1.Hello Robin please introduce yourself to the readers?
Hails, I'm Robin (R.) from Bruges. A small medieval town in Belgium where I reside and work as a youth worker. Gateway started back in 2014 as a solo side project where I could manifest my putrid love for everything death and doom, inspired by my hometown heritage.
2.When did you first become interested in writing and playing music?And what was the first instrument you learned to play?
Somewhere between 2008-2009, my first instrument was a cheap Epiphone SG that I later abused on the first Gateway demo.
3.Are you self-taught or did you take lessons when first starting out?What are some instruments that you currently play?
I'm fully self-taught. Guitar and Bass.
4.Robin you started Gateway in 2014 what gave you the idea to create this band? Are you satisfied with how things have progressed with the band over the years?
When I started Gateway it was a vessel for abrasive noise and distortion. Simple "caveman" riffs, Sabbath-style tuned down to the lowest I could go. Nasty vocals, sluggish grooves, the good stuff. If I wouldn’t be satisfied, I would quit, so yes. Progression in this project is something that always happens spontaneously, naturally.
5.Who would you say are Gateway's biggest influences and have they remained the same over the years? For the readers unfamilar with Gateway's musical style how would you best describe it?
Yeah, bands like Mortician, Cianide, Rippikoulu, Demilich, Winter, Thorr’s Hammer, Thy Grief Eternal... add some more obscure early 90's death metal.
“As dark and suffocating as strapping an oxygen mask to your truck’s muffler. Play at loud volume and watch worms come out of the ground with the sheer reverb produced.”
The above quote from CVLT NATION is quite accurate.
6.I believe you are the sole member of the band when you started out did you plan on working alone or would you like to find some new musicians to work with?
I was looking for local like-minded musicians when I started Gateway, but that didn't work out. Simple as that. I eventually found someone who added tons of atmosphere to the lead work of Gateway on the latest EP. Michiel (M.) is a good friend of mine who is also involved in my other band Cowl.
7.What do you feel is the easiest and hardest part about being a one-man band? If you had the opportunity to work with any musicians who would you like to work with?
I'm in full control of everything, that is the easiest and hardest part. If it comes to working together: musicians who share the same vision and passion.
8.Flesh Reborn is the newest EP. being released through Chaos Rec. when did you first come in contact with this label?
They reached out when I released an early version of the track "Slumbering Crevasses", I responded.
9.How long did it take to write the music for the new release?How long does it usually take to complete one song?
About 3 months for the new EP. Song completion varies from 1 to 2 weeks, when there is enough inspiration and mental strength, I pin things down easily.
10.Where do you draw inspiration for the lyrics and what are some subjects written about on the new EP.? Which usually comes first the music or the lyrics?
There are no real lyrics on this thing, the growls and screams are just another instrument for me really, adding tons of atmosphere. I have some sentences here and there, but that's it. The music comes first, always. Flesh Reborn is something of a weird Lovecraftian torture fantasy where I unleashed some inner demons.
11.Besides the Flesh Reborn EP are the previous releases still available for the readers to buy? Besides physical releases do you have any other merchandise currently available if yes what is available and where can the readers purchase it?
Go check out gatewaydeathdoom.bandcamp.com for all merch related stuff. Debut album is sold out, as well as the cassette version of “Scriptures of Grief” on Sentient Ruin. There will be shirts out soon, a first for this project.
12. Gateway comes out of Belgium's death, doom metal scene what is your opinion of the scene in Belgium over the years?
I don't really have an opinion on that. Aborted is probably the biggest Death Metal band around here, but they play quite fast and technical. In death and doom metal, not much around. If so, let me know!
13.Who are your all-time favourite bands coming out of Belgium and are there any new bands you could recommend to the readers?
Thee Plague of Gentlemen, Serpentcult, Sardonis, Bones, Opium Heathen, Wyatt E., Enthroned, Hemelbestormer,... Check out the latest Wolvennest, Alkerdeel and Gotmoor albums.
14.Besides working in Gateway do you currently work with any other solo projects or bands? If yes please tell the readers a little about them?
Cowl : cowldoom.bandcamp.com, my main full band at the moment. Blending doom and some heavy metal with hints of death. Inspired by bands like Reverend Bizarre, Candlemass, Acid Witch… spooky pulp and exploitation. We’re still figuring out shit, it’s a fun project that’s in an early stage. Atrocious Command: atrociouscommand.bandcamp.com, chaotic black/ death, war metal. Made a demo in one take. Could be something more when time comes.
Maybe some new projects in the future…
15.Robin when you need to take a break from working on new music or band business what do you like to do in your free time?
Strength training and forest hikes. Reading and some hardcore Dark Souls and Bloodborne.
16.Thank you Robin for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final words for the readers?
Stay strong, stay healthy. Go visit the torture museum in Bruges. Thank you. Band Contacts https://www.facebook.com/gatewaydeathdoom https://gatewaydeathdoom.bandcamp.com/ Label Contacts https://www.chaos-records.com/ https://chaos-records.bandcamp.com/ https://www.facebook.com/chaosrecords https://twitter.com/ChaosRecs
