AGATHOCLES (Eng.)
– Hello, thanks for your time. What are you currently up to?
Hello there. We are playing some festivals in Europe, but no big touring. And I am also busy with mixing some new AG recordings for future releases.
– First off, why did you choose Mince to represent your music style?
MINCE CORE just means old school socially aware grindcore, like it was in the 1980’s.
– Though your latest full-length album came out over a year ago; how did everything go with it? Response, reviews…
We are happy with the result, soundwise, artwork and songs. All went well when we recorded it and the label SELF MADE GOD records did a great job. Also the gatefold LP version of this album by GOAT GRIND records is great, we think.
– During these years of career you have released abig amount of works so; how’s the songwriting like in AGATHOCLES? As I guess the creative flux may be fluid…
When some riff pops up in my head, I try to make a song of it. So whenever I have an idea, I record the riff on taperecorder. And when we make rehearsal, we build out the song.
– Don’t you ever run out of ideas?
Yes, sometimes…. I have some very creative periods but also some periods when I can’t find good riffs/songs.
– In fact you have released several splits with different bands. Which one between them all is your favourite one? And if you had to choose one single band to do a split with; which one would be?
I can not really pick a favourite record. And about bands to do a split release with, there are so many bands around with whom I wanna make a split release.
– And if you had to pick one only song off your discography?
I really can’t choose. There are so many songs that we did and that I like. Some I like playing live and some I just like to listen to but not play live.
– And, by the way, do you have your full discography at home or something?
I think I have all CD’s and vinyl that we have released, but not all tape-releases.
– During these years there have also been some line-up changes so, apart from the current one; what would be for your the perfect line-up for AGATHOCLES?
The line-up we have now is together since 2008, when Tony (bass) killed himself. Nils (drums) is playing in AG since 2006, Bram (bass) joined in 2008, after Tony passed away and I am from the start in the band. All is working out well. The perfect AG line-up does not exist.
– Lyrics with politic content have always been an important part in AGATHOCLES and also an important part of Grindcore. Tell us a bit for for example, does the current financial crisis affect AGATHOCLES or Belgium in general?
The financial crisis is a world crisis….It has an effect on all people. The rich are getting more richer while the working class have to pay for their fuck ups.
– You’ve been around for 26 years now; did you ever think when you started with the band AGATHOCLES would ever become a reference into the Grindcore scene?
No, we never thought about that. And that’s really not that important. I still enjoy playing live and releasing records, that’s the most important thing. And to meet people all around the world.
– And is there anything left for you as part of AGATHOCLES?
You mean “is there something I still wanna do with AG?” ? If this is the question, no, I think I have done all with AG which I wanted. But doing these things again is a lot of fun, hahaha.
– After all these years; have you ever thought about playing on a non-Grindcore band? With lengthy songs and stuff…
I have been playing other kinds of stuff in other bands like THE GAJNA, BLOODRED BACTERIA, ETTERBEK, JAN AG,…. Going from raw punk to harsh noise.
– What has been the best moment in your career so far? And the worst?
Just playing around, recording things,…..those are the things I love doing. About worst things, senseless violence at gigs.
– And what are your all-time main musical influences?
Too many to mention. Bands like CRASS, PATARENI, NAPALM DEATH in the 1980’s, CYANAMID, KILLERCRUST, HELLHAMMER, BATHORY, CELTIC FROST, LARM, NEOS, YOUTH KORPS, BOOM AND THE LEGION OF DOOM, ACCURSED BLUDGEON, REPULSION, DISCHARGE, DISORDER, CONFUSE, UNHOLY GRAVE, …..too many bands to mention.
– We don’t actually know many bands from Belgium playing your style but, how’s the Grind/Metal scene like in your country?
Great bands from Belgium are: MUCUS, PRIMORDIAL SOUNDS, VRV, DISCOPHOBIA, KING TERROR, LEAGUE OF MENTAL MEN, DEPORTATION, SOCIAL CANCER, EKZEEMA, PERMANENT DEATH, HYBRID VISCERY, UITSCHOT, NATURES FAILURE, INTESTINAL DIEASE, VISIONS OF WAR, HIATUS, REIGN OF TERROR, DISTRESS, ……..
– And finally, what are your near-future plans?
The near future plans: to release two LP’s/CD’s which we have recorded on our tour in Japan in May 2011. One is called KANPAI and the other FULL ON IN NIPPON. We hope to release these albums very soon.
– That’s all, thank you once more. Now feel free to add some final words.
Thanks a lot for your interest in AG ! Good luck with your zine ! MINCE ON !
