1. Greetings, would we start with the origin of the band, both in terms of ideologically and musically, your aims in shaping the direction of Shock Treatment?
Because of the absence of live music during covid crisis, Corentin (guitar) and Boris (bass) decided it was time to make their own music. Zoran (drums) quickly jumped on board and we started to work on Retribution and Loyal to the Cause. Initially, Boris was handling the vocals and the bass guitar but we figured out we’d better have a totally dedicated frontman focusing only on vocals, which we found in Max. We wanted to make the music we’d like to hear when going to live shows, discovering new bands : straight-up in your face Heavy metal. No bullshit pretentious concepts and other stupid gimmicks.
2. What kind of reasons that might inspire/influence Belgian artist who are into heavy music? You may give clues about the sources of this creativity that can be seen in Belgian bands?
There’s always been quality bands in the Belgian scene, and even if Metal isn’t mainstream, Belgium being a country full of music festivals, it’s easy to discover alternative music styles. Bands like Enthroned, Ancient Rites and Channel Zero really stood up for the genre, a few decades ago. Now, younger bands can easily be inspired by success stories like those of Evil Invaders and Carnation, who both tour worldwide. We’ve always been passionate about this music and always will be.
3. What were the goals you had in mind when you started to record your EP “Set The Record Straight”? Any elements you definitely wanted to have on the songs?
We wanted to have something loud, heavy and full of energy. The track we would put on the EP had to be live-oriented. We did not know our music would end up sounding like that in the beginning. All our influences brewed together : Heavy, thrash, hardcore, punk and if you pay attention even old school death metal. And in the end we ended up with some mid-tempo heavy/thrash with hardcore vocals. What do you know ? Also, we wanted the EP to show different assets. For example, Retribution is really straight to the point, while The Rats Feast shows a more melodic side of the band.
4. Tell us about the recording sessions, how did it go? Was it your first time in the studio? How long did it take you to finish everything?
It took about 5 months, working about 1 day every week. We recorded the instruments on our own in our rehearsal place. The vocals were recorded by 2 friends of ours in the advertising studio they work for. Those guys also mixed and mastered the EP, trying to avoid the owner of the studio discovering what they were really up to.
5. How do you guys inside the band divide the compositional work?
Boris and Corentin are the two main composers. They come with riff ideas then we put it all together with drums and vocals. For this EP, Zoran took care of the arrangements in every song. Boris took care of the lyrics (except for Loyal to the Cause which was written by Corentin). Sometimes the riff inspired the lyrics (The Rats Feast) and sometimes the lyrics inspired the riffs (Slithering Insanity). Anyway we put all our hearts and souls into every song to come up with what we feel is the best way to break necks and groove !
6. What are the pros and cons with working as an independent band with no label support?
The biggest advantage is that we do the music we want. The public is the only judge. Also, we don’t have to focus on any agenda. We choose our own deadlines.
On the other hand, we have to self finance everything ourselves, which isn’t always easy in the economic crisis we’re facing. We are currently investigating how we’ll proceed to finance the recording of a second EP. Anyway, it’s only money and fun comes first.
7. How are you guys feeling about playing live? What kind of feelings do you have at the moment when stepping the stage?
When we come on stage, we’re there to deliver and smack the audience right in the face. It’s as simple as that. That being said, the first gig was a shitstorm. We were taking part in a contest in order to win our place on the bill of a punk rock concert. First time live was of course a bit stressful for all of us, but while setting us up, we encountered technical problems with the electronic drumkit (no kick is a bit lame for a metal band). We lost half of the timeslot finding a solution. Not the best way to start. When it’s been solved, we discovered that we barely ear ourselves in the monitors. We gave it all, playing as tight as it was humanly possible in those conditions and eventually won the contest. Knowing we made it that way makes us feel far more comfortable before any concert.
8. In general: What fascinates you about metal music? And how do you see the character of energies you transfer through Shock Treatment’s songs? Is it positive or negative, or neutral?
Corentin: Far beyond image and folklore, it’s really the talent of the musicians that fascinates me. Either the composition gives me goosebumps, the power of the sound or the way the guys play it, metal music is just the most impressive and energizing stuff I get. With the live oriented music we play, we focus on the groove and communicating energy to the crowd. We’re here to give the fans as much fun as we get. So we would go for positive even though we share feelings like anger, revenge and self-torment through our songs.
Boris : metal music is something that comes from the guts. You can tell immediately if someone is faking. That kind of music requires the musicians to put everything they’ve got into their playing. It has to be intense and massive. It’s the only music that grabs me instantly, it speaks directly to my inner self. Without it, I would probably have gone insane already !
Zoran : I think Metal is the only kind of music that can translate the brutality of the emotions and feelings that a human being can feel in his mind and body through his life. However, it’s a very exigent style of music, demanding the musicians to deliver the same kind of intensity at the same time, achieving the goal of transmitting the mood of the song. For the musicians who are searching for virtuosity, Metal is the perfect playground, as some sub-genres offer to always push the limits beyond human capacities.
9. How much time and effort do you spend on the band to get everything to look and sound the right way?
As we all have a full time job, the right answer would be: not enough ! Depending on the period, we rehearse once or twice a week, a lot of the work being made in between. As we would like to push it a bit further in terms of composition for the follow-up, no doubt we’ll be busy the next few months.
10. What do you love to do in your free time when you are not busy with any of your music activities?
Corentin: Music being the major part of my free time, I’ll have to go with some cliché answers like reading, watching tv and going to museums and exhibitions.
Boris : Drinking beer with my friends, playing football, spending time with my wife…
Max: I’m into fighting sports and like to spar during my free time when I’m not going out with friends enjoying some good beers.
Zoran : I always have several projects ongoing at the same time. These days, I’m working essentially on a vegetable garden and learning a lot about aquaponics. I’m going back to sports (bodybuilding, running, swimming) because drumming is very physical and requires good stamina. And I have a wife and a little daughter to take care of.
11. You guys seem to be very old school in your approach to metal. When in your opinion was the best metal produced?
Corentin: as a huge thrash metal fan, no doubt the best metallurgy has been forged in the 80s. Bands were on fire at this time. But current bands also have something to say and it would be sad not to check their music.
Boris : I’d say the 80’s also, even though it depends on the genre. There are awesome bands out there today! Some bands still carry the spirit of the music we love and do not need a fucking concept and 10 minutes intros to kick ass !
Max: I’d say I’d rather like the Metal hardcore bands of the early 2000. This is whenI started to listen to bands such as Terror, Sworn Enemy, Hatebreed, etc.
Zoran : I’m relatively new to Metal. In my younger days, I was listening to mainstream Metal (Metallica, Limp Bizkit, Marylin Manson), but thanks to Shock Treatment, I’m slowly turning into a real Metalhead. I’m listening to all kinds of Metal, and, in my opinion, every decade brings along its own golden pieces. There’s always a band that creates something unique and inspiring. Recently, I discovered “ Dust Bolt “ , a German thrash metal band that brings great drumming parts and a very powerful sound.
12. Belgium isn’t known as a huge breeding ground for metal bands, though there is actually quite a bit of history in metal from Belgium. How is the metal scene in Belgium?
You might know that Belgium has 3 different regions: Brussels (capital), Flanders (northern part of the country) & Wallonia (southern part). In Wallonia, metal is not really trendy. Small organizations struggle to offer live metal music, but it’s always difficult for them to stay alive. Brussels offers some quality venues for international tours but currently, the main alternative venue (Magasin 4), specialized in Metal & Punk, is closed until 2024. In Flanders, things are doing pretty well, with the 2 of the biggest metal festivals in Europe (Graspop Metal Meeting & Alcatraz Festival) being the top of the iceberg. They also have countless club gigs that really gives the local bands opportunities to thrive. Bands like Evil Invaders, Carnation, Brutus, Wolvennest, Amenra, Schizophrenia are great examples of Belgian bands making it.
13. Thank you! I want to give you the final word. Is there anything you want to share with our readers?
Corentin : We’ve had a great time answering this interview. Hope you’ll all like Set the Record Straight & what’s next. Don’t hesitate to follow us on social media and tell us what you thought of the EP ;-)
Boris : Listen to Motörhead. Fuck the rest
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