Interviews: Ape To God

In this new occassion we have had the opportunity to interview  the Progressive Metal/Groove Metal/Death Metal band Ape To God from Poland. Check out the interview and this band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1.Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

Bart: The name came to me when we were composing tracks for our first material that was inspired by Stanley Kubrick movies. It was supposed to be bizarre, a bit philosophical but most importantly, catchy.

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

We have always listened to metal, our tastes have changed a lot over the time and they are still evolving. We’ve been experimenting and searching for more natural forms of expression and here we are for now but currently we’re changing the direction a bit again in order to make it darker.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Before we started Ape To God, we had known each other from some other projects but we were not close. The last few years have allowed us to get to know each other better and form stronger bonds, which feels great. There is no

frustration or animosity while working on music, rehearsing, debating songs, playing concerts or drinking together. There is a mature, creative atmosphere. This is the best line-up I’ve ever been in.

4. Each band member favourite band?

Tough question. We listen to a lot of stuff, not necessarily metal, and our preferences change. I am big on Anaal Nathrakh, Napalm Death, a lot of Polish black metal and Wardruna; Mrówa loves Death and loads of progressive stuff; Przemek is into Immolation, Ulver and Tool; Maryjan listens to Cannibal Corpse, Decapitated, some black metal and thrash.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

One of the main inspirations was the present situation in our country, Poland, and the recently popular, idiotic ideologies in Europe and the US. Polish society has been infected with neo-fascism, fuelled with destructive and stupefying Catholicism.

6. Where was your last gig?

The latest gig we played was at Deformeathing Fest vol. 2 in Vinyl Club in Rzeszów. We shared the stage with Shodan, Rottengeist, Youdash, Bottom and Straight Hate. It was a great time, very good organisation, a cool venue and superb company.

7. Where would you like to act?

We like playing in clubs, as the atmosphere of the event, the constrained space of the venue and the proximity of the public make the experience intense.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

I’d love to share the stage with Napalm Death, Anaal Nathrakh or any other of the bands I enumerated above.

9. Whom not?

There are a couple of bands that we dislike or just disrespect but I won’t disclose their names. Generally, I refuse to play with any fascist, neo-nazi, nationalistic scum or anyone associated with this kind of ideology. Yes, that’s politics. Politics is everywhere, in music too.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

I suppose we all suffer from a bit of stage fright at times, especially when we come back to playing live after a longer break. Stage fright is a positive phenomenon, it means that you really care to give a good performance in front of the public who paid to see you.

My advice for beginners is to embrace the stress and not combat it by drinking too much alcohol. I’ve played many concerts after drinking and I know for fuckin’ sure that sober means better. A few moments of isolation and relaxation should help them focus and channel their energy into rage on stage.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

I have been inspired by many, of which I like the most those who show a great degree of professionalism without taking themselves too seriously. I don’t care too much for those who turn into commercial franchises and tour the world playing mainly big stadiums. What I really hate about many bands nowadays is too much facebook activity, including trailers and teasers for trailers, pointless studio reports and exaggerated image.

Yet, there are still hordes shrouded with a bit of mystery, which very positively influences their music. Also, I admire bands that dare take a stand on social and political matters.

The last kind of artist that has inspired me or us over the years is those who survived against all odds. Some examples? Mgła, Melechesh, Napalm Death, Triptykon…

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Everything they ask me for seems weird, as I feel I’m a normal guy who just does what he likes. Some ask for autographs, some want to have a drink together. The weirdest thing ever was the request for my t-shirt that was soaked in sweat after a gig.

13. What do you think of your fans?

I suppose they’re open-minded, unorthodox and thereby free. This is what metal should be about.

14. What do you think of our site?

I like it. There’s a lot of various stuff, not boring at all.

15. Something add?

We’re living in very interesting but dangerous times. Resist social engineering, fear, stupidity, chauvinism and brainwashing, all of which are used by political and religious leaders to take advantage of you. Use your talents to spread the idea of freedom, acceptance and peace, or we’ll all perish because of the idiots in charge.

Thanks a lot! Greetings!