RAWSIDE - Frontal Assault ! (Hard-Core Metal - Interview with Henne, Justin & Georg)
Please, introduce yourself and tell us how it all began?
You’re talking with Henne (Vocals) and Justin (Drums) as well as Georg (Guitar).
Rawside was formed in 1993 in the north of Bavaria, Germany, primarily as a means to address problematic issues like racism and social injustice. Ever since its beginnings, all members of the band were heavily influenced by punk and metal music, so getting together and making heavy music was the best way to express discontent with the status quo in politics and society after all. Over time, Rawside became a force to reckon with among German hardcore punk music and released six albums, a few EPs and a live album. Within over 30 years, there has been quite a lot of change among the ranks of Rawside. So it almost came natural that after a few turbulent times, the founding member and father (Henne) was joined by his son (Justin) to play in the same band, completed by Stephan, Simon and Georg to shape Rawside up to today.
Describe your sound and explain why I should listen to YOUR band at all cost ?
Rawside plays straight forward, fast and heavy HC-Punk with a lot of metal influences. If you want to experience an album or a live show covering a lot of ground in terms of aggression and up-tempo power, you should give our new album "Menschenfresser" a spin.
Lyrical and musical inspirations/influences ? How important are the lyrics for you ?
Racism, war, social injustice and indifference - you name it. Unfortunately, there’s as much inequality and suffering among humanity as there was in the days of our forming. But of course, there are personal experiences that occur just naturally over the years, like loss, struggling or friendship.
Are there any specific messages or thoughts you try to develop and share through your lyrics ?
One should go through life with open eyes and mind, and keep in mind, not to only think of oneself. Challenge your perspective every once in a while.
About your latest release ?
Our new album MENSCHENFRESSER was recorded last year in july at Kohlekeller Studios and dropped 7th of June. The songs that made it to the cut were created over the last four years. The difference regarding the last albums - this time, each and every member contributed a few songs and ideas, so there’s a lot of variety going on, but most of it got finished as a group effort. So in the end, it is a Rawside album after all, with all the trademarks the band is known for.
The cover artwork was done by our drummer, the whole package artwork was done in a co-production with our friend Chris at Killerartworks. You can get it at Fett Fleck Records, with a few colour and package options if you like vinyl. You can go old school with a CD or you can check it out on Spotify, iTunes.
Future plans ?
We want to go and hit the stage as much as possible, trying to bring MENSCHENFRESSER to as many people as possible. We’d do that happily in France at some point. Or other parts of Europe. Touring abroad is a lot of fun, so we'd be glad to include more gigs outside of the DACH-region. Apart from that, new songs are always just around the corner, so we’ll get back to writing new material as soon as possible.
Your most insane dream with the band would be ?
Some of us dream about performing at Wacken, others are or would be just fine with solo accommodation after a gig, so it depends on who you’re asking ;) A nice tour with another cool band would be great, might even be on a nightliner.
Your BEST & WORST concert and why ?
Force Attack/With Full Force - 2 shows - 7 people... (Hmmm.. indeed.. Ed.)
Next live-appearance(s) ?
In the coming weeks, we’ll be playing a few major cities and festivals in Germany, before a tiny summer break for all of us. We’re gonna be back in autumn to promote MENSCHENFRESSER some more.
Some words on your local scene - bands you're friends with and you'd like to name ?
Among them, there are more experienced groups like Loikaemie or Amen 81, other outfits like Frontalangriff or Operation Foxley. Sometimes it’s nice to share the stage with long-time friends but to also see new and young people making noise and good stuff. Just when you think, the scene has grown more quiet, you get surprised with fresh stuff you weren’t expecting. But one might add, the demand for handmade music has taken a noticeable hit in the past years, especially after COVID. Nevertheless, there are a ton of good people out there, organising shows and keeping the scene alive, as well as staying politically vocal.
Last word is yours..
Support handmade music, go out to shows and help to keep subculture and the local club scene alive - form bands and make noise and/or music. And check out our new record, of course ;)
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