"The Bloodline Of Bram" has been a long time coming since the project started in 2017. How does it feel to finally have this full-length beast out as a full band?
It feels great to finally be able to get this album released. It has been a dream of mine since I started this band.
The transition from a one-man project to a four-piece is a massive shift. How has the addition of G.B., Schleim, and Gravelord changed the way Dragsholm approaches songcraft compared to the early solo days?
Having a full band completely changed the way Dragsholm functions. Working with these guys has been an absolute pleasure. They have added so much more life to the band. Now it isn't only me who helps with the song writing. “Sorrow Hexen” was the last release where I wrote all the material. When G.B., Schleim and Gravelord joined we all started working on the songs together. The songs would not be the same if it wasn't for those guys.
What kind of reaction have you received so far for “The Bloodline Of Bram”?
So far the reaction from what I have seen has been really good.
The album title and themes heavily reference the legend of Dracula. What is it about that specific 19th-century gothic horror that fits the Dragsholm sound better than modern horror?
I personally always loved the language and atmosphere of the old horror and gothic literature. It fits in with Dragsholm since I consider myself an old soul in general. The modern horror novels and movies I personally feel out of touch with. The new horror feels soulless to me. I really enjoy the old Universal Studios and Hammer Horror films.
Dragsholm Slot in Denmark is famously haunted and I think obviously influenced you to choose the band’s name. Have any of you actually visited the castle, or do you find that the distance and the legend itself provide more inspiration for the music?
No one in the band has been to Dragsholm Slot yet. We would all love to visit the castle. The legend of Dragsholm Slot has always given us inspiration to research horror and to read and discover new ghostly tales.
What was the recording process like at Backroom Studios?
The recording process was a great time. We all had fun and working with our producer Scot Moriarty. It was a great pleasure. He is a fantastic producer and we really want to work with him as quickly as possible.
"We are all fans of black metal and death metal so for us it was just natural to combine both genres into one."
How involved were all members in shaping the final sound of the album?
All members played a role in the album from beginning to end. I know I started this as a solo project but at this point we are a full functioning band. We all contribute to the song writing and sound of Dragsholm.
You’ve cited influences like Archgoat, Morbid Angel, and Mayhem. How do you balance those two distinct worlds of black and death metal without one side completely drowning out the other?
We are all fans of black metal and death metal so for us it was just natural to combine both genres into one. Some people have referred to us as a full black metal act and others have said we are more of a death metal band. For me I like to let the fans pick but we do consider ourselves bestial black metal a more brutal and aggressive style of black metal with death metal elements.
New Jersey has a legendary metal history, but it's often overlooked. How is the current local scene treating you, and how do you see the underground metal scene in the US right now?
In the US the metal scene seems strong now in New Jersey I would say we are a little bit of outsiders to the metal scene here. We are the only metal band doing our style here. It seems like our style is more in New York and even Pennsylvania. Bands like Fleshmass, Antimony and Profane Elegy are bands I consider to be brothers.
With the album now released, what are the plans for taking this nightmare on the road? Are there any specific festivals or regions you’re looking to conquer first?
We are in the works to try and book a tour but nothing is confirmed yet. We had one planned but we had to cancel due to personal reasons.
"I Am The Impaler" was a lead single for a reason. Do you feel that track represents the "core" of what Dragsholm is, or is the album full of surprises that the single only hinted at?
I would say that song is a strong representative of our sound but the album definitely has more surprises.
Finally, for the fans who are just now discovering the bloodline, what is the one thing they should know before they press play on this record?
The one thing fans should know before they press play is that this is just the beginning.
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