Stinky interviewed in Michel Kirby’s thrash/metal zine Noise Metal (Brussels) in 1987
H ow did the band come about?
The band was formed in July ‘85, when ‘Brob’ got tired of always playing guitar and writing lyrics alone in his room. He asked his cousin Stefaan to learn to play the bass, which he did. All they needed was a singer and a drummer to get started. A friend of theirs, ‘Stinky’, decided to help out and took up singing and playing drums for some concerts. In April ‘86, Dirk arrived and took over the drums so that ‘Stinky’ could concentrate on vocals and guitar. In November the band took a bad blow when they had to kick Stefaan out of the band because he preferred to do other things than rehearsals and other activities. The following week we had gigs and Joeri replaced Stefaan. The current line-up is: ‘Brob’ (guitar), Joeri (bass), Dirk (drums) and ‘Stinky’ (vocals and guitar).
W hat are your influences, musicall and lyrically?
Just because we play for example ‘Suicdal Tendencies’ Suicidal Failure doesn’t mean we’re influenced by them. The music we all listen to is very diverse, it includes bands such as ‘Attitude Adjustment’, ‘Gang Green’, ‘Ludichrist’, ‘7 Seconds’ but also metal bands like comme ‘Slayer’, ‘Nuclear Assault’, ‘Black Sabbath’, ‘AC/DC’ and even rap-bands like ‘Beastie Boys’ and ‘Run DMC’.
What do you think of the current Belgian HardCore scene?
The scene as it is now is fantastic, all these new bands, fanzines and active people; it’s really great! Before, there were almost no gigs. Now there’s one almost every week.
Have you ever recorded anything, tape or vinyl?
So far we haven’t recorded anything, except for some rehearsals. But there’s a demand for it, so we’ll get to it one day.
Do you think it’s possible to become a big band in Belgium?
I don’t think we or any other HardCore band can become big here in Belgium. It might be possible for a metal band like ‘Cyclone’, which have already come a long way. It doesn’t really matter that we’re not known internationally; as long as we can play gigs, have fun and have friends.
Have you already had contacts with labels or record companies?
No, but as we said before, it will come. We have a good relationship with Werner Excelmans of Hageland Records.
Why do you play covers of ‘Black Sabbath’ and Elvis Presley?
Jailhouse Rock by Elvis is just a tribute to Elvis Presley, because ‘Stinky’ is a big fan of his, and also because it’s one of our favourite fun songs. Paranoid by ‘Black Sabbath’ was our favourite song when we were younger. At that time we used to sit on our knees when we played it, now we play it ourselves and we’re proud of it!
What do you think about the thrashmetal/HardCore association?
I’ve got nothing against a lot of metalheads coming to gigs lately, as long as they don’t start fighting and acting like loudmouths. I often go to metal shows and don’t like the atmosphere of these shows. It’s not as cheerful as the HardCore shows. I’ld also like to make one thing clear: I have nothing against the metal band ‘Cyclone’, as many assholes claim and repeat. I (‘Stinky’) know some of the of ‘Cyclone’ members and they are great guys, always ready to chat.
What are your plans?
To have as much fun as possible, to play live in Belgium and maybe also abroad (with pleasure!)
Anything to say to Noise Metal readers?
Guys, and girls, keep reading Noise Metal, keep coming to the shows and have fun! Thanks also to our Repulsive Crew for the help and support!
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