NEMHAIN (GBR)
"IN NEMHAIN - AS IN AT THE GATES - THE FIRE IS BURNING ALWAYS HUNGRY!"
Written by Gerald Robinson on Friday 08 December, 2006. Last updated on Thursday 11 January, 2007
With his stint in Cradle of Filth very much a thing of the past, legendary skinsman Adrian Erlandsson has an exciting new London-based band up his considerable sleeve. 'The Swede' is one fifth of the raw energetic sleazefest known as Nemhain and he was obliging enough to give Vampire Magazine an exclusive insight.
Black blessings Adrian and thank you for agreeing to this interview with Vampire Magazine! Could I begin by asking you to introduce our readers to your new band – Nemhain. Who are these guys and how did you hook up with them?
“Nemhain is a dirty, dark, rock ‘n’ roll band. We were formed in London this year by me, Morrigan (my wife), Cherry and Da Witch. The idea for the band had been brewing for quite some time and one drunken evening, Nemhain was born through a cloud of smoke and baptised in JD. A few months later a friend of ours, Sam Hain, was wrestled to the floor, given a guitar and told that he was in the band.”
To what extent did your commitment to Nemhain lead to you deciding to quit Cradle of Filth? Were there other factors involved in the decision? I know you’re also drumming in another band (Needleye) – was it a time factor thing? Is there any animosity lingering or has the split been amicable?
“Everything has a time and a place and my time in Cradle was up. I had given all that I could to the band and it was time to move on. I had already started Nemhain and was doing session drums for Needleye, but also I am working on another new band (yet unnamed). Through all of this I have been doing a lot of drum clinics and teaching as well. So me leaving COF was inevitable.”
It’s a huge act of faith to leave an established band for an upcoming one that still has it all to prove. Does this challenge excite you? How does it compare to starting out with At The Gates all those years ago?
“Nemhain is an incredibly powerful outfit. I have a very strong belief in the band and our music. A lot of times in an established band, things are done by numbers and thus lack in true fire and passion. In Nemhain - as in At The Gates - the fire is burning always hungry!"
How would you describe Nemhain? The band image seems to be kinda sleazy punk rock – is that close? What audience are you aiming for?
“That’s a pretty accurate description. I would say that anyone that likes rock ‘n’ roll or to have a good time is in our crosshair.”
The question on everybody’s lips: which band member has the most tattoos?
“Either Mr Sam Hain or Cherry.... though it's an ongoing competition…”
Will you be holding back on the blastbeats? How much aggression can we expect?
“There might be blastbeats, whatever the music demands I will play it. Aggression to me is not about playing fast and screaming about trolls and spells. I love the harsh reality lyrics that we have in Nemhain; they hold a lot more emotion and certainly loads more aggression.”
You’ve played a few gigs already – how have they been received?
“We have played a few gigs and they have been very successful. People are drawn in by the raw forceful energy of the band and the songs. When we play it’s for real, like in a fight if you back down you will be run over. Or if you just wanna watch. There is a lot to see....”
How much material do you have and when can we expect a Nemhain album to surface?
“We have about 9 finished songs now with a few more in the works. The writing never stops! There will be an album next year. Though we have an EP demo available for anyone that can't wait.”
How do you think fans of your previous bands will take to Nemhain? Or do you even care?
“I am sure that anyone that really cares about me wants me to be happy. Nemhain makes me happy! So an easy equation...”
Tell me about the drum clinics you do? Are you a full-time musician now? Can you make a living off your music?
“I turn up alone with my drumkit, play along to backing tracks of the previous bands that I have played and recorded with. There is a lot of talking about how I got started, how to progress in a band but also a lot of drum related questions/discussions. I have made a living of playing drums since I moved to England in ‘99.”
If Coldplay or Oasis asked you to play drums on their next album, would you take the money and run? Or would you see that as a compromise of your artistic integrity?
“Difficult... I play drums for a living. If I didn't have any other band going at the time I might consider it.”
Thanks for your time, Adrian. It was an honour interrogating you! Is there anything you or your Nemhain bandmates would like to add?
“Thank you so much for the interest and support in my work and music!!
Check out www.nemhain.com
All the metal.”
http://www.adrianerlandsson.com
http://www.nemhain.com
http://www.myspace.com/adrianerlandsson
Want more info on Nemhain?
Visit Nemhain's band information page!
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