Blood seeps between the lines of this interview – GREH is not just a name, but the heavy burden of human weakness, sin, and inner demons. These German maniacs aren’t searching for light; they’re digging deeper into the abyss, where raw emotion transforms into sound.
If you’re ready to peer into that darkness, keep reading…
Hello there! GREH isn’t exactly a typical German band name. Since I personally come from ex-Yugoslavia and know what GREH means, where did the inspiration for the name come from, and how does it reflect the band’s philosophy?
Gjero: You’re absolutely right! “Greh” meaning “sin” or “grievous fault” in several Slavic languages, resonated with me on a deeply personal level. It captures the weight of human fallibility and the internal struggles we all face. This ties directly into the band’s philosophy, which explores the darker aspects of human existence, the internal conflicts, and the constant battle between light and shadow. It’s about confronting these “sins,” these flaws, and the journey through them.
You started as a one-man band and are now a trio. How did you come together, and what was the key moment when you realized you wanted to push this sound forward together?
Gjero: GREH initially began as my solo project after leaving HELLGREASER. I needed an outlet for these specific musical ideas. However, I always envisioned it as a band. Maurice and I had played together in the past, and I knew his drumming would be perfect. Martin’s vocals were the final piece of the puzzle. The key moment was when we jammed together for the first time. The energy was undeniable, and it was clear that we were creating something special. We instantly clicked, and that’s when GREH truly became a band.
Coming from Germany, a country with a long tradition in the extreme music scene, how much has your local scene shaped you? Would you say you’re more inspired by the classics or the new wave of bands? What’s currently playing in the band members’ headphones?
Gjero: Germany’s extreme metal history is definitely in our blood. We respect the classics, of course, but we’re also very much inspired by the new wave of bands pushing boundaries. The scene here is vibrant, and it’s constantly evolving, which is inspiring. Personally, I’m currently listening to a lot of DARKTHRONE and some newer bands like HERIOT and NAILS.
How does it feel to release your debut album, “Dysphoric Devotion”? Were the reactions in line with your expectations, or did anything particularly surprise you?
Gjero: Releasing “Dysphoric Devotion” is a huge milestone for us. It’s the culmination of a lot of hard work and passion. The reactions have been incredible so far. It’s always nerve-wracking to release your music into the world, but the positive feedback has been overwhelming.
Is there a song on the album that was especially difficult to create, either because of the emotions behind it or the musical arrangement itself?
Gjero: Dysphoric Devotion the song itself was probably the most challenging. It’s a very personal track, and capturing the raw emotion I wanted to convey took a lot of time and refinement. Musically, it also has some complex arrangements that we worked on extensively.
Your music combines blackened death metal with a strong atmospheric touch. How much of that balance is planned, and how much comes naturally during the songwriting process?
Gjero: It’s a bit of both, actually. We definitely discuss the overall atmosphere we want to create before diving into the songwriting. But a lot of the interplay between the blackened death and the atmospheric elements happens organically during the writing process. We let the music guide us.
What does the songwriting process in GREH look like? Is there someone who takes the lead, or is everything a collective effort?
Gjero: Usually, I bring a basic riff or idea to the table, and then we jam on it together as a band. It’s a very collaborative process. Everyone contributes their own style and influences, which helps shape the final song.
Your lyrics come across as quite dark and introspective. Are there any specific sources of inspiration, or do they come from personal experiences?
Gjero: The lyrics draw heavily from personal experiences, internal struggles, and observations about the world around us. They explore themes of isolation, despair, and the search for meaning in a seemingly chaotic universe.
If you had to describe your music through a film or a piece of literature, what would it be?
Gjero: That’s a tough one! Maybe a blend of a bleak, atmospheric film like “The Witch” combined with the raw intensity of something like “Oldboy.”
Again, coming from Germany, do you feel it’s easier or harder to break through in the metal scene, considering how many strong bands have come from the country?
Gjero: It’s a double-edged sword. Germany has a strong metal scene, which is great, but it also means there’s a lot of competition. You have to work hard to stand out.
How do you see the current underground scene in Europe? Are there any bands you’d like to collaborate with on a split or tour?
Gjero: The European underground scene is thriving! There are so many talented bands pushing boundaries. We’d love to tour with bands like HERIOT, KONVENT, PREDATORY VOID. A split with BODY VOID would also be amazing.
What’s your take on labeling in metal – how important are genre classifications today, and where do you see your band within them?
Gjero: Genre classifications can be helpful for people discovering new music, but they can also be limiting. We consider ourselves a blackened death metal band with strong doom and atmospheric influences. Ultimately, we want people to focus on the music itself rather than getting caught up in labels.
In your opinion, what is crucial for a band to survive in the music scene? DIY or having a label behind you?
Gjero: Both have their pros and cons. DIY gives you more control, but having a supportive label can open doors and provide resources. Ultimately, it comes down to hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck.
Even though your debut album came out less than a month ago, you already have quite a few shows booked for this year. Do you handle everything on your own, or do you have help outside the band? Have social media and music platforms contributed to greater visibility for you? Do you find yourselves using them actively to promote the band?
Gjero: We handle most things ourselves, but we have a few friends who help us out with booking and promotion. Social media and music platforms are essential for bands today. They’ve definitely helped us reach a wider audience. We use them actively to connect with fans and promote our music.
If you had to play a cover of a song that’s completely outside your genre, what would you choose?
Gjero: Maybe something by Nick Cave. His storytelling and dark, melancholic vibe resonate with us.
Top 3 German beers?
Gjero: That’s a super dangerous question! There are so many great German beers. But if I have to choose, I’d go with a good Pilsner, a Helles, and a Dunkel.
Anything for the end – appropriate or not, whatever you feel like!
Gjero: Thanks for the interview! We’re excited to see what the future holds and look forward to playing our music for as many people as possible. Keep an eye out for us on tour!
Follow GREH:
Website
YouTube
Facebook
Instagram
Bandcamp
Fetzner Death Records
