It’s been 2 years ago since our last interview a lot has happened since then can you tell us a bit about it?
"A lot has happened, indeed. After the release of 'Harsh Generation' on Infacted Records, things sky rocketed. We've been doing a ton of shows, got great coverage from the press and been working on improving every aspect. Also in our personal lives a lot has changed and I personally have been putting a lot of this back into Grendel's new music. So in short, we have matured quite a lot, both on the musical and personal front."
Shortly after our previous interview Harsh Generation was released, how is the album received overall?
"Very well and, as I mentioned before, things went very fast since it's release. Our fan base has grown exponentially and the amount of interest in Grendel from all around has been incredible. Tracks like "Hate This" and "Void Malign" have become staple records for most scene DJs these days, and anthems during our shows, so we're very happy with all of it."
Did it bring you what you expected it to bring, in means of sales, airplay, tours?
"We are very very pleased about how things went after it's release and definitely see it as a huge milestone for Grendel. It definitely put our name up there and brought us to a whole new level."
"It was a rush. The whole album was put together quite swiftly and it really captures that energetic vibe and excitement I felt at the time. Some things, both good and bad, were going on in my personal life as well and I really think they fueled that feeling of the album. Yet again, I'm at that point and letting it fire up my engines."
What influence did music have on you last few years and what influence did you have on music?
"Music always has a huge influence on me and I consider it an essential part of my life. Since the release of the last album, I've really been more into (minimal) techno, (hard)trance and progressive house and finding a lot of inspiring elements. As for my music influencing others, I do think it has had a significant impact, judging by some releases I've heard from the EBM/Industrial scene. It's always a pleasure to know that your music has meant something to someone else, to the extent that they apply elements of it to their own productions."
You are already busy with a new ep and album, how is it going so far? Does it give you extra stress to come up with a follow up album after Harsh Generation?
"The upcoming EP (released in August on Infacted & Metropolis Records), entitled "Chemicals + Circuitry", is pretty much done and entering the studio this week to record the vocals. It'll be like a stepping stone towards the full length album, which is set for release in October / November. After the immense success of 'Harsh Generation' it's been tough to not fall into the trap of dwelling on a success formula too much and reproducing the same album, if you know what I mean. So I've had to experiment a lot with different influences and sounds, balancing it all out to keep it fresh."
"Aside from the surprises, sex, drugs and all that good stuff, we're planning on re-recording some of the earlier Grendel material, making it the way it was meant to be if we had today's technology back then. Of course, the early recordings do have their charm, in their lo-fi state, so we'll probably also compile some of those as well for our fans. Other than that, you'll just have to wait and see."
This year you will play at summer darkness, anything special in mind for that?
"Besides presenting our new material and putting on a killer show, we will have some surprises up our sleeves. But hey, if I told you, it wouldn't a surprise anymore right?"
Any last words for the readers?
"Thanks for all your support over the years and keep living by the bassline!"