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| Interview in collaboration with Underground Syndicate |
Formed in 1999, French death metal band Gurkkhas built their reputation through two albums, extensive touring across Europe and a brutal approach to death metal. Drawing inspiration from the history and warrior spirit of the Gurkhas of Nepal, the band developed a strong identity, both musically and conceptually. After more than twenty years of inactivity, Gurkkhas returned in 2023 with a new line-up and renewed live activity. Their latest release, Oaths Carved in the Shadow of the Kukri, brings together their first two albums in a double-CD edition released through Underground Syndicate. We caught up with Jeff, the band's vocalist, to discuss Gurkkhas' origins, their early years, their return to the stage, this new collaboration and what lies ahead.
Asmoth: How would you introduce Gurkkhas to someone discovering the band for the first time? What does the name Gurkkhas represent, and what were the main ideas and ambitions behind the band's formation in 1999?
Jeff: Gurkkhas draws its strength from the extraordinary history of the Gurkhas of Nepal (we have been obliged, for legal rights, to add a " K" to our name)— mountain warriors whose destiny would take them far beyond the valleys of the Himalayas.In 1814, war broke out between Nepal and the British East India Company. The British encountered the Gurkhas and were deeply impressed by their endurance, courage and fighting abilities. Following the war, Gurkhas began to be recruited into British forces as early as 1815. For more than two centuries, Gurkha regiments have served in some of the major conflicts of modern history — from the frontiers of India to the trenches of the First World War, the battlefields of the Second World War, the Falklands and more recent military operations. More than 120,000 Gurkhas served during the First World War and more than 130,000 during the Second World War. Yet behind the uniform, the kukri and the legendary image of the warrior lies a deeply human story, rooted in Nepal, its mountains, its traditions and its culture.This is what inspires Gurkkhas . We "only" want to play our Death metal everywhere and record Cds .
Asmoth: Gurkkhas emerged from the ashes of Delayed Action Bomb (D.A.B.). What motivated you to start a new band with a stronger focus on brutal death metal, and how did you define the musical identity you wanted to develop at the time?
Jeff: When DAb gave up on existing, we decided to turn to the music you were increasingly fond of: brutal death metal. Richard and I, the survivors of DAB, so we founded Gurkkhas. The goal was to create a group with a very strong identity and focused on brutality. A group revolving around strong values, mutual aid, spirituality, strength, courage, determination, loyalty to the flag.
Asmoth: Your debut album, Engraved in Blood, Flesh and Souls, was released in 2000 through Massacre Records. How do you remember the recording process and the experience of working with such a well-established label so early in your career? Looking back, what does this album represent for Gurkkhas today?
Jeff: You know, a first album with your new band is really something very special. All musicians know it and, more broadly, all those involved in music in general. Already, it’s the result of so many hours of work, involvement, etc., etc. and when you see it materialized, it’s just fabulous as an impression, and then you tell yourself that you aroused interest, you know? So that’s also humbly pleasing. You bring a lot of hope in all this and sometimes you are rewarded for all these efforts.
See Massacre cords asking you to sign, it means a lot, pride, responsibilities too, and then we got the budget to go record where we wanted it, at Stéphane Buriez’s "L.B Lab" (loudblast), he’s actually the one who made our two albums.
It was twice, fantastic times and the opportunity to work with death metal enthusiasts, because of their advice, listening and support, etc. have made us a lot of progress.
Asmoth: During your early years, Gurkkhas played extensively across Europe and established a reputation as a powerful live act. What were your most memorable experiences from that period, and how would you describe the band's approach to performing live?
Jeff: Thank you, that’s very kind. In fact, in just three years we have toured several times in Europe, with a show focused on efficiency. We designed the second album to be played "as is" live and it paid off, when we saw the reactions of people in the venues. For my part, my best memories are the tours with Sinister, Therion, and Krabathor. Just huge.
Asmoth: After more than twenty years of inactivity, Gurkkhas returned in 2023. How has the experience of playing live again been so far? Has returning to the stage brought back the same energy and feeling you had during the band's early years, or has your approach changed over time?
Jeff: To be honest, arousing interest after 20 years away from the stage surprised us. We discovered that many people had not forgotten us, and it was both heartwarming and strange. Then, when the best-off came out, we had the chance to sign with "Leebros Management" because the boss is a fan of Gurkkhas. then we had the chance once again to perform at three major festivals where people could see that we were still there with the same rage and energy. The reactions from our fans and people who didn’t know us were great. In fact, our concept of war revolving around the Gurkkhas is unique and I think that’s what people like.We have a new line-up, with only two of the old members (me on vocals, and Romain on guitar) and so it brought a freshness both in the band’s sound, and on stage, always as brutal, and updated.
Asmoth: Your latest release, Oaths Carved in the Shadow of the Kukri, brings together your two first albums in a double-CD edition, released through Underground Syndicate. How did this collaboration come about, and how important was it for you to make both albums available again in their entirety, allowing a new generation of death metal fans to discover your early work?
Jeff: In fact, there was the European version, released before on Great Dane recs (Fr), the American version released on Plague Demon, and then I met David, former head of Nile and leader of Enmity, who wanted to release this best-of with a new name and a new cover for the Asian market. David is a very, very friendly person, easy to approach, and extremely competent, so it’s a great pleasure to work with him.and yes that’s exactly it, while waiting for the next album, it allows people to discover our journey, or rediscover our music for the oldest ones, in the form of a hand-numbered collector best of.
Asmoth: With your return, renewed live activity and this new collaboration with Underground Syndicate, what are the next steps for Gurkkhas? Can we expect new material soon, and what direction are you currently exploring for the band's future music?
Jeff: We are working on the next album, which should be released in 2027. We will also go on tour in Asia in October 2027 and of course do festivals everywhere we can. If you want to play with us, here is our contact:
Management/gigs/tours: Leebrosmeats@gmail.com 06.60.59.11.73. Band: Gurkkhas666@gmail.com . the third album will be brutal, modern too, and always designed for live, like a tank.
Let me thank you a lot for this interview, it’s really cool of you. Don’t hesitate to write to us, we always respond .