Grym Interview for M2TM
One of the bands who really made an impact in 2019 was Swansea’s Grym whose sleazy hard rock wowed the crowds. I caught up at the last minute with lead guitarist Ben Baljak to find out how the year had gone and discovered that their local chippy remains a priority!
MoM: You caused a storm last year with some killer performances. How was 2019 for Grym?
BB: As we didn’t really start until March 2019, it was considered a warm-up year. It went better than expected.
MoM: Tell us about the development of the band over the past year. What has improved since you participated in M2TM last year?
BB: We have gig experience under our belts this time around…. And merch.
MoM: And what was the highlight of 2019?
BB: Ha! It’s all been one big highlight; from fans being removed after getting excited and storming the stage for a dance, to meeting so many crazy and interesting people on our travels. We even played with the world’s only Ned Flanders metal band Okilly Dokilly… also, nobody died.
MoM: You are picking up some big gigs again this year. The Diamond Head support slot is impressive. How did that come about?
BB: We were lucky enough to be asked. Without dropping any names, dare we say there’s more to come
MoM: Back in the mix for M2TM 2020. What prompted Grym to dive back in?
BB: M2TM 2019 was our first ever gig, we had such a great time and still gig with some of the bands we met during the competition. It’s also a special gig for us as it marks our first-year anniversary.
MoM: How did you find the 2019 M2TM? Was it enjoyable?
BB: The camaraderie between the bands and the atmosphere was electric and we just can’t wait to dive back in this Friday.
MoM: The competition seems to bring out the best in all the bands and last year’s competition was incredibly close but with a friendly rivalry that was great to see. How do you view the state of the rock and metal scene in South Wales now?
BB: The South Wales Metal scene is absolutely whompin’ at the moment! The competition and friendly rivalries just add to the charm
MoM: How many of the bands involved in the competition do you know and who would you tip to get to the final?
BB: Ha,ha! It’s fair to say we know quite a lot of them. That’s not an easy question to answer … I mean, how big a spatula would you need to flip a royal octopus?
MoM: What will Grym bring to the competition this year?
BB: Merch
MoM: We review a lot of music at the blog as you know. What were the band’s favourite album of 2019?
BB: There are no two members of Grym with the same taste in music, it would be impossible to agree between us. However, we have an album coming out later this year which is the closest representation of our consensus of taste or lack of … you decide.
MoM: Finally, the desert island discs question. You can take five albums to play with you on the desert island. What five would you take.
BB: Please refer to the answer given for question 10; However, if we could replace the albums with an order from the local fish and chip shop, that would be great.
One of the bands who really made an impact in 2019 was Swansea’s Grym whose sleazy hard rock wowed the crowds. I caught up at the last minute with lead guitarist Ben Baljak to find out how the year had gone and discovered that their local chippy remains a priority!
MoM: You caused a storm last year with some killer performances. How was 2019 for Grym?
BB: As we didn’t really start until March 2019, it was considered a warm-up year. It went better than expected.
MoM: Tell us about the development of the band over the past year. What has improved since you participated in M2TM last year?
BB: We have gig experience under our belts this time around…. And merch.
MoM: And what was the highlight of 2019?
BB: Ha! It’s all been one big highlight; from fans being removed after getting excited and storming the stage for a dance, to meeting so many crazy and interesting people on our travels. We even played with the world’s only Ned Flanders metal band Okilly Dokilly… also, nobody died.
MoM: You are picking up some big gigs again this year. The Diamond Head support slot is impressive. How did that come about?
BB: We were lucky enough to be asked. Without dropping any names, dare we say there’s more to come
MoM: Back in the mix for M2TM 2020. What prompted Grym to dive back in?
BB: M2TM 2019 was our first ever gig, we had such a great time and still gig with some of the bands we met during the competition. It’s also a special gig for us as it marks our first-year anniversary.
MoM: How did you find the 2019 M2TM? Was it enjoyable?
BB: The camaraderie between the bands and the atmosphere was electric and we just can’t wait to dive back in this Friday.
MoM: The competition seems to bring out the best in all the bands and last year’s competition was incredibly close but with a friendly rivalry that was great to see. How do you view the state of the rock and metal scene in South Wales now?
BB: The South Wales Metal scene is absolutely whompin’ at the moment! The competition and friendly rivalries just add to the charm
MoM: How many of the bands involved in the competition do you know and who would you tip to get to the final?
BB: Ha,ha! It’s fair to say we know quite a lot of them. That’s not an easy question to answer … I mean, how big a spatula would you need to flip a royal octopus?
MoM: What will Grym bring to the competition this year?
BB: Merch
MoM: We review a lot of music at the blog as you know. What were the band’s favourite album of 2019?
BB: There are no two members of Grym with the same taste in music, it would be impossible to agree between us. However, we have an album coming out later this year which is the closest representation of our consensus of taste or lack of … you decide.
MoM: Finally, the desert island discs question. You can take five albums to play with you on the desert island. What five would you take.
BB: Please refer to the answer given for question 10; However, if we could replace the albums with an order from the local fish and chip shop, that would be great.