01. Hails, Karl Willetts!!! How do you see Bolt Thrower in 1988 (when you joined the war machine) and nowadays? What does Bolt Thrower represent to you now, as an individual?   
It is amazing to be able to do something in life that I really enjoy, BT has been a major part of my life, even when I left people still referred to me a s Karl BoltThrower. BT is something that I am very proud of. To be able to leave behind some kind of legacy is great.  

02. Bolt Thrower has a long history, since more than 21 years have passed since the band was formed, and of course, there are numerous interesting things to tell about rumours, ex-members, past releases, etc... Please, share with your fans some peculiar stories from that or some other topics related to Bolt Thrower story.  
There are so many stories that I have lost count, you have to be there in the situation to understand. But there have been some great times, such as when we did our Australian tour in 1994, when we met with John Peel at a show, when we recorded our first album etc… There have been some bad times when our backline van crashed and our roadie Spike got killed, when the band split in America in 1995.  

 

03. You've recently released "Those Once Loyal", so, tell me about the ideas and inspiration for this album. Are you satisfied with this release? What is the concept of your new album? What elements are going to be different for this release compared to the older material?   We are fairly satisfied with the release of Those Once Loyal, it still lacks a little in the production, but as for the songs and the structure and imagery of the album we are content. It provides a document to how the band sounds now. The visual imagery and the song content take a lot of inspiration from the First World War. The bass level is somewhat higher and more audible than on our previous releases, this has enhanced the overall feel of the album!   04. How your return to Bolt Thrower, influenced and reflected in the band and in the new album?   I think that the new album, draws on many references from the past. It has the feel of our album the Fourth Crusade from back in 1994. I think me rejoining the band was a natural process. The new album is very strong, and anew enthusiasm for what we do is reflected through this.

05. What led you to choose "Those Once Loyal" as the title for the new album?
The title is a kind of reference to all those people that have helped and supported Bolt Thrower in our career within the music industry since 1986. Individuals that have made a difference such as John Peel, past members of the band and our crew past and present and most importantly all our fans that have stuck with us throughout our career.

06. In such international situation I cannot avoid a question about US policy. Do you think that war (or invasion?) in Iraq is justified? How do your friends (also non musicians) comment it?  
It’s a difficult situation really, global terrorism is something that cannot be tolerated and it is up to some countries to try and put a stop to it. The problem lies with religious fundamentalism, fanatics like the Taliban trying to impose their way of life upon others, these people must be stopped in some way and if that means a military resolution of the situation then I agree and support it.  

07. How do you spend your spare time? Hobbies, interests?   Hey man, I don’t have much time for hobbies these days, when I was younger I was into war gaming, Now theses days it’s more like gardening and DIY. I am still really interested in all aspects of warfare, and visit places of historical interest whenever I can.  08. Mention three books and movies that you would consider essential.   Books: Phillip Pullman – The Dark Materials Trilogy. Christopher Brookmyre – Not The End Of The World. Hunter S Thompson – Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas. Films: This Is Spinal Tap, Apocalypse Now, Fight Club   09. There are tons of Bolt Thrower fanatics in Brazil; do you have any plans to tour in South America and Brazil?   Unfortunately we have no plans to play in South America, We have never been approached by promoters in that region ever! and the costs to get there would be phenomenal.

10. Thanks for your answers, Karl. It was an honour to interview you! Your final bullets...  
Ok there Clay, thanks for the interview and your continued most ‘Loyal’ support of Bolt Thrower. It is appreciated. Grind on always!  
 

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