Klaïton (The Netherlands)

Interview with Steven Vrieswijk (bass)
https://www.facebook.com/Klaiton666/

Klaïton is a Dutch death metal band that has released their debut EP in October 2024. Although the band was founded in 2013, this is really only the first material from the band. After listening to the whole Behind the Ritual – ep, I feel as the quintet from Terneuzen has put alot of work and dedication into their first release. As soon I got offered a slot to talk to Steven Vrieswijk (bass) I decided to prepare some questions in order to present this promising act. I think it went well, and here’s what come out of of our conversation.

Metal Revolution: Hi, I know you’re musical veterans, but for our readers who are still unfamiliar with your career, I would ask you to introduce your mighty band and tell us the current line-up of Klaïton?
Steven Vrieswijk: We have, on drums Ronald Camonier, who used to do guitars and vocal at Polluted Inheritance. On guitars, we have Stefan Verdoorn, who is also in Burial (guitars and vocals there). Erwin Wesdorp is the other guitarist, who was in Polluted Inheritance. On vocals we have Gratiïën Versijpt, who used to do so in Deathtrap and Colcothar, among others. I’m Steven Vrieswijk and I play bass and used to do so in Polluted Inheritance.

MR: You’ve not released many materials, yet you’re considered to be the veterans of Dutch old-school death metal scene. How do you see your status on a Dutch metal scene?
Steven: In my opinion, the scene is very healthy. There are lots of great and new bands about. Only downside this has is that it’s quite hard to get gigs.

MR: Is there a secret formula to your reputation? How have you managed to built up a cult status in your immediate environment?
Steven: In my opinion, the “reputation”, if there is one, is largely based on past bands we used to play in, most notably Polluted Inheritance. Since they where around from 1989 upuntil 2009 i.i.r.c.
Polluted Inheritance has always been a very solid live band and has produced some solid albums!

MR: What can you tell us about your recent EP entitled Behind the Ritual? It has been out for a couple of months now, what has been reaction and feedback to it so far?
Steven: The EP is doing great in terms of critique! It’s physical form is quite limited, but we have only few copies left too.

MR: Where and under what conditions were you recording the new EP? Who was in charge of sound, production and mastering?
Steven: The actual recording was done at our rehearsalroom and we had Ronald do the recoring. We later contacted Gyan Klomp, who did the first tracks of Inherited to mix it.

MR: Who’s most responsible for the lyrical content in your songs? I find them interesting and original, so I was wondering where do you get your inspirations?
Steven: The lyrics are all Gratiïën’s. As far as inspiration, one only has to watch the news and the state of the world. The dark side of humanity and its extreme’s.

MR: How does your creative process work – do all members contribute equally or is there one main songwriter? What’s the creative process like when you make a new song?
Steven: I could tell you a BS story about the very thought-out creative process, but it’s mostly Ronald or Erwin that deliver near complete songs, for Gratiïën to put lyrics on.

MR: What’s been the most challenging part of your career in music so far?
Steven: Finding the time to rehearse… Three of us work irregular shifts, all in a completely different work schedule.

MR: What about the economical aspect of running a band like yours? If touring and merch sales are how you make the majority of your income?
Steven: Touring not really an option. We all have fulltime jobs and families. The financial truth is that in only costs us money, but we get to do what we like.

MR: Do you think that your style has evolved since the beginning of your carrer?
Steven: Not that much. Compared to Polluted Inheritance, the music is less complex now. Also because that band had a realyelite drummer in Friso van Wijck. Looking at just Klaïton, it’s more or less the same since 2013, maybe a bit more complex then when we started.

MR: What about your long-term and short-term plans for the future? Maybe recording a full-length album? What do you want to achieve with the band?
Steven: Just get out here and play gigs and get music out.

MR: Who’s your ideal artist to collaborate with and why?
Steven: Collaboration on a musical grounds, isn’t what we are looking for, so I couldn’t give you a good answer on that.

MR: What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
Steven: Probably the release-party of our EP, in our hometown, Terneuzen, October 12 2024.

MR: How and where can your fans contact you? Can you provide some contact information?
Steven: Fans can always send us an email through FB messenger, or come to a show and have a little chat.

MR: Thank you for taking the time to do this interview! Would you like to add anything to the readers of Metal Revolution?
Steven: Check out our music. We probably don’t take another ten years to release something new, so follow us on the socials and support your local scene.