SÁMÁN (HUN) (METALLICA HUNGARICA #4, 1987) TRANSLATED TO ENGLISH

Sámán from Hungary isn’t directly on every mans lips. They were active for about 5 years during the 1980’s and never released any album, but a couple of really awesome demo tapes.

Down below you can read an English translated interview with them, and I also added som demo music you can listen to while reading. 

SÁMÁN

Towards the Peaks

There is no doubt that something has been revived in the Hungarian hard rock scene. We are increasingly hearing about bands that are either forming or have existed in the countryside for years. However, a number of conditions are still missing for a healthy music scene. After all, we don’t have to go far, just looking at the capital, we don’t see more than maybe 2 clubs where amateur bands can perform.

That is why I really regret that an opportunity like the Speed Metal meeting in Petőfi Hall took place in an almost ridiculous way due to the lack of advertising and organization.

So the Dési Huber Müv. Ház club and its host, the SÁMÁN band, remained.

Ok is almost a permanent feature of these pages, but I think the rumors and whispers that have been circulating lately justify us now delving deeper into the band's everyday life. That's why I sat down with bandleader/singer Zsolt MOLICS for a hearty chat in a quieter corner of PeCsa. 

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What's the latest news, Zsolt? 

- Between September 30th and October 1st, we will be in a studio in Kecskemét to record two tracks for a Metal Selection album that will be released in the near future.

Selection? And in this genre? What's it about?

- 4 bands would be featured with 2 recordings each. On side A, STRESS and us, on side 8, MISSIÓ with FÓKUSZ. (2 double A-side albums ordered-ed.) The label doesn't want to reveal its identity yet, but we have already signed the contract.

What will these two recordings be?

- One is HODÍTÓ KÜZDELEM, which is a big hit at concerts, and the other will be SHAMAN, although a little bit more polished, this one may be familiar to everyone from parties.

Why didn't you choose new songs? 

- We would like to record the old ones too, and SHAMAN is also important because of our name. However, we don't intend to rest after that, we will record 2 more new songs for the demo. So there will be 8 in total, I think this can give a complete picture of the band. The cover for the demo cassette is already ready, and we may also make English-language recordings, but it's not certain yet. We would like the album to really be a success for now. We are focusing on this with all our strength now. If we do make something in English, then these will be two new songs, titled TORJ KI and MÁGLYA.

I feel some changes in the lyrics and the concept. Or are my senses just deceiving me?

- No. We really changed the old stuff a bit. There is no mention of Satan, although many people think so because of our name. The best example of this is the lyrics of one of the new songs, TÖRJ KI. (Page 1d) We also changed most of the previous songs. The German style, which characterized us the most, is increasingly mixed with an American flavor. Well, it's not that we play BON JOVI, the influence of QUEENSRYCHE is undeniable. We also colorize the stage clothes. We would like to see as many people as possible at our concerts, maybe the album will help with this.

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TÖRJ KI

(Zsolt SÁMÁN MOLICS)

You rush into nothingness You see, but still remain blind You look into a mirror,

But you don't see yourself

Break out of the grayness Show the power of your knowledge Break out! And don't look at anyone Go boldly on

No one is watching without a reason You shouldn't believe in miracles You would go, but they'll hold you back Don't let them! Break a path!

Break out of the grayness...

Promises, false sentences Runaway, fake jewels We fought together long ago But that doesn't mean anything

Break out of the grayness...

About the club! Is there a fixed date for this?

- No, there isn't one yet, but we put a lot of emphasis on posting posters, so everyone can find out in time, even if they never appear on the Pesti Műsor. And here we would like to draw everyone's attention to the fact that we welcome unfamiliar faces on stage. If you contact us at least a week before the party with the intention of trying out your potential talent, we won't stand in your way. You can show off your skills with us, whether you're a soloist or a guitarist. We are also waiting for applications from rural bands, we would also like to go down to the countryside to play in return. We want an open club, with a real club atmosphere, without any disturbances. We don't like to hear that people are reluctant to come to parties because of a few idiots.

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Compared to you a year ago, not only have you reduced in volume, but we also see different faces. Who are they?

- MOLNÁR "Dickinson" Imre is the bassist, 6 old "rollers" in the profession, worked as a technician at Rockwell, later played in various bands. He has a lot of ideas attached to his name. WEBER "Atus" Attila was also a member of ós-SÁMÁN, he didn't play with us for a short time. He is a precise rhythm guitarist, sometimes he even makes Tom blush.

Could you tell us a few words about your favorites? Who are you listening to lately?

- I would rather tell you in person. I am a dedicated fan of QUEENSRYCHE, but I also really like DIO, KING DIAMOND and HELLOWEEN, even though the concert in Pest was a disappointment. Our drummer, Zsolt BELOBERK, is an obsessed RAVEN fan, but he listens mostly to jazz. And lately he hasn't left the drums, honing his two-leg drumming technique. Imre loves MANOWAR and STORMWITCH. Atus LOUDNESS was happy. MacÁNGYÁN Tomi listens to MALMSTEEN, MacALPIN and Fts TNT the most. We would like to make even more use of the 6's abilities. Not many people, except those close to us, know that he has a classical music background, and he is still in school. His instrument is the violin, and his playing can be heard on the Jesus Christ Superstar album. However, his heart is drawn to METAL, even though this does not bring him any respect or material rewards. He almost pours out new songs, I can barely write lyrics, and the others have to learn the songs. According to the latest news, he is preparing for the URH guitar, which would improve our stage opportunities.

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Listening to Zsolt, I wonder how much has really changed in recent months, and not only on the podiums. Where is Zsolt MOLICS, who was angry with everyone, who was able to make everyone angry with him in a moment? Today, there is almost only one goal in front of him and the others. To prove to everyone as soon as possible that the band is talented. The opinion of the fans is not an exaggeration, the profession should also recognize them. 

They are currently on the threshold, ready to enter at any moment. Anyone who wants to witness this has a place at every concert. We stand behind them, and with us the expanding audience of the SÁMÁN club! SÁÁMÁÁN!! 

/ László Lénárd