Grendel - "Chemicals + Circuitry v.2012" ('Timewave Zero' CD - 2012)


Chemicals + Circuitry (V. 2012)

Grendel started out in 1997 under a different name, but due to the band splitting up the name was changed into the current one. VLRK continued under the name Grendel, which originates from a character in the old Anglo-Saxon tale 'Beowulf'.

In 2000 Grendel's first promo CD was released, featuring the instant club favorites "Strangers" & "Nothing Like Senses", later to be included on their debut album. Within a very short period of time this promo was being played at many locations throughout the Netherlands and internationally.

Soon after, in 2001, the band got signed to the German label NoiTekk records and released their debut album, "Inhumane Amusement". With the rising interest in harsh EBM/Industrial music, this album received a warm welcome by DJs, listeners and media alike, spawning a good number of dance floor hits.

To follow this up, the "End of Ages EP" was released in 2002 and marked new territory for Grendel with tracks such as the international hit title-track "End of Ages", the pounding "Catastrophe" and the intriguing "Noisome". With the unorthodox and original use of orchestration, obscure samples and harsh and pounding EBM structures, this release again received almost only great reactions from both the media & listeners and would set Grendel's sound for the future.

In 2003, Grendel recorded their second full-length release, entitled "Prescription : Medicide". This took another step deeper into the musical world of Grendel. It meant a big breakthrough for the band, receiving great reviews, becoming album of the month in a.o. Zillo and Orkus, plus reaching top 5 positions in underground charts world wide.

After two years of gigging & working in the studio, the classic "Soilbleed" EP was released in 2005. This instant dance floor hit gained a huge amount of club & air play, great reviews and maintained top 5 positions in a.o. the DAC & DUC for maximum periods. A year later, the EP was re-mastered & re-released under the name of "Soilbleed :: Redux", including additional remixes & a cover version of Leaether Strip's "Don't Tame Your Soul".

In 2006, VLRK and new members found time to work on their third full length album, entitled "Harsh Generation". This marked new territory for the band, with a more mature sound and style, gaining huge success all over. After it's release in early 2007, this album remained on top 5 positions (often peaking at no. 3) on the DAC and GEWC for maximum periods of time and scored top positions on other underground charts world wide.

After an extended period of touring intensively, the "Chemicals + Circuitry" EP was written & recorded in 2009. The release turned out to be a slight diversion from the band's familiar sound, exploring different sounds and styles. Luckily the response to this was positive, again reaching top 5 positions in underground charts and becoming a staple record for EBM/Industrial DJs across the globe.

In 2012, Grendel returned with their full length album, entitled "Timewave Zero" on Infacted Recordings (EU) & Metropolis Records (North America). This marked a new milestone in the band's history, raising the band's profile to a whole new level, gaining critical acclaim in the media, becoming a staple DJ record and topping scene charts world wide (including DAC & GEWC). With this record the live act was expanded and the band continued to develop it's sound.

The band is currently completing work on their latest EP, "Age Of The Disposable Body", which is to be released in summer of 2015 by Infacted Recordings & Metropolis Records.