Gurkkhas
Wywiad przeprowadził Bart Donarski
Latest GURKKHAS album - "A Life of Suffering" - is a perfect example of what brutal death metal is all about. Low, aggressive, multi-paced grinding full force on maximum speed! The record is also a very first fruit of a new deal the Frenchmen signed with Morbid Records. Yeah, I won't fuck around any longer! I caught up with the main terrorist of the unit - Rey Jean-Franconis. Results of the encounter below.
Yeah, I know it's been quite a long time since the release of "A Life of Suffering", even though could you tell me please on news at your military camp?
Rey Jean-Franconis: "We are looking for a new guitarist, preparing also a new live at Alfger (two dates) in Algeria in January and also our tours with Vader, Deranged, Psypheria..."
How have been people reacting on the latest album so far? Are you pleased with how all that came out?
"People have liked it, I have to ask to Morbid about the sells but excepting some stupid cows, people and magazine have liked it! (Laughs)
I saw you onstage here and there passed summer. Then, was that passing year a good one in terms of performing as far as GURKKHAS goes?
"Yes and no, not a lot of gigs because of the Richard's work but actually he is out of the band so we will have a guy free at 500% to play more (Was it the right question & is it the right answer? I am quiet "out")
Have you always had that military sort of image? What's that all about? It kind of reminds me of Houwitser...
"Houwitser is like us, not the contrary."
Any changes as far as your line-up is concerned? Still a trio onslaught? Is this convenient for such intense band as GURKKHAS definitely is?
"We are three again and soon again 4, we have always had some line up troubles."
"A Life of Suffering" apart from our beloved supersonic velocity is damn heavy as well. How could you explain yourselves of that, huh? Ha!
"Thanks for the comments my friend, we try to make it as a tank war metal, we combine US brutality with North European based sound and experience and loud tuned, so this creates this unique and raw piece I guess, pure hate, anger & war!!! We are like our music."
This what I like regarding your music is that it's not only about senseless brutality from start to an end. "A Life of Suffering" is fraught with excellent dynamics that provide true audible delights for a listener. I guess it's important for you to keep it that way. Am I correct?
"500 % correct, nothing to add, it's exactly what I think, really."
Another worth mentioning thing is melody that - in a sense - the album abounds in. These are not happy ones, but it really works! How do you look upon it?
"We have tried to push out of the creation the solos parts, and then concentrate our music to base it on things like "hymns", you see what I mean? We want the fans to think and sing the hymns in their mind, so when they hear or think about us they have those hymns in their minds, for example the Kukri song is a typical example of what we have tried to create... War Hymns!!!"
Besides, how things go with your label present-day? What are you in for now?
"You mean Morbid recs? They are great Guys!"
Has any release grabbed your attention lately? What do you listen to nowadays?
"I listen a lot the last Origin CD."
How do you consider your cooperation with Morbid Records as the album has been out for some time? Will you keep the deal in the future?
"I think so. I would like to know how are our sells in Poland (laughs) if we are well known about the fans, we think to come and tour your country if someone is interested to make us come of course!"
Are you content with the sound you achieved this time? I think there's nothing to be particularly pissed off.
"No, the sound is powerful, I think the best we could have. The studio is very expensive but all in all we have a fucking nice sound."
I guess it's not too early to ask you of another record. Any detailed information please.
"The title will be: "Morituri te salutant "and will be different from the last one, more brutal, but different anyway, with a new kind of cover too, more achieved I would say, another big step in the band career."
Will you eventually come to Poland where brutal shit is definitely most appreciated?
"We hope so, for festivals, everything is welcomed, if someone is interested, contact Morbid Records or me at gurkkhas@aol.com. But we don't come for peanuts (laughs), so be honest in your offer stay brutal as fuck thanks for this killer support, and don't forget: MAKE WAR/NOT PEACE
Bart Donarski
