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Dark Desire
(IT/NL) November 1998, by *nocturna*:
We are today talking with Martijn van der
Bliek, guitarist and founding member of the band Tremor, from The Netherlands.
Hi Martijn, in order to let all our readers know everything about your band,
could you start introducing us all its members?
Ok, here we go.
Roel Aldewereld: (21), bass guitar
Martijn van der Bliek: (22), guitars
Oscar Postema: (29), vocals, grunts & keyboards
Maaike Rijk: (17), vocals & keyboards
Jeroen Simons: (20), drums & percussion
Ad Sluyter: (17), guitars
Basically, what kind of music do you play, if we can label it somehow?
Well, I understand labelling gives you the best view on our music: atmospheric metal. So
it’s metal with lots of atmosphere, moods and also heaviness (from time to time).
Another major factor in our music are classical pieces with (if possible) authentic
instruments.
And which are your main musical influences? Do the members have similar tastes
or do you have different musical backgrounds? If so, how much does it matter when it comes
to compose and write the music?
We all like atmospheric bands and most of us like classical music too. Our
drummer adores jazz and fusion. It’s no big deal that we all have different tastes
because the music and lyrics are written by just two members.
Who writes the music and the lyrics for the band?
On our album A Storm is Brewing I wrote 90% of the songs. The lyrics were written by Oscar
or based on old English Poetry (Chaucer and Percy). Nowadays Oscar and I write all the
music and lyrics. The arrangements are done by the entire band, the rhythm section plays a
major role here. All classical music is composed by me, and will only appear on albums (we
did perform with a string section twice, though!).
What is the main sort of inspiration you have while composing? And do you have
a favourite subject for the lyrics?
Classical music. When composing I usually start with melodies. Since
classical music is the most melodic music that’s were I draw most of my inspiration
from. Oscar usually works around chords, implementing melodies, I work just the opposite
way, first the melody (or vocal line) than the chords (which usually provide the metal
touch to our music). Lyrically Oscar has all the ideas which I tend to translate into
correct English adding my own lines and ideas to the subject. Most Lyrics are real life
stories (or dreams) pictured into fantasy tales etc. Most of the lyrics do have a
historical bit.
You have a new singer now, Maaike Rijk, would you like to tell us something
about her? Why the previous singer left the band?
Well we have two singers Oscar and Maaike. Maaike recently joined because
our previous singer went studying in Paris. Her singing style is different in comparison
to our former singer Carlien. Her timbre is in the vain of Lacuna Coil, Gathering and
Anouk (well known Dutch singer). Her vocal range is enormous.
Tremor was formally formed in 1994, so you are a relatively young band but
with already a lot of experience. What is your goal at this point?
Well technically speaking we are from 1994, but the band has changed so
drastically since that time that we consider being formed in summer 1996. The promos and
demos released up to now are not representative to our sound anymore.
And what are the projects for the near future? A second album?
We will record a new album in 1999, which has to be financed and released through a label.
We have confidence in getting a record deal. We will record a demo (CD quality) in the
winter to obtain this deal with.
Listening to A storm is brewing, your album released last year, what are the
tracks that represent at best Tremor?
Well several. "Gentle River" is the best track, containing the
right atmosphere, mood and melody. Other original songs are "Minstrels and
Shocks". The first is a medieval ballad with a lot of acoustic guitars and Gregorian
singing. The last song is a classical piece with a string quartet.
The reviews for A storm is brewing are positive. How easy it is to find
contracts with labels today?
Well finding a contract isn’t easy. Nowadays many bands are releasing
CD's so you have to be original and you have to have a big mouth to awake the interest of
the labels. We have good contact with a few labels, but no contract yet. We think this is
only a matter of time, because almost all reviews were good. On top of that we have
progressed on all levels including the song writing and musicianship.
Did you ever play in any festival? Where do you like to play the most, in
small venues or at big events?
We have played festivals, mostly local and regional including: Klomppop,
Anywave, Vrijbuiter Festival, Laarpop, Zeeslag, which are quite well known in our region.
We have not performed on the huge ones: Dynamo, Pinkpop and Lowlands, perhaps in the
future! But I prefer to play in clubs, because of the better contact with the spectators.
The conditions are usually not optimal when playing festivals.
How does the public respond to your music at concerts?
That is completely different every time. In our home region were are quite well known, so
the response is usually OK. When playing in the country it depends, usually the response
is good. The tour we are doing now surprises us in a positive way in regards to your
question.
You are actually touring The Netherlands together with T-Nailed and Gail of
God. Did you ever play outside Holland? Or are you planning to?
No, we have never played outside The Netherlands. People were working on that for making
it happen for us in Belgium and Germany, but we’ve never done any shows there,
hopefully in the future.
What do you think of the success that some fellow countrymen of yours are
having with their bands all over Europe?
Orphanage, Within Temptation, Gathering, Gorefest (we are from the same
city) are fine examples of the new wave of Dutch metal bands who are doing a great job in
Europe. I like all these bands so I am glad for them.
Please, can you explain us this sentence: "The six piece Tremor was
formed in 1189 BC and was resurrected in January 1994" (from Tremor web site). I find
it very interesting, along with the historical background map you display on your web
site. Whose idea was it? This is already a sign of your originality...
This is my idea, and it’s actually a joke. When you look at the picture there are
some nice little details which took place in history, when misinterpreted they can be
transformed onto our band. That's the whole idea of this picture. A sentence like
"metal in common use" is a nice example, because we play metal music. So the
next step is logic Tremor forms after metal being in common use. It also has another
reason. We are a band with a big interest in history (it’s our concept in a way), so
this suits our band perfectly.
Do you have a favourite song at the moment?
Yes, a ballad sung by Anneke van Giersbergen of the Gathering on the new Ayreon album.
It’s called "Valley of the Queens".
Do you have anything to say to the readers of Dark Desire?
First of all I would like to thank you for doing this interview with me, and also for you
supporting our band. To the readers I would like to say: "Come visit us on a show
near you. You won’t get disappointed! Our CD is also still for sale, and it’s
only $ 15 (US) or Dfl 25, package and postage
Swedish Metal Inquisition (SE) September 1998, by JT:
Q: Could you give us a brief presentation and the
history of the band?
A: Well we are Tremor, an atmospheric metal band from the
Netherlands. We started in 1994, but not much of that period is of any interest. The band
started to take shape in 1996. Prior to that we released a promo and a demo. In the winter
of 1996 we recorded our debut album "A Storm is Brewing", which was released in
the summer of 1997. After that we did several gigs promoting it, and we still are
actually. I won’t bother you with the usual line-up changes, but we are very stable
at the moment.
Q: Can you name your recordings and how did the
recordingprocess of those worked out?
A: We did one professional recording, namely "A Storm
is Brewing". Other releases are "Spectral Insanity" and "Until all
shocks have faded away". Both are not available anymore.
Q: Which bands would you compare the band with?
A: I don’t like to compare us with anyone. Here are
some bands that inspired us: Therion, Anathema, Gathering, Moonspell, Paradise Lost,
Within Temptation, Marillion, Orphanage, Amorphis, Loreena McKennit, Dvorak, Brahms,
Schubert, Dimmu Borgir, etc.
Q: Go in more to the music and the lyrics what is
the inspiration for the band?
A: The music is atmospheric, this means: atmosphere,
feeling, etc. is much more important than technical stuff. Although our music is still
reasonably technical, especially the arrangements. We try to blend extremes: Poppy vocals
with double bass, classical instruments with distortion guitars. Different vocal styles:
clean, grunts, female. On top of that everything has a sort of medieval, classical sauce
on top of it. The lyrics are usually very personal, but also old English poetry is used on
the album.
Q: Talk about the support to the band from media
so far in terms of reviews, etc. has it been good or bad?
A: The support has been OK, worldwide. 99% of the reviews
are good to very good. But the big magazines are not yet interviewing us, which sucks.
Media attention is OK, but we are just starting.
Q: Talk about the liveshows you have done so far,
what has been the best and the worst moment on stage any great memories?
A: In 1997 and 1998 we did several shows promoting our
album, most of them were great and quite crowded. We had to find several new members in
the beginning of 1998 which meant we couldn’t do any shows. Highlights were our CD
launch party together with a string ensemble, and opening for the great Within Temptation.
Q: Is any members of the band involved in other
projects/bands ?
A: No not at the moment. We are too busy to do that.
Q: What are your plans for the coming months and
year? Any tour plans?
A: We will record a new album in 1999, through a label
this time, I don’t know when. At the moment we are touring through the Netherlands
(September till November) together with T-Nailed and Gail of God. We are also doing a
distribution deal for Canada. When we have a new album, hopefully we might tour Europe.
Q: From what address can the band be contacted?
A: Here’s all the contact you need:
Tremor
c/o Martijn van der Bliek
Roofvogelstraat 57
4451 CR Heinkenszand
The Netherlands
tel. +31 113 568120
fax +31 113 568126
e-mail: tremornl@oocities.com
homepage: http://surf.to/tremor
Q: Anything else that you wish to add or say to the visitors of SMI?
Transcarpathia Music Newspaper (UKR) August 1998, by Alexei Megela:
1. What is your next release gonna be like? When?
We currently have a release out called "A Storm is
Brewing" it's our first CD in a new line-up. Although it's not entirely new (it was
released in July 1997), it's our most recent. We are planning on releasing new material in
the next year (probably a CD again). In the winter we will record a demo to send for
promotion and record companies.
2. What was the history of TREMOR? Are there any
unreleased albums? Are they available somehow?
Tremor started in 1994, as a thrash/death combo. We played
this until the summer of 1996, when we changed the direction with the coming of three new
members (including a female singer). We now play atmospheric metal, which is a mixture
between: metal, pop, rock, classical. The first and the last being the most important
influences. There are no unreleased albums.
3. Do you plan any concerts/tours in Eastern Europe?
What about concerts in Europe in general? Do you often perform?
We have never played outside the Netherlands, but that
might change. We are going on tour in September until November, however all dates are in
The Netherlands. We will be opening for the Dutch bands: T-Nailed and Gail of God. Eastern
Europe is a place we've never been.
4. What is the source of inspiration in your music?
Most inspiration comes from classical music. Although we
listen to a great amount of metal too. Favourites of ours are: Gathering, Within
Temptation, Therion, Anathema, Moonspell, etc. Lyrically most inspiration is from daily
visions. Occasionally we use poetry as a source of inspiration.
5. Your ideology?... (faith, religion...)
Well hard to say. Every individual has his own beliefs.
The bands as a whole does not intend to hand an ideology or what so ever. We do not care
much about religion, but we are not against it too.
6. Thank you for the interview! What can you say to
your Ukrainian fans?
Well people in the Ukraine, thanks very much for the
interest in our band. Keep on supporting the underground, including us. Feel free to buy
our music, you won't be disappointed! We hope we can play somewhere near you in the
future. Thanks for the interview too. Greats and Cheers!
Demon's Gate magazine (GR) July 1998, by Kostas Milonas:
1. Could you give us a small biography of the band?
MvdB: Tremor was formed in 1994. We used to be a quartet
for a long time and we play thrash/death metal in the vain of Sepultura and Slayer. As our
taste progressed, so did our songs. With the coming of vocalist/keyboardist Oscar Postema
the music became more atmospheric and progressive. In December 1996 we recorded our first
CD, it was released in August 1997. (Don’t print this: This is a really small bio,
for an extended one take some excerpt of the printed one or from the internet, thanks!)
2. I can't determinate the style of your music. How
would you name it?
MvdB: We call it atmospheric metal, because the atmosphere
is the most important part of our music. We also try to blend extremes. You may
actually call it anything you want, the must important thing for us is that it is diverse.
Each song should differ from the next.
3. Question for Oscar: Can you explain us the
"Romantic Images" lyrics? Are you atheist?
OP: Romantic Images is about the destruction of the
environment. I live close to the sea, so she matters a great deal to me. I can’t
stand that people pollute the sea. I am not an atheist, I use the phrases about religion
in a metaphorical way. If there is a God I think he would be cursing us from his cloud,
after seeing how people act nowadays.
4. You have a song about Witch-Hunt. Who wrote the
lyrics? Why did you write a song about this matter?
MvdB: The lyrics were written by Oscar’s dad, who
used to be a minister (a priest). The lyrics are based on biblical excerpts and some
samples are used from the movie "The Pit and the Pendulum" which is about this
matter. We wrote a song about this matter because we think the mass hypocrisy of these
centuries wasn’t given enough attention. Don’t you think it is stupid that the
pope orders people to get killed, because they are supposed to have different beliefs. You
would be called a racist nowadays, while back then this was considered as the law!
5. The "Gentle River" and
"Minstrels" have traditional lyrics. Can you tell us how you came up with these
songs and ended with these lyrics?
MvdB: Our female singer Carlien Stadhouders reads a lot
and she came up with this poem from Thomas Percy. It was translated from Spanish to
English and we really liked the feeling and atmosphere of this poem. It seemed to suit
well with the Gentle River music. We rewrote it a little to suit better with the music.
The lyrics from minstrels are from G. Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. The song just asked
for it, because it has such a medieval "feel".
6. We can see a castle in the cover of the CD. Can
you tell us more about it?
MvdB: The castle you see on our cover isn’t a castle
actually. It is a picture from a fleeing tower in Glendalough, Ireland (11th century). It
was part of a cathedral. The people used this kind of towers for shelter when they were
under attack by the Vikings. We thought it suited real well with our music.
7. Congratulations for the "Shocks". It's
a masterpiece based in classical music. How did you come up with this song? Which is your
relationship with classical music? Is it possible that you'll have another song like that
in your next step?
MvdB: This song was actually on our last demo, called
"Until all shocks have faded away", but only with guitars and percussion. I
wanted to rearrange it with strings so I did. I always compose on the computer, in the
same way classical composers would do. Imagine what Beethoven or Mozart would have
composed using a computer!
I myself and some others in the band really like classical
music, and are greatly influenced by it. I also study classical guitar. In the future all
of the songs will be more classical. You can bet your life on it that we will be using
more classical instruments in the future. We hope to use a real symphony orchestra on our
next album. But of course we will also stay heavy!
8. How's the heavy metal scene in The Netherlands?
MvdB: Well it’s great, but not so big. There are a
few bands who are well-known internationally, but not that much. Bands like Orphanage, The
Gathering, Gorefest, Within Temptation and others are well known. Others like us, have
only national or regional fame, yet.
9. What are your future plans? Did you have any
contacts with record labels?
MvdB: Our future plans are fairly simple. We will record a
professional three track demo in the fall of this year, to find a record deal with. There
already are some contacts with record labels, but that’s still premature. We will see
what happens. We will definitely keep on improving.
10. Which are the bands that influenced you mostly?
MvdB: The band is influenced by all sorts of
gothic/atmospheric/doom bands and classical music. Bands we all like are: The Gathering,
Within Temptation, Paradise Lost, Orphanage, Amorphis, Moonspell, Therion, Tiamat, etc.
11. OK. That's it. Say anything you want:
MvdB: Thanks very much for this interview. Keep on
supporting the metal scene. Go to Dynamo-Open-Air in the Netherlands, which is the best
metal festival in Europe. And last but not least buy a copy of our CD! Thanks!
Stormwatch magazine (USA) March 1998, by Scott Waldie:
1. Who are the members of the band, and how did
Tremor come to be? The word Tremor is a bit odd to describe the beautiful atmosphere of
the music, why did you choose this name?
The band members are:
Martijn van der Bliek (Mvdb): Electric & Acoustic
guitars
Oscar Postema (OP): Lead Vocals, Grunts & Keyboards
Jeroen Simons (JS): Drums & percussion
Roel Aldewereld (RA): Bass guitar
Carlien Stadhouders (CS): Vocals
Richard Voet (RV): Electric guitar. Richard left us in
March, he’s now replaced with Ad Sluyter.
Mvdb: We formed in 1994 as a group of 17 year olds, we
were a quartet. We wanted to play really fast Sepultura like music. After many line-up
changes we are what we are today. Only me and Jeroen are original members from the first
line-up. The name originates from that period too. We never changed it, because we thought
we might lose the little credibility we had already built. We still use the name, and
everybody is OK with it. The logo however has changed several times, we have a new one
right now.
2. What bands were you in previously? Did Tremor
have its roots in heavier bands? Perhaps death metal or black metal roots?
Mvdb: Well as I mentioned before we indeed originate from
heavier bands. We used to play thrash/death. The bands we were in previously:
Mvdb: None, this is my first band. And will definitely be
my last, ‘cause it’s sucking up all my spare time, but it’s worth it !
OP: Many, the one which was best-known was Fairytale
(technical metal)
JS: This is my first band too, although I did lots of
session work prior to Tremor
RA: Fordaitha (doom)
CS: Fordaitha (doom)
RV: Many, who are not worth mentioning.
3. Who is chiefly responsible for composing the
music and lyrics of the band?
Mvdb: Well on the CD I am mainly responsible for the
songs. I wrote 90 % of the material. Concerning the lyrics Oscar & Carlien are mainly
responsible for that. At this moment the only two songwriters are Oscar (60%) and me
(40%), this works out fine for us. Oscar and Carlien are the ones responsible for the
lyrics.
4. You play in perhaps the most diverse style of any
metal band, blending influences from Goth, Doom, Folk, Ambient, Power metal, and even I
could hear hints of tribal-like drumming? How do you put a song together? How do you make
each so different from the next?
Mvdb: Well this is truly a good question. The point is
this. In the summer of 1996 the band was practically dead, the only remaining members were
Richard, Jeroen and me. I had written a whole bunch of songs which I wanted to record. In
no-time we started to search for musicians, which succeeded. The only session player was
our bass player, who was a good friend of mine. We rehearsed the songs for several months
and recorded them. There was no intention of continuing the band, but faith decided
otherwise, since the response was really good. What you hear on the CD are my songs (well
90%) performed by me and the others. The songs were written over an extended amount of
time, that’s why they are so diverse (my musical taste changed while writing the
songs). Songs like: The Beloved Ones and Shocks were composed on a computer.
In the same way Mozart used to compose, with the difference that I used a computer, and he
was a God and I’m not. Imagine what Mozart would have composed using a computer!. The
string quartet were session musicians too. That’s it in a nut shell, why our CD is
that diverse.
5. How has your music evolved in style since the
"Ear protection required" rehearsal demo and the "Until all shocks have
faded away" demo? Are these still available for purchase?
Mvdb: The main thing that has changed from our demos is
that we have grown from a three piece to a six piece. Of course the music has also
changed. On our debut promo: Spectral Insanity we played a simple type of thrash/death.
Over time we progressed as musicians and songwriters, the songs got more technical and
diverse with the use of classical like acoustic licks and much more melody. All our
previous releases suffered from an inferior sound quality. The last demo: Until all shocks
have faded away is still available it’s $ 6. If you want one be quick because we have
only 10 left.
6. Where do you draw the inspiration for songs like
"Romantic Images", "The Witch-Hunt", and "A Voyage"? Do you
ever draw inspiration from literary sources, nature, or everyday social experience?
RV: Since I wrote Romantic Images and the greater part of
A Voyage I shall answer this question. Romantic Images was heavily inspired by an English
doom band called Anathema. The solo was inspired by Ritchie Blackmore and Jimmy Page. When
I finished the song everybody liked it immediately. Martijn rearranged it a little bit to
give it it’s finishing touch. A voyage evolved from a jam, with me starting out with
the Dm arpeggio. Martijn started playing the lead over it and it immediately sounded
great. The keyboards and vocals were added later. The intention of this song was making a
“heavy ballad”. CS: Lyrically we draw inspiration from many sources. The lyrics
to the Witch-hunt are based on biblical excerpts adapted by Oscar’s dad who is a
minister. In the studio we used samples from the movie The Pit and the Pendulum to give
the song something extra. For Gentle River we draw inspiration from Thomas Percy. He
translated a poem from Spanish which we used as the basis of the song. The poem was about
seamen who were swallowed by an angry river. Most of the text however was made up by
myself. Oscar’s lyrics are usually very personal.
7. How does Tremor come across live? Are you
planning any tours soon? Have you ever played tours before, or at open-air festivals?
Mvdb: This is difficult to say, since people usually judge
you on your live performance. I think we come across live great, especially when we use
the string quartet alongside our usual instruments (imagine: 10 people on stage!). At our
CD launch party on December 20th we used them too and it sounded great. The shows are
visually also very attractive since we perform in costumes. We have not been on tour yet,
because we have no agent. We try to arrange as many shows ourselves. Plans were made to do
a tour through the Netherlands together with an other Dutch band, but they were canceled.
However some people are trying to arrange gigs for us in Belgium, but they haven’t
been confirmed yet.
8. Where did you come up with the idea to mix
ethereal female vocals with male singing and growling? Was "Cadentz" written
solely by the drummer of the band? It's incredible!
Mvdb: I think the combination of mixing female, male and
growling vocals isn’t that special anymore. Paradise Lost did it on Gothic for the
first time I think. Nowadays bands use it quite extensively, but we try to use it in an
original way. JS: About Cadentz. This song wasn’t even written! It was one big
improvisation, and it worked out really good. I was quite inspired that moment in the
studio. I used my entire drum-kit and several other instruments. It’s straight from
the heart, man!
9. What are you currently listening to (please keep
the answer vague)
Mvdb: Most of our bandmembers listen to the same type of
music: symphonic / atmospheric metal. Bands we all like are: Paradise Lost, Orphanage,
Moonspell, Amorphis, Within Temptation, The Gathering, etc. Some of us also like melodic
black / death metal, progressive metal, medieval folk, classical music, classic rock and
pop. Our drummer on the contrary specializes in technical stuff: jazz, fusion, progressive
(death)metal, salsa, samba, poly-rhythms, etc.
10. Are there any other underground bands in the
Netherlands that you might point us towards? Any underground bands elsewhere in Europe?
Mvdb: Well there are many underground bands in The
Netherlands, but since we are from a very thin populated area I can’t give you many
from our area. Good bands from our region are: Mindlink and Polluted Inheritance. The best
known band from our region is Gorefest, they are from the same town as we are. Other Dutch
bands that made great albums are: Within Temptation, The Gathering, Liar of Golgotha, God
Dethroned and Orphanage.
11. Where did you record "A storm is
brewing", and who produced it? Is it someone you'd be willing to work with again? Was
it difficult putting the album out by yourselves? Expensive?
Mvdb: We recorded A Storm is Brewing in Tilburg, The
Netherlands in the studio of Paul François, he also produced the album together with me.
The CD was mastered at the CCS studio in Amsterdam, The Netherlands by Hans Strikkers.
With the latter person we will definitely work again, because he was a real professional.
I don’t think we’ll work with Paul François again. It is not difficult
releasing a CD yourself, but you have to keep in mind that the distribution is all up to
you and never as good as with a record label. Releasing a CD isn’t cheap!
12. What is next in line for Tremor? Will you record
another self-produced album, or are you seeking label interest? Have there been any
interested labels as of yet?
Mvdb: We are currently looking for a replacement for
Richard (who was offered a job), and we are writing new material. We have almost written
an entire new album. The new songs are more compact and are more in the same line in
comparison to the CD, although they are very diverse again. We will be recording a
professional 3 track demo within the next six months, to try and find a record deal. We
had lots of good reactions on our CD from record companies, but they kept on saying that
it was to soon to sign us. So we hope to find a record label sooner or later.
13. STUPID QUESTION: I'm Dutch myself...well, I'm
descended from Dutch ancestry. In your opinion, is that a beautiful place to live?
Where would you recommend as a nice part of Holland to be
a resident? Mvdb: Well Holland is a great place to live, people are very open minded,
softdrugs are legalized and getting drunk is allowed when you are 12. Holland is so flat
that on Sunday you can see who’s visiting you on Wednesday (Austrian joke about
Holland). For foreigners Amsterdam is the place to be. Lots of sex, drugs and rock &
roll !
14. STUPID QUESTION #2: I know this will sound
stupid and patronizing, but a friend that I've turned on to your music wants to know if
Carlien is married?
CS: I will answer this question myself. Are you gonna
publish this in your magazine ? I hope not ! No I’m not married, but maybe your
friend is interested ?
15. Is there anything you'd like to
say to those that have supported Tremor thus far? To those that will support Tremor in the
future?
Mvdb: Of course, thanks for your support, keep on doing
so! Thanks for having this interview with us too. Keep following us, because I’ll
promise you’ll be hearing much more from us in the future. That’s a guarantee.
Buy a copy of A Storm is Brewing, it’s $ 18 (P&P included).
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