Grand Massive returns with "Houses of the Unholy," blending epic doom with thrash elements. In this interview, they discuss the creative process, collaborations, and their evolving sound.
1.
"Houses of the Unholy" is your latest release. Can you share the inspiration
behind this EP and how it differs from your previous albums?
J: We released the last record in May 2020 in the tornado of the Covid
restrictions. We did only one distance-show (so it was called when only 200
fans could join and they had to sit during the whole show....) and nothing else
happend with promotion and so on. It was a terrible time, especially if you had
to promote a new record.
2. How did the idea come about to include original drummer Holger Stich and
Randy M Salo on this record? What was it like working with them again?
J : In the Covid months the band only had contact on social media and on
that time the idea grew to make a new EP and bring all the old bandmembers back
on that record. Not everything happend. Our original singer only did that
mighty photo from the artwork and made his visual input in that way.
Holger is a longtime friend and a drum addicted guy. Randy did some visual
stuff in the past and he is an awesome bass player and we asked him. It was a
great time, especially the shooting of the video for "Those from the
shadows".
3. Having Doug Piercy, a legendary Bay Area guitarist, play almost all the
solos on this EP is quite a highlight. How did this collaboration come about,
and what was the experience like?
J: I‘ m a big fan of the albums Doug played and his style on the first Heathen
album is outstanding. For me as a longtime fan it was a pleasure to book 2
European tours for his band Blind Illusion. Their debut is a mighty masterpiece
in my eyes. I offered Mark Biedermann and Doug the option to play on our record
as guests.
I think both like the Grand Massive stuff and finally in case of time pressure
only Doug could make it happen.
I really like the idea, that a Thrash Metal guitar hero plays the solos on a
slow and doomy sound. I think he did an excellent job on that ep!
4. You’ve reinterpreted Metallica’s "Jump In The Fire" in your own style. What made you choose this particular song, and what was your approach in giving it a doomy, massive metal guise?
J: We grow up with the first Metallica album in our youth and Alex came with the idea to try this song in a slower version. First we all had no good feeling with that idea, but after the song built up with every single instrument, we felt the energy and the power of the slower version. To make a cover of a Metallica song never came to my mind, but now we are happy having recorded it. We know that not every old school Metallica fan will like or love that version, but we did it with full respect.
5. "Houses of the Unholy" is described as a bridge to your next full-length album. Can you give us a hint of what to expect from your upcoming longplay?
J: So far we are middle in the song writing process and the songs we made so far are again a little different to the old releases. I think you can hear a musical development without forgetting the original sound. And so far the new songs are a bit shorter and more into your face, but again there will be some more epic songs.
6. With four albums and several EPs under your belt, how do you feel your sound has evolved since you first started in 2009?
J: In 2009 it was a different band with different members. Up to now I am the last original member and also the founder of the band. So with new musicians the sound is changing. Peter did all of the last songs and it is his style that you hear on our last two releases.
I think our sound grew and got thicker and heavier on every record. Especially the mix of melodies and massive guitar walls like on the actual songs is the way we want to go.
7. Your live performances are known to be massive. How do you translate the energy from your recordings to your live shows?
J: That is just how we sound. What you hear on the records is handmade by us. So it is not a big step from the studio sound to the live sound. Same guys, same equipment. No big deal...
8. What was the recording process like for "Houses of the Unholy"? Were there any challenges or memorable moments during the production?
J: Memorable moments was the situation to hear the bass - and drumtracks from Randy und Holger. They are both no bandmembers and so it was very exciting to hear their contribution to the songs. Same with the solos from Doug. We gave him no guidelines and told him that he should do what he feels and it was the first take we used. And for me it was the video shooting for THOSE FROM THE SHADOWS which is also a memorable moment. I really enjoyed these 2 days.
9. The album was mastered by Andy Claasen at Stage One Studio. How did his mastering influence the final sound of the EP?
J: After we were very satisfied with Andy’s work on the last two records, we decided during the recording sessions to choose Andy again. So we knew at the recording what we can await from him for the final sound. Andy now did his 3rd record for us and I think he definitely know how the grand massive sound has to be.
10. Can you tell us more about the themes and stories behind the tracks on "Houses of the Unholy"?
J: The stories behind the songs are personal fights between good and evil. Your daily battle, fighting your inner demons and your way to succeed in the end. But the problem is you will never win in the end... We think the video for our song "Call of Demons" shows that perfectly!
11. With a steadily growing following, how do you stay connected with your
fans and keep the momentum going between releases?
J: We are not the most reliable guys concerning social media. We try to get out
some information and news from time to time, but usually we are a little lazy
on that point. We try to make it the old way: playing some shows and let the
audience grow.
GRAND MASSIVE (@grandmassiveofficial) • Photos et vidéos Instagram
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