Gethsemane Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
It started as a one-man project, creating a swirling murk of hatred. As my drumming skills are obnoxious, a friend of mine helped out. The murk remains.

2.How would you describe the musical sound that is present on the demo?
Sloppy, raging, harsh. Ugly.

3.The song lyrics are based on the writings of Simon Vestdijk, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this author?


He was a man at constant war with those who avoided thinking for themselves. He constantly berated stupidity and mocked the gullible. He was called the devil's artist. He's an inspiration.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name Gethsemane?


It is taken from the poem Gethsemane, which is read by him on the demo. Especially the phrase
Zóo zijn goden vaak op ’t eind vereenzaamd,
Menschonwaardig haav’loos en verkild,
Dat zij need’rig smeeken om de bijstand
Van een vriend die ’t zelfde heeft gewild.
A translation would be something like
And thus are gods at their endings often alienated,
dehumanised, ragged, bleakly tame,
therefore they humbly beg for the succor
of a friend who longed for the same.


5.Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you planning on expanding the line up in the future or do you chose to remain a duo?
As there are no plans to perform, why bother? This works.

6.The demo came out on Kimchi Kills Records, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?
It's a tiny Korean label, a guy I met on a forum. He was interested, as was I. He held up to his end of the bargain, but hasn't been heard from since. A second pressing of the demo was released by Colloquial Sound Recordings, whom I feel more indebted to than Ji.

7.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?
It's a clear "this can't be music, what the fuck" most of the time. That's good. This was my own music. If there's someone who can appreciate it, good.

8.Are there any other musical projects besides this band?
Yes. But since they have no affiliation, they needn't be mentioned.

9.What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
More lo-fi midtempo, I liked how that worked out. More guitars. Faster drumming. Louder.

10.What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
A Pregnant Light, Axis of Light, El Ahrairah, Woddrea Mylenstede, Dommedagssalme. These bands were and are essential. Bands I have been listening to lately are Thou, Love Lost But Not Forgotten, 13th Moon, Lluvia and Engrave.

11.Outside of music what are some of your interests?
Reading, alcohol, Anselm Kiefer.

12.Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
My apologies for taking so long. Thank you for supporting a scene filled with people trying to find a purpose. Rage is a purpose. Act.


Facebook