Grimbane
Wywiad przeprowadził Wouter Roemers
Canadian war-like death/black metallers Grimbane recently debuted impressively on Moribund Records with their "Let the Empires Fall" album. Featuring members of the legendary Blasphemy and Procreation this new act recently was able to live up to its legacy. While an entirely different beast than the bands that came before Grimbane is everything fanatics of death - and black metal alike could wish for. Speaking to Masterful Magazine on behalf of Grimbane is vocalist/guitarist Barbarous, while his answers were rather compact they do offer an insight into this great upcoming heathen horde.First off, I'd like to thank you for taking time to speak with me today. Why don't you tell us what's been going on with Grimbane lately?
We are busy writing new songs and finding new ways of presenting our sound.
Congratulations on releasing such a great new album. What kind of expectations do you have on it?
I am glad you like it and thanks. Our expectations are as all bands are to see how the public reacts and hope it's all positive and people enjoy the music.
How long did it take to write/record the whole album? Tell us something about the recording process, like studios, producer...
We produced it with the man who was there for the Blasphemy and Procreation recordings. He has up-to-date equipment like ProTools, etc. But we did the same process as before: not much dubbing and no metronome.
How was the process of recording "Let the Empires Fall"? Were there any difficulties, or was it relaxed? What was the atmosphere like for you and the other guys in the band?
Easy, because we rehearsed all the songs for months. The hard part is to sit and rewrite songs sometimes and come up with ways to make the flow smooth and not too overdone or repetitive.
The new album "Let the Empires Fall" was just released. Tell us a little bit about the album and some of the feelings that inspired the songs within.
I can tell you it is the way I see the world: so much corruption, control of people's minds and lives. I can't stand this, so I choose that title and idea for the album. I knew I had to speak of this and it is also the theme within the band. We feel very strongly about these topics.
Let's go back to the band. Do you think that the fact that you were members of Blasphemy helped you guys to get the deal with Moribund Records? How is it working out?
I don't know. You could ask the label, I guess. It doesn't hurt having experience. The stuff really doesn't sound like my old bands and I wanted to change the sound from the start, going in a new direction. A lot of fans I know don't like this, but I am my own person. Moribund is a good label with great bands.
How did the collaboration with Moribund Records actually came about? Did they contact you, or did you set out to find a record company that actually fits Grimbane's style and vision? Is it important for you that you deal with a label that can relate to you on a personal level?
Both. They don't tell their artists what to do and I wanted to work them for sure, among other labels I was talking to. I sent them a cd and they liked it and offered us a deal. They fit Grimbane's style, for sure, I am where I want to be. They are very personable there and wish to create good music for the underground that was also important to me.
Grimbane is irrevocably bound to legendary Canadian war-like black metal outfit Blasphemy, who released two albums in the mid ‘90s. The band made quite an impact on the scene. Can you tell us a bit how it was to be in this band and to see the influence it has had both in Canada as abroad?
I am glad to see that happened, but when I first seen them I knew the band was special. So it makes sense that they have left this impression on the scene.
The Canadian death/black metal scene is well respected worldwide with veteran bands like Cryptopsy, Kataklysm, Neuraxis coming to mind. What are your reactions to the scene today? Are there any bands that you feel are not being recognized that should be?
In today's music business, if you are good you quickly rise to the top. If you're not, you will just be a local band living among other go-nowhere local bands trying to outdo each other. It's quite funny to me.
You've been involved in this kind of music for a very long time now. What are your most struggling point in order to preserve your philosophy and musical playing as the years pass by? Was it not difficult for you to cope up with all the trendy bands that are momentarily shunning the exposure of Grimbane?
I'm not sure I get what you said. The music and the music business is not for anyone person to control of have influence on. You would have to be very rich to actually have an impact on this world and people who make large amounts of money are busy with making money. The way I see it: I stay focused on what I do, not try to reinvent the wheel and things go well for me. If no one is interested in my music some day I would not stop. Because the reason is, I do it is for me and no one else.
What goals and plans do you have for the nearest future?
New songs and the new album. As far as goals I have no big goals, just write one song at a time and go from there.
Thanks for the interview! Good luck with all your future endeavours. I would like to extend my praise for a killer album. Last words are up to you.
The next album is coming from a different perspective. We have lots of music left and this album won't sound so much like the first. You are going to be surprised.
Info: www.moribundcult.com
