We had the chance to ask the HITTMAN-frontman some questions. See the answers here. And why not ask guitarist Jom Bacchi the same questions and see, what he has to say! Let’s go!

Hi there. My name is Amir and as a team member of the music magazine metal-heads.de for fans of the heavy side of music, I’m interested to hear today, what you have to say regarding the questions; I’ve already asked your singer. Our attitude is: Distortion is our passion! So anything goes, using an electric guitar. With your job in the band, this criteria is fulfilled…hahaha! My review of your album is already up on our homepage since 13.09.2020. Just in time for the release date on 25.09.2020 (it´s in German though).

Distortion is his passion too…

JIM : Hi Amir….Distortion is my passion too.

MH: people familiar with the worldwide metal scene fort he past decades might know HITTMAN. I can remember (a little bit…it’s been a „while“) you. But many fans in the scene are from another generation. Lately you are back now. Can you please tell us, how this came up and how you decided to step back into business?

JIM : We got invited to play Keep It True 2018….also 2018 marked the 30th anniversary of our debut album. No Remorse records did a re-issue of it for the anniversary. The response from the Keep It True show was all the encouragement we needed, and we felt we really needed to make a new album, as we only released 2 previously, and they were both very different from each other.

MH: it’s been quite a while, since we heard from HITTMAN. Please let us know, how you spent the time meanwhile and kept so fresh and in shape. When I hear „Destroy all humans“ I cannot believe, that you have been away at all…

From metal to TV and film music…and back!

JIM : Well, I kept doing music in different genres, and eventually started doing music for TV and film. I have released several records from those projects and continue to. As far as HITTMAN goes….after HITTMAN stopped in 1994, I never really played in a metal band after that, so when it came time to playing metal again, I went back to the way we did it with HITTMAN….I didn’t feel the need to “modernize” or sound “current”….I guess you could call it “retro” or whatever…that’s fine with me. I like retro. I also prefer older, classic metal, when things were a little less….”perfect”, shall we say? 

MH: I don’t know, if you like to categorize or to be categorized. But could you please – to give our readers an idea of what you sound like – find a description of your style of music. 

Just call it metal…

JIM : I would say “classic metal” or “traditional metal”….Some call  it “power metal”. I just call it “metal”.

MH: Maybe you agree…with the song „Code of honour“ I find a strong touch of QUEENSRYCHE. Which is cool, as it’s a great band. Apart from that, I’d say, you got your own „way“. What would you call your main influences?

JIM : Well, there is a definite QUEENSRYCHE influence in “Code of Honour”….it’s a song we wrote in 1987, so we were very influenced by them then. My main influences have always been JUDAS PRIEST, RUSH, MAIDEN, ACCEPT, UFO etc…the classic stuff, and of course, those early QUEENSRYCHE records were key.

MH: Metal music has gone through various changes in style and I think, the traditional bands and elements are still alive and on the other hand new influences are coming in. What is your opinion? And what are the basic trademarks, that it needs to make it good metal?

The trademark of good metal: good songwriting!

JIM : Well, I would say the most basic trademark to good metal is good songwriting. A great chorus, melody, hook etc…. Great riffs for sure, and of course, a nice crunchy guitar sound. Metal kind of got to a point in the late 80’s where the only thing that mattered was heaviness. That seems to have not really gone away. For me, good melodies matter as much as the heaviness. Having both is important to me.

MH: what musicians would you love to share the stage with and/or what band would you like to tour with and why? 

JIM : Well, many of my heroes are now gone, but of the ones still touring…JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN, for sure. I think the last JUDAS PRIEST records was one of the best records of their career, and MAIDEN still sounds amazing. It would be great to be on a bill with Michael Schenker too.

MH: regarding playing live – festival, club gig or big venue? There are various kinds of gigs to play for a band to play. Small sweaty club gigs, big venues or even stadiums and then these 3-day-festivals in front of 50.000 to 120.000 people. What kind of performances do you prefer and why? 

A lot of sweety clubs – bring on some festivals

JIM : We’ve never played anything bigger than Keep It True, which was about 3000. So, being that I’ve never had a taste of playing to the BIG festival crowds….I’d like to try that out! Small, sweaty clubs….I’ve done lots of that, so I’m ok with some bigger gigs at this point – Hahaha!

MH: are there any plans for some touring maybe even in Germany or the Netherlands? Festival appearances in 2021? I mean, all being save and the conditions regarding „the virus“ under control at some point.

JIM : We would love to. Hopefully, this new album will help get us there. I love Germany, and I really want to visit all the countries I’ve never been….so bring it on…ALL of it !

MH: Coming towards the end, we have to talk a little bit about corona/covid-19. For many bands and artists it was a big strike in the career and well established business. For HITTMAN it just came in the moment, where you were starting into another round. What do you expect from the coming months regarding the music business?

More videos in the corona times…

JIM : Well, in the coming months, were just concentrating on promoting “Destroy All Humans”….expect to see videos, and whatever else we can do during this pandemic. When the live shows open back up, hopefully we’ll get on some of those festivals. We’re working on a video for the song “Total Amnesia” right now, and there will be more.

MH: what were your plans for HITTMAN, when you recorded the new material regarding the future? Are these plans still alive in this worldwide pandemic?

JIM : The plans were to make a great new album…one that the fans of the band would like. Beyond that, were just taking it as it comes along.

MH: the final words is always to our interview partners. Here YOU get the chance to tell the people out there something, that you think is important, regarding music in general, the latest album or whatever. So, here we go… 

This album will not disappoint you!

JIM : I would say…if you’re a fan of classic style metal, give this new album a listen. It’s really made from those roots of early classic metal, only with some updated production. If you’re already a fan of the band, then I think this album will not disappoint. It’s made for fans of the first HITTMAN album. We really tapped into the original HITTMAN sound, even to the point of recording 2 songs from back in our early career…ones that we never got to properly record. That being said, I think there are a lot of fresh ideas, and a definite “maturity” to the record, that we couldn’t possibly have had 30 year ago. So it’s an interesting blend of old and new.

MH: thanx for sharing your time and all the info. I wish you all the best with the album and the future efforts and hope to see you perform live on stage at some point.

JIM : Thank you, and thank you  for speaking with us! I hope to be out there performing as soon as possible.

We are happy to be able to ask HITTMAN-Singer Dirk Kennedy some questions.

Hi there. My name is Amir (I’m a drummer myself). As one of the founders of metal-heads.de the music magazine for fans of the heavy side of music, I’m happy to hook up with you today to get an update an insight regarding your latest activities. Our attitude is: Distortion is our passion! So anything goes, using an electric guitar. With HITTMAN you easily pass that test…Hahaha! I thank you for the chance to do this interview. My review is up on our homepage since the 13.09.2020, in time for the release date on 25.09.2020 (it´s in German though). So I wanted to give the people out there chance, to learn more about your band and music. 

DK: Hello and thanks for listening!

MH: people familiar with the worldwide metal scene fort he past decades might know HITTMAN. I can remember (a little bit…it’s been a „while“) you. But many fans in the scene are from another generation. Lately you are back now. Can you please tell us, how this came up and how you decided to step back into business?

Always a lot of love…for HITTMAN

DK: well over the years our little band has had a lot of wonderful mentions in the press and through the fans. For some crazy reason we got included with some of our heroes and  while we didn’t make a huge commercial impact, the band always got a lot of love. We had been asked many times by concert promoters to play shows and it wasn’t realistic for us. We were scattered all over the place. We kept in touch but more as a family. It wasn’t until Oliver from KIT approached us and convinced us we had a big enough following and we took it from there. Since then it’s been nothing but love. The fans are great, the reviews have been phenomenal and we’re just so happy to be back.

MH: it’s been quite a while, since we heard from HITTMAN. Please let us know, how you spent the time meanwhile and kept so fresh and in shape. When I hear „Destroy all humans“ I cannot believe, that you have been away at all…

DK: well, thank you. It was not so easy. It’s hard to sing as you were in 1988 and 1993, so a lot of preparation was needed. Everyone worked hard and we’re getting better all the time. The album was really a joy to make. We decided to make sure it captured the essence of who we are and to not stray from the sound too much. A proper classic power metal album.

In which drawer does is fit then?

MH: I don’t know, if you like to categorize or to be categorized. But could you please – to give our readers an idea of what you sound like – find a description of your style of music.  

DK: Power Metal. MAIDEN, QUEENSRYCHE etc. These are the foundations and that’s who we are. We might go off the map sometimes but the core is always classic metal. No modern influences or fakery. It has to be as pure as when it bagged or why do it. Yes it’s 2020, but there is no reason not to play classic metal if it’s good.

MH: Maybe you agree…with the song „Code of honour“ I find a strong touch of QUEENSRYCHE. Which is cool, as it’s a great band. Apart from that, I’d say, you got your own „way“. What would you call your main influences?

DK: Yes, we have always gotten that and it’s probably my fault. When I started, I was much more of a DIO type singer. But in the climate of the late 80’s you need to have more tools to compete. So I studied hard and expanded my range and style. I did and do love Geoff Tate and I consider it a huge compliment. Influences for me are : Dio, Tate, Dickinson, Meine and Gillan. The kings.

What do we need for good metal? No tricks…!

MH: Metal music has gone through various changes in style and I think, the traditional bands and elements are still alive and on the other hand new influences are coming in. What is your opinion? And what are the basic trademarks, that it needs to make it good metal?

DK: Keeping it real. NO modern trickery or fixing in the studio. Classic metal is raw, but has a certain kind of class. It can be polished, but needs to retain it’s integrity. We’re a dual harmony guitar oriented band. That’s the recipe for classic metal. Alone with great riffs and when possible soaring vocals. That’s what speaks to us and it’s the calling card of metal. I’ll be honest, I know NOTHING about modern metal. When I hear quantized drums and autotune vocals, I’m out. It’s not to my taste. Listen to a SAXON album, or PRIEST or MAIDEN. they don’t need those tricks and I don’t think we do either. Technology is fine, if you use it with respect.

MH: what musicians would you love to share the stage with and/or what band would you like to tour with and why? 

Sharing the stage with IRON MAIDEN…legendary shows!

DK: OMG. I will absolutely die to play with MAIDEN. I think they’re the benchmark for a live band. Aren’t they? They have always proven their might and to be a part of anything to do with them would just be a dream. Their live shows are legendary, the production and the feeling of majesty they project. I’m a huge fan.

MH: regarding playing live – festival, club gig or big venue? There are various kinds of gigs to play for a band to play. Small sweaty club gigs, big venues or even stadiums and then these 3-day-festivals in front of 50.000 to 120.000 people. What kind of performances do you prefer and why? 

DK: We have been lucky, our first show ever was in front of 2000 people, opening for STRYPER. From there we played huge clubs and halls. Then of course the big break. When we returned, we played the KIT before all of those thousands of people. It was electric. To hear your lyrics sung back to you, to feel the energy and the love. I can’t explain it in words, I always thought this band didn’t translate on a small stage. Were a very performance oriented band, we move a lot ( I certainly do) and I love having the opportunity to try and reach out to as many fans as I can. If I can get them to sing, even better. Our fans are absolutely KILLER. they give us life. Up the Hammers was insane, the greek fans are so special to us, they have helped us through the dark storm. They always believed in us and it’s almost like a second home as we’re signed to NO REMORSE. We want to play ALL the huge festivals and have the chance to show what we can do on the world stage.

HITTMAN and the touring plans…but then there is Covid-19…

MH: are there any plans for some touring maybe even in Germany or the Netherlands? Festival appearances in 2021? I mean, all being save and the conditions regarding „the virus“ under control at some point.

DK: I hope so, We need to out the dragon back in it’s cage so we can see the fans again. This virus has taken a huge toll on all of us. We’re hoping to get invited to all the festivals and bring the new album to the people. As you know, we started our career in Germany, so it’s a special place for us. We have never been to the Netherlands (as a band). I have been there as tourist and am astonished by it’s beauty, art and culture. We’d love to come as one as possible. 

MH: Coming towards the end, we have to talk a little bit about corona/covid-19. For many bands and artists it was a big strike in the career and well established business. For HITTMAN it just came in the moment, where you were starting into another round. What do you expect from the coming months regarding the music business?

DK:  We have to be optimistic. Even though in the USA our leadership is pathetic. We look to Europe and the world for inspiration. I think the business will be back and bigger than ever.

Human challenges – what does the future bring?

MH: what were your plans for HITTMAN, when you recorded the new material regarding the future? Are these plans still alive in this worldwide pandemic?

DK: Very much so, we didn’t plan on coming back in a pandemic, but these are human challenges. We need to address them with grace and humanity. I promise, when we do return to the stage, it will be for keeps.

MH: the final words is always to our interview partners. Here YOU get the chance to tell the people out there something, that you think is important, regarding music in general, the latest album or whatever. So, here we go… 

DK: We as a band and myself personally, are grateful to the metal community for all the love and support. This new album was written to the diehard fans. The ones who always knew, we had another chapter. It is our mission, to help bring TNWOTHM back and bigger than ever. We also need to have more compassion for our fellow citizens of the world. We aren’t just countries with borders. We are a planet (the earth) of immense beauty. We need to respect her and heal her. We only have this one planet. She doesn’t belong to us, we belong to her.

MH: thanx for sharing your time and all the info. I wish you all the best with the album and the future efforts and hope to see you perform live on stage at some point.

DK: Thank you so much. It is an honour.

Bei manchen Bands sind es die Fans durchaus gewöhnt, dass es immer wieder einige Jahre dauert, bis sich die Herrschaften ins Studio begeben, um eine neue Langrille einzuzimmern. Aber 27 (!!!!) Jahre sind dann doch wirklich eine arge Geduldsprobe. Die Rede ist in diesem Fall von HITTMAN. Wie kam es nun zu dieser sehr langen Pause und der damit verbundenen Durststrecke für die werte Anhängerschaft!? Am Anfang der Bandkarriere standen nach der Gründung 1984 – wie so oft – Demoaufnahmen. Es folgte (und auch das ist nicht so selten) ein selbstbetiteltes Debütalbum. Das war anno 1988. Auch wenn dieses erste Fulllength-Release gut gelungen war (ich kann mich noch dunkel daran erinnern), blieb der große Durchbruch aus, was wohl auch an einem Plattenvertrag mit begrenzter Reichweite lag!?

So verzögerte sich das zweite Album bis zum Jahr 1993: „Vivas machina“. Aber das Interesse an HITTMAN und ihrer Musik scheint ungebrochen, denn als No Remorse Records den Erstling 2017 als Neuauflage mit 5 Bonustracks wiederveröffentlichten und die Band ein paar Live-Auftritte (u.a. beim KEEP IT TRUE-Festival) spielte, lief der Motor wieder an. So sind wir heute hoch erfreut, euch das brandaktuelle neue Album namens „Destroy all humans“ präsentieren zu dürfen. Die am 25.09.2020 erscheinende Scheibe enthält 8 Tracks und ist mit einem 24-seitigen Booklet ausgestattet. Eine Vinyl-Version ist ebenfalls erhältlich.

HITTMAN: 8 Songs und ein fettes Booklet – was gibt es musikalisch?

Was wird musikalisch geboten? Um diese Frage zu beantworten, wollen wir unsere Lauscher zunächst auf den Song „The ledge“ richten, den wir hier als Lyricvideo für euch haben. Bitte sehr:

Das Album startet mit dem Titeltrack. Keyboardklänge zum Einstieg des siebeneinhalb Minuten langen Openers. Dann steigen die E-Gitarren ein, bevor es komplett heavy abgeht. Dazu der Gesang von Frontmann Dirk Kennedy. Ein starker Beginn der neuen Langrille! „Breathe“ ist eine wummernde Rocknummer mit Mitsingqualitäten für zukünftige Live-Gigs! Den dritten Song habt ihr ja eben schon hautnah als Video erlebt. Weiterer Kommentar damit überflüssig. Kommen wir also zu „Code of honour“. Da kommt bei mir ziemlich rasch die Assoziation zu QUEENSRYCHE. Und das ist sicher keine Kritik, sondern eher ein deutliches Lob, denn die Amerikaner sind ja ein Aushängeschild der Szene, mit dem man (hoffentlich) gerne verglichen wird.

Metal-Trademarks von HITTMAN – endlich zurück in der Szene…

Bei „Total amnesia“ bekommen wir die guten Metal-Trademarks, ordentliches Gitarrensolo…und auch die Stimme geht mal in andere Höhenlagen! Die nächsten beiden Tracks sind recht eingängig und überzeugen mit viel Melodie, ohne die nötige Heavyness vermissen zu lassen. Das gefällt mir richtig gut. Dann heulen Polizeisirenen und Hubschrauber kreisen…das Ende (des Albums) wird eingeläutet. Powernde Drums, präzise Gitarrenläufe…hartes Riffing! Fast 8 Minuten zum Abschluss. Passt! Der variable Gesang rundet das Bild ab.

Das Fazit bei metal-heads.de – HITTMAN überzeugen nach langer Pause

Fazit: HITTMAN sind zurück und es scheint, als seien sie nie wirklich weg gewesen. Die megalange Pause seit der letzten Studioveröffentlichung 1993, die von dem Re-Release des selbst betitelten Debüts unterbrochen wurde war schon außergewöhnlich. Jetzt erfreut uns die Band also mit neuem Material. Das ist abwechslungsreich, was den Härtegrad angeht und bietet viele melodische Arrangements. Dabei rockt es prima und auch klassische Metal-Trademarks werden abgeliefert. Eine der besseren Releases im Jahr 2020 soweit. Bleibt zum Abschluss die Frage, wie es nach dem Release der neuen Songs weiter geht? Ist das eine Eintagsfliege oder der Startschuss für weitere und anhaltende Bandaktivitäten? Das hängt ja vielleicht auch vom Erfolg der neuen Scheibe ab…wenn ihr also mehr von HITTMAN wollt, dann kauft das Album!