It is a time of turbulence right now for the newly createdIRON KNIGHTS [Formally Stuka Squadron] I apologise that this interview does not cover the recent transition but it was written before the change. Regardless, here is my interview with the band. [Luke Hayhurst]
Many thanks for taking the time to talk to me. I will get to discussing the present and the future but first of all I’d like to talk about your past. Why would a group of immortal vampires choose to fight in a human war? Surely such things are beneath you?
BvH: Beneath us? Maybe…but we revel in it. What other creatures enjoy mutual destruction quite as much as humanity. Who would miss the blood of our victims in a world already soaked in it…
DFB: We fight for Metal and many an uncool human has started a war with Metal Heads. We felt those in spikes and chains could do with some un-dead help.
Having listened to “Tales of the Ost” many times there is a strong link to the battle of Stalingrad. Having read the book Stalingrad I have some understanding of the brutality of this conflict. Can you describe in more detail your experiences there?
BvH: Gravedigger was the hero of this unit in that orgy of destruction. Unfortunately the buffoon that chose to relate the tale of his epic stand in lyrical form (and then of course claim credit for everything) placed him on a non-existent bridge…but the sentiment and gist of his stand are true enough.
DFB: Gravedigger tells me there are some twists in that tale. Over the years things get lost in translation or aren’t researched properly but one thing is for sure, Gravedigger was triumphant.
After the end of the war the Iron Knights move to England as mentioned in the song “We Drink Blood”. Why would you choose to consort with the enemy as it were? Was all forgiven or did you choose to live amongst us, feasting on our citizens and bringing about more death and destruction long after the wars conclusion?
BvH: We’ve said it before: the struggles of men have never troubled the thoughts of the undead. We care as much for human whims and politics as much as any predator cares for its prey’s faiths and beliefs. We had gravitated towards the Stuka because it was a beautifully crafted mechanical beast of war….you will discover in future tales that we have fought in far stranger places than that…and beneath many different banners.
DFB: Baron von Hammerstein hit the coffin nail on the head.
Yes more tales will be told. We come from many Vampire nations and what better place to settle than the home of Heavy Metal?
From Stuka pilots to kick arse Heavy Metal band, what instigated the transition?
BvH: Ultimate beast of war to ultimate form of music. Where better to hide our true natures than in plain view. To quote a good friend of ours, who was in turn paraphrasing a certain Frenchman: the greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist….
DFB: I modelled my power scream on the Jericho siren and after the war and initial formation of the Heavy Metal band Stuka Squadron, we fought until we found the ultimate allies and were promoted to something bigger and better.
World War III – Heavy Metal style! – Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and Saxon or Helloween, Blind Guardian and Accept? Who would win and why?
BvH: Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and Saxon…because they would be commanded by Motörhead!
DFB: I would say they would drop their weapons, all have sex and give birth to the Iron Knights.
From the amazing “Tales of the Ost” to the fresh sounds of “New Sound Of War”. What are the next steps for the Iron Knights. Surely there are no more wars for you to fight?
BvH: There are always wars to fight! Besides…we have been around for longer than you imagine and we have a host of tales to tell. Some warnings from the past, some prophesies of the future…some as things are now.
DFB: Thanks to the some of the cowardly enemies of recent battles we have been embroiled in, our heaviest, darkest and most evil material is to come.
Picking up more mundane topics in the grand scheme of your lengthy existence, how did your recent tour of the UK go?
BvH: Very well! We broke new ground in areas that we had never been before and the results were excellent. Even at the few shows that had low attendance, for whatever reason, the people that WERE there were the ones that we were hoping to connect with. Live work in the UK has never been particularly easy, but it is infinitely rewarding! True heavy metal heroes at every turn. We were also fortunate to play alongside some outstanding bands and work with absolutely dedicated promoters, all organised by our excellent Management.
DFB: Absolutely. Also at times we were under enemy fire but we focused on what was most important, bringing our Metal to the fans and hard working people who stand up for what they believe in.
Any funny or interesting stories you’d care to share from this tour or other shows you have played?
BvH: Hmmm……that depends on who is reading. Suffice to say, our stand-in bass player Stephen von Brine (of Intense) can probably tell you of his drunken love of The Proclaimers in Scunthorpe…followed by his intense joy the next day as his head and digestive system paid for his crimes…..Contact him for more information 
DFB: Ahh the debauchery of Scunny. Generous and wonderful fans!!! Yes thanx to my quick reflexes, I managed to save young Stephan a taxi cleaning bill!!! We can also sympathise with Spinal Tap after we got lost in the Minatour maze like Scarborough Travelodge for 3 hours.
What does the future hold for the Iron Knights? any grand plans you can reveal or is it more death, destruction and mayhem for all?
BvH: First and foremost, the Squadron is no longer merely a generic Stuka Squadron. The name ceases to have meaning as we have been promoted to the title of Iron Knights. It was not uncommon for particularly valorous and elite units such as ours to receive this honour J Apart from that, the grand plan is attack attack attack! The Knights will be unleashing the New Sound Of War on the road in 2013 and there are firm plans for another release mid-year as well as a full album to be recorded at the end of 2013, probably for the beginning of the following year. In days gone by – too many days in fact – the Squadron was hampered by an element that lacked dedication and skill…now with this lineup anything is possible. The Iron Knights have arisen.
DFB: Yes hear The New Sound of War!!! We are coming for you and will not be stopped.
Cheers for your time guys!
BvH – Baron von Hammerstein
DFB – Duke Fang Begley
