The main reason are the various line-up changes. We have never been able to form a steady line-up, until now. Because we had to learn new band members the same songs over and over again, mainly to prepare for gigs, we never came to practicing new songs. Another important reason is that it takes quite some time for me to write these songs.

I wrote all the music and lyrics myself, except for the intro (De Witte Ruiter), outro (Opera Van De Nacht), and the lyrics for Toverwaas Der Kwijning and Van Drakenbloed Fel. The piano parts are written and executed by Dolen (ex-URFAUST) and the 2 mentioned lyrics are written by IX/Vloekwaard (URFAUST).

It took us about 7 days to record and mix the album. I am very pleased with the result, but if I had to make this album again, I would definitely changed some parts.

The main themes on Heksenkringen are the struggle for spiritual freedom and the revenge of the witches that were prosecuted, murdered and tortured during the Spanish Inquisition. But, i must say that it were not only the leaders of Christianity that were responsible for those cowardice deeds, also society itself.

No, we just chose that picture from several usable pictures. Everyone in the band liked this one the most.

This Victorian clothing style was quite common for gentlemen in the 19th Century, when the resurrection of the Grimm Ensemble took place. For me personally this clothing style has something sophisticated, decadent and dark mysticism in it, and fits the pictures therefore very well.

My opinion is that Pagan Metal and Black Metal are two separate things that don't have anything to do with each other. Although some forms seem quite familiar on first hearing. Pagan Metal has great cultural value, its national romantic, sophisticated, atmospheric music that gives people a feeling of togetherness and strength. Often Pagan Metal is blended with Folk Metal, which is a logical and well fitting combination, in my opinion.

Black Metal on the other hand, is not music, its hate and aggression. I personally consider it as the more evil version of punk music. Its some sort of revolt against any kind of authority, and an attempt to be feared by the big mass also called society. You don't have to be good at playing your instrument well, or put any philosophy in your lyrics, because its as primitive as hate itself. Just see it as the musical translation of aggression, that's the best definition I can give.

In which way do you feel GRIMM has 'updated' their music from the Dark Medieval Folklore days to today's Heksenkringen? Are you fond of experimenting with new elements or you prefer staying faithful to a specific formula?

There's always room for experimenting, and of course we have developed as musicians and composers. I am very satisfied with this formula, I really can enjoy listening to our own album and that was our main goal. Now and then I read a negative review, or some complaints from former fans, but that doesn't make me unsatisfied about our own creation. We made this music first of all for ourselves, and if other people enjoy it too, that's the cream on the pie.

When I speak for myself, I used to draw cartoons when I was younger, and I did also a bit of painting, but now I only do virtual graphic art with Photoshop. The rest of the band members all write poems which they use for their other bands/projects.

I do not listen to other Heavy Metal than 80s Metal. I only like Heavy Metal closest to the roots. Heavy Metal is something that I've always liked, it has always been a part of me.

And for other music styles, I prefer Folk, Bluegrass, Classical Music, atmosferic Ambient and some good old 80s Pop hits, hehe!

We like being a three-piece band, it works best for us with a less members as possible. We have a session bassist, if needed, and someone that does our synthesizer parts, but he lives in Sweden.

We most likely are never going to play live anymore. I don't think it's the right music to play live, it's more music for listening at home in a slightly lit room with candles while having an alcoholic seance.

It depends on how enthusiastic we are playing this kind of music. If the fun is gone, the band is gone. I think, if one member quits, we all will quit. Though we always will continue with other bands/projects.

Thank you too for the interest!