Interview with Karl Fieldhouse of Born From Pain

Interviewer: Eric


Eric: How does it feel to be one of the first European bands to play infused metal and hardcore music?

Karl:
You know, I’d never really thought about it in that way with regards to what we do and when it started. We’ve been doing this for over 10 years now, so I guess you’re right hahaha and it’s pretty cool actually. I guess it just shows how fast time goes when you’re enjoying yourself.


Eric: In the bands 10 years of existence was there every a thought in your mind to start fresh, by playing different music?

Karl:
Well, I’ve been in the band for 7 years now and as far as I’m aware there has been no thought ever to start fresh and play different music. We all love what we’re doing with Born From Pain and we have a specific sound that is quite individual and is a great outlet for us.


Eric: Has anything really changed, music wise, since the bands first release, the MCD Immortality?

Karl:
I would say definitely. I think the main difference is that we are better song writers and probably a little more open minded to letting all kinds of different music influence us, even if it isn’t that apparent. However, the fundamentals and blueprint are still there from the MCD and will always remain present in what we do and how we write as that is a key factor in what makes Born From Pain who we are.


Eric: Has the press been positive with your latest release, Survival?

Karl:
The press has been very positive for us with regards to the new album, although like every album there are always a few people that don’t share the vision that we have or understand what we’re going for, but the majority of magazines, webzines etc are really into it.


Eric: Is there any one track on Survival that stands out as your absolute favorite?

Karl:
Wow, that’s a really hard question because every time I listen to the album every track blows me away, which obviously sounds quite egotistical and conceited, but I’m a strong believer that you should be the biggest fan of your music.

My favorite tracks at the moment would be The Hydra and Final Collapse. The Hydra is a typical Born From Pain song that is hard and really grooves, where as Final Collapse is at the other end of the spectrum and is a little more experimental for us.


Eric: You guys have toured with such bands as Hatebreed and Madball. Out of all these bands which one do you enjoying playing with the most?

Karl:
Again, its quite a tough question because we always get along with everybody we tour with, but I would have to say that I really enjoyed touring with Napalm Death, Six Feet Under and Terror the most, although touring with Madball and Hatebreed was also great. But yeah, we get on with everybody and have had no bad experiences with touring with different bands.


Eric: From early December until late January you guys have a string of tour dates lined up. After these dates are done is there a chance you'll be heading over to the United States?

Karl:
Well, we’re gonna be releasing a 7” on Reaper Records called Warfare that should be coming out in February/March time and we will be making it across to the US for a short 2 week tour.

I’m sure we’ll make it across for a longer period later on during 2009, but we’re definitely gonna make it over in the first few months.


Eric: Are there any plans for a new album next year or is the band just going to play it by ear?

Karl:
I think the earliest anyone can expect a new album is 2010, especially as we’ve only just released Survival. To bring out a new album within a year would be crazy for us I think hahahaha.


Eric: How about a DVD release? Can we expect to see a DVD in the near future?

Karl:
I certainly hope so as that would be very cool, but there are no immediate plans to do something, but we’re always trying to collect video footage so you never know. Hopefully something happens though as it would be great to have some kind of retrospective for our fans.


Eric: Enough of my questions. Why don't you tell our readers why they should pick up Survival?

Karl:
They should pick up Survival because it is a great mix of metal and hardcore and has a very modern crossover feel to it that people who love both genres can really grasp onto. It’s heavy, full of groove and has a ton of aggression that really fits in with the times we live.

Other than the music though, we really have a lot to say on this album and have a voice unlike so many bands these days. Survival is an album that has a clear message expressing views about the current climate of the world and about the true powers that control it. We encourage everyone to educate themselves and look for truth.


Eric: Good luck on your current tour. Stay metal!

Karl:
Thanks for the kind words and take care.


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