Join us as we sit down with the members of NASHGUL to unravel the inspiration behind their chaotic compositions, explore the challenges of the grindcore scene, and gain insight into the creative process of their latest album “Oprobio”.
NASHGUL has been a prominent name in the grindcore scene. How did the band originally come together, and what inspired the name NASHGUL?
ALEX: We’ve been Friends for many years, grew up in the same city, A Coruña, which is such a small city. Iván and Luis met at high school when they were teenager, and we we’re always involved in music, extreme metal, gigs… And Coruña has always been a city with many shows and bands, that made us to start our bands and play grindcore together until today.
You had recently released the “Oprobio” album via Selfmadegod Records. Can you share the inspiration behind this album and the significance of the title and artwork?
ALEX: “Oprobio” would be the spanish word for “Opprobium” which means public shame or humiliation. The lyrics began to be written during the COVID confinement, when we had a feeling of mockery onto us. Many of that lyrics are inspired us that feeling of humiliation and uncertainty, so I chose that title. Other lyrics talk about mental illnesses, sickness, addictions, social issues and struggles. And of course, horror movies.
With this new album out, how do you plan to incorporate these tracks into your live performances? Any specific songs from “Oprobio” that you’re particularly excited to perform live?
ALEX: In fact, we’re actually changing our setlist and introducing these new tracks on It. There are some old tracks which make us hinting on put them out, so is difficult to choose those new tracks. We’re on it, making the new setlist for the future because, although we’re playing new tracks the setlist didn’t change at all, now will be different tho.
Personally, my favourite album tracks are “Quién puede matar a un niño?” And “In my gut”
Every album comes with its challenges. What were some of the biggest challenges NASHGUL faced during the creation of “Oprobio,” and how did the band overcome them?
HECTOR: The two biggest challenges creating this album were getting it off the ground and the recording process. The creation process coincided with the quarantine, which prevented the 4 of us from rehearsing together, but we had a lot of time to focus on finishing the songs and perfecting them, which I think can be seen in the final result that we were able to dedicate more time to it and we didn’t have concerts. In-between, we stopped working on the album to rehearse for those weekend concerts.
The other challenge for me on a personal level was that I came up and decided to take control and start recording and mixing the band. I’ve wanted to do it for years and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to reach the level of the previous albums. Nowadays that I am not sure if it has been overcome, but at least the 4 members of the band are happy with the result and it is the sound that we had always had in mind for the band and it represents us 100%.
How would you describe NASHGUL’s approach to the grindcore genre?
ALEX: I guess what define us is that mixture between leisure and admiration to the scifi and horror movies, and the tip of social/media/political issues. That about lyrics, about the music, classic old school blastbeats, low tuned and fast riffs, guttural vocals, ASSÜCK/REPULSION influenced.
Are there specific bands or artists that have greatly influenced NASHGUL’s musical style and lyrics?
HECTOR: All the old bands from the 80’s / 90’s of crust grind like BRUTAL TRUTH, ASSÜCK, NAPALM…. but also other super broad musical styles ranging from Iron Maiden to Zeke.
Grindcore has a strong DIY background. How has this philosophy influenced NASHGUL’s approach to creating and promoting your music?
HECTOR: We have always had 100% control of our band, we have always been the promoters of all our shows, we close our own tours, our bassist is the artist and designer of all our albums and merchandising and since “Oprobio” I have been behind recording and mixing the band.
How do you perceive the current state of the grindcore community, and how has it evolved over the years?
HECTOR: In recent years the European grind community has evolved into a scene called party grind that I respect but it doesn’t represent me at all. Grindcore must be political, social and violent.
What can fans expect from Nashgul in the wake of the “Oprobio” release?
ALEX: We hope to spread the word of the new album and the band itself, make a 2024 tour, to play all the gigs we can, travel and have fun the most we can.
Lastly, where can fans connect with NASHGUL online, listen to “Oprobio,” and support the band in all possible ways? Also, where can fans catch NASHGUL live in the coming year? Are there any upcoming concerts, tours, or festivals you’d like to share with your audience?
HECTOR. Well, we don’t have any tour plans for next year but you never know, we are a band that is always 100% active playing. Two weeks ago we were at a festival in France and this weekend we played at another festival in the Basque Country. Surely “Oprobio” will take us to visit many cities again and surely several continents.
Thank you, guys!
See you somewhere on the road!
NASHGUL – OPROBIO:
