One of the latest progressive rock discoveries is the German band TOXIC SMILE. This band has released their official debut CD through the Korean label BMG MUSIC. Strange to release your debut so far from home, but it has already gained them a lot of popularity in Asia, but they also want to become popular in Europe and I think they deserve it, because the band's debut CD is a definite winner for fans of melodic progressive rock (like a cross between RUSH and DREAM THEATRE. I had an interview with the band, here's what they have to say...

Please introduce us your band, when did you form TOXIC SMILE and did any of you play in bands before TOXIC SMILE?

Marek and Daniel founded the project as a cellar-Rehersal in 1996. Uwe joined the band in spring of 1996 and played before in a kind of experimental artrockband called "sloping space " . We played in many variations, until in January 2000 Toxic Smile was nearly complete when Robert joined the band. (Actually Hete joined as second guitar-player the band when we talked about the release in Korea with BMG) All the members of T.S. worked since years before on some different projects from Jazz, Pop to Metal, so TOXIC SMILE is a melting pot. Her we unite all influences coming from the other activities of the members.

Can you tell us all about your debut CD?

It is a good summary of our development since the foundation . The Song "Toxic Smile" was the first we made 1996 and "Daydream" the last one,recorded in Summer 2001. Of course we don`t want to need again 5 years for next album ;-), it will be released in 2002.

Your debut was released here in Europe late 2000, but now it has been re-released in South-Korea, can you tell us all about how you get released on BMG MUSIC over there?

The Korean album I think is the "real-release", the first cd was a promotion-CD in a limited edition by the Label of Marek and Thomas (Producer) . In summer 2000 Daniel visited with his girlfriend Korea and they could get contacts to some korean managers, so the story began... we needed one year for clearing details, making contract, preparing promotion...but now we are very proud to have a major-.deal.

I believe a few new songs have been added to the re-release, can you tell us more about them?

Only 2 Track's are new: "Daydream" & " Owner of a lonely heart "-both were made to complete the Album and points the wide spectre of musical influences and abilitys. (They replaced two other tracks. Maybe one ot them could be seen on next album...)

"Daydream" is designed as a "commercial spear" to increase the chance of selling M.A.D.. Actually this song is a big hit in Korea. But it doesn´t matter, nethertheless we love this song! (:


I think it's a great song as well, in fact it's one of the best TOXIC SMILE tunes! You did a cover of the YES classic "Owner of a lonely heart", why was that (you did a great cover by the way)?

Uwe : It seems that the music of Yes is one important influence of all Band-members (some like the early, some the later Yes-albums) .and "Owner.." was oa really big hit that everybody know's,not only progressive Fans. It's a great challange get this song a little bit more rocky. We think, YES likes this remake too ..


So you have a big recordlabel backing you up in Korea, any chance you'll become big over there?

Of course we hope so! Actually there are trials between asia and europe offices of BMG. Last week the promotion outside of Korea started, we got first "OK!" from China and Taiwan. for releasing the album. So we are hopeful, that a worldwide release will make the band more famous, we are already very happy about our success in Korea!

Your music is progressive rock, but it sounds very melodic, which bands influenced you?

Uwe : why shall not progrock be melodic ? it's possible therefore we make this !

I like most kinds of music, except the special german kind of Country, Folk and stupid dance and techno . I`m surely influenced by Guitarheros , Heavy- Rock - Prog- Metal of the 80's and classical music .My favourites are bands like Fates Warning , Synphony X , Racer X , Megadeth a.s.o.

Marek: Maybe I´m the "real Proghead" ;-) , I`m a big fan of the famous Artrockbands of the 70s (Yes,early Genesis) and my main influences are Progmetalbands: Dream Theater" and "Symphony X". But the most important band for most musicians should be named: The Beatles.

Larry : Genesis and Toto


What are you favourite albums at the moment?

Uwe : Racer X -"Technical difficulties" , Greg Howe - "Parallax "

Marek : Dream Theater "Metropolis Pt.2", Symphony X "V",Spock`s beard "the light"

Larry : Toto " Mindfields " Dream Theater " Images and Words

Are there any interesting stories behind the songs on the album?

Our lawyer has to work hard, so please understand: no comment, yet! (; Nevertheless we would need 5 sheets of your magazine to talk about some stories...

What are the plans for the next coming months?

We work on new ideas & material for the next Album. Furthermore: becoming rich, eating good and working hard for young female fans, so there are no holidays in sight... ;)

Finally, do you have anything to add to our readers?

Why not begging for money? .. but seriously:

For a band like TS, coming from the german country-side, it´s like a dream to be listened in asia. But nethertheless we´ll like to play in europe, direct in front of the door. Netherlands are a nation of fresh music. We think, your rockscene is much more alive than the german prog-landscape. So let people love our music (like you on STRUTTER magazin, thanx!) and it should be not a problem to rock you. To all the people: please do not stop listening good music!

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