The interview was done in 2005.
:: Please introduce yourself for our readers. Where are you from? For how long GRENDEL exists? And how important it for your lives?
Grendel started out in 1997 under a different name, but due to the band splitting up the name was changed into the current one. In the early part of 2000 the first promo CD was released. Within a very short period of time the promo was being played at many locations throughout the Netherlands and internationally (a.o. in Germany, Belgium and Spain). Half a year later the first demo CD was releases entitled 'Inhumane Amusement'. This demo caught the ear of the German record label NoiTekk, which convinced the label to such an extent that they signed Grendel immediately. This demo was re-mastered, re-designed and released in combination with new material in 2000 as the band's debut album. This first release set the band's name and recieved praise from throughout the scene. To follow this up, the "End of Ages EP" was released in 2002 and second full length album "Prescription : Medicide" was released in 2004. Most recently our new EP, "Soilbleed", has been released which is currently becoming a big success. Both Anita and I come from the Netherlands and Grendel is a very high priority in our lives. In fact, it's domineering and something we almost live for. Devotion is definately a keyword.
:: What do you consider to be most important milestones in GRENDEL's career?
That would be getting signed by NoiTekk, of course, but also our latest EP Soilbleed. Both are highly important in the history of GRENDEL's progress. Also the last tour we have done with SITD has given a huge boost to our career.
:: I'm a big fan of yours from your good old Inhuman Amusement. I still love a lot of tracks from it, especially the first song Strangers. I think it differs a lot from typical sound of hard dance music and I would even call it symphonic in some way. Unfortunately (for me) you have changed your sound a lot, and now it's more 'typical' and a lot more harsher. What has influenced those quite dramatical changes in your sound?
These changes happened pretty naturally and come down to basic progress. The production has improved dramatically, the vocal style has developed to it's current form and the musical progress is very necessary, in my opinion. I wouldn't agree that it's become typical, as I try to differ from the norm and introduce some fresh elements. Of course there are a number of contemporary elements that have been added, but that's almost inevitable.
:: What do you consider most important difference of GRENDEL from the other bands in the scene?
Variation between and within tracks (instead of continuing one single melody line or beat the whole song), tact/tight structures, orchestral complexity and conceptual/intelligent/socio-critical lyrics. One of the things I really try to do is put a lot of my personal feelings into the music, both musically and lyrically. The whole track must represent something, being consistent & solid. I mean, there's nothing wrong with a gimmick, but I feel a track has also got to have some contence and meaning. Simple lyrics about death, demons or hell just don't do it for me.
:: Your songs deal with pretty dark and sometimes even violent matters. What does influence you on writing lyrics? Do you choose those topics cuz they are pretty demanded by fans or you are obsessed by bizarre sides of live?
I am both concerned and facinated by the darker side of mankind's (instinctual) behaviour. Influences range from every day or personal experiences to global issues or incidents not so close to home. What they all have in common is that they are things that eat away at my mind, so I have to channel these thoughts into my music. It's a good way of putting these feelings into something creative and dealing with them. And with the world we live in, the influences are almost endless. As for the interest of the fans for such lyrics, I do often get feedback from listeners that are sometimes very moving. A lot people can relate to the lyrics I write and it means a particular track can have a very strong meaning for them personally. Hearing such feedback makes it all worth it.
:: GRENDEL is a duo. How do you two create music? How do you separate your duties? Is this hard to find compromises or someone has to submit to another when it comes to music-writing?
At the moment I'm doing all the music creation and Anita will listen to it and give her opinion on it. From that I can change it to suit both of us. As for further duties, we share those very well and can agree on good compromises.
:: Let's talk a bit about your new EP. In fact I have all your releases but not this one. I know that Tomas of ORDO ROSARIUS EQUILIBRIO somehow took part in creating of this album. So, could you tell me about the album? How different is it from your previous albums? How much Swedish erotomaniac influenced your music?
The EP is focussed on realisation of mortality, related emotions and the beast of war that lives in mankind. 'Soilbleed' expresses my feelings about how the allied forces at war are portrayed as being almost invincible and 'holy'. To put the entire concept in a nutshell: 'for everyone comes their time'. In this case I used the symbols of bleeding soil (during the times of trench war, the earth would get so dense with blood it would sometimes seem as if the earth itself was bleeding), red flowers (Poppy flowers are a common symbolism for rememberance of the fallen in war - often found growing on old battlegrounds) and others in the song to represent this omen. 'Interrogation Leash' deals with my anger concerning the recent incidents that have surfaced in Abu Ghraib. Who are we to judge others when we lower ourselves to such a low level? 'Aspiration Feed' deals with the daily battle many of us fight against those who envy and wish to stand in our way. The only way to win that battle is to remain steadfast and prove yourself again and again, through blood, sweat and tears. 'Dream II' is a follow up of the track featured on our previous album, "Prescription Medicide". Working with Tomas on this track was great! I initially supplied him with the music and he then added vocals and a number of extra percussion pieces, which totally completed the song. He also wrote the lyrics for it. What really sets this release apart from the previous ones is basically an over all thing. Both musically and production wise it's a big leap ahead and explores some fresh musical and technological elements.
:: What do you think about cooperation with ORE? Do you consider it as a helpful experience? ORE is known for their original philosophy and lifestyle. What do you think about their views and do you share them?
The cooperation was a great pleasure! It was definately fun and very interesting, plus raised some eyebrows in a positive way. As far as I know, this is the first EBM and CMI/Martial cooperation in music history. As for Tomas' philosophy and lifestyle, I can't say very much about it as I don't know his private life that well. But we do have a lot of the same fetishes and kinks in common.
:: Your music is pretty often called "hellectro" and I think that "hellectro" is pretty good definition for your harsh aggressive songs. Have you ever had impulses to write softer and more melodic stuff?
To be honest, I'm not a big fan of the term 'hellectro' and would rather describe Grendel as harsh (or terror) EBM. The main reason for this is because my lyrics don't have much to do with hell, demons or whatever. I take on 'harsh' subjects, often socio-political or concerning personal struggles. As for writing more melodic or softer tracks, yes I have and done so with 'Dream I & II'. I feel it's important to have a bit of variation between the hard tracks and the occasional toned down tracks on an album, as a continuous climax just can't hold someone's attention. Plus it's interesting to explore throughout the musical spectrum a bit.
:: You have mentioned that your lyrics are very important part of GRENDEL and you try to talk about serious things. At the same time your music is intended mostly for dance-floors, for people who gather in clubs. Do you really believe that they are open-minded enough to hear your message? And what is more important for you - to have a chance express your views or to be heard, to view that people understand things you express?
I think both things are important and should remain in a perfect balance when it comes to my music. Of course there are always many who will just take it at face value, but also many who will take the time to listen to the words and possibly find something they can relate to. Some of the reactions I've recieved have been quite moving, especially concerning the last EP. For instance, in reaction to the 'Soilbleed' track, people have written to me who have either been in the marinecore themselves or have been raised by someone who has and have had to struggle with it's psychological aftermath. On the other hand, it's also great to hear that people who have been able to deal with army life in a good way appreciate the track and see it as an ode. This fits perfectly into my ambiguous intentions behind it. It's really something special to hear that a song you've written really means something to someone, and ultimately helps them deal with the issue if necessary. But then again, it is a style of music intended for the dancefloors so I take no shame in focussing it on that too.
:: Do you feel that GRENDEL's sound or boundaries of electro somehow limit your creativity?
No, not at all. The music I produce for Grendel is what I enjoy making and take it where ever I please. If something sounds right, I use it. And let's not forget: Boundaries are meant to be broken, so there's nothing holding me down there.
:: What do you consider most important things in your life besides music? And how do you prefer to rest from music and showbiz?
Apart from music, friendship, love and knowledge/new experiences mean a lot to me. In my spare time I enjoy travelling, graphic design/art/photography, spending time with friends, watching movies, fitness/training and cooking/eating.
:: Do you have favorites among your own songs?
Tracks that I'm most satisfied with, must be 'Soilbleed', 'Aspiration Feed', 'Fatal Flaws' and 'Pax Psychosis'.
:: I ask this question almost to every person I interview. Let's imagine you and only you can pick any 5 albums ever existed and save them for future generations. What would you choose? You can pick any musician, band or composer - we talk about most valuable ones in your opinion.
Hmm.. Tough question.. Well, here's it goes:
1. Bill Haley Rock Around the Clock
Revolutionary in bringing rock n roll to the masses. We have a lot to thank to this guy and the writers of the song.
2. The Smiths Strangeways, Here We Come
Whatever one's emotions are, Morissey knows how to say it best.
3. Kraftwerk Man Machine
Highly influential and groundbreaking album in the field of electronic dance music. The pioneers. Enough said.
4. Arvo Part Miserere
Absolutely brilliant and passionate contemporary orchestral music. Perfect use of minimalism and orchestral passages which tear at the heart.
5. Joy Division Warsaw
If anything is vital in motivating our future generations to produce great and passionate music, it's most likely to be some good oldfashioned urban misery. Apart from that, Joy Division was one of the most prominent names in the whole post-punk wave of bands leading the way for the whole New Wave movement. This was so influential in the way we approach many styles of music these days and also where we are culturally.
:: You have mentioned that you are interested in global issues. So I'd like to ask your opinion about recent referendum for EU constitution. As we all know the Netherlands said 'No' to this issue. What about you? Have you took part in votes?
I am British and not a Dutch citizen, so sadly couldn't participate in the referendum voting. But if I could, I definately would have done so. As for my opinion on the issue, I consider that as a private matter.
|
