Blood Red Throne
Wywiad przeprowadził Wouter Roemers
Norway isn't exactly a hotbed nor a fertile soil for a lot of uncompromising death metal, especially not the bludgeoning American type. Kristiansand based act Blood Red Throne have been spearheading the Norwegian death metal movement since 1998 and have made no concessions to that over the years. 27th August will see the release of the band's fourth full length "Come Death" through UK label Earache Records. We were able to contact founding guitarist Daniel Olaisen to talk about their new album, their latest additions to their ranks and their record deal with UK label Earache Records.
What is presently going on with the band? What new things are happening for Blood Red Throne right now?
We've just started rehearsing for our upcoming live shows after two years in silence. We have quite many shows coming up and we're really excited to play in new countries as Iceland and Russia! We're also doing our first music video in August and things look pretty ok these days!
How long did the writing take for the album?
Hm, I wrote 6 of the songs in quite short time and I've known the [Gorguts] cover song for ages. Tchort wrote 2 songs and one of them was improvised in studio...
The record is amazing, with many fast and brutal rhythms, but the dense complexity displayed throughout the record is simply awesome. How important is it for you as a band to sound skilful, as well as brutal?
We don't care if a guitar riff is technical or not. If it's good, we use it. But we do focus on our playing and also have a decent production. We do like the combination between fast and brutal stuff versus melodic and groovy stuff.
Technique and variation are two words omnipresent through out Blood Red Throne's repertoire. I must admit it was refreshing to hear "Come Death" in between the current torrent of blasting death metal albums. Of what importance are these two facets in the compositions?
This is so cool to hear! We don't want to sound like all the hyper fast, mongo technical death metal bands. Sure, we like some of them. But too us, we want to play the old school death metal, but of course with some elements of the extremity of our age. I still and always will find the older death metal bands more appealing! We need a little bit of everything in BRT!
How do you write songs, is there a central songwriter in the band or does everybody contribute something to the process?
Up till "Come Death" Tchort and I have written about 50% each. But on "Come Death", I've written most of the songs. I simply sit down with my guitar and jam. I know how I want things to sound and it's no problem making great songs! Tchort used to write the lyrics earlier, but Vald has taken that job now...
How do you feel about terms like depth as far as songs are concerned? In other words, are you more concerned with a song having an immediate impact or would you rather it "grow" on someone?
Both is cool, but in our style I think it's more important that the song will nail right away! It's important for us to make riffs and songs that the fans can't sit still too. Especially live!
Is there a particular song that you prefer that you feel really stands out on the new album?
Well, I really like Tchort's 'Deranged Assassin'! That one has all the ingredients. Double bass drums, blasting and one helluva groovy riff in the middle and at the end. Of my songs, I guess I'm most satisfied with is 'No New Beginning'.
What must a song contain in order for you to find it interesting to play?
Groove. Simple as that!
Session drums on your previous album "Altered Genesis" were provided by rather unknown drummer Bernt A. Moen. "Come Death" features the impressive work of Anders Faret Haave, was he pulled in on a session basis or is he a permanent member of the band?
Both Anders and Vald are new members since "Altered Genesis", though they've been in the band for 2 years now!
Second new addition to the band's ranks is frontman/vocalist Osvald Egeland. What led to the departure of former vocalist Flemming Gluch? Tell us something about your new vocalist.
Flemming wanted to focus on his job and he never felt comfortable being a frontman, so he wanted to leave. We're friends and he totally supports the band, so everything is ok. Vald actually started before Anders, and he got two days to learn 10 songs before he did his first BRT gig! Both Mr.Hustler, Vald, Erlend and I played together in a band called Trioxin some years ago.
"Come Death" is the second album to shy away from the blood theme of first two albums. Why is that exactly, did you feel that is was becoming a gimmick – rather than something that sets you apart from the competition?
Just to bring some variation on the table. It would be boring to have blood on every album, though it's supposed to be blood on that fucking angel on "Come Death", hehe!
What is the reaction from the press so far on your latest release?
Extremely good! No bad reviews at all, and we're really hoping for a breakthrough this time!
This is your second release for Earache Records. How has the label been accommodating the band's needs, as far as tour support and such is concerned?
Not too good. So, they know what to do this time...
Apart from the band - what do you do when you are at home: do you have time for hobbies?
I have a second band, of course. Zerozonic (Pantera-ish). Otherwise I play a lot of soccer and I also have a girlfriend and two kids, so I'm pretty busy each day!
To conclude, what can we expect from Blood Red Throne for the remainder of the year?
Great music, great live shows and a lot of booze!
Thanks for the interview! Good luck with all your future endeavours. Feel free to add anything you want to close this interview.
Check out www.bloodredthrone.net and www.myspace.com/bloodredthrone666 and support quality death metal from Norway! Thanks for your support!
Booking: tchort@online.no
Site: www.bloodredthrone.net
