The Official HANKER Web Site - Interviews - That's Metal: Interview with Pascal Cliche and Réjean Garon (manager)

Important notice by the Webmaster on 2000-11-17: Read this before the interview. As mentionned in the newsletter edition no. 5, Hanker have demanded and have received their unconditional release from Attack Records and Filmworks. Snakes And Ladders is now released by Metal Disk Records.

Pascal: Hello everyone! I hope you all feel well at the dawn of the new millennium! My name is Pascal Cliche, singer and guitarist of the Canadian power metal band HANKER. I am about to answer questions concerning our group for That's Metal fanzine. But before getting started, I must say that I had to read the questions very carefully for they are all very intense and interesting. Moreover, I have taken time to think about them. Consequently, there will be no cheap answers. I will try to answer these questions as honestly as I can. I assure you that you will find some new information concerning HANKER. So, go get yourself a cup of coffee, sit down, relax and enjoy yourselves.

That's Metal: Okay, Pascal! Please give our readers a short introduction to each member of the band and their musically background.

Pascal: HANKER consist of four friends who have been together for a long time. There is Patrick Gravel who plays the guitar and does backing vocals. His musical background is a metal one. He likes Iron Maiden, Helloween, Metal Church, Deep Purple, Gamma Ray, Judas Priest, Anthrax and The Beatles (we started off playing Beatles songs when we were young!). On drums, there is Luc Guay. He likes a little bit more progressive groups such as Dream Theatre, Supertramp, Rush, Genesis, but he also likes Iron Maiden, Metal Church and Judas Priest. The newest HANKER member is the bass player, Denis Cossette. Denis's musical background is a metal one too. He likes Sepultura, Helloween, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Savatage (he has all their albums!), Judas Priest and AC/DC (by the way, Denis is now the oldest member of the band!).

There is also me, Pascal Cliche, who is the lead singer and guitarist. My personal musical background looks like this: Helloween, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Metal Church, Anthrax, Rainbow (with Master DIO), Ronnie James Dio, Deep Purple. I also like Black Sabbath (especially the albums with mister Dio: Heaven and Hell, etc.), the Black Sabbath Born Again album featuring one of my vocal mentors, Ian Gillan as lead singer. Moreover, I like Gamma Ray, KISS, Savatage (Dead Winter Dead album) and The Beatles. I also like classical music.

That's Metal: You signed a contract with Attack Records. Now there were news in German press, saying that label president Mark Berry has to testify in court, because some bands of his label accuse him of embezzlement and feigning under false pretences. Is that true and if so, are you out of that contract now?

Pascal: The bands on Attack Records are now distributed in Canada by Sour Music (Sony Canada). Therefore, if the allegations were true, I do not think that a label as big and prestigious as Sony would have signed with Attack Records. To finish up with your question, we still have a contract! By the way, HANKER's newest album Snakes And Ladders will be released in Canada in early 2000!

That's Metal: Okay, if you're out of the contract with Attack Records then you're surely looking for a new contract with another label. Have there been any offers by now? Or have you been signed by a label already?

Pascal: We are still under contract with this label regarding the release of our new album, here in Canada, but we have been receiving offers from other companies to secure world wide distribution of our three albums. Hope this clarifies the situation.

That's Metal: I know you can't hear the following question any longer. But wasn't it frustrating to release 2 absolute majestic, professional CDs in which you put many money and sweat without getting the great responses and offers from the labels you deserve?

Réjean: Yes indeed, it was frustrating at times to receive such great acclaim from the media without being offered a serious record deal by a responsible record company when we see so many crappy acts stealing the show. By the way, our electronic mail address says a lot as to the kind of music we honestly think shall rise to the top.

Pascal: It has been a long time since we first started to believe in our dream. We did some good moves, but some bad moves too (nobody is perfect!). Anyhow, life goes on and we are very happy with where we are at in our career. We have a wonderful manager, Réjean Garon who truly believes in us and works so hard in the Hanker project.

Réjean: I couldn't agree more but I can assure you that I did not write this myself.

Pascal: We have a contract with Attack Records and we will be distributed by Sony Canada and our third CD Snakes And Ladders is a real master piece! Therefore, things are going very well for us these days. This is just a question of time!

That's Metal: The band does exist since 1985. Why did it take so long 'til your first demo in 1991? The metal scene was intact in late 80's. Doesn't it make you think about missed chances if you reflect the past?

Pascal: Patrick, Martin Jones and I have been together since kindergarten, and we decided to become musicians as we were listening to Beatles music. When we started, we were playing Beatles songs. But when the metal scene exploded in the 80s we said to ourselves: «This is the real stuff!». Then, we started playing songs from bands such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Metal Church, etc.). It's in 1985 that HANKER started to exist with the newest drummer (at that time) Jean-François Fillion. Then, we started to write songs and we had many good commentaries about our music. We were doing big shows, once a year, but it was in 1989 that we started touring clubs (we did that for four years!). In 1990, in order to let Hanker go further, Jeff Fillion left the band because of a lack of interest. Luc Guay stepped in and he is still with us today! All this above was in order to answer your question. Let me say that the reasons why it took so long before the recording of our first demo were because we were too young (15 years old) and we only had a few songs written. We had to learn how to play well live and furthermore, here in Quebec all the bands were playing covers. So, if we wanted to play in clubs we had to play songs from other bands. With our demo we tried in vain to have a record deal, but it did not work out. Therefore, in 1993, we decided to release our first album by ourselves (In Our World), and the adventure really began. We do not regret anything! We were not ready at that time and we were too young. Moreover, here in Quebec, the music scene is really weird (there are many tribute bands in clubs ... I think it just kills the music by itself). If we have waited so long before releasing albums it was simply because we were not ready. All those waiting years have made what HANKER are today!

Réjean: Yes indeed, the long wait combined with so many hours of rehearsal have made Hanker a very mature and professional band. Moreover, I dare you to find me a band that plays tighter in live shows. The fans who are into real music always get their money's worth.

That's Metal: Your sound is often described as a harder version of Jag Panzer, especially because of the voice from Pascal. But your melody lines remind me on older Iron Maiden with deeper tuned guitars and Pascal's voice sounds very unique in my opinion. How would you describe your sound to someone who don't knows Hanker?

Pascal: First of all, let us make things clear about Hanker and Jag Panzer. The first time I heard about this group was in our first German review. At first, I found that very flattering, but the comparison kept on coming up review after review. As a result, we wanted to listen to what that band sounded like. Therefore, we did and we came to our own conclusion; Hanker do not sound like Jag Panzer! As for the similarity between my voice and The Tyrant's, I don't see any! Nonetheless, it has always been nice to be compared to such a great band. Back to your question... I will describe HANKER as a power metal band, which I would describe as a blend of Hard Rock and Metal. We play with our hearts and all the emotion you can imagine! We are everything you have ever wanted and everything you will ever want!

That's Metal: I ever wanted to know how you guys manage to write such brilliant ballads. I think on that sector you're unmatched in the whole metal scene. They are emotional but not kitschy. What drives you on to write such sad, eternal classics like They Are Gone or Staring At The Rain for example?

Pascal: I'm not sure that I can explain because I still don't know why and above all how these songs come out. Patrick and I are the principal songwriters in Hanker, but I must confess that I am the one who usually writes sad songs (maybe it is because I'm always playing on my acoustic guitar ... I don't know!). Nonetheless, Patrick also writes sad and powerful songs. For instance, he is the one who wrote They Are Gone. I remember the first time he played it to me, I was astounded and delighted about it. He did not have any lyrics (he only had the title), but he knew that this song should talk about the sadness of the elderly because of their loneliness. Then, I went home and wrote the lyrics and it became a majestic song! I cannot really explain how we manage to write such brilliant ballads. These sad songs come from within ourselves. We don't know how but they just happen. As for Staring At The Rain, I still remember when it came out of my head, it was like that I was not the one who was playing on my guitar... At that time, I was really sad for some reasons, so this song reflected the dark moments that were happening in my life. Sorry! But I think there are no tricks! It has to come naturally! Unfortunately, many bands are putting ballads on their CDs just to sell more records. But these songs are often boring and phony. This is like an insult towards their fans. Therefore, in order to close out this question, let me just say that if there ever would be no fine significant ballads coming out of our heads, we would not force anything; we would not put any ballads on our CDs.

That's Metal: Well, one of your trademarks is the superior ballads, another one is your unique guitar-sound and the outstanding song writing (the quality of the songs). How long do you need to write a song from the beginning to the end and who from the band is involved in that process?

Pascal: First off, we are very picky about our songs. As I said earlier, Patrick and I write the songs, but they become HANKER songs once everybody has had their word in. We are very honest with one another, and if we do not like a part or the entire song, we talk about it and we rearrange it. Therefore, the songs you hear on our CDs are the ones the four of us decided on. There are no boring songs on our albums because of that. Some songs are rather long to write, yet some others are quite quick to build up. The secret is that every band member has not only the right but the responsibility to bring up ideas.

That's Metal: You recorded «Snakes...» in Toronto. How would you describe the differences concerning the sound and written songs in comparison with The Dead Ringer?

Pascal: The Snakes And Ladders album is the best one we have ever done yet! The production is way superior to that of our previous albums.

Réjean: Make no mistake about it, we have always been proud of our work. But with studio experience, we become more and more demanding of ourselves.

Pascal: This album is a killer! The powerful guitars are bigger than ever with the real Hanker sound (kind of like the In Our World's guitar sound but much more refined), the drums are ever present and powerful and match perfectly well with Denis's aggressive bass parts. My voice is more blended with the music and more powerful than ever! This album will blow you away! The 11 songs are very effective and well written. We were very positive and enthusiastic about the new contract and it got the adrenaline going! Therefore, the songs are very energetic and ascendant. Furthermore, it was very pleasant working in one of the biggest studios in Canada. We had a really good time!

That's Metal: How comes, that you still are into True Metal and don't get influenced by any sort of trendy «modern» music, like many other bands in the 90's? Is Canada that far away from the rest of the world?

What does it mean for you guys to play, to live Metal?

Pascal: No! Canada is not that far away! We do have the same crap you have! The reasons why we haven't changed are because TRUE METAL is the kind of music we love and we are true to ourselves. Whatever the wave of the moment is at, this is only temporary. It won't last but we will.

That's Metal: Now a theoretic question: if a major label would want to sign you, give you a million dollars cash in advance and tell you to change your sound into some kind of «Rage against the machine head» - shit. Wouldn't that be tempting? I warn you, I want to hear the right answer...

Pascal: NO WAY!!!!!! They would have to take us as we are! If we changed our style, it would not be Hanker anymore! I would rather die! If I ever become greedy and this thing happens, please wake me up!

Réjean: You won't have to because I will have straighten him up way before everyone else ever detect anything in this regard, trust me!

That's Metal: I'm sure you have to tell some loving words about the metal scene in Quebec. Are you the lonesome riders there or are there any other promising Metal acts in the underground (if there is an underground)?

Pascal: Here in Quebec, there are many metal lovers and there are a number of metal bands in the Quebec underground. The problem here is that when you want to play somewhere (when you start off your career) you have to play songs from other bands. Therefore, many bands with good potential are doing that instead of writing their own songs. Moreover, the music industry in Quebec is really not a metal-oriented one; and if ever you sing in English, do not think about getting help! Anyhow, we are the major metal band here because we have never surrendered! Notwithstanding that metal is rising here because kids are tired of depressive bands! This is a good sign! You must see us live! People go crazy and sing with us all throughout the songs!

Réjean: There are not that many Power Metal bands here in Quebec. Most Metal bands are more into the Black, Speed, Thrash stuff.

That's Metal: When you formed Hanker in 1985 Jeff Fillion was in the band. Are you still in contact with him and what was the reason he left the band?

Pascal: We have kept contact with him because he is still our friend. He decided to leave the band because he was no longer involved in our desire to go further. He had decided to buy himself a house, etc. He was the one who decided to quit the band and we did not have any fights with him. He comes to see us play from time to time and he is still a very big fan of ours.

That's Metal: And why isn't Martin Jones (b) in the band anymore? What does he do in the meanwhile?

Pascal: To begin with, Martin Jones decided to leave Hanker on his own volition because he was not enjoying himself anymore. I think he was tired of the waiting game and wanted to do something else. When he told us he wanted to leave the band we were quite surprised. He admitted that he had been thinking about it for a while. So, considering our friendship, we decided to give him a year in order to reconsider his decision. A year later, he told us that no matter what, he was leaving for good. Nonetheless, Martin played with us for a while in order to give us time to find another bass player. Then we auditioned Denis Cossette and the HANKER adventure continued! We are still in good terms with Martin because we have been friends since kindergarten. We cannot forget all those fun years.

That's Metal: Was it difficult to find a new bass player in Quebec? How did you get in contact with the new dude Denis Cossette?

Pascal: Strangely, It was not really difficult to find another bass player. In a sense, we have got very lucky. The only bass player we auditioned was Denis Cossette and we kept him because of his very good attitude toward HANKER and we do get along very well together. I had known Denis before Martin left the band, so I knew him well enough to think that he could fit in with us perfectly. When I asked Denis to audition for HANKER he could not believe it. He was so happy that he was jumping all over the place. Then, when he was finished jumping, we had a couple of beers!

We gave him songs to learn and brought him to our rehearsal. When we were playing together, it was like he had been with us all this time... one thing though, he was so incredibly nervous! We like to tease him about this funny situation!

That's Metal: You only played gigs in Canada 'til now. It's about time to get out of Quebec and tour in Europe. Do you think there will be any chances for that in future?

Pascal: YES! We are craving to go play in Europe! This is just a question of time and good offers. A tour has to be well organized, and that implies and some solid financial input. Therefore, we have refused some offers that would not have made us justice. But, something is coming our way! I cannot tell you more than that. It is just a question of time.

Réjean: No matter how great a band may be, they will only sound as good as the tour schedule, the actual set-up and the soundman allow them to. Fans don't care about whose fault it is. Since they pay to see and hear you, they are entitled to a quality show. Unfortunately, some promoters are more inclined to making some quick easy money by cutting corners at the expense of the fans. Thus, bands cannot perform under satisfying conditions and their reputation suffers badly from that!

That's Metal: In Canada you played some gigs with other bands. And you had the chance to play with Lee Aaron. Lucky guys, you! Details, please! Our fanzine needs «slippery» stories, otherwise none would buy it!

Pascal: YES! That was one of the best moments for HANKER! We were very lucky to play with such a big artist. Lee Aaron is one of our idols! Therefore, we were delighted to be her opening act. By the way, we played like demons! It was one of our best shows ever! People were singing our songs with us and it was all very magical! About the juicy stories concerning Lee Aaron and Hanker, I'm sorry but nothing happened. We talked with her and she was very friendly, but she was a little sad at the same time because her tour was not going very well. She had had to cancel shows because there were not enough tickets sold. Nonetheless, she gave a wonderful performance and we still think about that special moment.

That's Metal: Okay, let's fantasize a bit. If you had the chance to tour with bands you may select. With which bands would you like to tour most of all?

Pascal: We would like to tour with Helloween. We do like this group and the guys seem very cool! It would be one of the biggest European tours! Imagine, Helloween with Hanker! We will keep on yearning for this to happen. It would be also be cool to tour with bands such as Gamma Ray and Blind Guardian. Personally, I hanker to tour with KISS! I'm in heaven since they got back together!

That's Metal: Now to a question never to be missed in a That's Metal - interview: Have there ever been some funny or curious situations, while you were playing gigs? Something from what you say «That was a scream»? Come on...

Pascal: Since the moment we first started to play live, many strange and funny things have been happening. There is always someone who is special and astounding. Hum! Let me think... (One thing is for sure, I cannot tell you everything ... too hot stuff!!!), but I remember once playing in a strange club somewhere on Earth. The evening was getting really crazy and people were jumping everywhere! A guy from the crowd was so excited that be passed right through a wall! The owner of the place flipped over! Furthermore, this wall was brand new! Anyhow! That place was really weird... Another funny thing about that place's craziness was that the owner of the place always paid us at the beginning of the evening because at the end of it, he was too drunk! At least, he was aware of his drinking problem.

There are many more crazy stories, but I cannot tell you all because it would take you two years to read this interview! I will save some more for a future interview!

That's Metal: Is it possible for your fans in Germany to order some Merchandise from the band (T-Shirts, Patches, possibly old demos and so on...)? If yes, where can one order that stuff from?

Réjean: We are currently working on setting up our merchandising. We would like to invite our fans to visit our web site regularly at http://www.hankermetal.com for more details as the merchandise will become available.

That's Metal: Okay, thank you very much for the interview. And best wishes for the future. Any last sentences from you to your fans in Germany and our readers? If so... Fire away!

Pascal: First off, thanks for your support! We do appreciate when people take time to enjoy and feel our music. I can tell you that our next album Snakes And Ladders will take the new millennium by storm! This is pure HANKER! The 11 songs on this CD are all fantastic! You can check out some of the Snakes And Ladders artwork on our web site! Some sound bites will be available soon! This album is the one to get! Hanker's fans will not be disappointed! Snakes And Ladders will be released in Canada in early 2000. We are working on something for Europe! We think that our glory days are well within our reach! As the saying goes, «good things happen to those who wait».

Réjean: I will never praise enough the tremendous amount of work done by our own webmaster Pierre Bégin (visit our state-of-the-art website and you'll see what I mean) along with the unbelievable time, research, patience and technical dedication shown by my wife, Sandra without whom this and a whole lot more would not be possible.