CHIENS – Unapologetically Fast And Raw

Balancing distance, life commitments, and a true DIY, CHIENS continue to thrive on the fringes of powerviolence and grindcore. In this interview, we uncover the stories behind their latest album, creative process, and unwavering connection to the underground scene.

Hi guys, I hope you’re doing well and that the tour went better than expected. CHIENS are known for their fast, uncompromising songs, and together with WARFUCK and WHORESNATION, you are part of what I would call the wave of the French ultra-super-fast-wild sound. How would you describe the evolution of your sound from the beginning until today? Do you personally notice a difference between your debut from 2010 and your latest album?

Thomas: The tour was amazing, we didn’t expect much, and we had the best time!

Since the beginning, I would say it’s the same but with better production.

For the first two albums, we practiced a lot as we were living in the same city (unfortunately, that’s not the case anymore…). Some songs on “Vultures Are Our Future” are way more purposely structureless, with more breaks, tempo changes, and stop-and-go – everything we’ve always loved. “Trendy Junky” was written in something like three days and recorded in one day. Rémy joined us as a second guitar player on that one, so for “187 Myself”, the writing process was a bit different: some songs are from me, some are from him, and some were written together.
The main difference between 2010 and our latest album is probably the production.

How satisfied are you with last year’s album? Is the “final word from the fans” important to you, or do you just stick to your own story, whether people like it or not?

Thomas: We’re really happy with the last record. I personally think this is our best record, but if “Vultures Are Our Future” had the same sound, I think it would be amazing. Huge thanks to Kurt Ballou/GodCity and Brad Boatright/Audiosiege for their amazing work on “187 Myself“.

It would be a lie to say we don’t care about what people think. But we were really surprised at how great the feedback on this one was. We’re just doing what we love; we don’t care about what people would like to listen to. In the meantime, it seems some people prefer “Trendy Junky” to “187 Myself”, so we’ve been wondering why. Please let me know what you think!

The grindcore scene in France isn’t often in the spotlight like in some other countries, but it’s fair to say that it stands out with its specific style. How would you describe its current status, and what is your relationship with other bands on the French scene? Can you recommend some (local) bands we have never heard of?

Thomas: France is really bad for music in general, so for fast music… We’ve been friends with WHORESNATION and WARFUCK forever, as well as LMDA.

I highly recommend DELETÄR, MARTÖ, BOMBARDEMENT, MORTUAIRE, and ÖPSTAND, the band who did a split with the mighty SPAZZ!

We have a big lack of venues, and it seems kids aren’t interested in hardcore anymore. So I would say France is a shitty country if you love blastbeats.

The band members don’t live close to each other. Does this pose a challenge for you, if at all? Is this the reason for the long breaks between releases? Or is it due to being busy with other life commitments?

Thomas: Our drummer Sacha lives in the city where we were born (Bar-le-Duc). We’ve been friends for 30 years now. Our singer Jubs is between Strasbourg and Seattle, Rémy (our new guitar player) is in Nantes, and I moved from Nancy to Bordeaux in 2014. So basically, we don’t practice, just one or two sets before going on tour.
Yes, this is the reason for the long breaks between releases. Also, I’m a lazy stoner… And we’re all pretty busy with life. But we have one new song for the next record, even if I don’t remember any riffs at the moment.

What bands or musical genres have influenced you as musicians but might not be immediately obvious in your sound?

Thomas: Our biggest influences are DISCORDANCE AXIS, ASTERISK, THE LOCUST, and THREEONEG releases, MAGRUDERGRIND, INFEST, DROPDEAD, SPAZZ, 625’, REGURGITATE, ASSÜCK, and CHARLES BRONSON. And more!

Where do you draw inspiration for new material?

Thomas: We draw inspiration from our lives. To be fair, I don’t really listen to fast music anymore except for the classics and a few killer bands like INTERNAL, WOUND MAN, and BRAIN TOURNIQUET. So my inspiration is MF DOOM and drugs.

If you had to cover a song from a Disney movie in your style, which song would you choose, and how would it sound?

Thomas: A Disney movie cover? “Robin Hood” without any hesitation. And it would sound pretty bad.

You’ve just returned from a tour across the continent and Scandinavia. What are your impressions? Is there a bizarre tour story that you would (or wouldn’t) like to share with us? Are there any new dates planned, or will you take a break and focus on new material?

Thomas: The tour was amazing – it was great to meet all our friends in every city we went to. Also, it was our first real tour with Rémy, so it was really cool and chill.
BUT Rémy ripped one finger on his right hand during our first show, which got infected. For four days, his finger was so red, swollen, and painful, but he managed to play with a really bad infection. On day five, he managed to expel the pus in the van. It was gross, but what a relief! I wish we had footage of this.
We have so many proposals, but we’ll probably not be able to do them. We’re actually trying to book a rehearsal in order to write new material.

Can anyone remember what was the first show CHIENS ever played?

Thomas: Yes, we do remember. Our first show was in Nancy. We weren’t supposed to play – it was with GERM ATTACK and MENOPÖSE, a synth disco crust band I was playing in.

Is there a place where you’d love to perform but haven’t had the chance yet?

Thomas: I’d love to play at CY Fest in LA and at the legendary 924 Gilman Street.
Also, I’d love to play at The Print Shop in San Diego.

How important is the band’s visual identity to you? I’m mainly referring to cover art. Do you have a regular collaborator for these things, or do you take responsibility for the visual aspect of the band’s story?

Thomas: Jubs is a crazy tattoo artist, and he does every artwork and design for the band. So yes, we love to have nice art.

If you had to give each band member a superhero title based on their personality or role in the band, what would those titles be?

Thomas: We already have “superhero names” coming from a tour joke, but they are in French:
Sacha, our drummer, is “LA VITESSE” (the speed), obviously.
Jubs is “The GRUNTER.”
Rémy still doesn’t have a final one, but for now, he is “MimiViolence.”
I’m “Le Veloce” (the fast one).

How much has the internet helped in the band’s work? Do you rely on any music or social media platforms?

Thomas: Obviously, the internet is helping – Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, all that stuff. But you have to play the game… Or maybe we don’t?

Do you follow any newer grindcore bands? If so, which ones?

Thomas: I love TRIAC, SEA OF SHIT, BRAIN TOURNIQUET, WOUND MAN, SKIPLIFE, and SHITBRAINS. I’m not really a grindcore fan; I prefer powerviolence and hip-hop.

The band has been around for nearly 15 years. Where do you see yourselves in the next 15?

Thomas: In the next 15 years? Probably fighting Nazis for survival.

Top 3 French beers?

Thomas: Top 3 French beers? No clue – I don’t like beer, but Rémy can answer.

Message to fans, friends, and foes?

Thomas: Message: DO DRUGS, KILL NAZIS, BE NICE TO EACH OTHER, DON’T BE A DICK OR A CUNT, AND LISTEN TO MF DOOM. THANK YOU, MOM.

Follow CHIENS:

Bandcamp: https://chiensgrind.bandcamp.com/