Japan’s Unholy Grave’s Takaho Interview
Japan Unholy Grave play political and mind shattering grindcore. Taking their name from the song “Beyond the Unholy Grave” by Death. Their lyrics mainly focus on political and social issues. A common phrase appearing on the artwork of their releases is “Grindcore Against Terrorism!”.
HMAW: Greetings! Heavy Music Artwork promotes Heavy Metal as art and culture. What are your views in this matter?
Unholy Grave: We are not really an HEAVY METAL band but still love to listen a lot of Heavy Metal. I respect your attitude and I am very interested in artwork and design.
HMAW: How did Grindcore reached the Japan and what was the prime mover and instigator?
Unholy Grave: Before so called “GRINDCORE” thing coming, we already had S.O.B. and there were more extreme hardcore bands who play very fast! And do not forget GISM/CONFUSE and many other JAPANESE HARDCORE BANDS….it’s obvious their manic vocal style influenced early GRINDCORE. After NAPALM DEATH influence, we had Deathpeed, Nausea, Gibbed, Satanic Hell, Slaughter, Multiplex, Eroded, etc.
HMAW: How healthy is the Grind scene in Japan?
Unholy Grave: Frankly, it’s not active like 10 years ago coz some great bands stopped their activities… but still we have great bands like Little Bastards, Fortitude, Die You Bastard, etc… and new bands are coming…
HMAW: Like with Agathocles you have released an incredible amount of records; do you always have a record label willing to publish your work? as it always been easy?
Unholy Grave: What can I say? THANX A LOT FOR YOUR GREAT SUPPORT!
HMAW: A lot of the record sleeves are reminiscent of the hardcore punk look and feel. Do you use this style to appeal to an international audience rather than just within your borders?
Unholy Grave: I just like HARDCORE PUNK.
HMAW: How come you haven’t used much of Japanese elements for your artwork?
Unholy Grave: Probably in the near future. it sounds interesting.
HMAW: Is your artwork made in-house in true DIY spirit or do you a favorite designer/designers?
Unholy Grave: I am doing most of artwork by myself in DIY style.
HMAW: Do you feel that on your last EP “Unholy Warfare” has crossed a step in musical extremism and intensity compared to you previous recordings?
Unholy Grave: It’s basically old rehearsal trax with our “TOUR-HELP-BASSIST”. it’s raw and dirty UNHOLY GRINDCORE.
HMAW: This year mark 20 years of Unholy Grave; is the grind machine unstoppable, do we get 20 more years of ear bleeds?
Unholy Grave: Yeah, we try to keep grinding/rocking as long as its is possible and is something like “LIFEWORK”, you know.
HMAW: Which Unholy Grave record best defiles your listeners ears?
Unholy Grave: I like all UG records…but I name some… Split 7″w/chickenshit, “MORBID REALITY” 7″ep, “CRUCIFIED” CD, “TERRORAGING CRISIS” CD, “GRIND VICTIM” CD, “AGATHOGRAVE” split CD/LP w/Agathocles, “GRIND KILLERS” CD/LP, “BLAST MAYHEM “CD/LP and coming new LP “BRAIN DISTORTION” (live studio in Singapore).
HMAW: Lastly… any plans for a European visit?
Unholy Grave: It would be awesome, so… give us flights!!
HMAW: Thanks for this interview and pleased to have you on Heavy Music Artwork!!!
Unholy Grave: Thank you too! Keep supporting the scene, take care.
www.facebook.com/Unholy-Grave-official
www.myspace.com/unholygrave
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