1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
Peter: We are Concrete from Shumen, Bulgaria and we play old school death metal! The band was founded in 2011 and, going through some minor changes in the past, the line-up consists of Kalin Kolev (vocals, guitar), Zhivko Stoyanov (bass), Peter Dimitrov (guitar), and Ivo Ivanov (drums).
2.How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recordings you have released so far?
Kalin: With each record we strive to capture the raw sound of the ‘90s death metal. It's just a bonus with today's technologies that we can present the classic feel of the familiar scene with a nice production.
3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you explore with your newer music?
Kalin: When we first started out, I did dwell a lot on typical gore and straight in-your-face-horror movie stuff, but as we matured as musicians, my lyrics did shift to a bit more obscure, mystical or supernatural type of horror. Nowadays I enjoy presenting a story almost with some philosophy in there.
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Concrete'?
Kalin: Back in the day, when we were looking for something to name the band, we wanted to be something unique and that would stick in people's head, but we also wanted to make sure it wouldn't sound stale or commonplace. So me and ex-member Ivan Ivanov figured out that 'concrete' would fit perfectly with the abrasive sound and general musical direction we were going for. It did.
5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Peter: Some of the best shows we’ve played were in Sofia since the culture there is a bit more ahead than the rest of the country in terms of venues, tech and stage sound quality. Last time in Sofia we played at the annual Chuck Schuldiner Tribute and the place was sold out. Sick! Our stage performance consists of precise riffage combined with tons of headbanging and windmilling.
6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
Kalin: Well, we always give our best to be out there and perform as much as we can. So there's no reason in changing that for the future. Apart from studio time, touring is the second most pleasant part of being in a band. Plus you get to meet new people and see new places.
7.The last few albums where released through 'Rebirth the Metal Productions', are you happy with the support that they have given you so far?
Peter: The support from the label is immense. Andreas Rieger (the guy behind it) has connections all over the globe and promotes our music internationally which is amazing!
Kalin: RTM Productions has been treating us super nice ever since we started working together. They are very caring for their bands and keep deadlines short and all the things you would expect from a label. We are happy being on their roster!
8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of old school death metal?
Kalin: Great, man! Ever since the last album came out, there have been a lot of good words for it. People are looking for the album and merch, shows are doing great. I'm happy that there are so many people that enjoy what we do as much as ourselves. Cheers!
9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Peter: The band has certainly progressed in terms of technicality and precision, and we hope to continue improving our playing. Otherwise, in terms of style we believe that we’re on the correct path and that we shouldn’t try and fix what isn’t broken.
Kalin: I don't see us sitting down trying to write something 'more technical' than the previous effort. Sometimes it works itself out, sometimes not. All we do is writing stuff we would enjoy listening and playing later. I guess that's how the whole thing started and it seems to work well for us.
10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Peter: Nowadays listening mostly to thrash and death metal, some punk, and some bands from my childhood.
Kalin: The bands that really got me into forming a band are pretty much what I still listen to today. You know stuff like Cannibal Corpse, Suffocation, Death, Gorefest, Bolt Thrower, Demolition Hammer, Some S.O.D. Pretty much anything that was produced by Scott Burns or had a Dan Seagrave artwork, haha.
11.What are some of your non musical interests?
Peter: Besides music, I enjoy weightlifting, watching football, getting high, and playing video games!
Kalin: Well, I work as a graphic artist and I enjoy my job, so I guess that counts. I enjoy BBQ parties and beer breaks and I love me a good movie occassionally.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Kalin: Come to shows, buy CDs, get out there and check out smaller bands too. Thanks to everyone that has been with the band through the years, and to 'TheTrueBringerOfDeathZine' for reaching out to us.
Peter: Keep metal fucking alive!
Peter: We are Concrete from Shumen, Bulgaria and we play old school death metal! The band was founded in 2011 and, going through some minor changes in the past, the line-up consists of Kalin Kolev (vocals, guitar), Zhivko Stoyanov (bass), Peter Dimitrov (guitar), and Ivo Ivanov (drums).
2.How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recordings you have released so far?
Kalin: With each record we strive to capture the raw sound of the ‘90s death metal. It's just a bonus with today's technologies that we can present the classic feel of the familiar scene with a nice production.
3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you explore with your newer music?
Kalin: When we first started out, I did dwell a lot on typical gore and straight in-your-face-horror movie stuff, but as we matured as musicians, my lyrics did shift to a bit more obscure, mystical or supernatural type of horror. Nowadays I enjoy presenting a story almost with some philosophy in there.
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Concrete'?
Kalin: Back in the day, when we were looking for something to name the band, we wanted to be something unique and that would stick in people's head, but we also wanted to make sure it wouldn't sound stale or commonplace. So me and ex-member Ivan Ivanov figured out that 'concrete' would fit perfectly with the abrasive sound and general musical direction we were going for. It did.
5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Peter: Some of the best shows we’ve played were in Sofia since the culture there is a bit more ahead than the rest of the country in terms of venues, tech and stage sound quality. Last time in Sofia we played at the annual Chuck Schuldiner Tribute and the place was sold out. Sick! Our stage performance consists of precise riffage combined with tons of headbanging and windmilling.
6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
Kalin: Well, we always give our best to be out there and perform as much as we can. So there's no reason in changing that for the future. Apart from studio time, touring is the second most pleasant part of being in a band. Plus you get to meet new people and see new places.
7.The last few albums where released through 'Rebirth the Metal Productions', are you happy with the support that they have given you so far?
Peter: The support from the label is immense. Andreas Rieger (the guy behind it) has connections all over the globe and promotes our music internationally which is amazing!
Kalin: RTM Productions has been treating us super nice ever since we started working together. They are very caring for their bands and keep deadlines short and all the things you would expect from a label. We are happy being on their roster!
8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of old school death metal?
Kalin: Great, man! Ever since the last album came out, there have been a lot of good words for it. People are looking for the album and merch, shows are doing great. I'm happy that there are so many people that enjoy what we do as much as ourselves. Cheers!
9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Peter: The band has certainly progressed in terms of technicality and precision, and we hope to continue improving our playing. Otherwise, in terms of style we believe that we’re on the correct path and that we shouldn’t try and fix what isn’t broken.
Kalin: I don't see us sitting down trying to write something 'more technical' than the previous effort. Sometimes it works itself out, sometimes not. All we do is writing stuff we would enjoy listening and playing later. I guess that's how the whole thing started and it seems to work well for us.
10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Peter: Nowadays listening mostly to thrash and death metal, some punk, and some bands from my childhood.
Kalin: The bands that really got me into forming a band are pretty much what I still listen to today. You know stuff like Cannibal Corpse, Suffocation, Death, Gorefest, Bolt Thrower, Demolition Hammer, Some S.O.D. Pretty much anything that was produced by Scott Burns or had a Dan Seagrave artwork, haha.
11.What are some of your non musical interests?
Peter: Besides music, I enjoy weightlifting, watching football, getting high, and playing video games!
Kalin: Well, I work as a graphic artist and I enjoy my job, so I guess that counts. I enjoy BBQ parties and beer breaks and I love me a good movie occassionally.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Kalin: Come to shows, buy CDs, get out there and check out smaller bands too. Thanks to everyone that has been with the band through the years, and to 'TheTrueBringerOfDeathZine' for reaching out to us.
Peter: Keep metal fucking alive!
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