Interview with Krieg
How was the band formed? Originally as a solo project in 1995, incorporating session musicians from 1997-2012, full band from 2012 to present.
Can you tell about your band? Black metal with elements of post punk and crust. A bad time.
Where are all band members from?/Who does what in the band? Right now the configuration is N. Jameson: vocals (Twilight, Royal Arch Blaspheme) A. Poole: guitar (Esoterica, Chaos Moon) D. Zdanavage: guitar (Angelcrust, Slutlust, Castle Freak) D. Sykes: bass (Occult 45) and J. Dost: drums (Sunburster, Occult 45)
What was the ambitions of the band when you started? Expression of negativity.
Could you explain your music to someone that haven't heard you? Black metal with influences from crust and post punk.
Where was your first gig? San Antonio, Texas at the Sacrifice of the Nazarene Child Fest 2000
Where was the latest gig? Philadelhia, PA with Black Witchery and Pissgrave
Who writes your songs?/Who writes the music who writes lyrics? Most of the songwriting and lyrics are done by N. with musical contribution from A. Poole.
Who has the best since of humor in the band? Laughing is not permitted or encouraged.
What's good/bad with the band?/What genre do you feel you are? Black metal. Right now everything is good but that can change.
Why did you pick that particular style?/What are your songs about? Because it's what felt right. Songs are mostly about personal darkness & negativity.
Do you write your own material or mainly covers? Mostly original
Have you made any albums?/If yes what are they? We've made seven, most recently "Transient" and a lot of eps and splits. The internet I'm sure is a good way to find out more.
Do you have any clips on YouTube? An official video for "Ruin Our Lives" and a few dozen fan made ones.
How old are you?/What got you started in music? 36 and I don't really remember, just a deep love of the craft.
At what age did you start playing? 14
How old were you guys when you first stood on stage? I'm the only member left from that time. I was 20 or 21.
What year was the band started? 1995
Best/worst gig you've played? All of them.
What places will you be playing in in the imidate future? Next shows are in Philadelphia, Syracuse NY, Baltimore MD and probably some in between.
Where have you played from then till now? We've done 150+ shows in North America and Europe.
Witch band is the best you´ve seen? Too many to pick a favorite. Extinction of Mankind and Black Witchery were the best I've seen this year.
Is it always the same songs live? I'm sure it feels like it.
What has been the best/most promising gig so far? The best have been in Serbia and Baltimore.
Have you had any bigger tours from start to now? We've never really been much of a touring band in the traditional sense of doing 30 dates in a row.
How big crowds do you usually play for? Seven people and a dog.
What are the plans for the rest of the year? Try not to self destruct. Play some shows. Record some songs.
How do you get psyched up for a gig? Group hugs and a cheerleading squad.
What are your goals with your music? I'm still trying to figure that out myself.
When did you decide to go all in for the music? When I was 15.
Is it easier to get your inspiration from older bands or from bands more modern? Both.
What are your sources of inspiration? Personal experience and observation.
What's the first step when making a new song? Probably picking up a guitar.
How do you feel about the downloading of music instead of buying albums? Thanks for the support, parasites.
What would be your dreams for the band? I've been doing this for nearly twenty years now, I don't know anymore.
Besides your own music, what genres and bands do you listen to? I listen to a lot of post punk, crust, older rock, hardcore, some electronic, indie, jazz and occasionally some hip hop and classical.
What do you hold most dear? Making it through a day without wanting to eat a bullet.
What would be your greatest fears for the future? Compromising myself through self destruction.
When you are on stage, what do you fear most then? That my zipper is down.
What songs and what years were they released? Yes
Have you been part of any other projects? I've been invovled in Twilight, the Royal Arch Blaspheme, Lithotome, Nil, March into the Sea, Hidden and some others.
What do you work with outside of the band and the music? My personal life is not interesting to talk about.
How important are your fans? I appreciate their support.
What's the funniest/most memorable thing a fan has done for you? I guess they aren't very creative because I can't think of anything.
How often do you rehearse? About once a week.
Where do you rehearse? Philadelphia
Name 2 of your own songs you like at the moment? The first two on "transient" set the mood just fine.
What do you feel is the best live band you've seen? Mark Lanegan
What drives a band that isn't all that famous and renowned to try to make a living on their music and to keep playing? Passion and the need to create, which should be the main ambition of all artists.
Do you have any webpages? We're on Facebook and Bandcamp
Any pearls of wisdom for all other bands out there? Be honest with your music and the rest will fall into place.
Describe your show, visually and musically Loud and violent.
How do you view the musicindurty of today? Saturated and run mostly by criminals.
What are the biggest obstacles for a band? Money
What is best/worst with playing the clubs? Smaller and more intimate. Potentially criminal.
Tell us about upcomming gigs and why we should be at them? The next one is with Bastard Sapling in Philadelphia. I don't recommend taking a flight from Sweden to see it.
What was one of the most quarrelsome times for you in the band? 1998 wasn't a good year for that.
Whats your Pre-show ritual? A shot of bourbon.
Do you have anything to add? Cheers for the support