Barrens...

Rot in Hell are a band that most of you should now know, hailing from the frozen north they are a gem in an over-crowded cess pool.

I will take a quote from a fellow enthusiast -

"I'm not going to talk about how good this band is anymore. If you haven't figured that out yet then I probably don't want to talk to you anyway"

For the uninitiated describe the musical intent of RIH?

To demoralise, discourage, confound and estrange. Holy Terror.

How did RIH come about?

In the parallel universes of Crumpsall and Margate via Innsmouth the founding members were each simultaneously visited in nocturnal visions by the glorious Mr Jack Abernathy. He saw something in us that we could not see ourselves and told us to leave our homes and pool our meagre resources to extol his name.

I know you have been in a few previous bands, how does RIH differ from those bands?

We find ourselves decrepit mouldering veterans with absolutely nothing in common with the fragile, clam-digger clad, flat-billed New Era toting, hair-straightened paying customers who we often find ourselves in front of, in what now passes for the modern hardcore show. More significant even than that, we are highly adept in the skills of alienation, disloyalty and burning bridges, hence there are an increasingly dwindling number of individuals who are willing to be associated with us. And who can blame them?

What are your views on the current, for want of a better word, trend of bands to go for a darker more "Cleveland" themed sound? I personally see it as a positive thing to a certain extent but do you see it as a good thing?

I'm not sure to which bands you are referring to; little moves us, however, we are stirred by the works of Witkin, Baudelaire, Kasner, Give Up and of course our inspirational leader Mr. Abernathy.

Do you see RIH fitting in with these types of bands?

We fit in with nothing, not even ourselves. But then nobody does. Don't cry with your dick in your hand when the motherfuckers come for you. Be ready. Make sure you know what you will do. Perhaps you will cry at their feet and beg for mercy or a quick death. Or perhaps you will make them regret the day their eyes fell upon you. I know what I will do, what I have done and what I am prepared to do. DO NOT kid yourself. You are on your own and they are approaching. That is the only reality.

Do you feel that you get a reaction that you deserve?

No. We deserve much, much less. We are resigned to be reviled in the present and revered in the future.

Are you happy with how things have turned out so far with the 'Hallways of the Always record on A389?

I have yet to see the version you refer to. By all accounts we are utterly beautiful human beings. We only hope that the music can begin to do justice to the incredible art and design of the genius that is GIVE UP.

I know you have also fairly recently finished recording your 'As Pearls Before Swine' LP for Deathwish, did the recording turn out the way you wanted? Is there anything you would have done differently?

It was recorded in a mere four fog bound days. It would have been nice to take longer, but as tasteless as it is, time is money. In terms of the recording, I think it turned out brilliantly. Particularly, the strings supplied by Daisy Thirkettle, which are utterly tear-jerking in their brilliance. Things we would have done differently? Well a working heater in the mark II Breadvan would have certainly been an improvement during our ice-encrusted cross-Pennine trek. We are contractually obliged to acknowledge that James Atkinson exclusively uses by Peperami “it’s a bit of an animal” and Pot Noodle “Bombay Bad Boy”.

How has it been working with Deathwish and A389 records so far?

It is a never-ending source of bemusement that such honourable establishments have acknowledged our existence and tainted their reputations by associating themselves with us.
I know that most members of the band are very busy, does this affect the band in recording and playing shows you want to? Do you prefer not to play too often?
Money is the only thing that is currently a barrier to recording; we have numerous burgeoning compositions ready to commit to tape. Touring is not really an option currently; however, we play live fairly frequently. If people want to see us, they should know where to find us.

Has the band gone in the direction you saw it going at its inception?

We are amused and surprised in equal measure by the attention and seemingly limitless envy that our existence generates. The bitterness is tangible; in fact you can see it in their eyes and taste it in the atmosphere. Our greatest achievement without doubt.

What plans/direction do you see the beast that is RIH taking in the future?

A BAPE Rot In Hell HT shoe laced with sarin and a concept album centring on stretched lobes and swine ‘flu. Also splits with Holy Terror luminaries VVegas and Roses Never Fade.

How has the UKHC "scene" changed since you first starting coming to shows?

Shirts now come in different sizes.

Do you see a place for RIH in today’s "scene”?

Oh, indeed.

What bands sounds have shaped your views on hardcore?

I’m not sure I understand the question, but humans tend to over-value in retrospect.

What would be your ideal 3 bands for RIH to play with? And at what place in time would you play?

Ironside, Kito and Dead Wrong, in 1066.

What is your favourite show that RIH have played?

With THOU and MOLOCH in Nottingham earlier this year and with INTEG in London last year.

Famous last words?

Death. Hate. Regret.

http://ingivingup.blogspot.com/

Rot In Hell can be heard at www.myspace.com/rotinhellband