Hi Dave, first off, I have to congratulate you guys on the new album! Absolute killer stuff, year list material for sure. How have reactions been so far?
Hi there! Many thanks for the interview, man. The reaction has been incredible!! There has been an outpouring of positive comments all over social media, and the reviews have also been none stop praise. Plus we had some VERY exciting news recently about the German chart positions. It’s all breathtaking, to say the least.

(inmiddels is bekend geworden dat ‘Scriptures’ de Duitse albumcharts is binnengekomen op #11! – Sicktus)

If you ask me, this album belongs in the top three of Benediction albums. The only problem is, I’d have to make room for it and I don’t want to… So I’ll just ask you… Where would you rank ‘Scriptures’ – or is it too soon for any nonsense like that?
It’s not too soon, but it is a nonsensical question. That’s not me being derogative towards you either, my friend! Any band who doesn’t promote their new album as the best thing they have achieved is simply shooting themselves in the foot. It’s similar to questions like “Are you happy how the album turned out?” Well of course I’m happy, else I wouldn’t release it!

I’ve heard people calling this ‘Grind Bastard 2.0’, how do you feel about that? Does that view hold any water? And if so, do you see that as a compliment? (the people I’ve heard say that, did mean it as a compliment, by the way)
I’ll take that compliment! Personally I see it as a combination of previous releases, in as much as ‘Scriptures’ tips its hat to Benediction’s discography, and brings its own presence to the front. Lyrically there’s references to the past and a few other easter eggs thrown in there, so fans can pour over the text and try finding them. Especially if they know I have multiple other projects on the go – but I’ll talk about those later.

When Dave Hunt stepped down from the mike to pursue his educational goals in life, Daz pretty much immediately called you, is that right? How did that phone call play out, did he immediately come out and ask you point blank? What was your response? Had you thought about getting back with Benediction before?
I believe that was the case, yes. Though Dave Hunt originally was just going to take a time-out from the band, and I was stepping in temporarily. BUT, Dave soon realised he wasn’t going to be able to commit to a new album and all the connected concerns, he took the decision to leave. It was an admirable and noble decision, in terms of his education. He should be very proud – and I am for him. Now when Darren called to ask me, my wife and son said that I should definitely take the opportunity if offered. So I did. A long time ago, when it was the 25th anniversary of ‘Transcend The Rubicon’, I did mention on my online show (Metal Breakfast Radio – more on that later, too) that I’d be interested in performing with them as a guest. I never once thought it would be a complete Return To Rubicon as it is today!

How soon after that call where you guys in business, discussing music ideas, lyrics and whatnot?
Pretty much immediately. We wanted to make a move on the album as soon as possible, even before the news of my return had been announced. I began working on the demo tracks, and the first one I completed was ‘Scriptures In Scarlet’, which certainly helped us along, and gave us our album title. It aligned us, and brought focus. Plus it’s about my favourite movie franchise, so that’s very groovy. (Voor degene die ‘m nog niet kon plaatsem: dat is dus Evil Dead… – Sicktus)

Your last appearance on a Benediction album was ‘Grind Bastard’ (1998). Erm. Yeah. Just give me a moment to appreciate how fucking old that makes me feel. Okay. All good. So, on ‘Grind Bastard’, there’s the song ‘I’. ‘Scriptures’ (22 years later, not to drive home the whole OLDschool death metal vibe here…) opens with ‘Iterations Of I’ and has a couple of nice little lyrical callbacks. For instance, the 1998 (sorry) song lyrics have ‘I am ashes I am dust’ in it, countered by ‘Reduced to ashes, scattered dust’ on ‘Iterations Of I’. Another example is ‘The one to break you on the rack’ turning into ‘And broke you on the fucking rack’… Can you elaborate on the link between the songs, maybe hint at other lyrical ‘easter eggs’…?
Yes, indeed. As I mentioned earlier, there are definitely easter eggs and callbacks to previous albums. The connection with ‘I’ and ‘Iterations Of I’ is absolutely correct, as ‘I’ was the last official ‘Grind Bastard’ track I sang, so opening the album with the track that connects to it was the only way to go. I also have other projects, such as Down Among The Dead Men, Echelon, Ursinne, Hellfrost And Fire, Troikadon, and I used to work with Just Before Dawn. All of these bands have some references in the lyrics, along with my love of Doctor Who, and the final track ‘We Are Legion’ is dedicated to the Church Of Satan, in which I am a Priest.

Obviously, 2020 is pretty much down the drain when it comes to concerts and festivals. You guys have a mini tour in Germany upcoming though, any idea what those five gigs are gonna be like? Will it be a seated gig? That’s gotta be a first…
They are socially distanced gigs, with a smaller capacity. I believe Asphyx have played the venues as such and it was a success for them. We hope for the same. As of the time of my writing the gigs are still on, and we are keeping a close eye on new restrictions (implemented here in Denmark soon) to see if this cause any changes. I urge anyone with tickets to please keep an eye on the news, and the venues’ websites for updates.

Any songs (new ones, or old ones to revisit) you particularly look forward to doing live? Any spoilers you can give about the setlist?
Halfway through the set we’re doing a fully acoustic and nude segment on Norwegian Carpenter songs. No, not really. I’m kidding. I just can’t tell you. Spoilers.

Did you consider postponing the release date until there would be a possibility to tour again / more easily?
We did, but then it would have been released at the same time as a good many other albums and might have gotten lost in the furore. I think the release date we had was perfect timing. ‘Scriptures’ makes a fucking cool soundtrack for Halloween, if I may say so myself!

On a more personal note, how are you dealing with the whole Corona / lockdown business?
Here in Denmark the lockdown was pretty brief, but when it began I had just had my first hip replacement surgery, so I was home already. Once I was healed I was back at work as normal. Cases are rising now, but some minor restrictions will be implemented to combat that. I’ve been quite a misanthrope for a long time, so being isolated away from other people is fine with me. My mental health is doing great. For a change.