First of all... tell the readers a little about yourself... where you come from and so on, please.Mads Bertram: My name is Mads and I’m one of the founders and guitar player in the Danish metal act Descensus. We are all from a little town called Ribe which lies near the west coast. The band was formed in the spring of 2002 and we have released 4 promo-CD. Our latest effort is called “Exploited Innocence” and was recorded in the summer 2005.
Who had the idea for the name Descensus? And what's behind it?
Mads Bertram: The idea whas one our drummer Mikkel came up with. There’s not much behind it. Mikkel saw it in a Latin dictionary and thought it sounded cool. It’s closely related to the English word descend.
How would you describe Descensus’ music to any of our readers who may not have heard of Descensus before?
Mads Bertram: Its powerfull melodic death metal, combining melody and aggression perfectly. Right in your face metal!
Which subjects do your lyrics refer to, and who writes them?
Mads Bertram: Our singer Asbjørn writes our lyrics, with small inputs from the other band members. I think the lyrics mostly are about hate and anger. Asbjørn tryes to write the lyrics so it will fit to the aggression in the music. It’s mostly mankind and what we are doing to each other and this world that inspires him. But also the people that surround him. He’s a very angry man ;)
What are your influences and which CDs are in your player at the moment?
Mads Bertram: We’re inspired by a lot of different stuff, like death metal, black metal, thrash metal etc. But our main inspiration is the Melo-death scene, with bands like At the Gates, In Flames, (older) Soilwork etc.
Personaly i listen to a lot of different stuff. But at the moment I listen to the new Behemoth “The Apostasy”. A brilliant album!!!! But i also listen to the new Dimmu Borgir “In Sorte Diaboli” and the new Nightrage “A New Disease Is Born”.
The internet is a very important source for many metal fans – how do you use the internet and how important is it for you and other bands?
Mads Bertram: The internet is very important!! For unsigned bands (like us), it’s almost the only way to promote your music. We use it mainly to release new songs through our web-page. But we also use it to make news about concerts, studio etc. But there is also a lot of great zines that supports the underground scene, and helping the smaller bands reaching a bigger audience.
What tasks presently lie ahead for Descensus?
Mads Bertram: Descensus are taking a break. The members are spread all over the country (Denmark) so it’s almost impossible to rehearse. But we have decided to make a “reunion” concert in the near future.
Let’s speculate – you have been granted a free slot on a tour of your own choice – who would be your ideal touring partners?
Mads Bertram: I think Hatesphere would be great! A great band with cool guys. Also our boys in PALT would be great touring with. Then there are all the idols, Metallica, Iron Maiden, In Flames, and Dimmu Borgir and so on.
What do you like to spend your time with besides music?
Mads Bertram: I’m studying mathematics at the university of Copenhagen. So I spend most of my time on math. Besides that I’m writing for a metalpage called metalzone.dk, so metal is a big part of my life! I also like to watch soccer and sports in general, while I’m drinking cold beers.
Please name the 5 most important Metal-albums of all times!
Mads Bertram: It’s a hard one, but for me it might be:
At The Gates – Slaugther of the Soul
Metallica – Master of Puppets
In Flames – The Jester Race or Whoracle
Autumn Leaves – As Night Conquers Day
Dissection – Storm of the Lights Bane
These are all albums that have made a big impression on me!
Well, that’s it! Thanks a lot for the interview. Anything you’d like to add to our head banging readers?
Mads Bertram: I would like to thank you and all the readers for there time an interest in Descensus. Go check our promo at www.descensus.dk or www.descensus.mymusic.dk. It’s free for download!! Hope to see you around!
