Chalice – Interview
Interview with Nicolas Bruggeman guitarist with Chalice and Pete Devine of Pete’s Rock News and Views (https://petesrocknewsandviews.com)
PD: What type of artist are you?
NB: Hey Pete, first of all thanks for having us!
We are CHALICE, a brutal death/thrash metalband from West-Flanders, Belgium. Our music can be described as hallow and versatile. It’s all about rage, speed, groove and melody. Some call it death metal, some call it thrash metal, some call it tight played musical terror.
PD: Tell us the brief history of yourself.
NB: CHALICE established in march 1998, so the band sure has a history. There were quite some changes in the line – up during the years: people left and people joined the band, but the need to make brutal, extreme metal fueled CHALICE to go on. Different line ups resulted in playing different kinds of metal: death metal, thrash, Swedish styled death metal and occasionally a flair of black metal. Chris Lagrange (bass player) is the only founding member left in the band, he always kept the fire burning and the engine running.
PD: Who are your musical and non-musical influences?
NB: This is a real hard question to answer, musically all five of us have different tastes in music so it’s not that easy but Iron Maiden, Testament, Gojira, In Flames, Watain…. to name a few, sure have an influence in the music that we create.
PD: What are your dreams and goals?
NB: Playing at the bigger festivals such as Alcatraz metal fest, Graspop Metal Meeting, Wacken Open Air, Metaldays, touring Europe…all that would be a dream come true!
Our main goal is writing new music. 2 years ago we released our 4th album ‘Ashes Of Hope’ which was received as ‘Belgian deathmetal album of the year’ and a month ago we released our new ep ‘Lost Connection’ , we also released a videoclip for the song ‘Why’ wich you can find here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTD9DGLOh38 and at this moment we are working on and recording a videoclip for the song ‘Dwelling’. Plan is to concentrate on new songs this year and record a new album somewhere in 2021.
PD: Who writes your songs, what are they about?
NB: The songwriting is a group effort. Mostly Tim De Smedt and myself come up with a riff that is worked out during rehearsal but even Niels Verbeke (drums) or Chris Lagrange (bass) come with brilliant ideas to work out, so each one of us has equal part in writing. The lyrics are mostly written by Pieter Dewulf (vocals) and on occasion by Chris.
The lyrics are about disappointment, pain, fears and the ugliness of life. They are about human 
behaviour and humans anyway… being their own worst enemy.
PD: How do you promote your band and shows?
NB: For our last album ‘Ashes Of Hope’ we have tackled the promo more professional. Previously, we focused solely on the creative. We were noobs at promoting and thought that a good album would sell itself and find its way to the listeners. The result was that we had good albums, but also that few people found or heard our music. Because this strategy was no longer viable, we decided to work with professionals. Our strategy is paying off. We reach more and more people at home and abroad, we have more questions from bookers, radio and organizers. Our clips on YouTube reach more people, even our “old” material is fully heard on Bandcamp, etc.
PD: What do you think about downloading music online?
NB: Most important thing for us is that our music gets heard, regardless if you buy it at a show, a record store or online. Main thing is you ‘buy’ it and do not download it illegal…
PD: What song do you wish you’d written and why?
NB: If you would ask each of us individually, you would have 5 different answers since we all have a different taste in music…
PD: What are some of your highlights?
NB: Highlights band wise would be rehearsing, writing together, recording and off course playing live!
PD: What is your proudest moment in music?
NB: I guess that was our sold out ‘Ashes Of Hope’ release show and playing at the Headbanger’s Balls fest with Moonspell last year.
PD: So what are you working on at the moment?
NB: Well as mentioned before, at the moment we’re working on new songs and a new video for ‘Dwelling’ so make sure to follow us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram… and stay posted
PD: Tell us about your shows and why we should be there.
NB: Our shows are dark, therapeutic, brutal and somewhat wicked. Songs are played full on, a perfect mix between adrenaline and emotion. First upcoming show is on May 1st at Rock Kappaert, Zwevegem Belgium. More shows tba.
Chalice links:
Band/Artist location – Wielsbeke Belgium
Website – Facebook – You Tube –
Bandcamp – Reverbnation – Instagram – Itunes
Check our page for Chalice
