RÁN is a Icelandic/Dutch Black Metal band that likes to let it all
out....
If you ever had the pleasure of listening to these guys, I think you will
agree that RÁN is one of the most loyal and dedicated bands in the metal world
today!
I got to sit down with frontman Didirk....this is what he had to say.
1)Good afternoon Didrik....How are you this fine Sunday?
D/N: Doing great Vinteress and thank you very much. Cold, yet sunny day here in the
Nether-realms, spent in the studio, working the last strokes on my latest
painting and listening to early Celtic Frost, trailing into the absolute
nowadays mastery of Triptykon. A sound dose of musical influence I might add…
How are you?
2) Ahhh ok, so you are an artist and not only a musician? Does your art work and
music stem from the same ideas?
D/N: Haha! Now, there’s a question that could easily turn an answer into a novel, but
I’ll do my best to be brief here… …And to be honest, it’s all about flow really. The ideas come in various ways and in
a never-ending stream, visual, lyrical or musical, and there are times I feel
I’m just taking orders from some hidden source, exterior or interior, makes no
difference. Even so, these tend to become intertwined as ideas for paintings can
hit me as tones of music and vice versa. One thing influences the other and safe
to say, I have written down dozens upon dozens of ideas, for music and visual
art alike. There is much work to be done and I dare declare that, as far as RÁN
is concerned, we already have enough material in the works that should suffice
to fill out several albums, each with its own particular theme and the ideas
just keep on coming.
Concerning my paintings and art projects: Work commences at a good pace and – as much as
with the music of RÁN – I aim to hit hard when the time is right! No rest for
the wicked!
3) Speaking of art and music....since you are an artist has RÁN ever thought of
putting together some kind of concept album where each song had a video with
your artwork that goes along with the music? If that makes any
sense.
D/N: Well… I did entertain the notion of combining art and music, even back in the
nineties and – sure enough – it became the driving force that convinced me to
start my own band after 15+ years of silence. Whether this ultimately becomes
something worth doing, or whether these two elements of creativity should be
kept apart, who can tell really? We are simply spoilt with ideas and
opportunities. Anything can happen in its own good time and if it makes enough
sense… …But right now however, the solemn purpose of RÁN is to Rock… and Rock
hard!!!
4) And you guys do rock!! ..... You are playing the Icelandic metal assault tour
this year... how did you land that one?
D/N: Cheers my friend! You’re too kind…
As for the whole Icelandic Metal Assault thing: It all sort of began as I stumbled
across a Facebook message, referring to an Icelandic band looking for Dutch
bands to participate in a tour of sorts. Heheh… The message said something about
crazy Icelanders and – well – since I happen to be one of those, I declared my
keen interest in the matter and got in touch with Norn.
Now, these guys turned out to be exactly what I was looking for in unholy
partnership. The types that say things like “yeah, let’s do it” and “no problem,
we’ll sort this out.” Of course, the tour hasn’t begun yet and we can only guess
what challenges lie ahead, but the Norn guys are damn cool people and great to
work with. Just like my own bandmates, dedicated and positive! I dare say all
the work has been well worth it, and surely will be once all is done and the
venues laid waste.
It’s been hard work though and the whole tour is basically funded out of our own
pockets. There’s no label or big time promotion company behind
this and it just goes to show that with the right mentality, driven and
dedicated people, plus some good friends… Hell, everything is
possible!
5) Very cool! I am happy for you guys. So, you are Icelandic and living in the
Netherlands....? Does your Icelandic roots or the traditions of your heritage go into the making of
RÁN?
D/N: Indeed, born and bred in Reykjavík, of proper Viking bastard stock and proud of the Norse origins as far as they go.
Still, living in the Netherlands is grand! The Dutch are very good at making up for the shortage on landscape by being extremely cool people, and good at brewing beer.
…And let’s not forget the sheer luxury of being central European; a pivotal factor that has in many ways contributed to
the early success of the Icelandic Metal Assault and other things relating to RÁN.
As for the roots: I dare say homeland nostalgia has driven me to incorporate many aspects of my
native culture, lyrically and musically into the structure and – by that – the
essence of the band as such. The former being foremost as I do mend and bend the
ancient laws of rhyming into the poetry, breaking the rules as I go of course,
but I do strongly urge people to read the words as there is much woven in there
and many secrets at large. The identity of the Norse runs deep into the fabric
of RÁN, short of turning us complete Viking Metal and contrasts/correlates nicely with the strong Dutch ideals of Rhym and
Abyssiakh.
6) I see. Well, nothing wrong with that. So, do you put any of those Dutch ideas in
your music. I am assuming your band mates are Dutch?
D/N: Rhym (Drummerbeast) and Abyssiakh (Guitardemon) are indeed Dutch. Good friends
and great musicians to work with. Their input is fast becoming felt as they
assert themselves as full members of RÁN, having only been under the unholy
banner for so long. How their national heritage will play out exactly, only time
will tell, but the desolation of the misty marshlands is – by my reckoning –
only going to increase the tendrils of the Dark side. Heavier and wilder riffs
under the barrage of relentless percussion hammering! I can foretell it will be
damn good...
7) I have been pushing your music around quite a bit and have heard various response.
There is obviously an Immortal influence there, but have you heard that RÁN
sounds TOO much like Immortal....Are they your main influence when it comes
to your music, especially the vocals?
D/N: Heheheh… I was secretly hoping you’d ask something
along these lines, but first our gratitude for your help and support. One can
never say “thank you” too often…
As for the Immortal comparison: I can imagine we remind
many of what they sounded like back in the early to mid 90’s. No surprise there
as our mainstay of influences stems from that period. Bands like Mayhem, Marduk,
Enslaved and more… The dynamics of that era still fuel us although – as is the
nature of influence – the taste is slowly diminishing and turning towards our
own particular sound and feeling. All very easy and at a natural pace of
evolution…
To focus a little on the taste of Immortal and as much
as I understand the need of some to compare, I honestly don’t give it much
thought. We’re heavily influenced by the catchiness of 80’s Thrash and Shock
Rock, plus bands and musicians beyond counting, oldschool and contemporary
alike. If there are accusations of us copying others, so be it! We’re influenced
by everything and everybody, and have no problems admitting to it! Sure enough,
some people say I sound a lot like Abbath and perhaps I do… I don’t think he’d
care much anyways, but for the record: Some great names aside, my biggest
influence vocally and the album that literally got me to begin honing my voice
to what it is today, was Ancient’s Svartalvheim. There it is and check it out.
It’s a damn good album…
8) ok, so you don't go out of your way to mimic or sound like Immortal?
Fair enough....So, you are the one who came up with the band so I assume you
came up with the name on your own? What is the meaning behind RÁN and does it
have any direct meaning in your music?
D/N: Yeah, you got it my friend... We’re simply out to Rock! No holds barred!!!
Now and to the band title, here’s an opportunity to be brief: The name is very much like all other facets of RÁN, simple at first glance perhaps, but interwoven and multifarious in every aspect. It is in fact,
a common woman’s name in Iceland, often used as a second name as a matter of fact. Deriving from the legendary Goddess of the sea, the spouse of Ægir and a chaotic entity of
tremendous power, much as the ocean itself. Now, having been a sailor myself; I
do recognise the power of the sea and the treacherous waves. The threat of the
deep... And I find it something worth captivating through music. The relentless,
unforgiving natural force that pounds you again and again. Leaves you breathless
and helpless at its mercy, yet it can captivate you with its rhythm and sway you
out of control.
Even so, there is more to the name itself. In other uses of my native tongue, it commonly means ‘to raid’ or
even ‘rob’ or ‘steal’. Spelled backwards, as our logo indicates, its meaning is
that of death.
…And there is more to be considered here… For example:
Knock the dot of the ‘A’, put it up in Japanese and it means
‘chaos’.
All in all and merely nipping the tip here, the whole
idea behind RÁN is about as complex as people feel up to. Not at all important
perhaps, but I do usually prefer concepts with many hidden
depths…
9) I see, well that was not brief but ok.. haha So you have some material
coming...and well, so much going on with you guys it is honestly hard to keep up.
What should all the fans and potential fans keep an eye out for right
now?
D/N: Doing my best here, but there’s much to say and difficult not to get carried
away… But – yeah – we’re rather busy and there’s hardly a day without fresh
developments. Fan base is growing at an unprecedented rate and it seems that with
the timely addition of one Abyssiakh, things have really kicked off! We finally
have talent enough, say musical ability to match the full range of ideas and go
forth unhindered to where we are destined.
As for our immediate concerns and a direction for our fans, to play along what
expectations they may have: We decided to postpone the release of the Demonstorm
album till September/October and re-record most of the material to match the
intense guitar play of Abyssiakh. Sure enough, the bass and vocals were recorded
already, but why not make things better since an opportunity has been presented
to do so. For this reason, we decided to re-release the Rock to Hell demo, which
has now been elevated to the status of an EP and that should serve some ears
until the autumn season kicks in.
Other immediate matters beside the Icelandic Metal Assault tour with Norn and
Krakkkbot, which does primarily hold our attention for the time being, would be
the upcoming release of the ‘Black Death Armageddon’ Live DVD + album, which
should see the unlight of day soon enough, unless it turns out to be crap and we
simply dump it in favor of better things…
…And I dare predict of another autumn/winter release in the form of a 6 track EP
titled ‘Remnants’, which should house the few songs we left off the Demonstorm
album plus a couple of covers and a very special, very ‘secret’ number that
should hit in hard enough.
…And we have already mapped out the mainstay of material for another full release in
the good year of 2014. The title and cover is set as well, but I shall say no
more on that for the time being…
…And there is more, more and much more, but one has to take the liberty and hold a
few cards up the sleeve. Besides, I think I’ve ranted away rather well enough on
this one…
10) On hold? That sucks...I was looking forward to this release. Oh well, I will be
patient. While we are on the topic of music.(hehe) were do you guys do your recording for your
albums/ what studio?
D/N: All wicked things come to those who wait and I gather Demonstorm will be well
worth your patience, once it’s out and about… It has been, and shall be recorded
at our own individual homes, via what means we possess and that way seems to
have delivered quality enough so far. We see no reason to enter a proper and
expensive studio until there is either call and/or support for such
luxury.
Anyways, once all material is recorded properly, it gets shipped off to Rhym’s personal
studio (now dubbed as ‘Rhym’s Lair’) and he has shown himself more than capable
of mixing and mastering whatever comes his way. In this manner, we can proceed
at a steady pace and focus on getting things right without having to shoulder a
limited budget of sorts. No pressure beyond that of our own demands and sheer
motivation, as well as the eagerness of the fans, but such incredible show of
support is not to be taken for granted. We are anything but lazy here, but won’t
insult our supporters by throwing just anything at
them…
11) So you have used ‘Rhym’s Lair’ in the past? What exactly would be a call for
such luxuries? Getting a label to pay for the studio time perhaps? Speaking of
labels...Does RÁN have anything in mind when it comes to a label in
the future?
D/N: Sure enough, Rhym mix-mastered the ‘Rock to Hell’ re-release in his lair,
despite previous recordings and involvement by various parties/friends on the
earlier, demo version. Same story goes for the material we had gathered for
Demonstorm, but – as mentioned – that got set aside in preference for
Abyssiakh’s guitars and the just re-recording of everything else apart from the
drums I might add. Now, the bass and the vocals – as some of us pleasantly
argued – were good enough, but I felt that since an opportunity presented itself
to enhance the material, why not grab it and make for improvements. We all share
such sentiments in RÁN; to do the very best of what we can accomplish and nothing short of that.
As for such ‘luxuries’ as recording studios and other things we’d want to settle
with a label in the ‘near’ future: Well and in short, we don’t play ourselves
all high and mighty here. No unreasonable demands and our mindset is simply that
of ‘partnership’ and mutually beneficial arrangements when it comes striking the
contract. What’s good for us, should be good for the label and vice versa. We
seek to go as far as possible and we won’t sit idle, expecting others to do all
the hard work. On the contrary, the more our partners do, the harder we’ll push
ourselves. It’s the way we work! Plain and simple, and there’s already enough
evidence of that. We have a good standing with all our affiliates and a growing
reputation as honest professionals. We don’t mess about and we won’t make
mockery of what efforts are being turned to our favour. Talents and prowess
aside, if that shouldn’t convince a label at a point, I don’t know what
will.
12) Sounds fair to me.
You guys are a touring band...meaning you like to get out in the public eye and
show 'em what you got. Are there any specific places or bands that you would
like to play and play with?
D/N: Heheh… Live and kicking about!!! That’s where we shine and where RÁN really aims
to excel. Anytime, anywhere, no venue to great or small! To us, it’s about the
performance and the sharing of the moment with the audience. As to where we’d
like to be headed; there’s no place in preference to another. Sure enough, we
have some good friends who are striving to arrange gigs abroad and we look
forward to performing in the UK next year, and further on to the
USA, South America, the rest of Europe, the Orient.
Hell, anywhere fate takes us really…
Favorable bands to share the stage with? There’s a hard one to answer… I guess the polite
and politically correct thing to say; would be ‘anyone’ really, and I reckon
it’s the truth in all earnest. We don’t really care for any one band above
another, as long as they’re not obnoxious and arrogant, we’re pretty much cool
with anyone we come across. That said, we have made some good friends already
and there are some bands – great and small – we aim to work with in the near
future. They know who they are, and if they don’t, we’ll remind
them…
13) The U.S.A. would be nice for sure one day. And who cares about being "politically correct". hahah If you want to open for Immortal, say so. :)
So,if you take a look into the future of RÁN...what do you see? I know you have a
nice family and with your artwork and all that it must take up a lot of your
time. How long will you or should I say your lady stand for it??
D/N: Opening for Immortal, Mayhem, or any other band of such great renown. That would
be an honour and perhaps we’ll have that opportunity at a point. Indeed, we’ll
work towards such goals with all what strength we have. That and more if
possible…
What the future holds for RÁN and if everything goes as it should, with the approval
of my lovely wife of course and other spouses alike, I guess we’re steering the
right course and developing a sense for the treacherous waters of the
underground music industry as we go along. It’s a great place to be though and
we wouldn’t be doing this unless our hearts’ desires propelled us to go ahead
and realize our vision: To unleash some great tunes and conquer venue
after venue, land after land. Meet some great Metalheads the world over, and
celebrate the music and the great culture we all share!
Where and when it will ultimately end? I simply turn to my innate notions of
insensibility and do what the Vikings did back in the day: I leave it up to fate
and play out the moment as it gets handed to me, with an ounce of
foresight perhaps. I should be so fortunate…
14) Well, there is nothing wrong with high hopes and dreams. A band and or person
should always follow their dreams. It is always helpful to have lot of outside
support. How has the support from the fans been so far?
D/N: We’ve enjoyed a great deal of support insofar, locally as well as
internationally. Even in the very beginning as well as now, certain individuals
of considerable predominance in the Underground music scene, have spurred us on
and given us more than a fair share of encouragement and advice, even criticism.
With good friends on every side, some more closer than others, we can only
honor their presence and kindness by simply trudging on and doing our very
best.
15) Well, it has been a pleasure speaking with you and I would now like to give you
the opportunity to say any final words....
D/N: Thank you and likewise my friend; my pleasure as well…
As for final words, there’s very little to say and a whole lot more to do.
The ideas keep coming and flowing, turning and twisting, and there seems to be
no stopping this beast of RÁN.
Full steam ahead and the engines rumbling! All powers to the fore… Let’s Rock…!m!
You can find RÁN on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Ranmetalwar?fref=ts
Some other links to follow and to hear some of their music
http://www.ranmetalwar.com/
http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Ran
http://www.reverbnation.com/ranmetalwar
http://www.myspace.com/ranmetalwar
out....
If you ever had the pleasure of listening to these guys, I think you will
agree that RÁN is one of the most loyal and dedicated bands in the metal world
today!
I got to sit down with frontman Didirk....this is what he had to say.
1)Good afternoon Didrik....How are you this fine Sunday?
D/N: Doing great Vinteress and thank you very much. Cold, yet sunny day here in the
Nether-realms, spent in the studio, working the last strokes on my latest
painting and listening to early Celtic Frost, trailing into the absolute
nowadays mastery of Triptykon. A sound dose of musical influence I might add…
How are you?
2) Ahhh ok, so you are an artist and not only a musician? Does your art work and
music stem from the same ideas?
D/N: Haha! Now, there’s a question that could easily turn an answer into a novel, but
I’ll do my best to be brief here… …And to be honest, it’s all about flow really. The ideas come in various ways and in
a never-ending stream, visual, lyrical or musical, and there are times I feel
I’m just taking orders from some hidden source, exterior or interior, makes no
difference. Even so, these tend to become intertwined as ideas for paintings can
hit me as tones of music and vice versa. One thing influences the other and safe
to say, I have written down dozens upon dozens of ideas, for music and visual
art alike. There is much work to be done and I dare declare that, as far as RÁN
is concerned, we already have enough material in the works that should suffice
to fill out several albums, each with its own particular theme and the ideas
just keep on coming.
Concerning my paintings and art projects: Work commences at a good pace and – as much as
with the music of RÁN – I aim to hit hard when the time is right! No rest for
the wicked!
3) Speaking of art and music....since you are an artist has RÁN ever thought of
putting together some kind of concept album where each song had a video with
your artwork that goes along with the music? If that makes any
sense.
D/N: Well… I did entertain the notion of combining art and music, even back in the
nineties and – sure enough – it became the driving force that convinced me to
start my own band after 15+ years of silence. Whether this ultimately becomes
something worth doing, or whether these two elements of creativity should be
kept apart, who can tell really? We are simply spoilt with ideas and
opportunities. Anything can happen in its own good time and if it makes enough
sense… …But right now however, the solemn purpose of RÁN is to Rock… and Rock
hard!!!
4) And you guys do rock!! ..... You are playing the Icelandic metal assault tour
this year... how did you land that one?
D/N: Cheers my friend! You’re too kind…
As for the whole Icelandic Metal Assault thing: It all sort of began as I stumbled
across a Facebook message, referring to an Icelandic band looking for Dutch
bands to participate in a tour of sorts. Heheh… The message said something about
crazy Icelanders and – well – since I happen to be one of those, I declared my
keen interest in the matter and got in touch with Norn.
Now, these guys turned out to be exactly what I was looking for in unholy
partnership. The types that say things like “yeah, let’s do it” and “no problem,
we’ll sort this out.” Of course, the tour hasn’t begun yet and we can only guess
what challenges lie ahead, but the Norn guys are damn cool people and great to
work with. Just like my own bandmates, dedicated and positive! I dare say all
the work has been well worth it, and surely will be once all is done and the
venues laid waste.
It’s been hard work though and the whole tour is basically funded out of our own
pockets. There’s no label or big time promotion company behind
this and it just goes to show that with the right mentality, driven and
dedicated people, plus some good friends… Hell, everything is
possible!
5) Very cool! I am happy for you guys. So, you are Icelandic and living in the
Netherlands....? Does your Icelandic roots or the traditions of your heritage go into the making of
RÁN?
D/N: Indeed, born and bred in Reykjavík, of proper Viking bastard stock and proud of the Norse origins as far as they go.
Still, living in the Netherlands is grand! The Dutch are very good at making up for the shortage on landscape by being extremely cool people, and good at brewing beer.
…And let’s not forget the sheer luxury of being central European; a pivotal factor that has in many ways contributed to
the early success of the Icelandic Metal Assault and other things relating to RÁN.
As for the roots: I dare say homeland nostalgia has driven me to incorporate many aspects of my
native culture, lyrically and musically into the structure and – by that – the
essence of the band as such. The former being foremost as I do mend and bend the
ancient laws of rhyming into the poetry, breaking the rules as I go of course,
but I do strongly urge people to read the words as there is much woven in there
and many secrets at large. The identity of the Norse runs deep into the fabric
of RÁN, short of turning us complete Viking Metal and contrasts/correlates nicely with the strong Dutch ideals of Rhym and
Abyssiakh.
6) I see. Well, nothing wrong with that. So, do you put any of those Dutch ideas in
your music. I am assuming your band mates are Dutch?
D/N: Rhym (Drummerbeast) and Abyssiakh (Guitardemon) are indeed Dutch. Good friends
and great musicians to work with. Their input is fast becoming felt as they
assert themselves as full members of RÁN, having only been under the unholy
banner for so long. How their national heritage will play out exactly, only time
will tell, but the desolation of the misty marshlands is – by my reckoning –
only going to increase the tendrils of the Dark side. Heavier and wilder riffs
under the barrage of relentless percussion hammering! I can foretell it will be
damn good...
7) I have been pushing your music around quite a bit and have heard various response.
There is obviously an Immortal influence there, but have you heard that RÁN
sounds TOO much like Immortal....Are they your main influence when it comes
to your music, especially the vocals?
D/N: Heheheh… I was secretly hoping you’d ask something
along these lines, but first our gratitude for your help and support. One can
never say “thank you” too often…
As for the Immortal comparison: I can imagine we remind
many of what they sounded like back in the early to mid 90’s. No surprise there
as our mainstay of influences stems from that period. Bands like Mayhem, Marduk,
Enslaved and more… The dynamics of that era still fuel us although – as is the
nature of influence – the taste is slowly diminishing and turning towards our
own particular sound and feeling. All very easy and at a natural pace of
evolution…
To focus a little on the taste of Immortal and as much
as I understand the need of some to compare, I honestly don’t give it much
thought. We’re heavily influenced by the catchiness of 80’s Thrash and Shock
Rock, plus bands and musicians beyond counting, oldschool and contemporary
alike. If there are accusations of us copying others, so be it! We’re influenced
by everything and everybody, and have no problems admitting to it! Sure enough,
some people say I sound a lot like Abbath and perhaps I do… I don’t think he’d
care much anyways, but for the record: Some great names aside, my biggest
influence vocally and the album that literally got me to begin honing my voice
to what it is today, was Ancient’s Svartalvheim. There it is and check it out.
It’s a damn good album…
8) ok, so you don't go out of your way to mimic or sound like Immortal?
Fair enough....So, you are the one who came up with the band so I assume you
came up with the name on your own? What is the meaning behind RÁN and does it
have any direct meaning in your music?
D/N: Yeah, you got it my friend... We’re simply out to Rock! No holds barred!!!
Now and to the band title, here’s an opportunity to be brief: The name is very much like all other facets of RÁN, simple at first glance perhaps, but interwoven and multifarious in every aspect. It is in fact,
a common woman’s name in Iceland, often used as a second name as a matter of fact. Deriving from the legendary Goddess of the sea, the spouse of Ægir and a chaotic entity of
tremendous power, much as the ocean itself. Now, having been a sailor myself; I
do recognise the power of the sea and the treacherous waves. The threat of the
deep... And I find it something worth captivating through music. The relentless,
unforgiving natural force that pounds you again and again. Leaves you breathless
and helpless at its mercy, yet it can captivate you with its rhythm and sway you
out of control.
Even so, there is more to the name itself. In other uses of my native tongue, it commonly means ‘to raid’ or
even ‘rob’ or ‘steal’. Spelled backwards, as our logo indicates, its meaning is
that of death.
…And there is more to be considered here… For example:
Knock the dot of the ‘A’, put it up in Japanese and it means
‘chaos’.
All in all and merely nipping the tip here, the whole
idea behind RÁN is about as complex as people feel up to. Not at all important
perhaps, but I do usually prefer concepts with many hidden
depths…
9) I see, well that was not brief but ok.. haha So you have some material
coming...and well, so much going on with you guys it is honestly hard to keep up.
What should all the fans and potential fans keep an eye out for right
now?
D/N: Doing my best here, but there’s much to say and difficult not to get carried
away… But – yeah – we’re rather busy and there’s hardly a day without fresh
developments. Fan base is growing at an unprecedented rate and it seems that with
the timely addition of one Abyssiakh, things have really kicked off! We finally
have talent enough, say musical ability to match the full range of ideas and go
forth unhindered to where we are destined.
As for our immediate concerns and a direction for our fans, to play along what
expectations they may have: We decided to postpone the release of the Demonstorm
album till September/October and re-record most of the material to match the
intense guitar play of Abyssiakh. Sure enough, the bass and vocals were recorded
already, but why not make things better since an opportunity has been presented
to do so. For this reason, we decided to re-release the Rock to Hell demo, which
has now been elevated to the status of an EP and that should serve some ears
until the autumn season kicks in.
Other immediate matters beside the Icelandic Metal Assault tour with Norn and
Krakkkbot, which does primarily hold our attention for the time being, would be
the upcoming release of the ‘Black Death Armageddon’ Live DVD + album, which
should see the unlight of day soon enough, unless it turns out to be crap and we
simply dump it in favor of better things…
…And I dare predict of another autumn/winter release in the form of a 6 track EP
titled ‘Remnants’, which should house the few songs we left off the Demonstorm
album plus a couple of covers and a very special, very ‘secret’ number that
should hit in hard enough.
…And we have already mapped out the mainstay of material for another full release in
the good year of 2014. The title and cover is set as well, but I shall say no
more on that for the time being…
…And there is more, more and much more, but one has to take the liberty and hold a
few cards up the sleeve. Besides, I think I’ve ranted away rather well enough on
this one…
10) On hold? That sucks...I was looking forward to this release. Oh well, I will be
patient. While we are on the topic of music.(hehe) were do you guys do your recording for your
albums/ what studio?
D/N: All wicked things come to those who wait and I gather Demonstorm will be well
worth your patience, once it’s out and about… It has been, and shall be recorded
at our own individual homes, via what means we possess and that way seems to
have delivered quality enough so far. We see no reason to enter a proper and
expensive studio until there is either call and/or support for such
luxury.
Anyways, once all material is recorded properly, it gets shipped off to Rhym’s personal
studio (now dubbed as ‘Rhym’s Lair’) and he has shown himself more than capable
of mixing and mastering whatever comes his way. In this manner, we can proceed
at a steady pace and focus on getting things right without having to shoulder a
limited budget of sorts. No pressure beyond that of our own demands and sheer
motivation, as well as the eagerness of the fans, but such incredible show of
support is not to be taken for granted. We are anything but lazy here, but won’t
insult our supporters by throwing just anything at
them…
11) So you have used ‘Rhym’s Lair’ in the past? What exactly would be a call for
such luxuries? Getting a label to pay for the studio time perhaps? Speaking of
labels...Does RÁN have anything in mind when it comes to a label in
the future?
D/N: Sure enough, Rhym mix-mastered the ‘Rock to Hell’ re-release in his lair,
despite previous recordings and involvement by various parties/friends on the
earlier, demo version. Same story goes for the material we had gathered for
Demonstorm, but – as mentioned – that got set aside in preference for
Abyssiakh’s guitars and the just re-recording of everything else apart from the
drums I might add. Now, the bass and the vocals – as some of us pleasantly
argued – were good enough, but I felt that since an opportunity presented itself
to enhance the material, why not grab it and make for improvements. We all share
such sentiments in RÁN; to do the very best of what we can accomplish and nothing short of that.
As for such ‘luxuries’ as recording studios and other things we’d want to settle
with a label in the ‘near’ future: Well and in short, we don’t play ourselves
all high and mighty here. No unreasonable demands and our mindset is simply that
of ‘partnership’ and mutually beneficial arrangements when it comes striking the
contract. What’s good for us, should be good for the label and vice versa. We
seek to go as far as possible and we won’t sit idle, expecting others to do all
the hard work. On the contrary, the more our partners do, the harder we’ll push
ourselves. It’s the way we work! Plain and simple, and there’s already enough
evidence of that. We have a good standing with all our affiliates and a growing
reputation as honest professionals. We don’t mess about and we won’t make
mockery of what efforts are being turned to our favour. Talents and prowess
aside, if that shouldn’t convince a label at a point, I don’t know what
will.
12) Sounds fair to me.
You guys are a touring band...meaning you like to get out in the public eye and
show 'em what you got. Are there any specific places or bands that you would
like to play and play with?
D/N: Heheh… Live and kicking about!!! That’s where we shine and where RÁN really aims
to excel. Anytime, anywhere, no venue to great or small! To us, it’s about the
performance and the sharing of the moment with the audience. As to where we’d
like to be headed; there’s no place in preference to another. Sure enough, we
have some good friends who are striving to arrange gigs abroad and we look
forward to performing in the UK next year, and further on to the
USA, South America, the rest of Europe, the Orient.
Hell, anywhere fate takes us really…
Favorable bands to share the stage with? There’s a hard one to answer… I guess the polite
and politically correct thing to say; would be ‘anyone’ really, and I reckon
it’s the truth in all earnest. We don’t really care for any one band above
another, as long as they’re not obnoxious and arrogant, we’re pretty much cool
with anyone we come across. That said, we have made some good friends already
and there are some bands – great and small – we aim to work with in the near
future. They know who they are, and if they don’t, we’ll remind
them…
13) The U.S.A. would be nice for sure one day. And who cares about being "politically correct". hahah If you want to open for Immortal, say so. :)
So,if you take a look into the future of RÁN...what do you see? I know you have a
nice family and with your artwork and all that it must take up a lot of your
time. How long will you or should I say your lady stand for it??
D/N: Opening for Immortal, Mayhem, or any other band of such great renown. That would
be an honour and perhaps we’ll have that opportunity at a point. Indeed, we’ll
work towards such goals with all what strength we have. That and more if
possible…
What the future holds for RÁN and if everything goes as it should, with the approval
of my lovely wife of course and other spouses alike, I guess we’re steering the
right course and developing a sense for the treacherous waters of the
underground music industry as we go along. It’s a great place to be though and
we wouldn’t be doing this unless our hearts’ desires propelled us to go ahead
and realize our vision: To unleash some great tunes and conquer venue
after venue, land after land. Meet some great Metalheads the world over, and
celebrate the music and the great culture we all share!
Where and when it will ultimately end? I simply turn to my innate notions of
insensibility and do what the Vikings did back in the day: I leave it up to fate
and play out the moment as it gets handed to me, with an ounce of
foresight perhaps. I should be so fortunate…
14) Well, there is nothing wrong with high hopes and dreams. A band and or person
should always follow their dreams. It is always helpful to have lot of outside
support. How has the support from the fans been so far?
D/N: We’ve enjoyed a great deal of support insofar, locally as well as
internationally. Even in the very beginning as well as now, certain individuals
of considerable predominance in the Underground music scene, have spurred us on
and given us more than a fair share of encouragement and advice, even criticism.
With good friends on every side, some more closer than others, we can only
honor their presence and kindness by simply trudging on and doing our very
best.
15) Well, it has been a pleasure speaking with you and I would now like to give you
the opportunity to say any final words....
D/N: Thank you and likewise my friend; my pleasure as well…
As for final words, there’s very little to say and a whole lot more to do.
The ideas keep coming and flowing, turning and twisting, and there seems to be
no stopping this beast of RÁN.
Full steam ahead and the engines rumbling! All powers to the fore… Let’s Rock…!m!
You can find RÁN on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Ranmetalwar?fref=ts
Some other links to follow and to hear some of their music
http://www.ranmetalwar.com/
http://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Ran
http://www.reverbnation.com/ranmetalwar
http://www.myspace.com/ranmetalwar