Interviews: I Am Revenge

In this new occassion we have had the pleasure to interview the Modern Hardcore/Down Tempo band I Am Revenge, from Germany. Check out this band because they are amazing and do not forget to follow them in their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?
 

Our first drummer came up with it; we all liked it right away, so we went with it. There’s also a song by Since The Flood called ‘I Am Revenge’, but that’s unrelated to our decision.

  

2. Why did you want to play this genre?
 

Our guitarist Gabriel was missing some old school Bury Your Dead vibes in the scene at that time, so he put together some material addressing this, and we were all in accordance. We all came from different local hardcore bands with many influences from metal, punk etc. - at the end of the day, we’re still a hardcore band though, with negative songs, but with a positive attitude - this is what we feel comfortable and genuine with, and what we enjoy creating. 
 

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?
 

Gabriel and Pascal are from Hamburg (the city that I Am Revenge is based out of) and their respective former bands Badge of Apathy and Between Love And Madness had been sharing stages and records, so they knew each other. Before and around moving to Ham-burg in 2010 myself, my former band D.T.A. had also played shows with those guys. When most of those bands were in the process of disbanding, we decided to start something new - and I Am Revenge was born in December 2010. Eventually, Jonas (formerly with Count on Pride) joined a bit later, and Bertrand joined in early 2015 after his Berlin-based band Constellations had called it quits.

  

4. Each band member favourite band?
 

That’s a long list :) As a consensus excerpt, let’s name Bury Your Dead, The Acacia Strain, Nasty, Volumes, Kublai Khan and Lionheart.

  

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?
 

Okan: My lyrics are inspired by life - plain and simple as that. I process my thoughts, my experience and everything around me in my songs. I also draw on on situations I imagined or dreamt of, as well as current global issues. I don’t consider us political or activist though.


Gabriel: I try to capture the emotions and groove certain bands and artists create for me. Bury Your Dead’s unreal groove on ‘Cover Your Tracks’ and ‘Beauty And The Breakdown’ for example will keep my head nodding all day long. I’m aiming to create a similar energy with our own music. The Acacia Strain’s ‘Wormwood’ is pure evil for my ears. This demonic and dark vibe gives me the chills and of course this vibe has a huge influence ever since. But it's rather the small things from various artists that impact my writing a lot - such as a single chord on a Deftones song, or how long a Bon Iver song fades in….even Hans Zim-mer’s score for ‘Interstellar’ influenced me in some way.  

6. Where was your last gig? 

We played at the Over and Out Fest in Bochum on February 13 this year.  

7. Where would you like to play? 

Generally wherever people love our music! Some nice summer Open Airs or cool festivals would be awesome though. And hopefully something overseas someday, like the US, Canada or Australia.
 
 

8. Whom would you like to feature with? 
 

I think we’d all love to tour with Nasty, Bury Your Dead or The Acacia Strain any day!
 
 

9. Whom not?
 

No comment ;)
 
 

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?
 

Hit the ground running! Just take the stage and break it down :)

  

11. What bands have inspired you the most?
 

Simply put: Bury Your Dead, The Acacia Strain, Kublai Khan.
 
 

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?
 

Let’s keep this PG-13 and skip this one, haha ;)  

13. What do you think of your fans?
 

We truly appreciate everyone who supports us in any way - coming out to see us play, buying our merch, or just hanging out with us. We’re extremely grateful for all the positive response we get - thank you all!

  

14. What do you think of our site?
 

We dig it - pages like yours are extremely beneficial to smaller bands and local scenes! Stay in the game and keep it up! :)

  

15. Something to add? 

We’re very proud to recently having been added to the Beatdown Hardwear (BDHW) fami-ly, and we’re looking forward to what’s ahead. Our new album “RVNG” is set for release on April 29 - make sure to check it out, and try to catch us on our next release showcases in May/June! See you all soon.

Stay safe and keep it brutal!

Cheers from Hamburg,
I Am Revenge