|
 Sometimes it seems like there is no end to the
number of diverse extreme metal bands coming out of the Nordic lands of
Scandinavia. Here's another excellent metal band for you: MindGrinder.
With a slight industrialized edge, an unrelenting musical attitude, and
members from bands as diverse as Windir and Scum, MindGrinder is
working hard to crush the world one stereo at a time. I recently shared a
few words with MindGrinder guitarist Nitrous about the band and
everything around it.
Nitrous: Hi, this is Nitrous of MindGrinder. We're a
metal band from Notodden, Norway, and we're signed to Samoth's Nocturnal
Art Productions. We have released two albums, and if you haven't checked
'em out then it's about high time to do so.
Justin: In your own words, briefly describe the origin of
MindGrinder. How did you guys get together and start making such awesome music?
How did you personally become involved in the band?
Nitrous: Me and Titan are childhood friends; we grew up
together. I first got to know Cosmocrator in 1991, and we played
together in our very first band. Growing up, Cosmo and I played in several
bands, and in 1996 we got together with Titan for a jam. It felt good
and we quickly decided to found a band, and we've been rolling since
then. MindGrinder still consists of the three founding
members.
Justin: What is 'MindGrinder' anyway? Is there anything
significant about the name of the band?
Nitrous: Nothing special about the name other than that it
has the kickass ring to it that we wanted.
Justin: MindGrinder has such a distinctive sound, seeming to
combine elements from death metal, black metal and industrial. What are some
of your influences?
Nitrous: The three of us have very different influences.
I think that is why the sound is so distinct. Regarding influences, we
don't try to sound like any other band.
Justin: What makes MindGrinder so unique? What do you think sets
you and your band apart from other Nordic extreme metal bands?
Nitrous: The fact that we have somewhat different taste in
music sets a high standard for what material makes it in this band.
MindGrinder is not about speed. The listener should really feel the
groove of the song, and get their feet stomping.
Justin: What are some modern bands that are blowing you away right
now? Obviously, this is a metal interview, but are there any non-metal
bands that you are into? Or is it heavy metal all the way?
Nitrous: Here we would be very different, as I have
mentioned. Personally I cherish the good old heavy metal, but current
non-metal acts that I find interesting are MUSE, Mark Knopfler and Gary
Moore.
Justin: On a related note, if MindGrinder could tour with any
current metal band right now, who would you want to tour with?
Nitrous: We very lucky enough to play support for
Testament a while ago, and that is a band we all agree kicks ass, and always
has. It would be great to tour with them.
Justin: Sometimes it's hard for us Americans to grasp what the
metal scene is like in Norway. All we know is that all this kickass
extreme metal groups and artists seemingly rise up out of the snow with
guitars and drumsticks clutched in hand. What is the music scene really
like in Norway? Is there anything about heavy metal or the metal scene
over there that might surprise fans from across the pond?
Nitrous: Fishing for some juicy gossip are we? Hehe.
Well... MindGrinder is from the Notodden area and it is a very small
town, about 12,000 people. Of course, Oslo is the main scene, but I really
don't know any special stuff that would surprise you. Well, I guess
there are very few musicians that act like stars; everyone I know are
easygoing and nice people.
Justin: How long have you been playing guitar? When did you decide
that you wanted to devote your life to playing guitar in a metal
band?
Nitrous: I started about 18 years ago with electric
guitar. Before that my dad made me a wooden guitar model when I was about 6
years old I guess. I didn't waste any time and made a shoulder strap
out of yarn and strung it up with fishing line for strings and rocked
around my room to Kiss tunes. There was no doubt in my heart that I
wanted to play guitar!
Justin: Why the decision to use a drum machine on "MindTech?"
Nitrous: We had never used a drummer until then and it
felt right to do it like that. The material is much more "clinical" as
well. The tracks work great live with a drummer though.
Justin: What are a few of your favorite tracks from "MindTech?"
How about "Riot Detonator?"
Nitrous: Well obvious I like 'em all, but let me pick out
three favorites from each album: MindTech - "Regeneration," "War
Solution" and "Deception." Riot Detonator - "The Rebellion," "Transition"
and "Hellfire."
Justin: What is MindGrinder up to now? Any tours or live shows?
Any chance of playing live in the United States?
Nitrous: We are currently working on material for the next
album. We would truly love to play the US. I hope we'll be able to
soon.
Justin: What does the future hold for MindGrinder? A new album?
Anything else right around the corner worth mentioning?
Nitrous: As I mentioned we're writing new material.
Hopefully it will be recorded within 6 months or so, and released sometime
before a year passes.
Justin: Just out of curiosity, what do the members of MindGrinder
do when you're not in MindGrinder? What sort of activities do you guys
take part in outside of the band?
Nitrous: Besides rocking out in MindGrinder we all play as
much as we can. If there is any time left, at least I try to get laid
and knock back a few beers.
Justin: Finally, any parting words for those who have read though
this interview?
Nitrous: Hope you got curious about MindGrinder, and
you're all more than welcome to check out some tracks at our website. Our
"Myspace" also features a music video. Cheers!
|
