Interview with Sergio of Jolly Rogers, Irreductibles, Thumbscrew, and Last Chance

We greet Sergio, the guitarist of Jolly Rogers, Irreductibles, Thumbscrew, and Last Chance. I hope I haven't forgotten any of the bands/projects you play for, comrade. Can you introduce yourself briefly to our readers?

First of all, greetings to everyone reading these lines. As you correctly mentioned, I am a guitarist for the bands you listed. I am a composer/lyricist in Jolly Rogers and Irreductibles, although the other members of the band are the ones who truly embellish and complete the songs. I merely lay the foundation. I joined Thumbscrew for their latest album, "Pride of Pain," but in this band, I only receive orders, hahaha. It's a pleasure for me to play with them because I've been a fan since their beginnings.

We begin our interview with Jolly Rogers' latest album, "Poesía Irreverente"... Can you tell us something about the album's creation and recording process, any anecdotes?

Well, we recorded this album with a new lead guitarist, although he joined shortly after our second split album (Ojos en un mundo ciego) was released, so he has been with us for five years now. And the truth is, there was a significant change, especially in terms of composition. In the previous albums, it was more old-fashioned, in the rehearsal room with few changes to what I composed. This time, it was much more elaborate, and each member contributed their own touch, especially in the guitar composition. We also gradually composed in a "home" studio before taking it to a professional studio. Everything took longer, but I believe it was worth it.

Was it easy to turn the most iconic Spanish "copla" into a rock anthem?

Well, the truth is that it was quite challenging. It's a style that is very difficult to adapt to rock; it seems simple, but it's not, especially when it comes to adapting the rhythm for the drums.

Your lyrics have always been impactful and inspiring. Who writes the verses?

As I mentioned before, I write the songs, although for this latest album, a good friend helped me and wrote most of the song "Forajido." He is also helping me with some of the new songs we are composing. He is an excellent lyricist.  

Just out of curiosity, why were the first two albums of Jolly Rogers released as splits with Irreductibles instead of full-length albums? What do we need to know about the other band, and why do they sound so similar to Jolly Rogers?

I don't believe they sound alike. Personally, I think they have different styles, both in lyrics and musical composition. However, I suppose you have some valid points because we're not the first people to be told this, especially by those outside of Spain. The main reason for releasing them as splits instead of individual albums is that the same person composes for both bands. Releasing ten songs for each band would be a lot of work and would create a significant difference between one album and the other.

What interesting details can you share about your live concerts, both locally and in Europe? You have played twice for VFS in Italy in 2019 and 2022. What are your memories of these events, and how did the concert-goers receive your performances?

Due to personal reasons, Jolly Rogers cannot attend all the concerts we would like to. We have been invited to play in many countries, but we have only been able to perform in Spain, France, and Italy for the reasons I mentioned earlier. We played once in Germany, but it was an exception. We have played many times with VFS, many times. We share a great friendship, and we all have wonderful memories, especially from the two Ritorno a Camelot and Defend Europe shows. They were spectacular, both in terms of organization and the bands that played, as well as the audience turnout. These people are a great example of how to do things right.

Regarding the audience response, we have always been very happy. We have felt at home wherever we have played, both on and off the stage.

Irreductibles played once in my homeland, Bulgaria. Did you have a good time in Sofia?

Well, it's one of the places I have the best memories of, and that's saying something because we haven't had any complaints wherever we've been. But this one was special, the concert was a lot of fun, and I loved the city. Good food, good beer, and the bars and restaurants didn't close all night. What more could you ask for? Hahahaha.

Jens Brandy from Enfstufe is a big fan of yours... Any ideas for a joint project with the legends of the German skinhead scene?

Yes, we have a good friendship, and we have played together with the different bands he's been in. There are some things in the works, not with Jolly Rogers, but with another band, and there are also some ideas with Jolly Rogers and another good and legendary German band. But we can't reveal anything yet because it's still very early. Hopefully, everything will work out.

Shifting the topic to Thumbscrew... I saw you in Edinburgh, and you were amazing, surpassing the rest of the bands that night! Can you give a brief introduction to the band's history, members, recordings, etc.?

As I mentioned, I joined the band for their last album. The band was formed in 2008, but they didn't rehearse much. Eventually, they released a few songs in 2012 with more of an Oi! influence. Then the band sort of dissolved, only to come back later with a new guitarist/composer (Javi) who introduced a much more punk rock sound. The singer and bassist have been in the band since the beginning, while the lead guitarist joined around 2017, if I'm not mistaken, which is when the band took that stylistic turn. There have been several changes in drummers, and currently, Ivan is in the lineup. He also joined around 2017 with some breaks in between.  

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the song "Bad Mother Fucker" could easily be confused with a Dropkick Murphys song. Are you influenced by this band?

No, there is no specific influence from a particular band, but naturally, the person who composes the songs is heavily influenced by American punk rock, and it shows in some of the tracks.

I listened to Thumbscrew's latest EP, "Rex Pelagius / Perros de la Guerra." Two things I immediately noticed are the more metal sound and the fact that you sing in Spanish, rather than the usual English. Can you share more about this record? Will these songs be part of a future album, and what can we expect from you?

There were two songs that deviated slightly from Thumbscrew's style, they had a more metallic sound, and we wanted to create songs with a Spanish historical theme, so we did it in our language. It was more of an experiment than an evolution for the band. The next album will follow the style of "Pride of Pain," aiming to improve upon it but maintaining a similar approach and sung in English.  

Thumbscrew has a split album with Last Chance (titled "Patriotic Resistance"), the other band you play for. To be honest, I can't stop listening to their 5 songs, which I think are incredible. Please introduce the band. This is their only recording so far, what can we expect in the future?

It's a project I had in mind for a long time, a musical genre that I really enjoy playing and listening to. I wanted to have a band in English as well because the language lends itself to that style. I had the musicians, but I was missing a vocalist who was comfortable with the language. In the end, a Portuguese friend living in Barcelona stepped up, we tried it out, and it was perfect. His vocal range fit what we were looking for. We released a split album as an introduction along with Thumbscrew, and now we have enough songs for a full-length album. However, we have encountered some unforeseen circumstances, and we'll be inactive for a while. But we promise to come back with a new album and stronger than ever. 

What do you think about the Spanish RAC scene? Are you influenced by any of the bands? What are your favorite bands?

I have commented on this many times; I believe that the Spanish RAC scene is experiencing a good moment. There are bands with a long trajectory, followed by new ones that are emerging with strength and determination. These bands have personality and each has its own lyrical and musical style. Some of the newer bands include Los SDR, Eterno Combate, Last Chance, Lobera, Bulldog Glory, Skinstorm, Kontrol Rutinario, Revuelta, among others, while more established bands include Post Mortem, Pugilato, Iberian Wolves, Nemini Parco, Brigada Totenkopf, Thumbscrew, Jolly Rogers, Irreductibles, and even though they are a recent band, directed by a veteran, El Vandalo. We have great bands, and while some may appeal more to some people than others (which is a good sign), the important thing is that we have the spark for years to come. I'm sure I have left out some bands, and if so, I apologize, but it's impossible to remember them all.

As for whether I feel influenced by any band, I don't think so, at least not directly. But if I had to name one, it would be Estirpe Imperial, without diminishing the importance of any other band. All the patriotic rock bands I grew up with have influenced me indirectly in some way, but Estirpe Imperial and possibly 7 Muelles have a special place.

How do you see the future of patriotic rock in Spain and Europe?

In Spain, we have new bands with young people coming in with a lot of strength, something that I think is not happening in Europe. That's the problem; there's a lack of youth, not only in music but in all areas. We need a generational change.

Are you and your bandmates interested in football? Which teams do you support?

Some of us may be interested in the world of football, or maybe not. But if that's the case, it's on a personal level. As a band, we're completely indifferent. We don't take a stance for or against it. It's a personal decision for each individual. But as a band, we're indifferent.

What is your personal view on the ongoing war in Ukraine?

Well, there are strategic and economic interests that benefit the usual suspects. It's an organized and prepared war where politicians are puppets manipulated by the elites. The only victims are the Ukrainian people who are fighting to protect their homes and families while being attacked by some and sold out by others.

In your latest album, the song "La Resistencia" talks about the political tension in the streets of Barcelona in recent years. How do you see the future of Catalonia?

I've also mentioned this several times; it was a phenomenon that is currently deflated. They will probably fuel it again when they want to divert public attention to do something of their own. It's a beast that has been fed by both the left and right in the central government, and it continues to be fed today. It kept people entertained for a few years, but the circus is over because it's no longer of interest. But the curtain will rise again, and the clowns will return, that's for sure. Family divisions will reemerge, and tension will return to the streets because society is foolish and follows wherever the herd goes.

Any final words? A message for our readers and your fans? Where can they get albums/vinyl/t-shirts from the bands you're part of?

Thank you for the interview. I have liked the questions, off-topic, and anyone who wants any of our albums at Tuono Records, they have copies, and t-shirts and merch on our Facebook or Instagram. Regards, STAYING STRONG IN A WORLD IN RUINS.

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Blutzeugen Interview

 We say Hello, to M. of Blutzeugen of the top German bands in the last few years. First of all, I would like you to share your impressions of your recent visit to my Fatherland Bulgaria.

Hello, my friend, and a greeting to all readers of your blog. The short trip to Bulgaria was accompanied by some problems, four musicians of our band were banned from leaving the country and the Bulgarian authorities went crazy there, probably on an order from Germany. Despite everything, the event was very successful. I met new friends and we visited many interesting places in Sofia. At this point thanks for the hospitality.

My impression of the current situation in Sofia was like a journey through time in my youth in the GDR. Many ruined houses and contaminated sites still bear witness to the years under communist rule. These traces have been erased in Germany, in Bulgaria probably only in places on the Black Sea that are interesting from a tourist and economic point of view. 

 Few words about Blutzeugen... When it was founded, who are the band members, your present discography, etc... 

Blutzeugen was founded in 2010 from the remains of another band. Member information are not important. We have released four albums so far, three of them have been indexed in Germany and so official acquisition is prohibited. 

 

The direct translation of the band's name in English is "Martyr". But there is a historical background behind Blutzeugen as well. Could you please provide more information about this to the non-German readers?

The group name refers to all martyrs who fell in the fight for a free Germany, dedicated their lives to the fight and, despite years of persecution or imprisonment, stood and stand by their ideals unbroken. 

 You are experienced musicians, your albums have a very good productional level. Are there similar bands in your genre? Have you often been compared with Gigi and Stahlgewitter? 

In the beginning, the voice of our singer was compared to Gigi, because of the style of our music, by the second album at the latest it has been done and currently I wouldn't compare any other band with us 

 

What was your inspiration/motivation to use Arno Breker work for the design of the booklets/covers of your albums? Do you have any explanation why the vast majority of his sculptures were destroyed after the end of WW2? 

We see Blutzeugen not only as a pure music group; we convey our worldview and values with the lyrics and the presentation of our sound carriers, textiles, etc. 

Arno Breker's works perfectly present the type of people, who we want to help regain its deserved place in the precedence. 

The intro of your song named "Volksverrat" includes a media report talking about gypsies from Bulgaria and Romania living in BRD. What's the level of this problem in Germany?   

Germany is described by official authorities as an immigration country and all the forces of the current rulers and the powerful who work in the background are used to destroy everything that is traditional and at the end we shall perished from the face of the earth. 

The population groups mentioned in this report are only a small part of the whole problem. No state can play the welfare office for the whole world. All the insane resources expended to feed all the newcomers are ruining our country. As mentioned at the beginning, this is their plan, which has been pursued since 1945. 

 Is it a problem to organize a concert in Germany? Why all the major music events are at distant locations, far away from the big cities? 

Official events are possible in Germany, of course only in compliance with many, sometimes crazy conditions. There are still concerts without registration, but mostly only in very small, private settings. The pressure of the system is very high in this regard. The reason why most of the events take place in rural areas is simply, because there are still many non-brainwashed people who also work with us and it is sometimes more cumbersome for the state to cause us problems there. 

 Do you remember any funny stories from your concerts? Could you share those stories with the readers? 

We probably experienced the funniest story at one of our first concerts. This took place in a private house; the living room had been emptied and could probably be re-prepared afterwards. The police then came at a later hour and the homeowner hid in the toilet and lost some bodily fluids in his clothing in fear. 

 What kind of music do you listen to? Any oldschool bands from the 80/90s in you setlist? Can you recommend any new good bands from Germany?  

Our taste in music is not limited to any area, what we like is listened to. It should correspond to an artistic minimum and it should be handmade, so we can't relate to electronic music. In my personal list for all time, will always be the groups that a man grew up with, as such as Brutal Attack, Skullhead, Skrewdriver, Bound for Glory, ADL 122, Störkraft, Böhse Onkelz and many more. I could continue this list with "mainstream" artists as well. There are many new groups in Germany, but I don't want to single them out here. 

 What is your opinion on the subcultures within the Nationalist movement in Germany? Are they helpful to gain more support from the youth, or are they limiting us from spreading our ideas outside these specific subcultural movements? Have you ever been a skinhead?  

I was a skinhead myself for many years and still have many friends who continue this path. In that fact we should never associate one thing with the other one, this means its political work and its affiliation to a certain scene. I don't care how someone dresses or what music they listen to as long as they have a healthy attitude towards life and can speak up and speak their mind. I think it's right and important that there are supporters of national concerns in almost all "subcultures" in Germany and that we also supply them with music and other things. We must win the youth where they are and not limit one's field of activity to a small cult-like circle. 

 As a person involved for more than 30 years in the movement, what is your view about the people involved in the German Nationalist scene… how did they evolve since the 90s? 

In the 1990s there were mostly only skinheads in our movement, many things were more political and violent. Especially in the area of the former GDR everything was new for a large part of us and the hatred of the state, communism and everything foreign erupted unchecked. The state fought this with ever tougher countermeasures. Many prison sentences, many dropouts and traitors were the result. Nowadays, as I said, all areas are "occupied" and the appearance is much calmer. The negative thing about today's movement is that many no longer values what they got everything can be found or bought with just a few clicks on the internet. As a result, the personal initiative, whatever as a political activist, musician, organizer, lyricist, etc., is clearly sung. But this is a problem for society as a whole and probably wanted by the rulers since people can’t longer create anything for themselves is easier to control. 

  Few words about OPOS records? What kind of bands do you usually sign with? Apart from CDs the label also produces vinyl. Do you think that the vinyl-collecting mania is back after years of absence? 

I think the self-knowledge of the forming one’s own will should be one of the most important pillars in the formation of basic intellectual development of every human being. 

 Do you have experience with censorship? What's the craziest thing you've experienced in the so called democratic and free countries? 

We have had many experiences with all forms of censorship. I see this as a weakness of the system that lashes out with such senseless measures. Anyone who wants to read, see or hear things will still find a way. In so-called democratic systems, I see censorship as a distinction. 

 Which projects from the German nationalist scene in the last few years do you consider as the most valuable? Kampf der Nibelungen, Haus Montag Pirna, Der Dritte Blickwinkel, etc? 

Every project is an important part of the whole. We support 100% of everything that serves physical and mental training. In these areas it’s clearly to see which projects the state classifies as particularly dangerous, see all the bans and problems which events such as the Battle of the Nibelungen are preparing for. 

 What is the situation with Antifa in Germany? Do you have a workable strategy against Antifa?  

Antifa is partly officially, partly unofficially supported and financed by the parties that are in power in Germany currently. In general, they have free hand and do not have to fear any major penalties because all means are permitted in the fight against the right. There is no strategy against an opponent who can draw on information from the secret service, etc. The most important principle should be to network more and to discuss important things by word of mouth again. 

I would like to add that these created terms are right/left bullshit and only serve to stifle the anger of the people at the real culprits in trench warfare. Unfortunately, this rigid world view is too rigid and the laughing third party is sitting more and more firmly in the saddle. 

 For the last nearly 3 years the whole World has been in the chains of Covid-19. What is your view on this matter and mandatory vaccination? What was the political and humanitarian outcome of Corona hysteria? 

A virus grown in a lab that has taken the powerful great strides closer to their goals. All fundamental rights were undermined, new suppression and surveillance laws were created. Nobody denies that this virus, which is dangerous for some sections of the population, exists. By simple means, this pandemic would have been defeated long ago. Trying to hide from it with a face mask and immature vaccinations is absolute nonsense. New variants of the virus are constantly being formed, people's natural defense mechanisms are being lost and this madness never ends. The only helpful strategy would have been to maximize the spread at the beginning of the pandemic. The economic consequences of this are an even more extreme gap between rich and poor and below and above ... as has already been mentioned several times, nothing happens by accident. 

 Your view of the war in Ukraine? 

The real sufferers in this insane war are the Ukrainian and Russian people. On one hand a despot, caught in his communist fantasies of new Soviet Union, against the slaves of NATO/ EU on the other side. 

In the end there will be only losers and US supremacy in the world will be greater again. Natural resources of Ukraine definitely play an important role as well. 

 Alright, it's time to finish this long interview... What can we expect from Blutzeugen in the near future? Any upcoming gigs or a new album? 

New performances and music are in the works...so you'll be hearing from us. 

 Thanks for your answers. Any final message to the readers of the blog? 

ONE PEOPLE ONE STRUGGLE