"If you follow in others footsteps you will never leave yours behind." This quotation by the German free thinker Wilhelm Busch applies also to the philosophy of the German quartet Stone the Crow. Instead of conforming to the particular current trend or obeying the style rules of the German music market, Stone the Crow has always been setting creative counterpoints since their debut "Daylight" (1999) - and again they do so in 2007.

At the early stages, Stone the Crow was regarded as "one of the most promising German bands" and the group from Schw..bisch Hall succeeded in establishing in the music scene in the course of time. A reason for this is also Stone the Crow’s insatiable hunger for concerts, including extensive gigs as supporting act for Papa Roach, Incubus or Mudvayne. "I wouldn’t mind to be on tour 365 days a year," says vocalist Marc Stone. Instead of falling into depression or self-pity because of the changed market-conditions - keyword mp3 - he prefers to look at the positive aspects: "You have to use the new media, to apply your power or financial opportunities more than ever and to play even more shows – you have to perform for every single fan and for every sold album." At last Stone the Crow was the support for 3 Doors Down during their tour in Germany. Marc appreciates this experience not only because of the enthusiastic fan reactions. "Since then, we know exactly which audience is our audience. Our music is not harder than the music of 3 Doors Down or Nickelback. We all have the same target audience." According to this, the new album has the quality to win over the international music market.

No question: Stone the crow has united the best melody lines of their career on the new album and they present a stylistic spectrum and the term "alternative rock" describes their music only insufficiently. The new album is modern, enthralling, and cleverly staged. "The modern American rock such as Sevendust or Creed has always inspired us intensely," states the vocalist. "I think that our new album unites the melody factor of our debut album with the diversity of "Year of The Crow" (2001) and the great sound of "Reduce To The Max" (2003). The electronic elements have definitely decreased. The new songs reflect the whole band." Even though Stone The Crow stood on feet of clay after the last album.

With founder member and guitarist Hilli (Sebastian Hillnhuetter) leaving the band for private reasons, Stone the Crow lost not only a main songwriter but also a very good friend. Moreover the record contract ran out. However, Marc Stone & Co managed the situation and they started their own record label. The new guitarist Marc Richter completes the band perfectly and Stone the Crow established their own studio where "Fitting the Pieces" was recorded and mixed. "Our bassist Tom had to produce the album while studying at the ‘Pop- Academy’ in Mannheim," explains Marc the more than three years lasting release break.

"The song writing process has been changing very much since the last album: "Reduce To The Max" was completely composed at the computer. This time we only collected ideas at the computer and worked the songs out in the rehearsal room or we jammed out many songs such as ‘Honesty’ or ‘Why’." The result: Stone the Crow has never before sounded so organic and so homogenous without a lack of the required drive. The opener ‘Edge’ is an example for the basic structure of "Fitting the pieces": beyond powerful rocking instrumentations and striking riffs, Marc Stone’s voice sounds with extremely catchy melody lines and so proving again his reputation of being the singer with one of the most charismatic voices in Germany - and he presents new aspects. Years before, who would have expected this band to have an unerring radio hit such as ‘Healing’? Stone the Crow shows in this album not only their pop appeal but also new song writing skills, gorgeous harmony and clever arrangements.

The subtle sense for big moments pervades the whole album: ‘Lunar’ makes the listener fly in free fall through terrific sound atmospheres during the chorus, ‘Why’ and ‘Them Straight’ bridge accomplishedly to Seattle and grunge, before ‘Drive’ concludes the album impressively and melancholically. Variety and vitality have priority on "Fitting The Pieces", which will make fans of harder sounds like the album as well. ‘Honesty’, ‘Crush’ or ‘Coming Home’ spread perfectly the vibe of successful bands such as Tool, A Perfect Circle and Filter. "The new album reflects all our influences coming from very different branches in music: rock, pop, metal, electro, trip hop, etc.," says Marc Stone. "We tried to give the songs what they need without considering genres or limits. "Fitting The Pieces" is both a metaphor for our music puzzle and for the band. During the last few years one piece was joined into another." And now we may enjoy the overall picture in all its splendour: "Fitting The Pieces"! (Jan. 2007)