Interview with Mindgrinder
EbM: Here goes!
Hi! How's things in the Mindgrinder-camp nowadays?
Nitous: Things are great. We`re launching our second album these days. So far it`s gotten great reviews and we`re looking forward to promote it live! With Nex onboard things couldn`t be better. We`ve got our knuckles lined up, and we`re ready to hit the world of metal, hard!
EbM: Maybe a short brief on the band? What's the story of Mindgrinder?
Nitous: We started out back in `96 with Cosmocrator, Titan and myself. Worked our way the first years doing local live-shows. By the turn of the century we decided it was time to kick it up a nudge and released two demos, which led to a record deal. We recorded our debut album "MindTech" in Akkerhaugen studios late 2002. Due to circumstances beyond our control we had to buy out the album and broke off with our former label. Soon after we got signed with Nocturnal Art Production and they released the album in 2004.
We
| Mindtech | 2003.04.12 |
| Riot Detonator | 2005.05.09 |
EbM: The album "Riot Detonator" will be released on May 9th. What can the fans expect this time? Will it be in the same vein as "MindTech"?
Nitous: The essensial MindGrinder is there so basicly yeah, but this album is more thrashed and the production is far better this time. We had more studiotime and put a lot of effort in the mix and mastering bit. The fact that we had acoustic drums this time around toghether with focusing more on guitar/bass work and toning down the effects made the album more "alive".
EbM: How was the working-process on this album? Did it take you long time to write the material?
Nitous: Well, some tracks were ready even befor the release of "MindTech", though others were rehearsed right before entering the studio. So it was an ongoing process. Roughly we had about 20-25 songs altogether, but end up with what we feel is the best. And it`s called "Riot Detonator".
EbM: Wich bands have had an influence on Mindgrinder? And what bands do you listen to personally?
Nitous: This is always a tough one... Growing up with a front row seat to the rise of Emperor have been an inspration, although what we have done doesn`t relate much to black metal. I must say that metal in general have influenced us all, from childhood-discoveries of AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Wasp, Metallica etc. and every metalband that has cought our interest up till this day.
Personally I listen mostly to heavy metal, Ozzy, Accept, Megadeth, Dio, Testament etc.
EbM: There's a high number of bands from Norway, and not only Black Metal-bands. Any favourite, except Mindgrinder?
Nitous: Red Harvest kicks ass live, Paganize is a strong up and coming act, I don`t know were Godsize went but they were great. Tömmermenn, (they sing in Norwegian) The geezers from TNT still gets my foot going.
EbM: In what genre would you place Mindgrinder?
Nitous: Damn... How many word can I use? Samoth labeled it Deathrash, that should give you a ballpark.
EbM: Will you be doing any touring for the new album? Any touring outside Norway?
Nitous: Summer time is festival time so we hope to hit the road next fall. Surely we intend to promote "Riot Detonator" touring.
Have Mindgrinder received any attention outside Norway, metal magazines etc?
Nitous: Most major magazines have covered MindGrinder, be it a review or interview. Also serveral webzines and radiostations. More to come in the near future with the release of "Riot Detonator".
EbM: Think I'm outta questions, so thanx for the interview, looking forward to hear your new album. Any last words to the readers?
Nitous: Check out our website for some samples of the album and we`re hoping
to come to your town soon! Cheers!