Interview Scythe Beast

Scythe Beast, a melodic metal band, discusses their origins, songwriting process, live performances, and the impact of their latest album in this captivating interview.

1.      Can you tell us more about the origins of Scythe Beast and how the project evolved from a studio project into its own entity?

SB: Well, it all started with an idea from Koopie (technical Mastermind behind Scythe Beast) and myself (Sven) to combine some Riffs as a birthday present for a good friend of ours. When we started recording we realized that we worked really well together. We both knew there was potential there - so I started to write songs, which Koopie and I recorded in his home studio. In the writing process, in the beginning, the drums were programmed (lousy!) and we soon reached out to Theo (Andreas Tegeler), with whom I’d already played together. Theo was already well-known for his talent and precision with his band Poverty’s No Crime.

From there it just became a self-running process of writing and recording.

2.      The release of your first album, "Breeding Devastation," received a positive response from both fans and the music press. How did this feedback influence your decision to continue and further develop Scythe Beast?

Well, at some point we thought it might be a nice idea to release an album and share it for free with the metal community. You can still download it on our bandcamp page for free (or whatever you like to pay). We got in touch with some really good guitarists to help out with the solos, and Theo played the drums. All vocals, bass and guitars are played by myself and Koopie did all the recording stuff. He wasn’t sure though if he could also do a good mastering, so that went over to Daniel Thabet at Liquid Studios.

And with all the positive feedback and cool people we got in touch with, we never even thought about stopping.

3.      How would you describe the musical style and influences of Scythe Beast? Are there any particular bands or artists that have inspired your sound?

I´m a huge fan of fast and melodic stuff, such as ‘At the Gates’, ‘Dark Tranquility’ or ‘God Dethroned’. You´ll find everything that influenced me since I started to listen to metal in the early 80´s in our music.

4.      Can you share some insights into the songwriting and recording process of Scythe Beast? How do you approach creating your music?

Even though we´re a real band now, the writing process is still the same. It works like a well lubed machine. I write some riffs, Koopie and I record them and we combine them until we´re happy with the results. The songs will sound a bit different live, but that´s really pretty cool, because on stage we can use way more expression and power. Working in a studio is always very disciplined, that’s why I like playing live better - so I can release all that energy and give it back to the audience. This music is written to be played live, have some beers with your best friends and smash the shit out of your guitar ;-)

5.      In 2018, you embarked on a new album project and recruited new personnel for the band. How did this impact the creative direction of Scythe Beast, and what were your goals for the album?

While Koopie, Theo and I recorded the second album ‘Indicted for Misconception’ the idea was always there to grow from a studio project to a full-scale live band. We thought that this stuff would work out well live and it´d be fun as hell to play. During that time, we got in touch with Claus (vocals) and Jens (bass). They both joined after the recording process and we began to look for a second guitar player. I’d known Frank since I started to play an instrument and we had played together over the years. He decided he wanted to join the madness and voilà- the lineup was complete.

6.      How did the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown affect your plans and activities as a band? How did you utilize this time to regroup and continue working on your music?

We played our very first gig in January 2020 - and the premiere was a blast! The songs kicked ass and we as a band really had the feeling that we’d been playing together on stage for years! But the Pandemic crushed all our hope of performing anymore gigs that year. So, we went back to the basics.

7.      On 04.03.2021, you released your second album, "Indicted for Misconception." Can you tell us more about the themes and concepts explored in this album and how they differ from your previous work?

Hm, that´s hard for me to say, because I´m in a constant state of “the writing process”. I write lyrics just out of my head, whatever’s in there just comes out. So there´s a variety of topics from classic horror stuff, war or religion. The title track was inspired by the shooting at the Bataclan in Paris - so many dead. They just wanted to have a good time at an “Eagles of Death Metal “concert. It still triggers me. I don´t care if you believe in a religion or something. But that´s a private thing between you and the god you chose.

8.      With recent personnel changes on bass and vocals, how has this affected the dynamics and sound of Scythe Beast? How have these changes influenced your music?

Unfortunately, Jens and Claus left the band because of personal reasons. Hendrik joined on our first gig after the pandemic and short time later Gregor replaced Claus. Both are very talented and decent guys and they really pushed the limits. The 3^rd album is already written and we’ve started recording the drums and guitars. This time I’m handing over all lyric and bass stuff on the recording to them, so the next album will definitely sound different than the others. Playing live with these guys is absolutely great and besides their musical skills they’ve got hair that looks way better than mine while headbanging!

9.      As a band, what are your main goals and aspirations for the future? Are there any specific milestones or achievements you hope to reach?

We´re a live band, so the main goal is to play as much live as we can. Besides that, we take everything as it comes. We´ve already played with “God Dethroned” (!) which was a great experience, but what I like most are all the other fantastic bands and people you meet and get in touch with. The scene is a huge family, and so we keep on doing what we love.

10.  How do you approach your live performances? What can fans expect from a Scythe Beast show in terms of energy and atmosphere?

That´s a bit hard to describe. We were told, that we´re on full adrenalin on stage and that we’re a bunch of funny guys not taking things too seriously. Though we love to play fast, you may consider taking a break - with an oxygen mask - after a 45-minute set. Like we do.

11.  Are there any standout moments or memorable experiences from your live performances or interactions with fans that you'd like to share?

Well, besides playing with one of my personal idols, I remember a scene after a show, when a huge guy came up to me after we finished. With tears in his eyes he told me that he was absolutely touched by our fast, raging melodies and that it took him back to “Dissection” concerts in the past. I was totally overwhelmed, as this was a huge compliment.

12.  How has the overall reception been for "Indicted for Misconception" so far? Have there been any notable reactions or feedback from fans or the metal community?

Of course! We released the first album without any work in the socials or the goal to get a great response. With “Indicted” we went a bit more on the offensive - releasing it on streaming platforms and asking mags and bloggers to do reviews. And again, there were only positive reactions and some labels even hit us up.

13.  What do you hope listeners take away from your music? Are there any particular emotions or messages you aim to evoke through your songs?

I don´t like to preach morality in my lyrics, or anywhere else, so take from them what you like. At the very least you´ll get a little glimpse inside my head. The music comes from there too, so if it makes you bang your head – Great! If not, well there are plenty more bands, and I promise you, you´ll find your match.

14.  Are there any plans for upcoming releases, tours, or collaborations that fans can look forward to in the near future?

As mentioned before we´re working on the third album, but the main focus is to play live. But it’s also the focus of millions of other bands, and it´s hard to get a slot. But we keep trying hard and keep on networking.

15.  As a band, how do you navigate the challenges and demands of the music industry? What advice would you give to aspiring musicians based on your own experiences?

 We played with SDI (a famous German thrash band) , and these guys have nearly traveled the entire world since the 80s. And the advice they gave us is to care about your stuff as much as you can. It´s your work, and if you work together with a label you have to be sure, that they don´t rip you off.

16.  Finally, is there anything else you would like to share with your fans and the readers of this interview about Scythe Beast or any other projects you are involved in?

Every single musician in Scythe Beast is involved in other projects or bands. But I´d like to take the opportunity to thank you and all the other bloggers, fanzines, webzines, mags and whatever for giving bands like us a platform to get known. It´s always a lot of fun to talk about what you love and show it to the community. Keep on supporting the underground and go out and support the venues. The world is a giant mosh pit!

https://linktr.ee/Scythe_Beast