A FEW years back "metal" and "South Africa" would rarely be used in the same sentence. Luckily for us metalheads out there, this is changing and more and more bands are forming and causing havoc around the country and the world.
One of these hardcore - we'll fuck you in the ass while daddy watches - bands is BLOODBEAST.
The name says it all, but frontman Van666 puts it even more eloquently when he says: "Imagine the BLOODBEAST as a malevolent and bloodthirsty deity that thrives on human suffering, aggression and violence".
Now if that isn't hardcore then we don't know what
is.
Van666 was kind enough to take time out of his
busy schedule practising his death growl to
answer some questions.
So, the name? What is the story behind it?
Because the band plays extreme, brutal and
violent music we wanted a name that best described
what we did and in my opinion. the name
BLOODBEAST does just that.
We had a whole list of possible band names but finally
decided to go with BLOODBEAST. Had a nice ring to it.
The story behind the BLOODBEAST is this: imagine the
BLOODBEAST as a malevolent and bloodthirsty deity
that thrives on human suffering, aggression and
violence. The more it feeds on these dark
emotions the stronger it gets and the more it's
influence grows in the world.
Metal is your game but what sub
genre?
BLOODBEAST is a South Africa Death
Metal-Trash Metal-Grindcore band
hailing from Gauteng. Finding
inspiration from classic Death Metal,
Thrash Metal and Grindcore bands like Monstrosity, Death, Cannibal Corpse, Deicide, Obituary, Entombed, Slayer, Sepultura, Testament, Pantera, Carcass, Brutal Truth and Napalm Death.
Do you get any inspiration for new songs when you’re in the shower?
Van666: Inspiration can come from anywhere and can hit you at any time even when I am in the shower. Lol. But I usually find most inspiration from listening to other bands that I love and respect.
What issues/themes to most of your songs deal with?
Van666: Murder, Death, Rape, Crime, War, violence, serial killers, horror and revenge.
How did you guys all meet?
Van666: Basically in July of this year I issued a press release stating the departure of certain members from the band and advertised that I was looking for new people to replace them. Ruan, Jay and Warren all responded to the press release and contacted me either via email or Facebook to audition for the band. From there we all got together and started rehearsing.
When you guys perform live do you do any crazy shit that sets you apart from other bands?
Van666: You mean apart from slaughtering virgins on stage and blaspheming?! Lol. Just kidding. Well the 6th of December is going to be BLOODBEAST's first official gig with the new line up so people will just have to come to the show and see. ;-)
Is there like a death growl training school? If not, how the hell did you figure out you could do it?
Van666: Unfortunately not in South Africa that I am aware of. In my first band, Architecture of Aggression, we had some issues with the vocalists when we started out so I decided the best way forward was to learn how to sing. I had to figure it all out by myself via trial and error. I just tried to imitate the vocalists from my favorite Metal and Death Metal bands. Lol. It took some time but I eventually got it right. But I am sure these days with the internet you can find some YouTube video that shows you to do it.
What makes a good growl?
Van666: Passion,aggression and conviction. Say what you mean and say it mean!
What dream tour would you love to be on and with what bands?
Van666: I don't know of one specific tour but it is my dream to tour the whole world with BLOODBEAST and play with bands like Monstrosity, Cannibal Corpse, Exhumed, Deicide, Pestilence, Obituary, Entombed, Slayer, Testament, Carcass, Brutal Truth and Napalm Death.
Are you trying to send a message through your music or is it just a method of blowing of steam?
Van666: I find that the best way to show people the dark side of human nature and the violent world that we live in is through music and art. BLOODBEAST strives to do the same.
Anything interesting you want to share with alt.SA? A secret, a skeleton, confess your undying love for Bieber?
Van666: I secretly enjoy watching X-Factor and American Idols.
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