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 Why did you choose to name the band Berzerker? If you don't mind me asking, just what
is a "Berzerker" and what's the significance behind the name?
The Berzerker is a group of sentient beings more powerful than man. We chose the name The Berzerker after 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 to have assumed the strength and ferocity of the bear. By the
twelfth century, the berserk with his Odinnic religion, his animalistic appearance, his inhuman frenzy upon the battlefield, 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. In this age the term 'Berzerk' has acquired a more general meaning.
Interestingly enough, the music comes across more or less as Industrial Deathgrind. Yet to the average Death Metal purist, using industrial elements would be totally
unheard of. However, taking into consideration that Berzerker is your one true artistic vision, what purpose does combining the two serve for you?
Death Metal is my background. I have always been into death metal, and I always will be. I did not see it as a fad, and I was not attracted to it to shock others around me in a desperate
cry for attention. But towards the mid 90's the death metal scene seem to die out somewhat, and almost all of the bands from the late 80's and early 90's seem to lose their direction.
Around the same time I was exposed to hardcore gabba, and was attracted to the violent forces that are in play when gabba kicks are fed through a large p.a. 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. Utilizing industrial sounds with more sonic impact then acoustic sounds can only serve to highten the level of intensity.
 What about the visual concept? What I'm referring to is of course the video you put out
that was banned by MTV Europe due to its harsh content. Is there a specific message you're trying to get across to the media brainwashed masses by way of these violent images depicted on screen?
Your line of questioning seem to suggest the words publicity stunt. This is a misjudgment. The images in question are part of everyday life of this shitfull
planet. They are not images of murder or rape. Many bands in the metal genre like to use these types of images as a way to gain the attention that they seek. I find it very disappointing
that majority of extreme bands must resort to vulgarity to achieve any impact.
I have to say that some of the tracks on this disc are noticeably more industrial in feel and texture than Metal. The song, "Chronological Order of Putrefaction" would
serve as one shining example. In fact, the more I listen to it, it tends to remind me of Godflesh but sped up to 50 beats per minute. Do you suppose that Berzerker will
be progressing farther into that sort of direction? Or what will you be doing differently that'll perhaps expand Berzerker's already versatile sound further?
“Chronological Order Of Putrefaction” is just one part of the The Berzerker's sound. The Berzerker's sound will never cease to progress.
Considering the heavy use of sampling and other electronic elements used in the production of this recording, how would you perform these tracks live? What would would the live setting be like or rather what
type of atmosphere would you try to convey and how would you go about achieving that?
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We trigger the kick drums and play all the samples live via a keyboard. The Berzerker has 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. The live band currently consists of 5 live members, these include 3 vocalists, 2 guitars, 1 bass player, 1 drummer and 1 samplist. Currently
(as of the end of July) we are without a live drummer. We have 5 drummers currently learning the material, and as soon as the slot is filled we shall comence touring both the USA and Europe.
Do you suppose that one of the many reasons why more and more musicians are relying on drum machines and sampling because it's simpler and more convenient as opposed to forming a real band? What do you feel
specifically has lead you to follow the path you are on now?
As opposed to forming a REAL band? I was unware that having a real band must consist of using a live drummer. I was a death metal drummer in the early 90`s, and due to a horiffic
car accident (that I should not have survived) I was left unable to continue playing the drums. I was forced into selling my various drum kits and purchasing samplers and sequencers to
continue making music. I was unable to find a suitable drummer for the recording of the Berzerker album and chose to program a lot of the beats that I used to play when I was
drumming. It was only after the record was released (through Earache Records) that I was able to cull suitable drummers from other established bands.
 How much of the "music" you create is actually improvisational? For instance,
how do you go about taking various sounds and effects and putting them altogether? Is there a blueprint formulated way before you go into the studio or do you sort of spontaneously piece things
together as you go along?
I usally write the song first and add the samples last to fill out the rest of the song. But there is no blueprint to speak of. Sometimes I might create a sound that inspires a song, but
the creation of a song is definitely NOT improvisational.
Again, considering your unique approach and sound, how far ahead of the pack would you consider Berzerker to be musically speaking?
Far enough, for now.
Judging from the various songtitles, spoken word samples, lyrics, etc. it obviously appears that you have a very pessimistic view of the world. With that in mind, would you say then that some of the more noisier
abstract tracks like say, “95” and “Ode to Nash” are merely abstract interpretations of a world gone mad?
 “Ode To Nash” - Luckily Nash is free from the limits of being a man
and is the only being that I will ever make any real time for. There are frequencies contained in the track “Ode to Nash” that have assisted in opening the lines of communication with him, and
therefore I view this track as somewhat of a dedication.
Given the choice and unlimited responsibility, would you rather cure the ills of this world or destroy it completely thus negating our entire existence as we speak?
The Berzerker is not designed to add, it is designed to take. 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.
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