Interview - GRACELESS

If you don't already know Graceless, then see here first.

This interview is with Jasper Aptroot, who plays bass for the band.

1. Shadowlands (2017) is an outstanding album, how has the response been to that?

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Everything that has happened since the release has exceeded our expectations and we are very grateful for all the support we have received.

2. You've announced that you will be releasing a new album this year, what can we expect from it (as compared to your debut, or in general)?

We really love the Dutch death metal sound and we will always stay true to these roots. The new album is going to be a logical next step following Shadowlands. If you liked our first album then I'm confident you will not be disappointed with the second release.

3. It’s a clichéd question, but who are your main influences (if indeed you feel you have influences)?

We play ourselves but most of all we are fans of extreme metal. There are so many bands and albums that shaped our sound. The ones that come to mind now are Paradise lost, Asphyx, Autopsy, Altar, Gorefest, Jungle Rot and Sinister. There are a lot more that we really like and respect. I could go on for hours talking about death metal bands and albums.

4. Could you talk a little about the band's lyrical content?

All lyrics and music comes out of the mind of Kreft (vocalist) and they mirror whatever bounces around his head. This varies from post-humanistic perspectives, ancient warfare and resistance to religious insanity. There is no one returning subject or theme. I would say that it is best to check them out yourself and draw your own conclusions. I'm pretty sure that even within the band we would have different perspectives of what the songs actually mean.

5. Is there a death metal ‘scene’ where you guys live?

It might not be the biggest but there is a lot of loyalty, support and friendship. There are many great bands that paved the way for death metal and most of these will help newcomers where they can. If you ever get the chance to visit then you will meet a lot cool people to have fun and drink beers with and that's what it's all about.

6. Will you be touring in support of the new album? Any chance you'll be playing in the UK?

There are no plans for a major tour yet but we will continue playing a lot shows as we have done ever since this band started. Hopefully we'll get the to visit the UK, that would be cool.

7. Do you have any other future plans that you can share with us?

For the upcoming months we are going to focus on recording. We are not only planning on releasing an new album but also a split with the mighty Russian death metal band Grond. While preparing for these releases we will continue to play shows and we have some really cool ones booked, like Eindhoven Metal Meeting and many more that you can find on our Facebook.

More interviews: Necronomicon / Antichrist / Dysylumn / Evoken / Ov Shadows / Morast / Assumption / Scour / Spectral Voice / Morta Skuld / Solothus / Memoriam / Ataraxy / Soulskinner / Necrot