Interviews: Cult Of Scarecrow

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Doom Metal band, Cult Of Scarecrow from Belgium. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

G: When we formed the band in 2017 and we started writing songs, we had no idea about the band’s name yet. The second song we wrote was titled ‘The Cult of Scarecrow’. The scarecrow is actually a metaphor, a creapy figure on a cross worshipped by skeletons. The Cult of Scarecrow in the song is a religion that worships wealth and money as its highest goal. We thought it sounded very cool as a band’s name, too. That’s why chose it. The song is still our anthem. You can hear it on our 2018 EP.

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

G: It was not like we actually chose a genre. We just came together and started writing songs with all our different backgrounds, and this style came out. It was not on purpose, it just happened. When our EP was finished, people listened to it and said: ‘Hey, that’s really nice doom metal. Very dark but yet very accessible”. You know, people like to put music in boxes, and so they called it doom. We don’t like these boxes. So be it. Our new album sounds completely different then the EP. That’s what we like, we keep evolving. Just check it out!

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

G: O yes. Jan, Ivan (the guitarists) and me know each other since we were young boys. We played in different bands together such as Dead Serious and Die Sinner Die. I knew Filip (singer) from my first band Trial, for which he originally did the fanclub. After that, he became a singer in other bands, but we lost contact for many years. When we started Cult of Scarecrow, we asked him to come and join us, because we knew he has a wonderful voice that would fit our music, and he immediately agreed. It was nice to have him back. Nico (drummer) and Robbie (keyboards), we didn’t know really. We knew they were talented musicians, and they did some tryout sessions with us. It worked out nicely and they stayed. We get along very well.

4. Each band member favourite band?

G: We all have a totally different taste in metal music, really. The godfathers of metal are our greatest common divisor, but apart of that... Robbie likes Eluveitie and Ensiferum, Filip is more into Voivod and Pentagram, Nico likes Motörhead and Type O Negative, our guitarists being into Priest and thrashmetal, while I’m more like Gojira and Evergrey. Now you see where all the influences come from?

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

G: We’ve been writing songs since we were 14 years old or so. I grew up with music and it literally was my first love. I get my inspiration from other artists or bands, in all kind of musical styles. When I hear a great riff or a catchy tune, I always think: “Wow, why didn’t I think of this myself?”. As for the lyrics, Filip is a much better writer then me. His view on society and religion is our biggest inspiration, really.

6. Where was your last gig?

G: We played a really cosy festival in Belgium in september last year. Very covid proof. Only 100 people allowed, everybody sitting down on chairs and behind tables with 4 people, no dancing or walking around. Very strange atmosphere really, 100 people in such a large venue. But we enjoyed playing live, once again. More then half a year ago ever since. We’re so looking forward to playing live again!

7. Where would you like to act?

G: We enjoy playing live. As long as the atmosphere is fun, everybody’s in a good mood, it’s all the same to us. A small cafe, a bigger stage, a festival, ... It’s all fun to do. Of course, there are much more possibilities for a band when on a bigger stage, but the atmosphere in a small club is also unique. But to be honest, it would be a dream to do a big festival somewhere. Name one? OK, let’s choose Agglutination, then. Italy, right?

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

G: We’re not very picky. We’re humble enough to know that we will never be a supporting act for Black Sabbath or Iron Maiden. Evergrey or Sorcerer would be fine, though. 

9. Whom not?

G: No idea. Are there any bands with gross attitudes? Maybe racist bands or bands with racist fans. Are there any? I don’t know. But that’s really not or kind. Respect each other. Always.

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

G: I don’t know about the other guys, but I’m always a bit nervous before going on stage. Not stressed, no real stage fright. I think that’s very healthy to keep my concentration. Once the show starts, it just vanishes. A tip for beginners? Some say alcohol might do the trick, but that’s dangerous. A beer or two, that would be OK. But not for everybody, so watch out with that.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

G: Personally that should be Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Alice in Chains, etc. No surprise? Like the rest of all metal bands these days, I know. But the difference is that you can hear their influence in our music without exaggerating or overpowering it. We make new music with respect for the old masters.

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

G: We have pretty normal fans. We’re quite normal people, too. So nothing special: a stick, a pick, an autograph, a selfie, stuff like that.

13. What do you think of your fans?

G: The Scarecrew are the best in the world, really. We did a crowdfunding for making this new album possible and everybody was enthousiastic and they really did it. They follow us on gigs, they support us blindly. We love them.

14. What do you think of our site?

G: I checked it out and it’s really great. You share a lot of information. It’s like a metal Wikipedia. Great job, carry on guys!

15. Something to add?

G: Keep the faith everybody. This nightmare will soon come to an end and then we will all be together at last. We’ll be going to festivals and gigs again. We’ll be drinking beers and having fun. I hope we will meet our fans on the road very soon. Cheers!