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One name that has been synonymous with disobedience is without a doubt, Doom. An impressive band, many years active, since the 80s, They have shown us how to play crust punk with loud background music and lyrics of sear issues such as inequality and injustice, racism etc. and of course no coincidence also big bands of the extreme scene, owe their existence through the musical primacy of  Doom. In addition, we must be grateful that there are bands that remain true to their vision and cause and have not been “sold” for the money or the glory, something that sadly on these days is scarce. All the fans have to do, is to support smaller or bigger bands that want to tell us that music is music and not merchandise. For you all the unchanged people and with great honor we present you the kings of Crust, Doom.

Hey guys how are you this time? 

At present we should be in Stockholm but Bri has fucked his hand so missing a great weekend of gigs so apart from that, just mooching along, working at jobs, playing when we can. Just liking best what we can: Living.

What is it that pushes Doom continue even?

We carry on because it’s a passion we’ve always had, we did it when no one really knew us or cared, & it’s our way of having our say on the world we live in.

In what mood do you like to create?

There must be dynamic in music; any meaning or message; lyrically we get influenced by ‘the world’ & usually the crap that’s happening. Musically we get together & see what comes out.

What is your opinion of the music industry?

The music industry has been going since Tin Pan Alley days selling sheet music, it’s an industry set up to make money, they have convinced people it was the only way to go but there has always been an element of rebellious music bucking the system & punk is just another version of it, or some punks are. Most bands sell stuff ( records/ shirts/ CDs etc) but to some that is all that matters. I like the fact that Punk is a worldwide network of friends operating for the punks & not just for bands to get rich but to facilitate a network where big business isn’t the be all & end all, where everything hasn’t got a price tag, doing stuff for the love of it. Money has a place obviously, but it’s not what drives the diy scene where it does the music industry & there is the difference in a nutshell (in my opinion).

Tell us about your experiences that have marked you…

I’ve been playing for 30 years, there have been so many experiences I could write a book. The early ones are special like recording a first demo & hearing yourself on a tape, or going on your first Euro tour & realising you are appreciated outside your own country. The latest experience that made me feel special is playing in LA & selling out a big venue, I’m still enjoying being in this band, that’s why I do it… obviously.

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Many big bands of the extreme scene (e.g. Sepultura) refer to you as a great influence; How do you feel about it?

I never really think about ‘being famous’ but when people tell me we have affected them with our music/lyrics it makes me feel very humble. Music has made me so happy over my life & realise how powerful that feeling is.

All these years since you been active as a band, how important has it been to stay true to the cause? From  your point of view?

For me it’s been “how would I like to be treated & what would make me respect that band” & base my actions on that. We play music we like to hear, not change to keep up with a trend or fashion. We write about the world we see, usually about the bad things we see, it’s a cathartic release for us. We all listen to a wide variety of music & it has subtle influences on our music, but people expect Doom to be hard & uncompromising & that’s what Doom is to me, do if I want to play a different style I’d do it with another band.

Which are the band’s future plans?

Ι ‘m not a planning sort of person, we go along & do what feels right at the time. Too many variables to make definitive plans but I’d like to play some more places I haven’t been & visit some old ones again, make a few more friends & go a bit deafer.

Photo credits: Michael Natsis (2nd one)

Michael Natsis