Grimus Interview

1. Can you update us with what is going on with the band these days?
Back in September we released our Gutter Earth EP and are currently playing shows to help support it. We just signed with New York-based label, Innerstrength Records. We're trying to take over the world and end it.


2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new e.p?
It's a very aggressive and driven sound. It's definitely more relentless than our previous release, The Progress In Elimination. We like to describe it as modern death metal with old-school influences.


3. What are some of the lyrical topics and concepts the new release explores?
To put it bluntly, the most beautiful thing in the world would be to witness its end. That's what the lyrics focus on. The idea is that the most agonizing thing is to exist. We're going die and that gives us peace of mind.


4. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
There are tons of shows we loved, but the ones that stand out the most was our first CD release show in support of The Progress In Elimination and when we played with Suffocation. At our CD release show, we packed a local VFW beyond capacity and it became somewhat of a party--a lot of familiar faces and old friends showed-up and some even got punched in the face. The other show we loved was when we played with Suffocation and Fleshgod Apocalypse; we admire those bands and were really excited to play with them. When we hit the stage/floor/basement we just envision ourselves murdering everyone and most importantly we have fun with it.


5. Do you have any touring plans for the future?
Of course. There is nothing set in stone yet, but it's the best way to get out there and get your music heard. That's what we want.


6. Currently you are signed to InnerStrength Records, how did you come in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?
After we released Gutter Earth we got a lot of good feedback from friends, fans and peers. A friend of ours, Macky, passed our music on to Jason from Innerstrength and he dug it and offered us a deal. We're fresh on the roster, so we're looking forward to the partnership.


7. Do you have any side projects besides this band?
Mike G. (bass) and JP (drummer) play in blackened folk metal band Windfaerer. Mike G. also fronts death metal band Painted Rust from Brooklyn.


8. On a worldwide level, how has your music been received by death metal fans worldwide?
We honestly don't know how it's been received worldwide, because frankly we've really only been around the tri-state area. We like to write music for ourselves and if people like it, great, if they don't, they don't. On the real, fuck the world.


9. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Our music is directly influenced by bands like Bloodbath, Behemoth, Morbid Angel, Decapitated, Despised Icon, and this big ball of shit we call "home". Personally, we all listen to a plethora things, ranging from post-rock to hip hop (and of course metal).


10. How would you describe your musical progress over the years and what direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
We like the fact that we evolved from our earlier stages. It's entertaining to look back on our progress. Our first release had a more prominent Gothenburg-influenced sound with a few hints of metalcore. In Gutter Earth we began to feel free about going in a more crushing death metal direction. A major factor in this change was our best friend, JP Andrade, joining us on the drums. His playing style meshed well with the direction we wanted to approach. Currently, we're planning to keep pushing our sound to the next level. We don't want to be a stagnant band. Evolution is progress.


11. Outside of music, what are some of your interests?
Music is a substantial part of each of our lives. We like to laugh a lot; that's a major chunk of our lives, as well. We're always making jokes and making each other feel uncomfortable. Besides music, Bryan enjoys watching UFC and Howard Stern in his room on his bunk-bed with his Batman comforter whilst eating chicken wings. Marco records bands in his home-studio called Crimson Recording, he is also a film student and very busy guy. Mike M (Big Daddy Mike) likes to party (and fall on and break beer pong tables), architecture, and Comedy Central. Mike G enjoys working out, graphic design, traveling and always being late to places. JP, honestly, just drums... All the time. (He plays soccer once in a while.)


12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
We want to thank everyone that has been helping us along the way, and supporting us. We want to give a big shout out to our good friend PJ Spilletti (from awesome NJ band Purge the Plague) who's been helping us by learning our material and playing out-of-state when one of our guitarists can't make it. A big cloud of hate goes out to our peers in An Aborted Memory, Failure In Vanity, One Brick Down, The Ghost In Black And White, Fit For An Autopsy, Abacinate, Rivers Of Nihil, Lorna Shore, Killed The Fixtion, Rigo (Bigo), the Earsplit Compound, Innerstrength Records and our home Hellhound Studios... Fuck Fern.