The following interviews have been found on the net, if you have the dates for the older ones, please post on the forums. Also, many of the interviews include the same questions with the friggin answers, i only copy/pasted them and adjusted the text formatting somewhat.

Following the completion of their contract with Earache Records, Australian industrial/death metal/grindcore crew The Berzerker recently went the independent route, releasing their new album The Reawakening via their official website only and through their own label, Berzerker Industries. I caught up with mainman Luke Kenny to discuss the reasons behind this move, doing things their own way and their upcoming national tour with The Amenta.

Spiritech: An obvious talking point has been your decision to self-release The Reawakening following your contact expiring with Earache. What factors drove you to bite the bullet and release the album yourself?

Luke Kenny: Not getting paid! Well, lots of things really. I actually did less promo/interviews/features etc, on the last few albums then the first few. The label stopped caring and focused heavily on other bands on their roster. I just got sick of working so hard and not getting anything back.

Spiritech: The band has built up a huge following on MySpace, which has even spawned a wave of - I guess you could call them copycats - playing a similar style of music to The Berzerker. Was this a consideration when deciding to go the independent route, that belief that you would be able to reach your fans directly this way?

Luke Kenny: Yeah, we've had the page since 2004 and I've never actually added people to it. It's all from people adding us, which is amazing! I have no interest in having the MOST number of MySpace friends, but it's been a good avenue for people to check out new songs/videos and a way to keep in contact with the band. Yes, I do reply to almost all messages. People don't seem to use e-mail anymore. We've been offered Metal Hammer features and tours from MySpace messages, it's crazy.

Spiritech: Indeed. Just for the record, where can fans buy the new album?

Luke Kenny: There is only one place they can get it - www.berzerkerindustries.com (and of course there is a link from our MySpace page.) This is NOT an mp3 release, it is a full album. Ten new songs and six remixes all packaged in a digipak with a 16-page pull out poster. I'm really happy with the packaging (it wasn't cheap, and Earache would never do anything cool like that for us), so now I own the label I do what I want.

Spiritech: Bands such as Nine Inch Nails and Radiohead have done similar things to The Berzerker in that they have found their own ways to distribute their music, without involving labels and marketing teams. Can you tell us about some of the realities of the business in this respect and would you encourage more young bands to follow your lead? Or should they wait until they're an established artist with a firm fan base before they think about taking such risks?

Luke Kenny: There are both pros and cons, Earache was a great way to get the band known internationally, but on the other hand I never would have got the Earache deal in the first place if I didn't have a track record of sales; before Earache I had already released three Berzerker EPs (one in the USA, one in Austria and one in Germany) that were all selling very well. So I already had a fan base. I think it's a fucking great idea, you have total control....but remember you only get out what you put in. I work seven days a week on this, 14 hours a day plus everyday. It's just me; I don't have assistance from anyone. The band tries to help with some promo and flyering but they all have REAL jobs, so it's all up to me. The best thing about it is when people buy direct from us, they support the band directly but when you buy from a label or a store a high percentage of your money goes to the label/distro and the store. I think bands should defiantly try it. Direct sales and sites like MySpace and Facebook have made it possible. So go forth and good luck.

Spiritech: You heard the man. Now, moving on, the new album relies less on death metal/grindcore elements and more on the industrial influences that have always been present in the music of The Berzerker but perhaps not quite to this extent. Was this a conscious move or just something that happened during the writing of the new material?

Luke Kenny: I'm always trying to get the industrial side back, that's where the band started, Earache pushed us down the metal path, and we never toured with any industrial bands. We've been very fortunate to play with almost all the top metal bands except (Morbid Angel) but I will be constantly trying to expand the sound with every album.

Spiritech: Do you have a favorite track from the new album and if so, why?

Luke Kenny: Lyrically, 'The Deception' is up there. It talks about my time as a contracted recording artist.

Spiritech: You included six remixes on the album as well. They were these done by fans, friends of yours, famous musicians or all of the above?

Luke Kenny: Some were friends and well-known producers from different scenes and some were fans. I became known to the metal world with my Official Morbid Angel remixes in 1998. And I thought... now I'm well known and in a position to give something back. So I ran a competition so that fans could remix our material. There was an overwhelming response. And I think there is some killer stuff on there.

Spiritech: Is there a remix there that you're particularly fond of?

Luke Kenny: There was a public vote for one position on the CD and there was my personal choice for the CD. I chose Track 15, 'Caught in the crossfire - Stanley Cupid Mix'. It's very different then the others and has a killer groove.

Spiritech: Keeping in line with previous Berzerker albums, the artwork on The Reawakening is fantastic. Who did it and what was the inspiration behind it?

Luke Kenny: Adrien Bouss. He actually won a fan artwork comp we had for our last album Animosity, that was killer so we used him again, and the art came out amazing!! That's why we included the 16-page pull out poster in the CD so people can hang it on their wall.

Spiritech: You've got a huge national tour coming up early next year with The Amenta. What can Aussie fans expect when two of Australia's finest Extreme Metal acts are together on one bill?

Luke Kenny: Huge is an under statement. 23 shows in Australia/New Zealand, and seeing as a national tour for us in the past has been five to seven shows, yes this is HUGE! There will be brutality, extreme speeds and massive amounts of aggression. We don't just stand there and reproduce our music, WE PERFORM IT. Most people should know who The Berzerker are and what we do but... it you haven't heard us live then you cannot judge us. The Berzerker is an experience, and the kick-drums are designed for massive PA's. Home stereos simply cannot handle them. So get ready! After literally hundreds of shows overseas we have finally decided it's Australia's time for a proper Australia/New Zealand national tour and were talking out mates The Amenta with us.

Spiritech: What can fans expect in terms of set lists on the upcoming tour?

Luke Kenny: As we haven't been to a lot of places mainly (such as regionals) we will be performing a mix of songs from each of our five albums.

Spiritech: Are you planning to do much overseas touring for this record and if so, where?

Luke Kenny: We've already done three full UK tours this year. One headlining, one as part of the Summer Slaughter tour and a run with Napalm Death and Satyricon, as well as other big festival appearances in both the UK and Europe. We have been away for more than four months and we're glad to be home so were staying here for a while.

Spiritech: Okay, to finish things off do you have any last words for PyroMusic.net readers?

Luke Kenny: You're welcome to come and check the free previews of our newest album The Reawakening at www.berzerkerindustries.com and if you want to support the band please buy it, if you don't... then download it from a torrent site. Either way, we hope you enjoy it!

- Spiritech

Taken from pyromusic.net

THE BERZERKER TELLS THE TRUTH Fans questions answered

On the 30th of January 2006 THE BERZERKER release the long-awaited new album ‘WORLD OF LIES’. We pitched a bunch of questions from the fans down to Australia.

What does a normal day in the life of The Berzerker involve?
Get up; check mail, myspace, forum etc... Spend about 1hr
replying...breakfast, more emails, try to write some music, lunch, more mails, cleaning, eating more e-mails.... Thats pretty much it.... Groundhog day...

Where has been your favourite place to play live so far and what countries that you have never been to would you like to tour?
We love playing the UK, the crowds are so into the music...out of everywhere, the UK seems to understand what The Berzerker are about the most. We would like to play in Portugal, Spain and South America, but we'd absolutely love to play Japan. All the bands who tour there rave about how much fun it is to play there, and the bassist lived there for a while and is dying to go back.

Any special reason for unmasking?
The masks are dying and falling apart, and we went unmasked in The Berzerker DVD. Our reasons for being masked in the first place, which were to take attention away from individuals and back towards music, didn't seem to be working. People lost the ability to use their ears with us due to what their eyes were trying to process.

Will we be seeing The Berzerker setting Europe / USA ablaze in 2006?
We'll see.

What was it like to share a stage with some of your musical hero's such as Napalm Death and Vader and how did you get on with them?
It was an honour to play with those bands. They are to a degree the reason why we love extreme metal in the first place. The chance to see them play 30 nights in a row was a dream come true. Both bands were full of great guys we really had an amazing time with them. We were completely surprised by how down to earth they were, and how easy to get along with they are.

What Pets do you have?
None any more.

According to some other interviews you grew up in a mortuary. What is the most disturbing thing you have ever seen?
I don't know but....the first naked women I ever saw was dead?

Your love for early Death Metal / Grindcore is well documented but what modern extreme metal bands and techno artists are you into at the moment?
Not too much, a lot of the new extreme metal bands are just musicians having a big musical wank instead of getting down and emanating evil and heaviness. I guess but saying that I really don't listen to much new music at all, I'm too busy making it.

If you could go back in time to any era what time would you go back to and why?
Not sure... Id just like to go back 10 yrs and know what I know now...

What kind of books do you read?
I don't ... I have maybe 2 books.... "Mixing with your mind" and "If chins could kill" great read...

With the re-release of some of your early Gabba EP's such as Inextricable Zenith. Have you plans to do more gabba stuff in the future?
Hell yes. It's already started. I've done some amazing tracks... Ill look for a release further down the track

You've collaborated with some big names in the Hardcore techno scene. How do you know Scott Brown and how did you meet Lenny Dee?
Yeah I've know Lenny since about 1993... Great guy... He put out my first records... At the time gabba was like 220bpm... My tracks were 378bpm, he's like "well can ya do a couple of slower ones so I made "koala fish mutant bird" and "No" featuring The Speed Freak, Scott has been a very good mate of mine for about 4 or 5 yrs... We talk almost every day.. I just did some shows with him last week... We have lots in common... He's a metal head too!!!

Do you think by losing the masks that your fanbase will will rise or faulter?
We honestly haven’t though about it. We didn't use the masks to win fans or personal praise in the first place. Who knows, perhaps less? Perhaps we are just a gimmick band to people? I think our music is stronger than most, I'm happy to compete on the 'normal' playing field visually.

If you had 24hours left to live how would you spend them?
With some young teen girls

Have you ever considered moving from Australia to further your musical career?
I have a few times, Sam and Matt are now living in the UK. Germany has been my choice many, many time I’ve been there 9 times. But I still call Australia home. You can’t beat it... And I have been most places

WORLD OF LIES is out on EARACHE on January 30th 2006.

"CHAOS UNLEASHED FROM "DOWN UNDER" by: Adrian Bromley

When one thinks of the fastest and most brutal records this year, there is no doubt that many fingers will point to Australian band The Berzerker and their self-titled release for Earache Records [CoC #47].

The debut release paints a horribly vivid picture of our world and the state in which we live. Just look at song titles like "Pain", "Massacre" and "Cannibal Rights" and you'll understand just where these weirdoes are coming from. Throw on top of that blasting drums, violently charged vocals, ungodly industrial rhythms and ear-piercing guitar riffs and the chaos just goes, um, berzerk. I'm sure you get the picture.  When asked about his take on society and how he plans to help elevate it from the depths that it has fallen into, head guy The Berzerker answers:

"It is not designed to add, it is designed to take. To take the diseased shell of the mundane human rituals and habits that exist on this planet and destroy them to reveal a being with a greater purity than man. Some achieve this via self-mutilation, drugs or violence. We achieve a more intense result in the form of music. My disgust with humanity was not something that I was born with; it stems from my many years of being let down and disappointed with the performance of almost 100% of the humans I have encountered throughout numerous countries on this planet. But my views on humanity are best described in the lyrics of the first song on the record, titled "Reality"."

There are a few elements that make _The Berzerker_ an album truly worth a listen and, in this case, a look. While bombarding us with gabba-fueled industrial death ditties from Hell, the outcasts from society that make up The Berzerker are presented with gruesome skin-like masks and an atrocious appearance. Aren't they afraid that they could be called a gimmick band, lumping them in with the likes of Gwar or Slipknot?

"The Berzerker has not been created to change people's opinions or views", comes the reply. "Our philosophy is a simple one, and that is to unite worthy, like-minded beings, beings who are honest, motivated and self-driven to do the things they say they will. It is to create a sub-race somewhere on this planet where we can exist without being surrounded by inconsiderate beings and to be given the rare opportunity to have the utmost respect for the others who are chosen to surround us. The human form conjures up images of complacency, therefore the human form will be avoided."

And what of The Berzerker's thoughts on the debut disc?
What is more important for the band, the lyrics or the music?

"There is not a single area of The Berzerker that overpowers any other. They all must have an equal amount of my attention. At the present moment (as the album is finally complete) the live shows, continual expansion of the band's image and general awareness of The Berzerker is my current focus. The Berzerker is much more than a band, an artist, or simply as music. The Berzerker involves almost all aspects of life on a physical level and spiritual level. My goals are very extensive and encompass many different aspects of life. More information on this topic will be revealed at an appropriate time."

He continues:

"This quote should sum up my opinion about the album: "Embalming is essentially a process designed to present a dead human individual in the most natural, lifelike attitude and appearance possible. Anything which detracts from the appearance of naturalness will lessen the success of the embalming operation. And in the strictest sense of the word, any result which is not a complete success must be regarded as a failure.""

So just where do these ideas and themes stem from? Are they taken from real life or just spur-of-the-moment thoughts inspired by certain situations? Berzerker says:

"The topics are not a conscious decision by myself. All the themes are based purely on facts. If my attention is brought to an event I think is worthy of The Berzerker, we will encompass the event and all of the heightened emotions that were involved in the particular event. We chose the name The Berzerker in relating to the "berserk" or bare-sark Norse warriors. The physical appearance of the berserk was one calculated to present an image of terror. The berserker was thought not only to have assumed the ferocity of an animal, but also to have acquired the strength of the bear. By the 12th century, the berserk, with his Odinic religion, animalistic appearance, his inhuman frenzy upon the battlefield, and terrorism within the Scandinavian community, disappeared. The berserk, like his patron deity Odin, was forced to yield to the dissolution of Pagan society and the advent of the White Christ", he notes.

"The Berzerker [band], as it stands today, is the most natural form of extremity known on this planet. And being as no performance-enhancing drugs are used at any time, including the recording process and the live performances, this holds true to all sides of the debate on what is truly extreme."

These guys are extreme -- to the max.

Interview for SILENT SCREAM webzine (ITALY) by Dario Fagiolater.

The first question I'd like to ask is very simply: who is The Berzerker? Could you give us a short biography of your band?

The Berzerker has been releasing records since 1995 and has had numerous releases on well known international record labels since then. The releases upto, and before the morbid angel re-mixes were predominantly speedcore records, a variation of gabba. Although with my death metal background I took the speeds well past where they were situated at that time an established quite a reputation with both, my recordings and with my live performances.

The recording of demos for the current release originally began in '96 and production for MOSH 222 began in February '99 and was finally completed in January '00, after almost a full year of studio insanity. The seldom mentioned Berzerker curse destroyed everything in its path, including the lives of everyone involved. Constant human and equipment failure plagued every facet of the recording process. And every deadline that could be exceeded was.

What does represent the moniker "The Berzerker"?

The Berzerker is about musically fulfilling the statement 'He who makes a beast of himself, is free from the pain of being a man' The Berzerker is the most natural form of extremity known on this planet. (And being as no performance enhancing drugs are used at any time. Including the recording process, and in the live performances. This holds true to all sides of the debate on what is truly extreme.

Surely your music is quite particular that puts together different technology and different musical genres. How would you define your music?

I view my music as the evolving face of death metal, and as bringing forward a new style that has been named 'industrial death'

Which kind of audience do you think this kind of music can be addressed to?

The audience that I think this record will appeal to are those who are searching for something or someone to take music to another level, and not just heavy metal fans. I think majority of death metal fans are close minded, and UN-excepting of technology. I am always attracted to extremity in music, be it extreme speedcore records or Japanese noise-core, they are all based on the same premise, and that is, in their own worlds they are doing something with a much greater intensity level then what currently surrounds them. This is also the type of thinking that I am appealing to with The Berzerker record. Not just to a death metal audience, or a Japanese noise audience, but to all who are attracted to pushing the extreme.

Berzerker seem to be willing to transmit feelings like violence, desperation and disorder. What is in your intention the message you want to communicate to the listener?

The Berzerker has been unleashed to pronounce judgment upon all who are perceived as being extreme, it has given the world a yardstick for all to be compared to. We are that yard stick

I'd be very curious to know what procedure do you follow in writing your tracks. Can you tell us something about?

I write very simply, somewhat like building a house. I usually start with a drum beat or a guitar melody. (Although I do write the guitars in my own way.) I have sampled over 250 individual guitar notes and chords from a local guitarist. And I program most of the guitar tracks on the computer. This allows me to adjust the tempos while I'm writing. Now that I've got drums and guitar down I work on vocal rhythms and lyrics, finally I will rearrange the track. Once that's done I'll get a guitarist into the studio to record what I have written (which usually means slowing my tracks down enough so they can physically play them), add the samples, vocals and bass. And there we have it a Berzerker track.

What are your favorite musical genres or the bands that you prefer listening to?

Early death metal and the original star wars soundtrack anthology. Bands such as Carcass and Brutal Truth

What are your main musical influences?

Early death metal bands like Carcass.

As far as lyrics are concerned, what are the main subjects you deal with?

Life on the planet earth, and the way different societies view various topics. I would like the lyrics to be interrupted through the eyes of the listener. I view the lyrics as somewhat of a calling card to unite like minded beings.

Considering that the technological component is much present in your music, how will you be able to show it on stage?

Quite simply, we trigger the kick drums, (as does almost 100% of all touring death metal bands.) And run the samples live. Everything else is standard 3 vocalists, 2 guitarists, 1 bass player, 1 drummer, and a samplist.

The Berzerker are mainly a studio project or have you planned a tour to support your album?

The Berzerker has definite plans to tour this record across the planet. The live show is a major part of informing the world of the sheer power of The Berzerker, and to increase it's global awareness. It is also our chance to manifest in the flesh, and to voice our disgust in the most forceful way possible onto any unsuspecting audience.

Your album artwork is very curious, crowded of several curious weird creatures. Why did you choose it?

I gather you are talking about our identity. It will remain a mystery for the simple fact that in the existence of fleshy man there has never been a face to match the brutality of the malevolent unknown. The human form is far too common; too familiar. Adjectives that do not apply to The Berzerker.

Last question: what should be the ideal world according to The Berzerker's point of view?

It would be existing on a honest planet where people do the things they say they will. And existing where people take responsibility for their actions.

The Berzerker.

Here's an old interview with Luke Chris @ antimtv.com

The Berzerker seems to be more of an entity then the typical band nowadays. How many members are in the band, and who plays what? How do you feel when people try to break down the Berzerker collectively into parts?
The Berzerker:The live band currently consists of 5 members, but MANY more have and are currently involved with The Berzerker project. The Berzerker is viewed by myself as being very similar to a structure like a building, as far as their are many processes involved with the creation and continual maintenance of a particular structure. Included in this analogy would be the fact that 1 or more pieces (windows, doors, electronics etc.) would not amount a significant portion of the structure to justify themselves representing the structure alone.

What does The Berzerker draw it's inspiration from? (Music sources, movies, the media in general, issues of society, etc.)
Inspiration is not a term that I tend to be very familiar with. As I am rarely inspired by others. The music and lyrical content is draw directly from my mind, and contains things that I would (and do) enjoy listening and being involved with.

When and how was The Berzerker formed?
The original musical concept of The Berzerker was created in 1995 by myself. It was later named The Berzerker in 1996. it was some what of a hybrid style of death metal of speedcore. It was created in that way for the simple fact- I was involved in a horrific car accident in 1995 (all the experts said that I should have not survived) and due to the accident I was unable to continue with one of my only interests, playing drums. Around that time music itself seemed as if it would be something I was unable to participate in. I decided to sell almost all of my drum kit's and with the money I attained I purchased samplers and sequencers. My initial idea was to make some sort of electronic death metal, so I could program the drums and sample all the other instruments. It was intended to be a live group, but at that time there was only one, myself.

What drew all of the Berzerker together to form this entity?
I had to attract the correct beings, which took sometime. I have very strong morals and opinions when I comes to anyone's involvement with The Berzerker. I must have utmost commitment from other, and nothing short of that. Many well know musicians were spoken to about their involvement with The Berzerker, some of these included- Vocalists - David Vincent of Morbid Angel, Kevin Sharp of Brutal Truth and Chris Valagao of Zimmers Hole.
Bassist - Danny Lilker of Brutal Truth/S.O.D and Byron Stroud of Strapping Young Lad
Guitar - Patrick Baldwin of Punchdrunk and Jed Simon of Frontline Assembly. Production - Devin Townsend, Collin Richardson.
Due to various reasons all of the above were abandoned in favor of self production and use of unknown musicians currently in Australia. The quote contained below will give you a small insight into my mind on this subject. "Embalming is essentially a process designed to present a dead human individual in the most natural, lifelike attitude and appearance possible. Anything which detracts from the appearance of naturalness will lessen the success of the embalming operation. And in the strictest sense of the word, any result which is not a complete success must be regarded as a failure." The Principals And Practice Of Embalming 1958 L.G. Frederick

The Berzerker takes a page for the books of a very well known death metal band, and their sampling of clips from horror films and darker forms of all media, Mortician. How do you go about finding a sample, and what to incorporate into a song?
All my samples are taken from mondo death films, or medical videos not horror films. I deal purely with reality not fantasy. I have never heard any Mortician tracks. I think the obvious comparisons would be to Carcass. The samples contained a track like Slit Down for instance is to show my appreciation to the band Carcass and for all they did for extreme music in the early nineties.

What is your general feeling about all of the following forms of metal readily available nowadays? -
Death and Black Metal (Cannibal Corpse, Cradle of Filth, Deicide...) -
Rapcore (Limp Bizkit, Kid Rock...) -
The founders of metal (Ozzy Ozbourne, Slayer...) -
New age metal (KoRn,Slipknot...) Hard Electronica (Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson...)
Death and Black Metal - uninventive
Rapcore - No comment
The founders of metal- not much. (slayer were once a great band. Like so many others in the early nineties.)
New Age metal - No comment
Hard Electronica Slow.

Some skeptics believe that the Berzerker is just death metals attempt to start it's own gimmick to get noticed, using masks such as Slipknot, and holding contempt towards the entire human race, such as Marilyn Manson. How do you feel when told that, and what would be your response to the nay sayer?
I did laugh (out loud) when I read this question. It is interesting that anyone could think that the entire Death Metal scene (bands and fans) would unite and form a supergroup with great marketing and merchandise in a feeble attempt to get noticed by the mainstream, but accidentally forget to make the music commercially friendly (a.k.a. Slipknot). I'm not overly worried about peoples views on The Berzerker. It was never intended to appeal to the masses, only to myself.

What collective force keeps the Berzerker together and helps you form this music?

The Berzerker operates under the banner of the Iron Dragon contained on the album cover. The dragon is a recognizable, cross cultural symbol of a sentient being more powerful than man. That is also why we were made to wait until the year 2000 the year of the Iron Dragon to unleash this record upon this planet.

How do you feel about not being readily available to people? I myself had to special order the cd, and friends of mine had to special request it from a local retail store. Not very impressed!

This question did prompt me to call Earache and find out what the fuck is going on. I have been informed the record has been available in all the major chains the U.S. for 2 weeks now. I hope this a problem the distributors intend to fix very quickly. The record has been available in Europe since the 10th of April and is selling surprising well. One of the main reason for singing with Earache was the ability to get comprehensive distribution across this shitty little planet.

What do you think it is that draws most people AWAY for heavy music? What do you think it is that draws some people TO heavy music?
Away - The fact that it deals predominantly with dark subjects. To - The fact that it deals predominantly with dark subjects.

Is there anything for fans of the Berzerker to look forward to soon? (Tour, merchandise, et al)
Yes, talks are currently under way about tours through Europe. Most of the press we have been doing has been concentrated on Europe. But we have definite plans to tour the record thought the US For now we have to wait to see how the record sells in the states. The live shows are a major part of informing the world of the sheer power of The Berzerker, and to increase it's global awareness. It is also our chance to manifest in the flesh, and to voice our disgust in the most forceful way possible onto an unsuspecting audience. T-shirt and merchandise designs are also underway. Even The Berzerker figurines.

Is there anything that the Berzerker is looking forward to doing, or would like to do?
Yes.

If the Berzerker could do ANYTHING it wanted on any scale, what would it want to do most?
That information is currently unavailable.

When the Berzerker matures musically with their next album, albeit it far away, what can listeners expect?
Yes we already have a lot of material for the next record, and yes it will be more extreme. Music has still a long way to be pushed yet. But if I set out to make the heaviest and fastest album that could ever be recorded, where would I go from there? this album is the first installment with many more already in the planning stages. My intention was to make a record that would be brutal enough to surpass what is currently available, and to leave myself with enough room to progress forward for the next installment of The Berzerker.

Interview from MetalHeadMusic.com

Metal Head: We would first like to thank you for taking the time to do this interview.
Metal Head: How and when did you guys form?

Berzerker: I created The Berzerker in 1995. the project has taken on many different forms since then. I have slowly acquired the right combination of musicians along the way. altogether I have gone through 13 guitarists, 8 vocalists, 3 bassists and 6 drummers up to this point. (that I remember) It has taken a very long time and I've had to teach a lot of people my music.

Metal Head: Was it hard at first to get shows and be heard? Stuff like that.

Berzerker: Yes, I think for all bands starting out it is difficult, especially if you are doing something a bit different.

Metal Head: Do you feel you have matured since the beginning?

Berzerker: Most definitely, and we still have a long way to mature yet.

Metal Head: Where did you guys come up with the name "Berzerker"?

Berzerker: The Berzerker is a group of sentient beings more powerful than man. We chose the name The Berzerker in relating to the "Berserk" or bare-sark Norse warriors.'The physical appearance of the berserk was one calculated to present an image of terror'. 'The berserkers was thought not only to have assumed the ferocity of an animal, but also to have acquired the strength of the bear'. 'By the twelfth century, the berserk with his Odinnic religion, animalistic appearance, his inhuman frenzy upon the battlefield, and terrorism within the Scandinavian community disappeared. The berserk, like his patron deity Odinn, was forced to yield to the dissolution of pagan society and the advent of the White Christ.

Metal Head: Who have opened for you and whom have you opened for?

Berzerker: We've yet to do any overseas touring with The Berzerker, and we don't play very often. We've played with bands like Mortification, Alarum, The Wolves and many others mostly Aussie bands.

Metal Head: Have you been in any other bands?

Berzerker: Yes. Mostly Death Metal.

Metal Head: Who writes your lyrics?

Berzerker: Myself.

Metal Head: Do they have significant meaning to you or do you just write like that? If so could explain some?

Berzerker: The lyrics deal with facts. Not fantasy horror. We use no coarse language contained in the lyrics, I find it disappointing that majority of extreme bands must resort to vulgarity to achieve any impact. The lyrics are about
life on the planet earth, and the way different societies view various topics. I would like the lyrics to be interrupted through the eyes of the listener. I view the lyrics as a calling card. Our philosophy is a simple one,
and that is to unite worthy, likeminded beings. Beings who are honest, motivated and self-driven to do the things they say they will. It is to create and sub-race somewhere on this planet where we can exist without being surrounded by inconsiderate beings. And to be giving the rare opportunity to have the utmost respect for the others who are chosen to surround us.

- Here is a brief insight into 2 songs contained on the record.

- Cannibal Rights - is a factual story about two men feasting on their relatives, for the purpose of gaining the skills to hunt and generally live, but not knowing of a law that had been recently passed stating that the punishment for cannibalism had been changed from imprisonment to the death sentence. these men were executed for carrying out one of their tribes traditions, and the fact that they knew nothing of why they were executed.

- Pain - another factual story of a woman that had her face literally ripped from her skull in a milking farm accident. her hair was caught in a machine and slowly her face was torn from her skull. the only part of her face that
was left intact was one of her ears and part of her lower jaw. the song deals with the agony of the injury and tries to draw the listener in to the feelings that must this woman must have felt. it also deals with what it
must of looked and felt like for her husband, who found her lying in a pool of blood some 20 minutes after the initial accident. with her face still trapped and spinning in the machine. incidentally the woman lived and had
her face reattached.

Metal Head: I think all your fans want to know this one, including me: What does your video mean? Or is it just meant to disturb peoples thoughts?

Berzerker: The video was to give a rare glimpse of ourselves. The entire video filmed and edited in 4 days, for a $320. I had a fair idea that the video would get banned. Earache asked me not to put any dead people's faces in the clip, so of course I did.

Metal Head: What would you say you act like on live shows?

Berzerker: Very physical, very powerful, very aggressive, sheer madness.

Metal Head: Do you have any touring plans to the US? If so do you have dates?

Berzerker: We are currently in talks with Earache about U.S. tours, but we have no confirmed dates as of yet.

Metal Head: What would you say for advice to younger bands starting out?

Berzerker: Do not follow trends. Set your own. Get out and meet as many people in the industry as you can. I myself have never heard of even 1 band getting a record deal from sending in a demo tape. in this industry is not what you know, it's who you know.

Metal Head: Was it hard for you to get where you are today?

Berzerker: Not really, in the early 90's when I was playing in death metal bands, we would have never even thought of sending a tape to Earache, we didn't think we were good enough. (although we did get an offer from Roadrunner Records) In the mid 90's I started making gabba and speedcore, and met the right people (the head of labels like Industrial Strength (U.S.A.), Id+t (Holland), Shockwave (Germany) as well as many others), I also supported many international acts. my music was MUCH more extreme then what they were doing, but the labels gave me a break and put my records out. in 1996 Digby Pearson (Earache) heard one of my records and voted it as one of the top 10 releases of 1996. and in 1998 I had a meeting with earache in the U.K. and happened to have my demo's on me. (I was already well into talks with Industrial Strength Records) And the rest is history.

Metal Head: Did you ever think you would become this big?

Berzerker: Big we are currently a tiny dot in the grand scale of the music industry, you are witnessing the birth of The Berzerker. We will attain heights in the industry that are currently unimaginable.

Metal Head: What do you think you would be doing if you were not with Berzerker?

Berzerker: Another music project.

Metal Head: What would you classify your music as? (Metal, Death, Speed, etc.)

Berzerker: Intense. The music is primarily death metal, but we have replaced the kick drums with samples of distorted 909's. (or gabba kicks) This makes the bands sonic impact much greater that traditional metal. we have also included a lot of vocal samples, and plenty of industrial sounds for added impact. The new style we have created is the ever evolving face of death metal and has been named 'industrial death'

Metal Head: Now the most important question of all..Coke or Pepsi?

Berzerker: Neither they both rot your teeth.

Metal Head: If you were in a porn what would you use for a pornstar name? (We have a girl working for Metal Head Music too!)

Berzerker: My real identity has been involved in the porn film scene for some time.

Metal Head: Any last shout outs?

Berzerker: "In the existence of fleshy man there has never been a face to match the brutality of the malevolent unknown." The Berzerker. 2000 AD

Interrogation: The Berzerker, July 2000

The press material for The Berzerker is rather uninformative, leaving an air of mystery about the band, I assume intentionally… So, since I’m not very informed, give some brief history and mention who handles what duties in the band.

The Berzerker has been releasing records since 1995 and has had numerous releases on well known international record labels since then. The releases up to and before the Morbid Angel re-mixes were predominantly speedcore records, a variation of gabba. However, with my death metal background, I was compelled to take the speeds well past where they were situated at that time, and established quite a reputation with both my recordings and with my live performances.

The press release refers to the band as "monstrous super-human mutations" and the photos depicting masked beast-like creatures create a similar resemblance. Why do you find it necessary to portray this "image" as a defining characteristic of the band, aside from the music?

Quite simply, in the existence of fleshy man there has never been a face to match the brutality of the malevolent unknown. The human form is far too common, too familiar... adjectives that do not apply to The Berzerker.

How has this "image" affected the response to The Berzerker?

It gives people something greater than just music to focus on, it broadens The Berzerker’s listening audience to other genres. People might have no interest in the music but find the image and processes used to construct the image appealing.

From what I understand, this is not your debut release… so what have you released prior to this CD, and how did you hook up with Earache?

4 and 6 track EP’s... I was approached by Earache in ‘98 to re-mix some of their bands. After having trouble with certain Carcass and Brutal Truth master tapes, Morbid Angel was chosen. Three re-mixes were completed with only two released. The two in question were gabba style mixes with the third being very similar to the sounds of The Berzerker (present day). This re-mix of Morbid Angel’s "The Ancient Ones" is brutally fast and represents my view of what a re-mix should sound like. I was in the UK to catch up with Earache in ‘98 and upon hearing some early demos they offered me the record deal.

How would you describe your lyrical ideas? From what I’ve been able to read of them, the topics range from violence to distaste for life, etc. While some of the ideas are straightforward, an overall premise is not, so talk about your concepts and ideas behind the tracks…

The lyrics deal with facts: Life on the planet earth, and the way different societies view various topics. I would like the lyrics to be interpreted through the eyes of the listener. I view the lyrics as somewhat of a calling card to unite like-minded beings. The lyrics are designed to bring together self-motivated and honest people across the globe; they are also designed to keep certain people away from The Berzerker.

You classify your sound as "industrial death", which makes a lot of sense, but in the final tracks there is obviously a big influence from power electronics. What genres of noise and experimental electronics are you interested in, and do you plan to explore these further with The Berzerker?

The self-titled release is the first installment (with many more already in the planning stages) of The Berzerker. For us it is an ongoing process of gaining a greater understanding of the effects that sound can have on humans and the ways and means to control ithem.

How do you handle the use of electronic drum programming and extensive samples, etc. into your live performances?

Quite simply we trigger the kick drums live (as does almost 100% of all touring death metal bands) and run the samples live. Everything else is the standard three vocalists, two guitarists, one bass player, one drummer, and a sampler. The Berzerker has definite plans to tour this record across the planet. As of July 2000 we are currently searching for a new live drummer. We have three drummers currently working on the material, and as soon as the position is filled we will commence plans to tour the USA and Europe. The live show is a major part of informing the world of the sheer power of The Berzerker, and to increase its global awareness. It is also our chance to manifest in the flesh, and to voice our disgust in the most forceful way possible onto any unsuspecting audience.

Your website contains a "test of the iron dragon’s wisdom", reminiscent of some sort of children’s game. What is this all about exactly, and what significance does it hold for you?

It is to show how simple the human mind really is.

Recently your video for the "Reality" track was banned by MTV Europe and has caused some form of controversy. I tried to download the video to take a look, but it didn’t work… so, not having a clue, what was it about the video that was deemed "too extreme" for TV?

Autopsy pictures and extremely fast strobing images. You can view that video at http://www.earache.com.

Did you intentionally make the video as graphic as possible, hoping to initially incite this form of trouble and cause problems with the media?

Why would I make it as graphic as possible? In life you must always have something much greater or more extreme waiting in the wings, or you will never succeed at anything.

You’ve been revising the video in hopes that it will get at least some airplay… Basing your philosophy on utmost extremes, don’t you feel that it cheapens your attack to have to censor the piece to get exposure on television?

The censored version was made so that more people could be exposed to The Berzerker. We hope that as more people are exposed to us through the edited version, then they will seek out the original version.

What should we expect from the future of The Berzkerker?

More than you can possibly imagine.

If there’s anything else you feel is worth discussing, by all means do so…

The Berzerker is about musically fulfilling the statement, "He who makes a beast of himself, is free from the pain of being a man." The Berzerker is the most natural form of extremity known on this planet.

An interview from brokensilence.de

Could you just say in a few words what The Berzerker is all about, because to me it seems to be a little more than just an ordinary band. Your record is rather like a statement, like a sledge hammer on the music scene of today …

The Berzerker is about musically fulfilling the statement “he who makes a beast of himself, is free from the pain of being a man