Feature: RAISE YOUR FIST Decodes ‘Leader of the Pack’
Can you talk about any specific themes or motifs that run throughout 'Leader of the Pack?'
What we tried to do in this EP is to make it a flagship being true to ourselves and the old school values of the scene. Those being dedication, friendship, honesty and hard work. What you see is what you get: us as human beings, flawed but not afraid of fighting to better ourselves.
You will encounter songs that talk about our inner struggles and clashes with what society demands or portrays as the ideal. You will find lyrics on our view of the scene and the changes in it. There is even a song that was inspired by the current geopolitical situation and the rise, once more, of totalitarian rulers.
We hope to inspire people to think freely and to ‘have heart’’ as we like to call it. Compassion and tolerance are no weaknesses.
Were there any memorable or standout moments during the recording sessions for this album?
The whole process of the recording was interesting for us. It was the first time that we took charge of this ourselves. Joas, our vocalist, built a recording studio in his house, with new equipment and a special cubicle to record the vocals in. The whole thing was an endeavor of trial and error.
We learned a lot and put a lot of time and effort in the recording. One advantage was that we could take our time. We could rewrite parts of songs that didn’t quit sound as we expected. We could do as many takes as required. One of the songs was written completely during the recording.
We will all remember something that happened during the recording of the vocals. Joas was doing some screams and after a while we saw blue flashlights in the streets. Apparently the neighbors had called the cops and the fire department, because they thought someone was being assaulted. Everything was explained and from then on, we always alerted the neighbors up front.
Which song(s) from 'Leader of the Pack' do you think best represents your artistic vision?
We are very proud of all the songs on this EP. We feel like none of them are just album fillers. But we are most fond of “Inner Strain” and “The Pack.” “Inner Strain” is the one we wrote during the recording of the EP and captures all that we feel represents our style and identity as a band. It’s a powerhouse, combining melody and strength into a freight train that smashes through walls and only stops when everything in its path has been destroyed.
“The pack” carries a strong message that we carry close to our hearts. It is our view of the scene today and what it should be, to us. It was inspired by personal experiences and conflicts. Seth Vanleene (Ex Behind Bars) adds rawness to it with his guest vocals. And it has a killer breakdown.
I want to mention “Against the Order” as well. It’s a collaboration with Ziggy Coertjens of Fatal Move, a great band with great guys. They have been an inspiration for us and the songs just bangs with his vocals on it!
How would you describe your band's overall stage presence and the energy you bring to your live shows?
We treat every gig the same way. We give it our all and never hold back. No matter the size of the stage or the crowd. We don’t use gimmicks, bling or grandeur. We dress in all blacks and we have a banner with our name on it. That’s it. Our performance is about the music, not about image or persona’s. We project energy, passion and a clear fuck you to whoever has a problem with that.
Where do you find inspiration for your songs or musical ideas?
In our day to day lives. Music and idea’s live inside everything and everyone around us. We draw inspiration from bands we love, like Stick to your Guns, Lamb of god, Ghost Inside (old), Hatebreed,… But also from situations that move us, touch us or anger us. Our music is a window into who and what we are. We try to be honest to the world, as well as to ourselves.
