Scythe Beast, a melodic metal band, discusses their origins, songwriting process, live performances, and the impact of their latest album in this captivating interview.
1. Can you tell us
more about the origins of Scythe Beast and how the project evolved from a
studio project into its own entity?
SB: Well, it all started with an idea from
Koopie (technical Mastermind behind Scythe Beast) and myself (Sven) to combine
some Riffs as a birthday present for a good friend of ours. When we started
recording we realized that we worked really well together. We both knew there
was potential there - so I started to write songs, which Koopie and I recorded
in his home studio. In the writing process, in the beginning, the drums were
programmed (lousy!) and we soon reached out to Theo (Andreas Tegeler), with
whom I’d already played together. Theo was already well-known for his talent
and precision with his band Poverty’s No Crime.
From there it just became a self-running
process of writing and recording.
2. The release of
your first album, "Breeding Devastation," received a positive
response from both fans and the music press. How did this feedback influence
your decision to continue and further develop Scythe Beast?
Well, at some point we thought it might be a
nice idea to release an album and share it for free with the metal community.
You can still download it on our bandcamp page for free (or whatever you like
to pay). We got in touch with some really good guitarists to help out with the
solos, and Theo played the drums. All vocals, bass and guitars are played by
myself and Koopie did all the recording stuff. He wasn’t sure though if he
could also do a good mastering, so that went over to Daniel Thabet at Liquid
Studios.
And with all the positive feedback and cool
people we got in touch with, we never even thought about stopping.
3. How would you
describe the musical style and influences of Scythe Beast? Are there any
particular bands or artists that have inspired your sound?
I´m a huge fan of fast and melodic stuff, such
as ‘At the Gates’, ‘Dark Tranquility’ or ‘God Dethroned’. You´ll find
everything that influenced me since I started to listen to metal in the early
80´s in our music.
4. Can you share
some insights into the songwriting and recording process of Scythe Beast? How do you approach creating your music?
Even though we´re a real band now, the writing
process is still the same. It works like a well lubed machine. I write some
riffs, Koopie and I record them and we combine them until we´re happy with the
results. The songs will sound a bit different live, but that´s really pretty
cool, because on stage we can use way more expression and power. Working in a
studio is always very disciplined, that’s why I like playing live better - so I
can release all that energy and give it back to the audience. This music is
written to be played live, have some beers with your best friends and smash the
shit out of your guitar ;-)
5. In 2018, you
embarked on a new album project and recruited new personnel for the band. How
did this impact the creative direction of Scythe Beast, and what were your
goals for the album?
While Koopie, Theo and I recorded the second
album ‘Indicted for Misconception’ the idea was always there to grow from a
studio project to a full-scale live band. We thought that this stuff would work
out well live and it´d be fun as hell to play. During that time, we got in touch
with Claus (vocals) and Jens (bass). They both joined after the recording
process and we began to look for a second guitar player. I’d known Frank since
I started to play an instrument and we had played together over the years. He
decided he wanted to join the madness and voilà- the lineup was complete.
6. How did the
COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown affect your plans and activities as a
band? How did you utilize this time to regroup and continue working on your
music?
We played our very first gig in January 2020 -
and the premiere was a blast! The songs kicked ass and we as a band really had
the feeling that we’d been playing together on stage for years! But the
Pandemic crushed all our hope of performing anymore gigs that year. So, we went
back to the basics.
7. On 04.03.2021,
you released your second album, "Indicted for Misconception." Can you
tell us more about the themes and concepts explored in this album and how they
differ from your previous work?
Hm, that´s hard for me to say, because I´m in a
constant state of “the writing process”. I write lyrics just out of my head,
whatever’s in there just comes out. So there´s a variety of topics from classic
horror stuff, war or religion. The title track was inspired by the shooting at
the Bataclan in Paris - so many dead. They just wanted to have a good time at
an “Eagles of Death Metal “concert. It still triggers me. I don´t care if you
believe in a religion or something. But that´s a private thing between you and
the god you chose.
8. With recent
personnel changes on bass and vocals, how has this affected the dynamics and
sound of Scythe Beast? How have these changes influenced
your music?
Unfortunately, Jens and Claus left the band
because of personal reasons. Hendrik joined on our first gig after the pandemic
and short time later Gregor replaced Claus. Both are very talented and decent
guys and they really pushed the limits. The 3rd album is already
written and we’ve started recording the drums and guitars. This time I’m
handing over all lyric and bass stuff on the recording to them, so the next
album will definitely sound different than the others. Playing live with these
guys is absolutely great and besides their musical skills they’ve got hair that
looks way better than mine while headbanging!
9. As a band, what
are your main goals and aspirations for the future? Are there any specific
milestones or achievements you hope to reach?
We´re a live band, so the main goal is to play
as much live as we can. Besides that, we take everything as it comes. We´ve already
played with “God Dethroned” (!) which was a great experience, but what I like
most are all the other fantastic bands and people you meet and get in touch
with. The scene is a huge family, and so we keep on doing what we love.
10. How do you
approach your live performances? What can fans expect from a Scythe Beast show
in terms of energy and atmosphere?
That´s a bit hard to describe. We were told,
that we´re on full adrenalin on stage and that we’re a bunch of funny guys not
taking things too seriously. Though we love to play fast, you may consider
taking a break - with an oxygen mask - after a 45-minute set. Like we do.
11. Are there any
standout moments or memorable experiences from your live performances or
interactions with fans that you'd like to share?
Well, besides playing with one of my personal
idols, I remember a scene after a show, when a huge guy came up to me after we
finished. With tears in his eyes he told me that he was absolutely touched by
our fast, raging melodies and that it took him back to “Dissection” concerts in
the past. I was totally overwhelmed, as this was a huge compliment.
12. How has the
overall reception been for "Indicted for Misconception" so far? Have
there been any notable reactions or feedback from fans or the metal community?
Of course! We released the first album without
any work in the socials or the goal to get a great response. With “Indicted” we
went a bit more on the offensive - releasing it on streaming platforms and
asking mags and bloggers to do reviews. And again, there were only positive
reactions and some labels even hit us up.
13. What do you
hope listeners take away from your music? Are there any particular emotions or
messages you aim to evoke through your songs?
I don´t like to preach morality in my lyrics,
or anywhere else, so take from them what you like. At the very least you´ll get
a little glimpse inside my head. The music comes from there too, so if it makes
you bang your head – Great! If not, well there are plenty more bands, and I
promise you, you´ll find your match.
14. Are there any
plans for upcoming releases, tours, or collaborations that fans can look
forward to in the near future?
As mentioned before we´re working on the third
album, but the main focus is to play live. But it’s also the focus of millions
of other bands, and it´s hard to get a slot. But we keep trying hard and keep
on networking.
15. As a band, how
do you navigate the challenges and demands of the music industry? What advice
would you give to aspiring musicians based on your own experiences?
We played
with SDI (a famous German thrash band) , and these guys have nearly traveled
the entire world since the 80s. And the advice they gave us is to care about
your stuff as much as you can. It´s your work, and if you work together with a
label you have to be sure, that they don´t rip you off.
16. Finally, is
there anything else you would like to share with your fans and the readers of
this interview about Scythe Beast or any other projects you are involved in?
Every single musician in Scythe Beast is involved in other projects or bands. But I´d like to take the opportunity to thank you and all the other bloggers, fanzines, webzines, mags and whatever for giving bands like us a platform to get known. It´s always a lot of fun to talk about what you love and show it to the community. Keep on supporting the underground and go out and support the venues. The world is a giant mosh pit!
https://linktr.ee/Scythe_Beast
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