Project Description
Interview with
ANDERS “Blakkheim” NEISTROM
from
BLOODBATH
Interviewer – Mirrin Gray
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Photo Credit Tim Tronckoe
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For any new fans, how did it all begin? How did Bloodbath come together?
Back in 1998 when we formed, there was literally no old school death metal scene happening anymore (of course with the exception of a few of the first generation of bands still going but with a different sound). The world hadn’t yet seen any old school death metal revivals – no retro death projects had yet been formed, so I guess Bloodbath ended up as one of the first, if not the very first band, to play death metal exclusively as a tribute to the old school scene. Everything happened over one drunken weekend, where four guys got together to spontaneously jam something together.
Which musicians have inspired you?
For Bloodbath, everything was, and has always been, about the death metal underground years from the mid 80s to the early 90s. I’d say we were equally influenced by the American and the Scandinavian scenes with a few pinpointed German and British acts thrown into the source as well. Now, if I would start listing all the musicians in those bands it would turn into a massive petition, so I’ll just leave it at that.
What makes your sound unique? Why do you think people resonate with your music?
For Bloodbath, it was never about being original, unique or even having the need to touch new ground. Our objective was the exact opposite! We started out as a tribute band, “ripping off” our fave bands and having a nostalgic blast and took the ride onwards from there. Our identity is, first and foremost, to represent the old school sound and make the best and coolest songs possible.
Your latest album is ‘The Arrow of Satan is Drawn’. Can you tell us a bit about the album and what it means to you?
To me, it’s a real bulldozer of an album! The sound is ridiculously heavy and gritty, and it has a good variation of brutal songs. In general, it has a bit more of a black metal influence compared to any of our other albums which also makes it a darker record overall.
What is it about death metal that appeals to you personally?
To make a long story short, I’d compare that to watching a horror movie. You’re in for the thrill and seek to get a kick out if!
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You’ll be at the very first Southern Slaughter Festival in Sydney and Melbourne. What are you most excited to see in your Australian travels?
Well, our travel is quite brutal and the schedule is tight, so there won’t any mercy and much room for anything else! Basically, we’re just gonna come down, play and then leave straight away. However, I’ve been to Australia a couple of times before and it’s a very nice place to visit – one of my favorites, actually. I still have the shark diving to tick off my “life goal” list.
Which Australian Act on the festival grabs your attention the most?
I can’t say I’m familiar with any of them, yet.
What’s it like to perform live at these kinds of festivals? What do people have to look forward to?
We love it! Live death metal creates a strong synergy between the performer and the audience and the forces are very primal. Unleash the beast within!
If you could tour with anyone, who would it be and why? (Dead or alive)
In that case, I guess the dream scenarios would be endless, but I’d probably put Bloodbath as the opener of European tour, around spring 1992, consisting of Entombed, Death and Morbid Angel.
What’s next for Bloodbath? What are you hoping to achieve?
Keep playing and continue having a blast doing it!
Finally, a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album – ‘Left Hand Path’ by Entombed.
Artist – Morbid Angel.
Movie – The Omen (trilogy).
Place to visit – Home.
Venue to play – It’s quite impossible to break that down to just one!
Food – Mexican.
Drink – Ginger Beer.
Person in History – Jane Badler aka ‘Diana’ from ‘V’, the 80’s tv-series.
Tattoo – I actually got the zombie from the ‘Nightmares Made Flesh’ front cover tattooed on my left arm.
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Check out BLOODBATH below
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
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SOUTHERN SLAUGHTER FESTIVAL
Featuring Inaugural Headliners
BLOODBATH (SWEDEN)
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For two exclusive Australian dates only, classic UK Death Metal institution Bloodbath will annihilate Sydney and Melbourne audiences as they headline the very first Southern Slaughter Festival. Brought to you by Overdrive Touring, Southern Slaughter features one of 2019’s most brutal line-ups. Bloodbath ride the wave of gore flowing from their latest album ‘The Arrow of Satan is Drawn,’ and will bring all their renewed passion and vigour Down Under.
Bloodbath features “Old Nick” Holmes (Paradise Lost) on vocals, with a return to his guttural roots; Anders “Blakkheim” Neistrom (Katatonia) on guitar, along with Katatonia frontman Jonas “Lord Seth” Renske on bass and backing vocals; Martin “Axe” Axenrot of Progressive Death powerhouse Opeth on drums; and the newest blood in the mix, Joakim Karlsson on guitars.
Along with this Australian first, both dates will feature direct support from the brutalising Thrash Metal of In Malice’s Wake, who will be dredging up some face-melting new tunes from their upcoming release!
Additional Sydney exclusive acts will include Rise of Avernus, Anno Domini, Immorium (ACT), Claret Ash & Bastardizer, while Melbourne will exclusively play host to Mason, Monoliyth, Cryptic Abyss, Scaphis & Blackhelm.
Overdrive Touring is more than stoked to bring these two massive line-ups to the Manning Bar, Sydney on Saturday 14 September, and Max Watt’s, Melbourne on Sunday 15 September!
TICKETS AND VIP PACKAGES ON SALE VIA
WWW.OVERDRIVETOURING.COM
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MANNING BAR, SYDNEY
Saturday 14 September
Bloodbath (UK)
In Malice’s Wake
Rise of Avernus
Anno Domini
Immorium (ACT)
Claret Ash
Bastardizer
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MAX WATT’S, MELBOURNE
Sunday 15 September
Bloodbath (UK)
In Malice’s Wake
Mason
Monoliyth
Cryptic Abyss
Scaphis
Blackhelm
Tickets on Sale: NOW
Melbourne
Sydney
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