1. Let's say in 5-6 sentences. How did you find each other, you got the idea of making music together and briefly your beginnings.
Brandon and I have known each other for about 15 years. We always want to make some music together. We were briefly in a band together back in 2010 called Swallowed By Apathy. I came up with the Bloodthirster concept back in October 2022 and brought it to him, because I immediately thought of Brandon when looking for a guitar player. He loved the idea and wanted to help me out. I'm not a guitar player, at least not a good one, so he was all about helping me get Bloodthirster out. 3 of the 4 tracks on the EP were written and recorded in a single day. Brandon has stepped down from guitar duties for the time being for personal reasons, but I have left the door open for him to return when he is able.
2. Had it not been for bandcamp I had not heard of you. How important are the social media in helping spread a band’s name?
Social media is very important, these days, for the promotion of anything. You found us maybe a few days after the release. We pushed hard on promotion for maybe the first month on the Facebook page and Instagram. I was never really into many other social media platforms. We let DistroKid handle the streaming service releases, and more or less focused on writing music. We're about to start pushing the EP "Chaos Undivided" as well as some new stuff we're working on in September.
3. By listening your music, I can easily deduct you are a huge fan of “Swedish Chainsaw” guitars. Can you name some of the bands who you first really admired and helped shape your future in music?
The"Swedish Chainsaw" sound is something I really wanted for Bloodthirster from the beginning. I've always loved the way Europe does Death Metal. The main influences for Bloodthirster are actually not primarily Swedish bands. The main influences are Bolt Thrower, Asphyx, and Hail Of Bullets. The Swedish influence came later while listening to Entrails and, of course, Entombed {R.I.P. LG Petrov}. The Swedish influence mostly came in the form of the production and guitar tones. The new Bloodthirster material is going to be way more primitive with the "Swedish Chainsaw" turned up to 11.
4. Why do you think that Swedish death metal has survived for more than three decades?
Simple. Loyal fans and the gritty distortion of the Boss HM-2 pedal. A lot of bands from all over the world adopted the sound for its pure aggression. Plus, a lot of the old school Swedish bands like Grave, Dismember, and Unleashed are still releasing albums today. At The Gates released "Slaughter Of The Soul" back in the 90s and paved the way for the entire European Melodic Death Metal scene.
5. Can you give us a glimpse into the creative process behind your music? How do you typically approach songwriting and arranging?
It starts with guitars. One of us presented a riff and we built on it. I normally have a tone or concept I want to convey and we build the song based around that. We wrote and recorded 3 out of the 4 of the songs on "Chaos Undivided" in a single day. When Bloodthirster gets together to work on music, that is all we do. We rarely take breaks during sessions.
6. When you sit down together and rehearse, does it go smooth or and you do full songs or do you really have to insist on certain parts all the time?
It's different each time. Sometimes we can blow through 2 or 3 songs with ease. Other times, we could be stuck on one part for an hour. It all depends on the energy we have for the day. More often than not it goes smoothly.
7. How has the reception been for your “Chaos Undivided” EP? Have there been any standout moments or memorable experiences you'd like to share?
I think it's done pretty well. "Chaos Undivided" is my first release ever in my career. I'm just glad people like it. Honestly, this interview is going to be a memorable experience for me. I never thought anyone would interview me about my music. The EP has been put up on YouTube metal promotion channels with all our links with over 600 views. We have over 500 plays on BandCamp. We've been getting some streams on Spotify and other platforms as well. I think it's going pretty well. As far as I'm concerned, just the fact that a few people like it is good enough for me.
8. As you work on completing the lineup for the band, what qualities or skills are you looking for in potential members?
First off, our personalities have to match up. I'd rather have somebody who is a good person and okay at their instrument than a narcissistic musical genius. They have to understand and have the technical skill to play Death Metal, be at rehearsal on time, have a good work ethic, preferably some kind of income, don't do anything that would cause people to see the band in a negative way.
9. What can fans expect from your upcoming debut album? Are there any particular themes or influences that you're exploring?
I brought in a new guitar player in, so the sound will ultimately change as a result of that. Hopefully, we will have more members moving forward for the record as well. The record will be more primitive. We're doubling down on that old school Death Metal style of riffing. The HM-2 pedal will be even more noticeable for that "Swedish Chainsaw" grind. There will be a logo change as well. Heavier riffs, thicker bass, and Brandon will be mixing the record for us, but he will most likely not be playing on the record.
10. When you release a record how much attention do you pay to things like track order, lay out and art work? How planned is everything?
The track order on the EP was the order we finished them in. Our artwork was done by our friend Vanessa Funke in Germany the day before the release. We didn't really have a plan. In fact, I wasn't supposed to release it until the following month. Hahaha!
11. How much time do you spend on the band both physically but also mentally each day? Is it worth all the time and effort in the end?
Mentally, pretty much all the time. Bloodthirster is my baby, so I give it the same kind of attention. Physically, I write riffs pretty much every day for at least a couple hours. The stuff I've been working on, I'm sure listeners will enjoy.
12. With so many bands competing for attention what do you do in order to stand out and be counted? How far would you go in order to gain attention?
We're going for a less polished approach to the music. More primitive production. We're trying to back that old school sound and approach to Death Metal. I don't really think about gaining a following that much. If it happens and we gain a lot of fans and all that, great! If not, we're still going to be here making good metal. It's all about the music with this band.
13. Since the brutal death metal scene has grown for long as it existed, what are your current thoughts in the modern-day era of the genre?
I still find myself listening to the older bands most of the time. There have only been a couple of bands that have stuck out to me as being truly great in recent years. There has been a resurgence of old school Death Metal in the past 5 years or so, so things are looking up for Death Metal as a whole.
14. Many thanks again for your valuable time and your effort! I wish you only the best! The last words to our readers are of course yours.
Bloodthirster will start work on our first full-length album in early September. Our EP "Chaos Undivided" is available on all streaming platforms. Thanks for reading. Hope you all have a fantastic day/night. Cheers!
Comments