Genre:

ambient electro-pop

Bio:

The beginning...

It was in December of 1992 when the two gentlemen Riccardo Schult and Mario Tews met for the first time – and coincidentally, the location happened to be a discotheque. Soon, both found themselves entangled in a conversation about music. After a short while, they discovered not only that they shared similar conceptions (and passion for music) but that they also wanted to create and play music themselves. Mario had already made his first experiences as a keyboarder in a little Wave-band, but he did not always agree with the other band members about their musical direction. Meanwhile, Riccardo had mostly pursued his passion in record stores, where several banishments began to loom on the horizon.
As a result, they decided to found their own band, and soon they came up with a suitable name as well: final selection.
As early as March 1993, the first song fragments were presented in local youth clubs. These songs, both full of gloomy synthie-sound and menacing, aggressive vocals, were named CABAL and REVENGE OF THE FOREST.

The arrow is flying...

Six songs had been produced until July 1993, providing the material for the band’s first demo tape “Spirit Of Hate”. Later that year, all 40 copies of the first edition were sold at an open-air-concert within only 30 minutes.
In the years 1994 to 1996 more tapes followed: CREATURE, MORTAL WISDOM, and FROM WASTE TO DUST – all energetic and furious material, which was performed live as often as possible. To establish constant contact with their audience is one of the main concerns of final selection. Every performance gives them a chance to test their songs in the special atmosphere of a live-concert and to gain routine in playing on stage.
In 1994 the band answered a call of the former MACHINERY-Label and applied for a newcomer competition. final selection made it through the preliminary round and was allowed to enter the contest… the first success for the band!
In 1998 final selection started to record their first full-time album. After enough necessary equipment had become available, the band went into the studio of a friend in order to bring the album IMMORTAL GIFT into being. And IMMORTAL GIFT had a few surprises to offer…

A journey to oneself…

Finally, the band started to discover Riccardo’s vocal qualities. Many of the new songs focused on the vocal part – a development that proved to be a great enhancement. The songs had gained intensity, although the music itself was not as heavy as it used to be. This kind of songs could simply take you on a little journey. Additionally, the album contained the great WHITE STAR, a tune that became the final song at each final selection concert – a true hymn.
After IMMORTAL GIFT had been published, the band decided it was finally time to produce future songs on their own.
For that purpose Mario and Riccardo built a fine home recording studio, where the current album ANTIHERO was carefully crafted.

Small Heroes...

Momentarily, ANTIHERO marks the completion of a long and adventurous period of creation. Consequently, this album indicates the consistent continuation of the musical focus on IMMORTAL GIFT.
ANTIHERO is pop music, ANTIHERO is Darkwave, ANTIHERO is different. But first of all, ANTIHERO is a collection of small stories - warm, full of feeling, and melancholy. Listening to them creates the impression of a little universe of its own, a universe delivering its own explanation. There have been a lot of opportunities to hear final selection in the past, and more events are planned for the future. The concert in Lübeck on February 2, 2001 was no doubt one of the highlights of the last tour. (Thanks to Ralf “Ralle” Scheunemann!!!)
Reactions of the print media and various online magazines have already confirmed that the current CD is something special (have a look at the REVIEWS). ANTIHERO was able to collect only positive reviews – including the voices of reputed magazines such as SIDELINE, ZILLO, or SONIC SEDUCER. The latter magazine promoted the “Battle Of The Bands - Contest” with more than 50 participating bands. Participation in this musical battle was rewarded with 10th place, making final selection best ElectroPop-Formation of the contest.

So what’s up next?

Final selection will go on tour as often as possible. Also, we are working on the new album. First songs have already been completed and integrated into the live-program. Head on to www.final-selection.de to have a first glance at the new work! The estimated publishing date of the successor of ANTIHERO is around the middle of 2003. The content of the new album will remain a secret until then – but be sure that final selection will dare to plunge into new waters while delivering their first concept album.
A story about ourselves, about ignorance, being different, and the sea...

Members:

raphael, dimitri and elsa

Influences:

film, art, analog equipment

Discography:

IMMORTAL GIFT

1 time for secrets
2 white star
3 nowhere land
4 the gift
5 blowing up the sky
6 creature
7 dream tunnel


ANTIHERO
1 salvation
2 tears
3 divine punishment
4 your smile
5 when you turn your back to me
6 swamp
7 static city
8 absent minded
9 i never wanted more
10 tears - still weepin' mix
11 dead hero

Songs:

◊ Your Smile *

(*You have to be a member of SoundClick to download mp3)

one look in your eyes
they are empty
tracks of tears
they look like lines in my hand

injection for eternity

dark sky gifts
(no choice)
your words are echoing in my minds
(wicked dust)
I hate it to bear the world

the dust of death - injection for eternity

when all faces turn to stone
just my heart is beating faster
and you smiled in the face of death
just a desolate disaster

 

◊ Salvation (Of The Truth) *

(*You have to be a member of SoundClick to download mp3)

reflection in a mirror
all you see is an error
youth got lost on a rainy day


your minds are confused
not able to realize
rebirth for destruction
savage stoopid (and) hypnotized

scenario in science fiction
all you see is your live
you’ve got lost - again and again
on a rainy day

your minds are destroyed
not dead but not alive
waiting for the rebirth
savage stoopid (and) hypnotized
 

band contact info:
band email: geistimsturm@yahoo.com
contact name: Final Selection/Initial Sequence Productions
contact email: geistimsturm@yahoo.com and riccardo@final-selection.de