'Menghitung Ajal' was definitely an independant release. It was back in early 2003 that we finally release the EP. Part of the reason for the delay in the release was that we had a Malaysian label interested in signing Raspatul, but it all turned out fake. Fed up with the situation of lies going on around us, we decided to take matters into our own hands instead. We designed the artwork and layout all by ourselves, but the only regret was that we could not afford to go to a professional CD plant to do a proper release. We used CDR format throughout and had a lot of great reviews coming in from all over the world. In fact, I must say that we did not have a single bad review coming in. But trust me, it's a hell lot of hard work to do promotion and things just keep going on and on. It's a worldwide network, so somehow and somewhere, people will know you after a long period of time. And I should also say that coming from Singapore did help us a little as well.
6) You have also appear in a lot of comps, why, do you like the work of them?
If we do get an offer to appear in compilations, we will try not to refuse because what I always think is that any promotion is good publicity. Well, unless the compilation fee is too much to handle of course. There are some good compilations and obviously some bad ones too. I got in touch recently with Brutallica Magazine, one of the most elite Metal magazine from Bulgaria and the owner of Brutallica Magazine suggested Raspatul to be featured in their new CD sampler for the new issue. After giving some thought, I felt it would be a great exposure for Raspatul as Brutallica Magazine is distributed worldwide in many areas. So I have to say that this is one of the best compilations that Raspatul had been featured in so far.
7) What do you know of Peru or South America?
To be honest with you, I do not know much about Peru or South America, but one thing I know is that Peru has got some really insane Metalheads dedicating their lives only for Metal. I have a few friends from Peru and even though they do not speak English very well, I know that they have a very strong dedication towards Metal. Just by looking at the number of underground magazines and webzines in Peru and you will know. I also do know that there is a rip-off asshole who always uses names of magazines and webzine to get hold of free CDs. He contacted me a few times and he's now even on Myspace. Beware of this bastard!
8) With what bands have you played, how are your shows?
We have only played with a deathgrind band from Czech Republic called Ingrowing. They came down here for a South East Asian tour early last year and I had a great time talking to Vladkin, their bass player/singer for the band. Our shows are definitely full of headbanging and lots of moving around, we try not to be like statues when we play a show. This is Metal and not some classical concert!
9) Also you are working with Pulverised records, what do you do there, will you release throw Pulverised your next full length?
Yes I am working with Pulverised Records (www.pulverised.net) now and it has been real exciting to be working for a label. It's a totally different way of working when I am just handling Raspatul. I am handling the A&R/Marketing/Promotion/Band Management side of things for Pulverised Records. Roy Yeo, the label owner gave me the offer to help him out and I can totally understand that he cannot do the label alone anymore. I am bascially handling all the bands signed under Pulverised Records and when it comes to major decisions, Roy has the final say in things. Pulverised Records recently got the liscensing deal to release Dissection's new album 'Reinkaos' in South East Asian region. We have a couple of new signings on the way and most of the are from Sweden. I am sure there will be more good things to come for Pulverised, and it's really an honour for me to work with this label! As for our next album, I am not really sure if it's going to happen anytime in the near future.