Rockezine.com interview with Taste Of Insanity on May 10, 2003

with Roeland on May 10, 2003


		Who came up with the band name "Taste Of Insanity" and what is the idea behind this name? Well, Cristiaan, our drummer came up with the name. I think it`s a songtitle of a metalband also. Our music is, especially live, hard, energetic and unpredictable, so it must make you insane. Another thing about the band name is, when you hear the name T.O.I. you don`t directly have an image of the style of music/metal we are playing... that`s cool!
		Could you give some more information about the band`s history, musical influences and everything else that made you a band as T.O.I. was unknown to me before Wowbeggar mentioning your name? We started the band back in 1996 and played some shows in the area. In 1999 we recorded our first (and only) 4-track demo, but we didn`t promote it to get gigs, etc. We were oo lazy. All this time we played music just for fun. At one time in 2000 our drummer (Cristiaan) had an accident and we didn`t play for a year. After this break we decided to take our music more seriously. The first thing we did was replacing our bass player and making good quality songs. All songs that were written in those period are now standing on the ANIMA album.
		"Anima" is quite and impressive debut album especially whilst not having a record label involved. Could you tell us something more about the road to "Anima"? We recorded the album in the summer of 2001, yes it`s almost two years old!? The first thing we didn`t want was to make an album that sounded like a typical Dutch band. We already had a specific sound in mind, and so we came out at studio Stilteloos, Amsterdam. The whole album was recorded in one week and Daan mixed the whole thing in a few days. We released ANIMA in 2002.
		Who was responsible for the album`s artwork and what inspired her / him to design such a great album sleeve? I`m responsible for the artwork. I wanted to make something different. By using metallic-ink you get a nice effect.
		Daan van der Elsken produced "Anima" and provided you an impressive sound. Although you had a Dutch producer your music doesn`t sound very Dutch, how come? Aha, that`s what we wanted, not a typical Dutch sound. Daan has a lot of experience as a (International) musician and is very open-minded. He did a good job and we are very proud of this record.
		What are the main influences for your lyrics? Narrow-minded people. That`s it!
		The Netherlands isn`t known for it`s metal bands the last couple of years. Lately there seems to be some changes in this pattern. Which Dutch bands do you think that will going to change the Dutch scene in the future? Well, Agresion opened the door (with "Sur") for a lot of Dutch, modern metal bands. Besides them, I think bands like Brainshake, BlindSight, 37 Stabwoundz, Deluge, Wowbeggar and Stabbing Eleven are the bands of the future in the Netherlands.
		You already did a lot of shows with your colleagues Brainshake and Wowbeggar and you are also planning a European tour with them. How does it feel to tour so much with your `buddies` and can you share some of your weirdest tour moments? We are still busy with the tour; this should take place in November. There are some shows in Holland coming up with Wowbeggar and Brainshake, check our site!
		Name three of your favourite pop and metal albums of all time? There are so many. Pop: "Queens Of The Stone Age - Songs For The Deaf", "Depeche Mode - Exciter", "Alice In Chains - Dirt". Metal: "Vision of Disorder - Imprint", "Machine Head - Burn My Eyes", "Morbid Angel - Domination" and many more.
		Name three of the weirdest band names your have ever heard? Necronomical Crucifixion, Kutschurft and Bloedbef... need I say more? When you hear these names, you`ll already get a idea what they produce: grindcore.
		Could you share your plans for the (near) future besides the planned European trek? We are going to tour in Holland as many as we can, so check us out!!! There`s more info on our website: www.tasteofinsanity.nl In 2004 we are going to record a new EP or album, hopefully this time with a record-deal.
		To give our readers a last chance to get an image of your music before surfing to your website www.tasteofinsanity.nl to download "Slave" or "Raptured" I would like to know how you would describe Taste Of Insanity in less than 5 words? 1) Energetic, 100%, Groove, Insane, Bang-Your-Heads! 2) Music from fans, for fans!
(Dennis van den Berg)