Alive and Rocking with Lazarus Dream
Lazarus Dream from left to right Markus Pfeffer, Carsten Schulz. Clouds vertical art by Jobert Mello
Alive and Rocking with Lazarus Dream
Lazarus Dream is an epic hard rock project from Germany, whose debut album Alive is just the remedy needed in these times of the great pandemic. Inspiring and supremely memorable, Lazarus Dream features the participation of multi-instrumentalist Markus Pfeffer and powerhouse vocalist Carsten Lizard Schulz. Markus Pfeffer was a member of AOR collective Scarlett and his main band is the dynamic Winterland. Carsten Lizard Schulz is well known for his thrilling vocals in the legendary heavy metal outfit Domain. In addition, Alive by Lazarus Dream features special guest drumming from Markus Kullmann, whose impressive credits include working with the likes of Sinner, Voodoo Circle, and Glenn Hughes.
Highwire Daze recently had the opportunity to interview Markus Pfeffer to find out more about the intriguing Lazarus Dream and their exhilarating Alive magnum opus now available from Pride & Joy Music. Read on…
Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in Lazarus Dream, and how long the band has been together.
My name is Markus Pfeffer, I am playing guitar, bass and synthesizers and I compose and arrange the music for Lazarus Dream. Singer Carsten Lizard Schulz and me started the project way back in 1999, then we both went our separate ways. He joined DOMAIN and my main band WINTERLAND got a new line-up. During the lockdown earlier this year, Carsten and me decided that it was a good idea to record the songs we wrote together two decades ago – and it quickly became a full album.
Where are you based out of and what is your local music scene like there?
I am living in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Our local music scene is completely dominated by cover and tribute bands. There is no interest at all in original material, unfortunately. Been trying for 30 years by now and really fed up with it. However, you gotta know that Kaiserslautern is also VANDEN PLAS’ hometown, and their guitar player Stephan Lill was my guitar teacher.
How did you wind up signing with Pride & Joy Music?
I sent them a 5-minute-medley of the album which included mainly the choruses of each song – shortly later we got signed and I must say they do a hell of a job promoting the album which I am very grateful for.
Is there any overall story or concept behind the Alive album title?
“Alive” indeed has two meanings. Firstly, Lazarus Dream was reborn and became “alive” again after more than 20 years. Second, we are “alive” during the pandemic which allows us to write and record the album.
Select two songs from Alive and what inspired the lyrics.
“Fleshburn” deals with vampires and is written from the point of view of the vampire. “Wings Of An Eagle” deals with freedom, or with the longing to be free, more precisely said.
Who did the cover art for Alive and how much input did you have on it?
The cover motif was my idea. A graphic artist friend of mine named Raik Schneider then refined the layout, in particular he designed our band logo, replaced the three crosses of Golgotha originally standing on the mountain by Lazarus spreading his arms and added the ornamental frame.
What has it been like to record and release new music in the middle of a pandemic and so much social unrest in the world?
Extremely liberating, uplifting, helping me through hard times, all in all insanely great (laughs).
Has Lazarus Dream ever played live or plan to do so after this pandemic comes to an end? Were there any shows cancelled because of the pandemic?
No. We are a studio project and there are no plans to play live at this stage.
How did Markus Kullman of Sinner, Hartmann and Voodoo Circle become involved with Lazarus Dream?
Markus Kullmann is a very close friend of our singer Carsten.
Lazarus Dream – from left to right Carsten Schulz, Markus Pfeffer vertical art by Aurelio Lara
How did Carsten Lizard-Schulz of Domain become involved with Lazarus Dream and what do you think of his work in Domain?
I got to know Carsten in 1997, two years before he joined DOMAIN. He wrote a review for my band WINTERLAND’s debut album “Under The Flood” for a local music magazine. While WINTERLAND as well as Carsten’s band at the time MR. HATE were on hiatus, we wrote some songs together. Concerning DOMAIN, I think that “Shadowhall” on “Stardawn” was a real masterpiece.
Are you involved with any other bands or projects outside of Lazarus Dream?
Yes, my main band is called WINTERLAND and I also play bass in a cover band named BILLY BOWIE. That’s the only way to get to play gigs around here…
What do you hope 2021 brings for you and Lazarus Dream?
I hope to stay healthy and maybe we will start writing for a second album, we will see.
Any final words of wisdom?
We should all learn from the pandemic to be humble, grateful for health and prosperity. I can’t stand all the complaining about the restrictions any more.
Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions!
You’re welcome. Stay safe and healthy!
(Interview by Ken Morton)
