1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?
RAMLORD is a band that came together as a few crusty dudes sick of the hardcore scene in our area. Our music is a reflection of the music we listened to while abstaining from listening to Set Your Goals and other positive and hollow sounds. We wanted our lyrics to combine the dystopian social commentary of crust with the occult and pessimistic themes of black metal, while crafting dark, sad and aggressive songs.
2. How would you describe your musical sound?
We try to combine a variety of the things we listen to, ranging from powerviolence, to sludge, black metal and crust. Our song writing process is very instinctual and primitive, shaping riffs and ideas until they create a flowing piece of music set to enhance the feeling of the lyrics.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
"Stench of Fallacy" and our split with Condensed Flesh explored the general anguish of reality as well as the negativity brought on by shallow and modern living, where the only escape from our environment and even ourselves may be death. Our upcoming material to be released with Cara Neir explains the role of progress throughout time and how spiritually irrelevant it all is. We will never take the time to learn from our mistakes, while filling our lives with useless commodities distracting us from ever thinking about anything. Feeling completely detached from this hollow culture, watching hopelessly as it collapses blindly into the future...
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
We have always loved the symbolism of the ram as both a mockery of Jesus, as well as a pagan symbol for fertility. The occult has always interested us, as we believe there are channels of perception beyond our physical world. It is irrelevant whether a god or not exists, as we are still subjected to the same reality we cannot escape.
5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
Shows in Boston have always treated us well, however, we haven't toured beyond playing shows are New England. Our initial records we quite lo-fi, so we sound much different live (heavier!!). I would say that our stage performance tries to match the energy of punk.
6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?
Hopefully a short tour this summer, but no serious plans yet.
7. Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label and if so what kind of label do you feel that would be a perfect fit for the music?
We are always looking to collaborate with any labels interested in the ram. Since we draw from such a diverse range of influences, we are unsure of any label that would be a perfect fit, but as long as it is misanthropic and self-loathing, we would probably have some things in common.
8. On a worldwide level how has your music been recieved by fans of both black metal and crust?
Our music has had more success with black metal crowds, rather than crust ones, but there are definitely fans in both camps. Some people seem to understand the combination and some don't but we are really just making the music for anyone.. from people who feel for the sound or others who can relate with the lyrics. We are just stoked when anyone is into what we are doing but we personally feel the closest to the crust side.
9. Are there any side projects besides this band or is this a full time line-up?
Jan plays in Ultra//Negative and Felines.
Ben plays in Felines.
Brian plays in Hellhound.
10. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
We are always trying to make our music heavier and sadder. Our next release goes back to a more black metal sound than our split with Condensed Flesh, with better production. We don't think there will ever be an exact way to describe the band in general except for 3 dudes who have been listening to heavy shit for years putting together everything we believe in.
11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
There are tons of bands throughout lots of genres that have influenced us and we are checking out new bands every day. Some of our long-time favorites include Dystopia and Discharge. The three of us were some of the only punks who after the punk bands in the area died down went to listening to sludge, PV and black metal etc.. instead of hardcore and shitty pop. We have worshiped the blast & d-beat for years now.
As far as what were listening to now:
our friends in Welkin Dusk & Lonesummer, are both great, original incarnations of black metal..
12. Does Satanism or Occultism play a role in your music?
I've always been attracted to the hedonistic freedom of Satanism, however, our views are more blasphemic, rather than satanic. The occult has always been a source of fascination and there exist many ways to perceive things outside of our carnal realm.
13. How would you describe the metal or punk scene in New Hampshire?
The metal and punk scene is almost non-existent in New Hampshire, as it is riddled with hardcore bands. Vaast is a cool d-beat band and Condensed Flesh is solid, raw black metal. In Portland, Maine, where we are currently living, is Falls of Rauros, which is one of the best black metal bands currently playing.
14. outside of music what are some of your interests/
Nature, abusing drugs, abusing our bodies, producing ritualistic markings upon our flesh, going to shows and checking out any bands that come through our barren area, often enjoying as well as despising life while pondering its many questions endlessly instead of being satisfied with the simple answers religion offers.
15. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Love to our Ram family.
Smoke Weed // Kill Cops
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