it takes the fact into discussion that the complete world community could not stop the USA invasion at all. Just as interesting, even if non-political tune, is the title song: "The question of the time travel and the combined possibilities are very stimulating", the AXXIS singer explains. "The more we talked about it the more fascinating the theme got. All mistakes, that were made in the past, could be reconsided. The question comes into being: What would happen if we make other decisions on certain days in our life?"

On top of that, Axxis will have some surprises ready for the fans. Strong, powerful guitar riffs combined with double-bass drums - just to underline the more powerful direction of the album. By the way, the drum tracks have been recorded by Kosta Zafiriou since the original Axxis drummer Richard Michalski disappeared without a trace. Also intensive investigations of the police haven't shown a result. Fortunately, the band knew advice by asking Kosta to do the job. The musicians of AXXIS and Pink Cream 69 are friends for many years. Both bands were together on tour several times and PC 69 bassist Dennis Ward even has mixed the "Time Machine" album in the "House of Audio" studios in Karlsdorf.

The band from Dortmund, Germany was signed to EMI Electrola after sending only one demo song in 1988. AXXIS were very successful in 1989 because of their first track "Kingdom of the Night". The debut album sold over 150,000 copies and became the best selling debut album of a German Hard Rock band. "AXXIS II" marked a similar huge success in 1990, followed by the authentic and energetic live release "Access All Areas" one year later. The ambitious "The Big Thrill" became one of the best selling albums in 1993 and was a big turning point in the band's career. It was the first international production, produced by Joey Balin and recorded in Philadelphia.

In the following years AXXIS travelled thousands and thousands of miles to present the song material. Japan was one of the most impressive destinations. Bernhard Weiß and guitarist Walter Pietsch performed a couple of acoustic live shows to promote the release of the special Japanese CD "Profile". The album "Matters Of Survival" was produced in 1995 in Los Angeles from Keith Olsen (Fleetwood Mac, Whitesnake, Foreigner, Scorpions). The impressions of Los Angeles were responsible for the choice of the album title.

AXXIS especially see themselves as a live band. So, the performance at Germany's biggest open air festival "Rock am Ring" were very important and rememberable highlights of the years 1994 and 1996

To keep on moving into new directions was a principle AXXIS always followed. If you have a look at the AXXIS albums "Voodoo Vibes" (1997), "Back To The Kingdom" (2000), "Collection Of Power" (EP, 2000) and "Eyes Of Darkness" (2001) they always avoided to repeat themselves. AXXIS do of course have their basic Heavy Rock sound of the 70's and 80's, nevertheless they have found their own style which is orientated on hooks and the permanent development can be found within the details.

Until today AXXIS has recorded eight studio albums, one live LP, one with rare unplugged versions equipped EP as well as innumerable highlights (among other things a tour with Black Sabbath, acoustic sets in Japan, the worldwide fastest recording of a vinyl LP, etc.) on the credit side. The quality of the band will be confirmed soon on their next European tour. Especially songs like "Angel Of Death", "Wind In The Night", "Lost In The Darkness" or "Wings Of Freedom" have the potential to become hits. See them on tour in early 2004 - don't miss it!!!

Mystery Of Time* Angel Of Death * Time Machine * Wind In The Night (Shalom) * Lost In The Darkness *The Demons are calling* Wings Of Freedom * Dance In The Starlight * Battle of Power * Alive * Gimme Your Blood * Donít Drag Me Down