Rockezine.com interview with Shackled Down on Mar 09, 2005

with PxHx on Mar 09, 2005


		First of all, congratulations on a great debut album. Could you introduce the band to our readers? Thank you very much; it’s so nice to hear such great feedback on our first record “The Crew”. Shackled Down was formed in 2002 in Pabianice, Poland. Since the very beginning the intention of the band was to play fast hardcore/thrash, pretty much influenced by the likes of Straight Ahead, Septic Death, Heresy, DRI and Cryptic Slaughter and other thrash anthems and mixing it with the old school hardcore that is played by bands such as early Sick Of It All etc. The line up includes current and ex-members of Pignation. Shackled Down have already played in many Polish cities, supporting the great of the thrashcore/crossover scene such as Ratos De Porao (Bra), Municipal Waste (USA) or Holier Than Thou? (USA). This last September 14 songs were recorded at the REDA STUDIO (Pignation, Toxic Bonkers). This material was gathered on a new CD called "The Crew" that is released on SELFMADEGOD Records and SHING Records at the begining of 2005.
		All of you are members or ex-members of Pig Nation. Is Shackled Down a side project? Or is it a serious, full-time band? Shackled Down is for sure a serious, full-time band!! We are playing regular gigs and working hard with both bands. Side projects are in my opinion a waste of time and power. I prefer full time bands, it’s more fun and it gives more satisfaction.
		Musically, the styles of Pig Nation and Shackled Down differ very much. Why the sudden interest in old school hardcore? We wanted to go back to our roots - to the music that was our first inspiration, music that we loved since the beginning of our experience with hardcore. That’s why we’ve decided to set up a new band; Shackled Down. With Pig Nation we want to explore new paths of extreme music, it’s more experimental and harder music, but we love them both!!
		How did the recordings go? The record session was cool, without big problems. We have been working in a professional recording studio with a very cool producer; an old man with huge experience and an open mind for freaks like us and our furious music. Some things we would do differently now but it’s still ok for us.
		The album received some good reviews. Did you expect that before you entered the studio? Yeah, we’ve got a very positive feedback from around the world. The strangest thing is that reviews from Europe are more critical than reviews from US... and I thought that it would be the other way round. We haven’t got idea how it would be but now we are very happy that it went that way!
		How does the song writing work within the band? Are there certain rules? Or do songs exist out of jams? Our guitarist Piotr is the band’s brainiac and he does the spine of the songs and then we work together during rehearsals and add our own ideas to it. It’s cool because the final effect depends on our cooperative work - every one of us can be proud of the final effects.
		Who is responsible for the lyrics? I’m responsible for all of the lyrics. Lyrics wise I touch deeply into the hardcore/punk issues: its divisions and unity as well as the competition, rumours, jealousy, etc. It’s my point of view. Sometimes the rest of the band members throw me new topics for lyrics, that’s all.
		You’re on SelfMadeGod Records. How are the contacts with the label owner? Are you satisfied so far? Karol, the owner of SMG Records is our old friend, we know him for a long time and he really kick ass!! As far SMG Records goes, it’s the most active label that we have been working with (I mean Pig Nation cooperation with labels). He has done great promotion for us; internet, zines, radio shows etc. We are very happy that we chose SMG for releasing our CD. Thanks Karol; you’re the man!!
		How is the hardcore scene in Poland? I guess it’s not as huge as it ever was in New York. The hardcore scene in Poland is still getting bigger, that’s great! There are some pretty good bands in here, few good labels and a lot of young kids interested in gigs, records, etc. Most of the hardcore bands from Poland play old school hardcore, metal core, beat down and other modern style hardcore. Check out Pig Nation for sure!!! Hehehe. The best Polish zine at the moment is Violence Magazine. I’m sure that you know this shit; it’s in English and it’s oriented in extreme music - for details check: selfmadegod.com. Yeah you’re right; the scene isn’t that big as in NY and I don’t think it will ever be. It’s a different reality, believe me.
		Can we expect more side projects form Pig Nation-members like this? I don’t think so; there is one basic problem: lack of time. Now we have two full time bands, jobs, families and it is hard enough now... and I can’t imagine another band in my life. I would like to have another... but it’s hard to find time for everything.
		Some last words to our readers. Thank you very much for this interview and interest. Keep up doing your zine!!! For more info, merch and other stuff write to shackleddown@hotmail.com. Stay safe and keep on thrashin’!!
(Lars van Bergen)