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Interview
Deutsche VersionInterview mit The Rotted (01.08.2008)
HH: First of all: Congratulations, your newest record is one of 2008's best Death Metal releases so far. How's been the feedback of fans and press? Has there been an official statement by the royal family yet?
Ben: Hey man, thanks a lot we appreciate it! Really cool reviews, people are digging the new stuff, it's great!
HH: There's lots of various musical influence on the album. In revision: Which bands or non-music related factors have influenced you most when writing your new material?
Ben: No one band, or even few bands I can say. We just draw inspiration from anything to be honest. From The Specials to King Diamond to Motley Crue to Bathory. What made us write outside of simple musical inspiration on this album were just taking stock of some of the absolutely heinous shit we've been involved with or just moments of truth.
HH: Now, a cool-down-question: What was most boring while recording Get Dead Or Die Trying?
Ben: We got absolutely howlingly drunk on the very first night when we met Russ and subsequently wasted the entire first day at the studio by being remorseful and full of self pity.
HH: What was the process of recording your album like, compared to your releases as Gorerotted? Have you experienced differences or changes in the songwriting- or recording-process?
Ben: Well, I wasn't on any of the Gorerotted stuff, so I couldn't say first hand. However the members that were part of that band, Tim, Wilson and Ben all agree that the level of professionalism, dedication and musical approach has never been at the level it's at now.
HH: Some fans can't bear it when their favourite artists develop further. How's the feedback from the die-hard-Gorerotted-camp been so far?
Ben: Really positive! Overall most Gorerotted fans seem to say "this is totally different but it's great"! So we're happy that people seem to have understood that it's moved on, the past has its mark of respect and the future is now.
HH: How did you feel when changing the band's name, thereby closing (?) the chapter Gorerotted? What were the main reasons?
Ben: The main reasons were that that chapter and those peoples' history was concluded. Gorerotted was formed in 1997 by three 18-year-olds and ran its course over ten years and met its natural conclusion. The Rotted is five grown men with quite a bit of experience and a completely different mindset. Now it's the next step.
HH: Could you imagine to do another change of name, if you didn't feel like The Rotted anymore?
Ben: No, I think it's quite obvious there needs to be a very good reason to change a band's name and that can only come once. Beyond that you need to stop what you are doing, barring the best reason in the world!
HH: You've been in business for some years now. Which English underground artists do you recommend to our readers?
Ben: Ted Maul and Centurions Ghost are both quality bands. Ted Maul are like a combination of technical, jazzy metal and death metal mixed with jungle basslines, samples and madness. Centurions Ghost have a nice take on old school groove and doom heaviness, pretty cool.
HH: I've heard that you describe your music as typical British Death Metal. Where do you make the difference to Swedish and US Death?
Ben: Er, I'd say we aren't pure death metal by any stretch of the imagination, but we definitely carry the British flag in our extreme sound. There is a particular rawness and attitude from some of the key British extreme bands, so maybe that's what was meant.
HH: According to your summing up of the lyrics of the title track, you're a bunch of lazy bastards, unable to get their arses up for doing something useful. Is this correct or just a vague interpretation, as at least you've created this record?
Ben: The opposite mate! Get Dead Or Die Trying. It means your gonna die if you keep living your life that way, right... What can I say, we've all done quite a lot in our lives. We are definitely not a bunch of slouches that do a band and knock around all dopey and shit. I don't know where you got that idea from!
HH: In your promotional song descriptions I read the title "Fear And Loathing In Highbury And Islington" instead of "...in London". Is this tube-station a special place for you, or is London, as a whole, just more despicable and daunting? Was this an alternative title for the song?
Ben: Nah, it's because the point of the song is that it's not from just one particular incident, it's a homage to a multitude of times we've spent fucking around full of chemical stimulants, being stupid and having the fear with the world in general.
HH: In "Kissing You With My Fists", you describe the act of beating up fellow passengers and blaming it on the music you listened to afterwards. In Germany, taking the subway is unpleasant as well, as people like the guy in your song want to beat you to death. That's a lot in the media these days, we had such a case in Munich recently. What's your message to forthcoming generations listening to that song?
Ben: Know how to use your anger wisely! It's kind of like, this is what would go through the head of someone who has trouble controlling themselves in a crowded situation. Anarchy and common sense; Ben finds it hard to distinguish between the two sometimes!!!
HH: Several songs re-tell stories from your tour-life. As you've announced to do a clubtour soon: what are we to be confronted with, when taking a look backstage after the forthcoming gigs? Are we to bring our own vomit or will it be supplied?
Ben: I personally would be happy if from now on, I only encounter booze as the main liquid present, instead of fucking bodily juices!
HH: Well, over to more serious matters: London has recently been in the German news, as this year a number of teenagers have been murdered in pub-brawls. In your songs, you paint a dark and gloomy picture of your country as well. What do you think accounts for this matters?
Ben: That there are a lot of people in this world. Not everyone gets along. There is no point blaming some reason in government wholly, because people have a choice in life and some people are cunts, so...
HH: Finally, a few closing words for our readers, please.
Ben: Yeah, I hope to see you all in Germany soon, we plan on doing plenty of shows there besides Wacken and Summer Breeze so get yourselves down there, cos live is what it's all about!
HH: Thanks a lot for the interview, I'm looking forward to seeing you in Germany soon.
Fab