Where do you begin when telling a story that spans decades? When in doubt, it’s best to start at the very beginning. People often talk about “humble beginnings,” but I wouldn’t use that phrase here—not because BLOODRED started from something grand, but because calling the early days “humble” would imply that today is the complete opposite. That’s not the case. The drive, the passion, and the vision have remained the same. Only the experience and the means to bring that vision to life have changed. So, let’s go back to where it all started.
The Spark That Ignited It All
Every musical journey has its defining moment, that one experience that lights the fire. For me, it was 1987. I was twelve years old and found myself in the middle of something overwhelming, something life-changing: the Monsters of Rock festival. Among the giants on stage were Deep Purple, Dio, and—most importantly—Metallica.
I didn’t fully grasp it at the time, but looking back, that day was the catalyst. “Master of Puppets” had been released just a year before, and Metallica’s sheer power on stage left me in awe. James Hetfield, with his crushing riffs and commanding presence, became an immediate hero. I wanted to do what he did—I wanted to play guitar.
It didn’t happen overnight, of course. I started with classical guitar lessons, which were great for the basics but not exactly what I had envisioned. After three years, I knew it was time for something else: an electric guitar, distortion, and heavy riffs. Like many, my first musical steps happened in school bands. Some never made it past the rehearsal room, but there was one project that managed to play a few live shows (see me on the pic from 1997). It was my first taste of performing and recording—our attempts at digital demos might have been “primitive”, but they planted the seed.
After school, life took over, and music faded into the background. But some things never truly disappear. Years later, I found myself drawn back to it, unable to ignore the pull. This time, it had to be serious. This time, it had to be BLOODRED.
From Idea to Reality – The Birth of BLOODRED
At the start, BLOODRED wasn’t a fully formed concept. It was just me, a guitar, and the urge to create. But one decision changed everything: I didn’t just want to play; I wanted to write songs. That meant recording, structuring, and shaping ideas into something real.
The first attempts? Pretty rough. But they were mine, and that was all that mattered. Over time, the process became more refined. I invested in better equipment, experimented with sounds, and most importantly, started to define what BLOODRED should be. A blend of Death Metal and Black Metal, with influences from Doom and Thrash—exactly the kind of music I loved.
I originally envisioned BLOODRED as a full band. But finding the right people proved difficult. Years went by without assembling a stable lineup, and at some point, I had to make a choice: either keep searching indefinitely or take matters into my own hands. I chose the latter. BLOODRED became a solo project, with one exception—drums. I knew I needed a real drummer to bring my songs to life. And that’s where a crucial moment happened: my first contact with Alex Krull.
A Defining Moment – The First Studio Experience
Reaching out to Alex Krull was a bold move. I was just some guy with a bunch of songs, asking a well-known producer and internationally renowned musician if he’d be willing to record them. But Alex was immediately open to the idea. Not only that, he brought in Joris Nijenhuis to handle drums—and just like that, a long-term collaboration was born.
That first recording session was a revelation. Working with professionals, hearing my songs come to life in a real studio, was an experience like no other. It also set the stage for the first official BLOODRED release: The Lost Ones. More than just an EP, it was proof that BLOODRED was real. It was out in the world, being listened to and reviewed. The response? A mix of enthusiasm and constructive criticism—exactly what I needed. Some saw potential, others found flaws. Both perspectives pushed me forward.
From there, things escalated. The debut album, Nemesis, took everything a step further. More refined, more aggressive, more confident. The collaboration with Alex and Joris continued, and BLOODRED began to establish its identity.
Evolving the Sound – The Never-Ending Journey
From the beginning, my goal was clear: to create music I personally love. But stagnation was never an option. Over the years, I’ve experimented—sometimes subtly, sometimes more drastically. Should the Black Metal elements take the lead, or should the Death Metal influences be more prominent? How can the structures be varied while keeping the intensity? These are the questions I ask myself constantly.
To keep things fresh, I’ve changed my approach to writing. Sometimes I compose entirely while standing, just to feel the energy differently. Sometimes I develop riffs on an acoustic guitar before translating them into full arrangements. Every new idea is a way to push BLOODRED forward.
Production-wise, a major shift occurred. While “The Lost Ones” and “Nemesis” were recorded entirely in an external studio, I gradually took on more responsibility. Today, I record all guitar and bass tracks in my own studio, while drums and vocals are still done with Alex Krull. This hybrid approach ensures the best of both worlds: flexibility in my own space and top-tier quality for the final recordings.
BLOODRED Today – and the Road Ahead
Right now, BLOODRED stands at an exciting point. The new album is fully recorded. Every track is finished, every video has been created. But for reasons beyond my control, the release date remains uncertain. That’s frustrating, but it doesn’t stop me—I’m already working on new material, pushing forward, always looking ahead.
One thing I’ve realized over the years: experience changes everything. Not just in music, but in the entire process—recording, production, promotion. What once felt overwhelming now feels like part of the craft. The biggest challenge ahead? Shortening the time between creation and release. I want the world to hear the music while it still feels fresh, still feels immediate.
What the future holds for BLOODRED is unknown. But one thing is certain: this project is my creative lifeline. And as long as there’s music in me, BLOODRED will continue.
Inside BLOODRED is the official blog and news section of BLOODRED. Here you’ll find deeper insights into the music, creative process, and vision behind the band – beyond the noise of social media. A new post is published every three weeks (or so). Comments are welcome, but keep them decent!
We finally did it – the first official BLOODRED-Shirt is here!
The design captures the essence of BLOODRED: raw, atmospheric, relentless. If you’ve followed us on this journey – this one’s for you. Front and back print, available now – click here!