Interviews: Relentless Aggression

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Thrash Metal band, Relentless Aggression from Norway. 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?

When we started the band in the mid 80s we called ourselves Hell Awaits. We were big fans of Slayer and that great album of theirs. When Yngve and me (Finn) continued the band in 1989, we changed the name to From Beyond. We were big fans of that horror movie from 1986. The band disbanded after playing the Thrash Festivalen festival here in Bergen in 1990. In 2017/18 we restarted the band, and didn’t want to use one of the old names, but we wanted to have a band name that reflects that the music is aggressive and energetic. We had a list of suggestions for a band name but the one we chose was a combination of Yngve’s idea and mine.

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

The intensity, speed and aggression of the music is highly addictive to me.

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

Yes, Yngve and me grew up in a suburb of Bergen, so we had known each other for some years when we formed the band. Dag (original bassist) and me went to the same high school, so that’s where we met. Erik (drummer, later more known for playing drums for Immortal, Gorgoroth and Borknagar) was a metalhead we knew, so we asked if he wanted to join the band. We were just kids that wanted to play thrash metal and have fun. We had limited playing skills but still a sense of writing a good thrash metal song or two.

4. Each band member favourite band?

The list would be too long, but we have to mention the pioneers of the genre: Slayer, Exodus, early Metallica, Dark Angel and Vio-Lence.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

I got music inside my head pretty much all the time, so it’s just a matter of finding time to get the ideas out of my head and into my guitar. I record riffs all the time on my mobile phone or 16 track recorder, and if I still think they sound good after they been «resting» for a while, I will try to get a structure for a whole song and then record it in the studio.

6. Where was your last gig?

In 1990 here in Bergen, hehe. We disbanded after that gig, and got together again in 2017/18. At the moment we’re a studio project, but we will consider finding a live line-up when the pandemic is over.

7. Where would you like to perform?

A place with a good pa and someone who knows how to operate it, and A friendly crowd sounds like a good start!

8. Whom would you like to perform with?

There’s so many good bands to choose from so I would go for some thrash bands I have never seen live so far. Criminal, Grip Inc. and Vio-Lence. That would be awesome! Of course, the chance of ever seeing Grip Inc. play again is zero.

9. Whom not?

Sabaton, hehe, can’t stand them!

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

I guess you need to be a little nervous to get in the right mode to be on a stage, but of course, it can be crippling if that leads you to barely being able to play. Regardless if you have prepared well for a gig, sometimes things just go bad. Sometimes when I’m in a challenging situation, I tell myself that no matter how bad things go, at some time it’s over, hehe. Also, try not to drink too much before a show. You might think your playing or singing gets better, but I can assure you that’s only in your head! Be prepared, and try to have a plan b if things go wrong, and don’t beat yourself up too much if it all goes to hell. There will still be a day tomorrow, with new opportunities. One of the best feelings in the world is to be on stage when you’re totally into the music and the playing, and the band is killing it!

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

When I first heard «Phantom Lord» by Metallica in 1983, I must admit that it made a great impact on me.

That also opened up my ears to bands like Exodus and Slayer. The speed and the energy of those bands are something we try to incorporate in our own music. But we listen to loads of bands in different genres, so there is a never ending supply of music that inspires us. That also include new bands, we are not only stuck in the past.

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

We are grateful for everyone that’s interested in the band. No weirdos so far.

13. What do you think of your fans?

It’s been great to get feedback from people that like our music. The metal community is full of people that are really dedicated to music, and they won’t settle for streaming, they want vinyl, cassette, or cd! And merch!!!

14. What do you think of our site?

Cool site and easy to find what you’re looking for.

15. Something to add? 

We will release a new song in August. Look out for American Carnage!