Interview conducted by Naberius with Gheest (Guitar, Bass, and Vocals) of Gheestenland.
-Naberius-
-Gheest-
Please give a short history of Gheestenland.
Gheestenland has its roots in the city of Groningen (Holland.) It all started back in 2003 when I decided to start a one man band. From the beginning, the lyrics are in mother-tongue (Dutch language.) The music is depressive, cold, and raw and it must have the right atmosphere like back in the early 90's.
As of now, Gheestenland is a one man project. Would you ever consider adding any additional members?
The first demo, "Volkernmoord," is the only demo where I did everything myself. After this demo, I asked Swerc to help me out on the next release, "Gitzwart." He plays the drums and does some keys. I've known Swerc for 8 years now and I knew he could add some extra darkness to Gheestenland.
What is your goal with Gheestenland? In other words, why did you decide to create this music?
With the goal to create black fucking metal and all that it stands for. In my opinion, that is: less image and more black metal. A lot of bands don't give a fuck about their music but only on if their spikes fit well. We do use corpse paint and all that shit but, in the end, the music still has number one priority!
Your demo "Volkernmoord" is limited to 99 copies, smeared in blood, and comes with a piece of goat bone. I assume that it is your blood? Where did you get the goat bone and is it real? Why did you choose to include these items in with your demo?
First, I would like to make clear that it's not actually a gaot bone but a piece of human bone. Second, yes it's my own blood. I included these items because I didn't have any goat bone laying around and I added my own blood to finish the job! I think the whole setting turned out very black.
What do you have planned in the future for Gheestenland, as far as releases?
After "Volkerenmoord" and "Gitzwart," Obscure-Abhorrence decided to release our debut. This will be a split from Grim Funeral from Spain. The split will contain five Gheestenland songs from the first two demos and one new song. Recordings are in progress! We also have guest musicians to support us live. We are planning to print Gheestenland shirts so merchandise will be soon available.
Who are your biggest influences, musically, for Gheestenland?
Disappointments of everyday life. To be a part of this society sucks. That's my biggest inspiration to write depressive/aggressive music. Emotions play a big part in the Gheestenland sound...not that we are fucking gay but that's how it is. It's not the question "who" is your biggest influences but "what" is your biggest influence.
Are you involved in any other projects? If not, would you consider being in an additional band or do you plan on keeping Gheestenland your main concern?
I also play in The Chosen. This is thrash/black metal and here, I play drums. Besides that, I play in the old school black metal band Besiect together with Swerc. Here I play guitar. Swerc plays in the epic black metal band Krocht and Winter of Sin, also from Groningen. Gheestenland still remains my first priority.
What is the scene like in your area of the world? How would you compare it to other scenes around the world.
The scene is quite big but most of it is more like death metal. There are not many true black metal bands in Holland but there are a few very good ones. To compare it with other scenes around the world, there are not many differences, I think. Black metal is not very popular in our region but it's not supposed to be. Black metal is for the elite!
Out of sheer curiosity, would you give us English translations of "Volkerenmoord" and the tracks on it?
Well, I don't think the lyrics are meant to be translated because that would lose the original grim feeling. But I can say that the messages in the lyrics are anti-human, anti-Christian, depressive, and the feeling of despair! Not really original but the statement stands!
This space is yours. If you'd like to add anything, final thoughts, hails, curses, etc. now is the time.
Thanks for the interview. Keep the underground alive!