RISING TIDE - Against The Stream ! (Metal/Hardcore - Interview with Rutger)
Please introduce yourself and let me know how it all began with the band ?
This is Rutger, Drummer in Rising Tide. Thank you Fab, for hosting this talk with us ! (My pleasure - Ed.)
Rising Tide, is a 5 piece Hardcore band from the Southern Parts of The Netherlands. Originally we started out as an HC Punk band called Above The Struggle (1998-2005) and renamed our band in 2005 to Rising Tide, since our sound clearly shifted to melodic hardcore with more and more heavy metal influences and we felt the need to highlight this change with a new name and visuals. The band started out in 1998 as a bunch of high school friends that got together at shows and found common ground over the HC and punk shirts we were wearing at that time. We all felt the urge to participate in the local scene at that time, so we started rehearsing some Agnostic Front and Backfire! covers and before we knew the band was born. Actually 4/5 original members are still in Rising Tide today. Rob joined Rising Tide in 2007 and is a perfect addition to our long time adventure. That urge to get up on a stage and participate in our scene never left and is even more present then ever!
Describe your sound and explain why I should listen to YOUR band at all cost ?
We play a catchy mix of oldschool heavy metal and hardcore. Pounding HC riffs, some fine mosh parts but also harmonizing melodies and galloping riffs like Maiden does.
Why listen to us at all costs? You get the best of both worlds; mosh like you mean it and bang your head like you're at a smashing classic rock party!
Lyrical and musical inspirations/influences ? How important are the lyrics for you ? Are there any specific messages or thoughts you try to develop and share through your lyrics ?
The obvious influence is of course Maiden! When it comes to the heavy metal and melody parts, it's Maiden that we look at. HC wise we tend to lean more to bands like CBK and SOIA but we really try to give it our own touch really. Lyrically we try not to be too explicite and on the nose when it comes to themes but we do try to get people to think about the repsonsibilties of their own actions, how to have a positive outlook, what role you play in your direct envirement and globally. Some lyrics are more expressive/explicit though; like songs about the uselessness of war or the loss of beloved ones.
About your latest release ?
The Reflections EP was recorded at the end of last year at Studio 195, with the magnificent Patrick Delabie behind the decks. We specifically chose for Patrick because he has a great way of live recording and really knows how to capture the energy of a band. That's something we were looking for for this release; no clinical, over produced klick-track sound, but a vibe that resembles a live show with more warmth and dynamics. When you listen closely to all the songs, you'll notice that there are references in the artwork to all the lyrics. The artwork was done by our guitarplayer Koen, who is a wizard when it comes to this stuff! The REFLECTIONS EP is available digitally on Spotify, YouTube and Bandcamp and we might just have a surprise release later when it comes to physical formats.
Future plans ?
We will definitely try to hit the studio more often from now on and release more singles/EP. We might just combine those for a psychical release too, stay tuned for that!
And furthermore we'd love to play more shows, so hit us up if you have a spot left!
Your most insane dream with the band would be ?
Since we're visitors from the early hour, I would say, play Graspop Metal Meeting as a Maiden warm up!
Your BEST & WORST concert and why ?
Last month we had the honour of playing the legendary Among The Angels fest in M-Town/Maastricht and that show was just so special to play for us. But I think our 25-year anniversary show in our old hometown Roermond was our best show ever; the energy on stage and in the room was something else! Our worst show, is a show we've played in Aalst, Belgium; everything went wrong with that one, crappy sound, songs mixed up, no vibe a complete and utter shit show haha.
Next live-appearance(s) ?
We have a Roermond show planned for the 30th of june and we will go back to our roots some more, since we're playing Heerlen and Landgraaf at the end of the summer !
Some words on your local scene - bands you're friends with and you'd like to name ?
We're really lucky with the HC scene in The Netherlands, there are so many hard working bands, promotors and club owners, something truly unbelievable!
That goes from insane festivals like Martijn NTB's Revolution Calling Festival and the mighty mighty Pitfest to the monday evening small gigs at Innocent Hengelo by Awkward Bookings and the neverending stream of bar shows at Café Bluff!
Last word is yours..
Thank you for your time Fab! With Rough Times you truly show the importance of what it means to support a scene! (Thanks so much - Ed.) For every kid out there; start a band, make a zine, book a show or get drunk at a local gig, support your scene !
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