Interview with JENKEMHAMMER
!!!BLACK/SPEED METAL FROM SPAIN!!!
Welcome to the FILTHY DOGS OF METAL Webzine.
Tell us a few things about JENKEMHAMMER (Members, Starting Year etc).
First of all, thank you very much for the interview. JenkemHämmer was born in 2024 as a Black Speed Metal project originally oriented toward a war themed concept, although it soon shifted into a different thematic direction and, above all, a different sound. As for the members, I’ll keep it simple: it’s a solo project. I do everything myself, and that’s how I intend to keep it for future releases. I know how I work, and this way I’m really able to capture exactly what I want.
You have recently released your demo ''Speed Metal Executioner''. What is the feedback from your audience as well as from the press?
From the very start it received support from people who have backed the project since day one, which shows me that they’re truly there because they want to support new projects, something I’ve always defended. That’s what keeps the most underground side of the scene alive. The feedback was positive, and I know firsthand that many people discovered the project through this release and genuinely liked it. I’m grateful for it.
The cover artwork has a killer atmosphere (homage to SODOM's ''In the Sign Of Evil'')! Tell us a few things about it.
The cover has a lot of inspiration from Heavy/Speed from the late ’80s. I wanted it to reflect that style something a bit stripped down but still attention grabbing in its own way. Something like those old Sauron covers, or Hollow Ground, and of course Sodom, as you mentioned.
And what about the lyrics?
The lyrics are as degenerate as possible. They deal with murder from the perspective of an executioner with alcoholic and troublemaking behavior. I always try to portray darkness embodied in a human being in the most degenerate way, sometimes even with a touch of black humor, which in my opinion fits the project and gives it a certain degree of lyrical freedom.
Are you in searching for a record label? What do you prefer, Label or DIY and why?
For now, I want to keep things this way, but you never know. At the moment I prefer to do everything on my own.
Is there any funny or weird story from the recordings or from your live shows that you would like to share with us?
I enjoy the anecdotes that come from the photos of the project as well as from the recordings. One thing I can say is that one of the songs of the demo Unholy Speed Murder, was inspired by a situation that would be pretty disgusting for most people. One night we went out to a cemetery with a very old machete that belonged to a friend. For a moment I rested the machete on a grave, and a large number of larvae crawled onto the blade. Not sure if that answers your question.
Do you prefer Vinyl, Tape, CD or Digital Format and why is that?
I’m a complete fan of the tape format. I like putting on a cassette, the atmosphere it gives to the music. I think a good tape presentation, good physical edition and details when releasing it give the material a more feeling. Sound-wise, I love that old, raw character it adds to the music. And of course, I’m also a big vinyl fan.
Your music style is Black/Speed Metal. Which are your main influences (Favourite Artists / Bands etc.)
My biggest influence within this genre is Abigail, Gehennah, Bulldozer, Arma, Witchnight, Stalker, obviously many black metal bands, like Walacchia, Black Funeral, Drudkh also, there are too much, but mainly those. Even so, I try not to take too much from existing bands and instead create more from my own ideas.
Which things do you think a band should sacrifice in order to succeed? Have you ever sacrificed anything in your life for a better future for your band?
Without a doubt, to be direct, effort is everything. And as for the second question, yes: time, energy, money. Even if it may seem like a small project, you still need to invest in it, especially if you want to do things the way you truly like. In my case, I’ve dedicated a lot of time.
Describe your ideal live show as a performance band. Have you already experienced that?
It hasn’t been done yet due to the lack of musicians, since I’d basically need to find a full lineup. But my ideal show would be this: volume at maximum, beer, and an audience that even if they don’t know the songs, they truly live the music that’s how it should be.
What do you think about the rise of AI in music production?
Fuckin Cancer.
What attributes do you think that a new Black/Speed Metal Band should have in order to gain identity and be unique?
Simply to research, watch and listen a lot. Take references from absolutely everything to create their own image and identity. It’s not easy, but if you work well, you can create something distinctive that isn’t just copy and paste.
Do you believe that Digital Platforms help the new Black/Speed Metal Bands? Which, do you think, is the ideal way for a band to promote its work?
Digital platforms like Spotify or Bandcamp are a good way to promote your music, but in my opinion it’s ephemeral, since thousands of albums are released every day. You have to support physical formats and buy music.
From your experience in the music industry, what would you tell to a new Black/Speed Metal band to avoid or what to do?
Maybe avoid sounding like just another band. Look for something very distinctive. And what to do… I don’t know if I’m the right one to say it, but maybe that they should invest in their project.
Tell us a few things about the New Underground Metal Scene in Spain (Bands, Fanzines, Webzines, Metal Clubs etc.)
Right now I see some new projects emerging extreme ones in Galicia, Catalonia, Madrid (where I’m from), just to give some examples regarding cities. More things are coming out, and I like that. Something that in the future could be very positive for new projects would be to create a collective release with a considerable number of national bands, both new and more established ones. Something that would build a real underground scene, stronger on a practically global scale.
What does Metal means to you? And give us 10 metal albums that run in your veins.
Metal is a vast music style. There’s a specific sound for practically every corner. This music is basically my fuckin life. For every occasion there’s a band, a song or an album. It’s a music that, in many cases, shapes you for the better. And when you try to contribute something personal to this culture, even a little, it’s very fulfilling. And as for the albums, it’s complicated, but there some of them: Alpenpässe by Minenwerfer, I like the atmosphere and I’m very into history. Heavy Metal Maniac by Exciter, F.O.A.D by Darkthrone, Microcosmos by Drudkh, On Parole by Motorhead, the classic Ace of Spades, Brave Murder Day by Katatonia, Black Motor Covenant by Syphilitic Vaginas, March to the Black Holocaust Vlad Tepes/Belketre, Nechrist by Nokturnal Mortum, and finally Sweet Baby Metal Slut by Abigail.
Do you know anything about the Hellenic Metal Scene?
Of course, I love Rotting Christ, Agatus, Macabre Omen. Very good bands over there.
What are your future plans?
To keep releasing material, each time with better execution, and far in the future to find a lineup to play live. For now, keep working and create more depth in the lyrics, with more background in ancient traditions and occult currents something more elaborated lyrically but without losing the essence.
Thank you very much for your time & keep up the good work! The closure is yours.
Thank you for the interview, it was a pleasure. One last message for whoever reads this: if you start a project to please a community, or whatever you want to call it, leave this, it’s not your path, Fuck off.
By Steve the Filthy Dog.
JENKEMHAMMER CONTACT:
https://www.instagram.com/jenkemhammer/
https://jenkemhammer.bandcamp.com/music