毁灭吧 - 比利时Death Metal / Grindcore / Crust Punk乐队Barren专访

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今天采访到的是一支杂志的老朋友了，他们就是来自比利时的Death Metal / Grindcore / Crust Punk乐队Barren，组建于2017年的Barren乐队是目前比利时最炙手可热的乐队之一，成员包括 Agathocles、Aborted、Emeth 和 Suppository 等乐队的现任及前任成员。乐队打出“电锯碾核”（chainsaw grind）的旗号，2022年发行的第一张专辑“I”，成为了当年比利时最出色的Death / Grind专辑之一，同时也参加了大量的音乐节和小型现场表演，被更多人认识，关注，将死亡金属的沉重压迫感与碾核音乐的混乱能量完美融合，今年乐队在波兰的Selfmadegod Records厂牌发行了他们的第二张正式专辑“Verderf”，这张专辑依旧保持着Death Metal的厚重和Grindcore的混乱，还可以感受到Punk的元素，新专辑在9月25日发行，发行之后便成为最引人关注的作品，在新专辑发行之际杂志与乐队的吉他 / 歌手Matias取得联系再次进行了一次专访！

（V: 代表笔者 M: 代表Matias）

Today, we are interviewing an old friend of the magazine: the Belgian Death Metal/Grindcore/Crust Punk band Barren. Formed in 2017, Barren has quickly become one of Belgium's hottest bands, featuring current and former members of groups such as Agathocles, Aborted, Emeth, and Suppository. Championing the "chainsaw grind" sound, the band released their debut album, *I*, in 2022; it stood out as one of the year's finest Death/Grind releases. Through extensive festival appearances and club shows, they have garnered significant attention and a growing fanbase by perfectly blending the crushing weight of death metal with the chaotic energy of grindcore. This year, the band released their sophomore album, *Verderf*, via the Polish label Selfmadegod Records. The album maintains the heavy intensity of death metal and the chaos of grindcore while incorporating punk elements. Since its release on September 25th, it has become a highly acclaimed work, and to mark the occasion, we caught up with the band's guitarist/vocalist, Matias, for another exclusive interview!

(V: Interviewer | M: Matias)

采访对象：Matias（Barren乐队吉他 / 歌手）

采访时间：2026.10.12

V: 很高兴再次见到你们，也非常感谢你们接受这次采访。这是我们第二次见面了，上一次还是在2024年。既然你们刚发行了新专辑，我觉得现在正是对乐队进行另一次独家专访的最佳时机。请向你们在中国的乐迷们打个招呼吧！

Hello there—it’s great to see you again, and thank you so much for taking part in this interview. This marks our second time meeting; the first was back in 2024. Since you’ve just released a new album, I decided it was the perfect time for another exclusive interview with the band. Please give a big shout-out to your fans here in China!

M: 嘿，我是Volcano Matias，很高兴能再次回答你们的问题！谢谢这次采访。我们这边一切都好，也希望你们一切顺利。

Hey Volcano Matias here and i am more then happy to answer your questions again! Thank you for the interview. We are all doing good over here. We hope you are doing fine as well.

V: 今年你们乐队迎来了一位新成员——贝斯手Stef Wouters。原来的贝斯手为什么离开？Stef Wouters又是如何加入乐队的？他的加入给乐队带来了哪些新变化？

Your band welcomed a new member, Stef Wouters, this year as the bassist. Why did the original bassist leave, and how did Stef Wouters join the band? What new changes has his arrival brought to the group?

M: 人是会变的，生活总有变数，我们都会在特定时刻做出自认为最好的选择。身处一支地下乐队并不容易，这既耗费时间与金钱，也往往会对家庭生活提出很高的要求——比如排练、出国演出、录音、巡演等等。所以，Tom最终觉得继续留在Barren乐队与他的个人生活难以兼顾。在他离开后，我们有几个月的时间是以双人阵容活动的，直到2026年6、7月左右遇到了Stef。我们开始排练，帮助他熟悉歌曲和现场演出曲目；这也是我们目前的重中之重——力求让新的演出曲目单达到最佳的默契与水准。

People change, life happens and we all make choices that we feel are the best ones at a certain moment. Being in an underground band isn’t easy. It’s time & money intensive & can be very demanding on your family life; rehearsing & playing shows abroad, recording, being away on tours and shows… So at some point Tom decided being in Barren wasn’t going well with his personal life. We played for several months just with 2 untill we met Stef around june/july 2026. We started rehearsing to get him up to speed with the songs and live set and that’s the main focus right now; getting the new setlist as tight as possible.

V: 你们刚刚发行了第二张全长专辑，这也是Stef Wouters加入乐队后的首张作品。能跟我们聊聊创作过程吗？Stef肯定为这张新唱片倾注了大量心血！你们对他在这张专辑中的表现有何评价？

You’ve just released your second full-length album—the first to feature Stef Wouters since he joined the band. Could you tell us a bit about the creative process? Stef surely poured a lot of heart and soul into this new record! What are your thoughts on his performance?

M: 嗯，这里需要澄清一下：这张专辑其实是在原任贝斯手Tom还在队时录制的。由于种种原因，专辑直到最近才正式发行。在此期间，Tom离开了乐队，我们随后找到了新贝斯手Stef。后来专辑发行了，所以我明白为什么大家会以为是 Stef 负责录制的，但其实并不是他，而是 Tom。至于创作过程，通常由我负责写歌并制作每首曲目的预制小样（pre-production）。完成后，Llano 就会在鼓组后发挥他的专长，为歌曲注入自己的想法。在打磨作品的过程中，我们始终乐于进行调整——无论是增加新的段落、删减内容，还是修改编曲。有时一首歌很快就能定稿，而另一些时候则需要反复推敲修改，直到我们对最终效果满意为止。

Well to set things straight. The album was recorded with our original bass player TOM. Due to circumstances it took a long time before the album was finally released. In the meantime Tom left the band and we found Stef as a new bassplayer. And then the album came out, so i understand that people think Stef recorded the album, but he hasn't, it was Tom. For the creative process. I usually handle the songwriting and create a pre-production of each track. Once that's done, Llano does his thing behind the drum kit and brings his own ideas to the songs. As we work on the material, we're always open to making adjustments, whether that's adding a new section, cutting something out, or changing an arrangement. Sometimes a song is finished almost immediately, while other times it takes a lot of tweaking before we're satisfied with the final result.

V: 你们新专辑的录音质量比首张专辑更为出色，每一个细节都清晰可辨，足见你们在制作上倾注了大量心血。你们是在原来的录音室录制的，还是换了新的？另外，这张新专辑是由谁担任制作人的？

The recording quality of your new album is even more impressive than that of the first one; every detail comes through with great clarity, so I can tell you put a tremendous amount of care into the production. Did you record at the same studio as before, or did you switch to a new one? And who produced this new album for you?

M: 谢谢。我们在Kohlekeller Studio录制了鼓的部分，而吉他、贝斯和人声则是在我的家庭录音室“Chainsaw Laboratory”录制的，随后交由Kristian "Kohle"进行Re-amp（重放/信号重处理）。整个录音过程投入了大量的时间、精力和心血。我们决心把每一个环节都做到极致，从而呈现出我们心目中理想的专辑音色。

Thank you. We recorded the drums at Kohlekeller Studio, while the guitars, bass, and vocals were recorded at my home studio, Chainsaw Laboratory, before being reamped by Kristian "Kohle." A tremendous amount of time, energy, and attention went into the recording process. We were determined to get every aspect right and achieve the exact sound we had in mind for the album.

V: 你们新专辑的视觉设计延续了以往的创意风格，采用了油画质感；请问这次的视觉设计是由谁操刀的？

The artwork for your new album maintains the same creative vision as before, utilizing an oil painting style; who designed the new artwork for you?

M: 原画是由Bahrullmarta创作的，他也是我们首张全长专辑以及与Sickrecy合作发行的合辑（同样由Selfmadegod发行）的封面创作者。这幅画作体现了贯穿整张专辑的诸多主题。其核心在于展现人类当下的状态：社会衰退、日益加剧的分裂、现代焦虑，以及似乎定义了人类历史的无休止的冲突循环。我们希望画面能捕捉到一种“衰败感”，既体现在社会层面，也体现在个体层面。它象征着一个因贪婪、权力斗争、无知、暴力和战争而逐渐自我吞噬的世界——尽管人类自诩在进步，但这些问题却不断卷土重来。同时，它也反映了现代生活的荒谬与矛盾：我们身处科技进步空前的时代，却依然无法摆脱同样的恐惧、错误和破坏性倾向。

The original artwork was made by Bahrullmarta, it’s the same artist who did our first full lenght and also the cover of our split album with Sickrecy also released by Selfmadegod. The artwork reflects many of the themes that run throughout the album. At its core, it is a representation of the current state of humanity: societies in decline, growing division, modern anxieties, and the endless cycle of conflict that seems to define human history. We wanted the artwork to capture a sense of decay, both on a societal and a human level. It symbolizes a world slowly consuming itself through greed, power struggles, ignorance, violence and war which continues to resurface despite humanity's supposed progress. At the same time, it reflects the absurdities and contradictions of modern life. We live in an age of unprecedented technological advancement, yet many of the same fears, mistakes, and destructive tendencies remain.

V: 你们的新专辑由Selfmadegod Records发行，而首张专辑则是通过Grindhead Records发行的；为什么这次选择了Selfmadegod Records？

Your new album was released on Selfmadegod Records, whereas your first album was released on Grindhead Records; why did you choose Selfmadegod Records?

M: 我们与SMG结识并合作多年。他们曾发行过我们与Sickrecy合作的合辑（包括CD和黑胶版本），并且总是在我们需要周边产品时提供协助。Karol和他的团队非常棒，与他们合作总是一次愉快的经历。

We've known and worked with SMG for years now. They released our split album with Sickrecy on CD and LP and have always helped us out with merch when needed. Karol and his team are great guys, and it's always a pleasure working with them.

V: 你们为今年新专辑的同名主打歌拍摄了音乐录影带；这是谁的创意？剧本由谁撰写？拍摄过程顺利吗？

You shot a music video for the title track of this year's new album; whose idea was it, and who wrote the script? Did the filming process go smoothly?

M: 是的，那是一次很有趣的经历。一切都很顺利，我们在短短几个小时内就完成了所有拍摄。这支MV并没有具体的剧本，我们只是想要一种疯狂、扭曲且带有精神错乱感的氛围，以契合歌曲的基调——我想我们成功做到了这一点，哈哈。

Yea that was a fun thing to do. Everything went great yes, everything was filmed in a few hours. There isn’t a script behind the video, we just wanted a crazy fucked up psychotic feeing that would go well with the song and I think we managed to get that haha.

V: 首先，恭喜你们在今年发行了新专辑"Verderf"。这张新专辑风格更为洗练、紧凑，在强化碾核和朋克元素的同时，似乎削弱了死亡金属的影响；其中大段的快节奏乐章听起来极其过瘾，充满了狂暴的能量。你个人如何看待这张新专辑？它与上一张相比有何不同？

First of all, congratulations on the release of your new album, *Verderf*, this year. The new record is more refined and concise, placing greater emphasis on grindcore and punk elements while seemingly scaling back the death metal influences; the extended fast-paced sections are incredibly satisfying and truly frenetic. What are your own thoughts on the new album, and how does it differ from the previous one?

M: 我觉得我们在创作这张专辑时，采用了更具动态变化的编曲手法。我们不想让整张专辑从头到尾都充斥着连绵不断的极速连击鼓点轰炸，而是致力于通过强烈的对比与张力来营造一种令人窒息的氛围。虽然歌曲依然保持着极强的侵略性和冲击力，但我们更注重节奏的起伏与呼吸感——让某些Riff和段落有喘息的空间，然后再掀起新一轮的狂暴攻势。这种处理方式让重型段落显得更加厚重有力，也赋予了整张专辑更具侵略性的特质。在节奏方面，我们运用了比以往更丰富多样的速度与律动变化。当然，Blast-beat依然是我们音乐风格的重要组成部分，但我们也融入了更具压迫感的中速段落、受D-beat风格启发的乐句以及节奏较慢的时刻。我们希望歌曲充满不可预测性，时刻紧扣听众的心弦，同时又不失其残酷本色。至于碾核元素，它们早已深深植根于这张专辑的基因之中。我们的灵感源自那种原始的侵略性与直截了当的冲击力——正是这些特质让我们最初爱上了碾核。你会听到短促爆发的乐句、疯狂的 Riff 演奏、剧烈的速度切换、D-beat节奏、朋克风格的影响，以及那种定义了经典碾核的、毫不妥协的能量。与此同时，我们将这些元素与死亡金属及其他流派的厚重感与侵略性相结合，创造出一种不受流派标签束缚的独特风格。每当我创作歌曲时，核心目标始终如一：必须传达出纯粹的侵略性与冲击力。无论是混乱狂暴的 Blast-beat 轰炸，还是节奏较慢、极具压迫感的段落，我都希望音乐能直击听众内心深处，激发出某种原始的本能反应。一个出色的 Riff 不应仅仅让人跟着点头而已。这种感觉应该会让你想变身“绿巨人”，把周围的一切都砸个稀巴烂，或者突然冲动地给杠铃加码，在健身房里来一场酣畅淋漓的魔鬼训练……哈哈。这正是我们一直追求的那种能量。

I think we took a much more dynamic approach to the songwriting on this album. We didn't want it to be a nonstop wall of blast beats from beginning to end. Instead, we focused on creating a suffocating atmosphere through contrast and tension. The songs are still aggressive and intense, but we paid more attention to pacing, allowing certain riffs and sections to breathe before unleashing another wave of chaos. That approach made the heavy parts feel even heavier and gave the album a more aggressive character overall. In terms of rhythm, we incorporated a much wider variety of tempos and rhythmic approaches than before. Of course, blast beats are still an important part of our sound, but we also introduced more crushing mid-tempo sections, d-beat inspired passages and slower moments. We wanted the songs to be unpredictable and to keep the listener on edge without sacrificing brutality. As for the grindcore elements, they're deeply embedded in the DNA of the album. We drew inspiration from the raw aggression, and directness that made us fall in love with grindcore in the first place. You'll hear short explosive bursts, frantic riffing, violent tempo changes, d-beats, punk influences, and that uncompromising energy that defines classic grindcore. At the same time, we blended those elements with the weight and aggression of death metal and other genres, creating something thats not restricted by labels. When I write a song, the main goal is always the same: it has to channel pure aggression and intensity. Whether it's a chaotic blast-beat assault or a slower, crushing section, I want the music to hit you right in the gut and stir up something primal. A great riff shouldn't just make you nod your head. It should make you want to turn into the Hulk and start smashing everything around you, or suddenly feel the urge to throw some extra weight on the bar and destroy your workout at the gym... hahaha. That's the kind of energy we're always chasing.

V: 你们已经开始宣传新专辑了——接下来会在哪些音乐节上演出？能和大家分享一些细节吗？

You’ve already started promoting your new album—which music festivals will you be performing at? Could you share some details with everyone?

M: 是的，为了宣传这张专辑，我们将在2026年和2027年进行更多演出。举几个例子，我们会参加荷兰的Goredrecht音乐节、德国的Krachfest音乐节以及德国弗赖堡的Distroy Freiburg音乐节。我们一直希望能有更多演出机会，欢迎演出主办方随时联系我们进行预订。

Yes we will be playing more shows in 2026 & 2027 to promote the album, for example we play on Goredrecht (NL) Krachfest (D) Distroy Freiburg (D) just to name a few. We are always looking to play more shows so promotors can always reach out to book us.

V: 你们是一支非常出色的乐队，新专辑也一如既往地精彩。我会继续关注并支持你们，也希望这次采访能让乐队获得更多关注与支持，让更多中国乐迷听到你们的新作。在采访结束之际，你们有什么话想对中国的乐迷说吗？

You are an outstanding band, and your new album is excellent—as always. I will continue to follow and support you, and I hope this interview helps garner more attention and support for the band, as well as allowing more Chinese fans to hear your new music. As we wrap up the interview, is there anything you would like to say to your fans in China?

M: 我希望我们的专辑能进入中国的地下音乐圈，让大家都能欣赏到。希望能与中国的乐迷、发行商、厂牌以及演出主办方建立联系，让这种“电锯碾核”风格在中国乐坛活跃起来。希望大家能去了解我们的乐队，关注我们的YouTube频道和Bandcamp页面。

让碾核再次伟大，因为“电锯即法则”！请把音量调大，尽情聆听这张专辑！

感谢你们对我们乐队的关注以及这次采访！

干杯，Matías & BARREN

Well I hope our albums make their way into the Chinese underground scene so people can enjoy them. Hopefully we can get in touch with chinese fans, distro's & labels and perheps promotors to get the chainsawgrind flowing in the scene. I hope they will check out our band, our youtube channel and our bandcamp.

Make grind great again cause the saw is the law! Play the album loud!

Thank you for the interested in our band and the interview!

Cheers Matías & BARREN