SUM:
So first off, are you all from Houston or is there like a mixture
going on here?
Krullenzith:
Yes, we're all from Houston and actually grew up around the same
neighborhood.
SUM:
Now, I personally know of the trials and errors of getting a band
together, did you guys just get together and decide to form a
band or was it more of a search by one or two of ya?
Krullenzith:
Well, Loki and I actually started looking for band members back
in 1994. I was in highschool at the time and this is where we
first came in contact with Mario. I was on drums, Loki was on
guitar, with Mario on bass. We found more members and started
our first band playing covers. As the years went by we went our
separate ways and were involved in different projects. It wasn't
until around April 2001 when we decided to get a serious metal
project started. It just seemed like the right time since metal
is at a peak right now and bands are getting signed by major record
labels.
SUM:
The metal music scene has gotten alot of bad publicity for the
last like 20 years or so, do you think you fit into the stereotype
or are you on the outside of this rush?
Krullenzith:
People are afraid of what they don't understand and try to destroy
it out of fear. The reactions to metal is a great example of the
ignorance infested on this dying world. The metal genre is no
doubt the most extreme type of music and artists choose to express
their feelings and image in various directions. People react to
this in many ways. The fans can relate to the music and the media
tries to blame violent crimes on music just because it's so extreme
compared to anything in the mainstream. No metal band can be outside
this rush... the media don't see past the image and extreme sound
so no matter what a band's message is, they will fall into the
same stereotype until the masses opens their eyes.
SUM: Do
you think that sometime in the future, near or far, society will
ever allow pure metal bands into a pseudo-mainstream? Or would
you rather stay on an underground level?
Krullenzith:
Metal has always had it's mainstream bands and it's underground
bands and always will. Just as in the early to mid 90s bands like
Pantera and Sepultura were really noticed in the mainstream. Before
this, heavy metal bands played in clubs and small venues but now
were selling out arenas and having albums go gold and platinum.
It died down for awhile but history repeats itself. I see it happening
again with the growing interest in bands like Slipknot, Mudvayne,
Kittie, etc... These are no doubt the "mainstream" metal
bands but they're opening gates for heavier, more underground
bands to actually get noticed. I see it happening and so do the
record labels. I mean, fuck, Sony signed England's black metal
act Cradle of Filth! This is a perfect example of what's going
to happen in the future. Black metal and death metal have been
underground since the 80s. Now it looks like some of these bands
are going to get signed and be intoduced as "new metal"
to the public, even though the genre has been around for years.
Personally, I favor underground metal and the atmosphere of club
shows but as a band we want to make money and eventually give
up our 40hr/week dayjobs and make money doing what we enjoy most
in life signed on a label.
SUM: What,
in your own words, do you think is the definition of metal music?
Is it simply a style of music or is it a way of life?
Krullenzith:
It's different for everyone, but to me it's a way of life. As
a vocalist I write the lyrics and they're based on my feelings,
theories, or just something that's on my mind. I guess you can
say any music genre is a way of life...it's just according to
perception.
SUM:
So, what's in your CD player right now? Any bands you have as
role models or heroes?
Krullenzith:
Lemme see...I have some Emperor, Morbid Angel, Limbonic Art, Chimaira,
Mortiis, and Dimmu Borgir in my player right now. As a kid I listened
to my brother's AC/DC and Motley Crue tapes and other pop rock
bands suck as Def Leppard, Ratt and Quiet Riot. My influences
in metal started with Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Megadeth when
I was 12 years old or so. From there I discovered Pantera, Sepultura,
Slayer and other bands gaining recognition in the 90s. In 1993
I discovered the underground music scene. I was surprised to find
out there were bands heavier than Pantera and Slayer at this point.
I was only 15 at the time and didn't realize there was an underground
metal scene with extremely talented bands. Since then I've focused
on these bands. I have been influenced more by the underground
scene than any other subgenre of metal. As for the other Ripsaw
members, I can say they had many different influences than I have
had. Less involved in the underground, but influenced in music
I overlooked since I was so focused on non-mainstream music. That's
what makes Ripsaw a unique band. With our new lineup with more
influences and writing new material, you can expect an evolved
sound in the upcoming Ripsaw releases.
SUM: Ok,
well we're coming to the end of this short interview, I'd like
to thank you for taking the time out of your life for it and the
best of luck to you guys in the future.
Krullenzith: Ok,
thank you for your support and giving us the opportunity to gain
exposure in your zine.
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