Spiritech: An obvious talking point has been your decision to self-release The Reawakening following your contact expiring with Earache. What factors drove you to bite the bullet and release the album yourself?
Luke Kenny: Not getting paid! Well, lots of things really. I actually did less promo/interviews/features etc, on the last few albums then the first few. The label stopped caring and focused heavily on other bands on their roster. I just got sick of working so hard and not getting anything back.
Spiritech: The band has built up a huge following on MySpace, which has even spawned a wave of - I guess you could call them copycats - playing a similar style of music to The Berzerker. Was this a consideration when deciding to go the independent route, that belief that you would be able to reach your fans directly this way?
Luke Kenny: Yeah, we've had the page since 2004 and I've never actually added people to it. It's all from people adding us, which is amazing! I have no interest in having the MOST number of MySpace friends, but it's been a good avenue for people to check out new songs/videos and a way to keep in contact with the band. Yes, I do reply to almost all messages. People don't seem to use e-mail anymore. We've been offered Metal Hammer features and tours from MySpace messages, it's crazy.
Spiritech: Indeed. Just for the record, where can fans buy the new album?
Luke Kenny: There is only one place they can get it - www.berzerkerindustries.com (and of course there is a link from our MySpace page.) This is NOT an mp3 release, it is a full album. Ten new songs and six remixes all packaged in a digipak with a 16-page pull out poster. I'm really happy with the packaging (it wasn't cheap, and Earache would never do anything cool like that for us), so now I own the label I do what I want.
Spiritech: Bands such as Nine Inch Nails and Radiohead have done similar things to The Berzerker in that they have found their own ways to distribute their music, without involving labels and marketing teams. Can you tell us about some of the realities of the business in this respect and would you encourage more young bands to follow your lead? Or should they wait until they're an established artist with a firm fan base before they think about taking such risks?
Luke Kenny: There are both pros and cons, Earache was a great way to get the band known internationally, but on the other hand I never would have got the Earache deal in the first place if I didn't have a track record of sales; before Earache I had already released three Berzerker EPs (one in the USA, one in Austria and one in Germany) that were all selling very well. So I already had a fan base. I think it's a fucking great idea, you have total control....but remember you only get out what you put in. I work seven days a week on this, 14 hours a day plus everyday. It's just me; I don't have assistance from anyone. The band tries to help with some promo and flyering but they all have REAL jobs, so it's all up to me. The best thing about it is when people buy direct from us, they support the band directly but when you buy from a label or a store a high percentage of your money goes to the label/distro and the store. I think bands should defiantly try it. Direct sales and sites like MySpace and Facebook have made it possible. So go forth and good luck.
Spiritech: You heard the man. Now, moving on, the new album relies less on death metal/grindcore elements and more on the industrial influences that have always been present in the music of The Berzerker but perhaps not quite to this extent. Was this a conscious move or just something that happened during the writing of the new material?
Luke Kenny: I'm always trying to get the industrial side back, that's where the band started, Earache pushed us down the metal path, and we never toured with any industrial bands. We've been very fortunate to play with almost all the top metal bands except (Morbid Angel) but I will be constantly trying to expand the sound with every album.
Spiritech: Do you have a favorite track from the new album and if so, why?
Luke Kenny: Lyrically, 'The Deception' is up there. It talks about my time as a contracted recording artist.
Spiritech: You included six remixes on the album as well. They were these done by fans, friends of yours, famous musicians or all of the above?
Luke Kenny: Some were friends and well-known producers from different scenes and some were fans. I became known to the metal world with my Official Morbid Angel remixes in 1998. And I thought... now I'm well known and in a position to give something back. So I ran a competition so that fans could remix our material. There was an overwhelming response. And I think there is some killer stuff on there.
Spiritech: Is there a remix there that you're particularly fond of?
Luke Kenny: There was a public vote for one position on the CD and there was my personal choice for the CD. I chose Track 15, 'Caught in the crossfire - Stanley Cupid Mix'. It's very different then the others and has a killer groove.
Spiritech: Keeping in line with previous Berzerker albums, the artwork on The Reawakening is fantastic. Who did it and what was the inspiration behind it?
Luke Kenny: Adrien Bouss. He actually won a fan artwork comp we had for our last album Animosity, that was killer so we used him again, and the art came out amazing!! That's why we included the 16-page pull out poster in the CD so people can hang it on their wall.
Spiritech: You've got a huge national tour coming up early next year with The Amenta. What can Aussie fans expect when two of Australia's finest Extreme Metal acts are together on one bill?
Luke Kenny: Huge is an under statement. 23 shows in Australia/New Zealand, and seeing as a national tour for us in the past has been five to seven shows, yes this is HUGE! There will be brutality, extreme speeds and massive amounts of aggression. We don't just stand there and reproduce our music, WE PERFORM IT. Most people should know who The Berzerker are and what we do but... it you haven't heard us live then you cannot judge us. The Berzerker is an experience, and the kick-drums are designed for massive PA's. Home stereos simply cannot handle them. So get ready! After literally hundreds of shows overseas we have finally decided it's Australia's time for a proper Australia/New Zealand national tour and were talking out mates The Amenta with us.
Spiritech: What can fans expect in terms of set lists on the upcoming tour?
Luke Kenny: As we haven't been to a lot of places mainly (such as regionals) we will be performing a mix of songs from each of our five albums.
Spiritech: Are you planning to do much overseas touring for this record and if so, where?
Luke Kenny: We've already done three full UK tours this year. One headlining, one as part of the Summer Slaughter tour and a run with Napalm Death and Satyricon, as well as other big festival appearances in both the UK and Europe. We have been away for more than four months and we're glad to be home so were staying here for a while.
Spiritech: Okay, to finish things off do you have any last words for PyroMusic.net readers?
Luke Kenny: You're welcome to come and check the free previews of our newest album The Reawakening at www.berzerkerindustries.com and if you want to support the band please buy it, if you don't... then download it from a torrent site. Either way, we hope you enjoy it!
- Spiritech
