MAX AND THE CHAINSAWS

Max and the Chainsawswas the very first band that I was ever involved with. This was way back in 1984-85 something. At this time, punk rock and US Hard Core ruled my life. I was - and in some cases still am - also a “huge fan” of Kim Wilde, Blondie, Black Sabbath and... hold on: Wham (!!!?). 3 young gentlemen (Oskar, Max and myself) who became friends after a SubHumAns show in Växjö in November 1984. Shortly after we decided to form a band. The road was open: Oskar had a lemon coloured axe and a 16 W amp! Also we had the possibility to rehearse in the basement of his house (I think we tried that - once or twice..). Musically we were on almost the same level. The aim was to create a melodic and at the same time intense (polis-takt!) kinda american inspired hardcore (Agnostic Front, MDC (btw - were they gay or was it just a hoax?), Christ On Parade, Neos, Youth Brigade etc.). If we ever succeeded or not remains unanswered.

Just before our first gig (at BG, classic place for freaks like us),we actually had no name for the band. Then Oskar (guitar) came up with sort of a last-minute-wildcard: Tuffe Bengt. Later on, we went for the name Max and the Chainsaws.

 

As for gigs we made quite a few actually. There was this venue in Växjö called Rockkällaren (later changed to Underground and became much lamer) who had shows almost every week. We got the opportunity at least twice to support both Sator (Codex) as well as the finnish band L'amourder. Great fun of course! Still I ask myself: "What did it sound and look like - really???". I'd really like to know. Not! haha

 

Recorded a demo (that sounded totally horrible, yet it was always a start haha) with approx. 5 songs or something. The line-up at this time: Max Thornell-drums, Oskar Kristiansen-guitar, Hanna Ring-keyboard (on the demo only), Morten Bastrup-vocals and myself on bass and (hopefully not) some backing vocals *lol*.

Memories are sort of vague, however it was a damn great time in my life. The teens sucked big time in general, so this was a most welcome hobby..or what ever! Anyway, it's with this band where it all started for me as for music.

          

     The Chainsaws live at Underground '86                 The one and only 7" ever                  Backstage at Underground with a fan

 

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