Tom sits down with Hessel and Tomas of Gates of Kiev to talk about the band’s musical journey, their evolution from teenage musicians into a more serious and adventurous project, and the unique sound behind their self titled album.
Gates of Kiev began when Hessel and Tomas were around 18, eventually taking a five-year break before returning with a renewed commitment to the band. Their earliest rehearsals already contained ideas that would eventually become part of “Cosmic Chronograph,” giving a glimpse into how their sound developed over time.
The conversation dives deep into the band's songwriting and performance process. Gates of Kiev often begin with long jam sessions and improvisation, but those initial ideas can evolve dramatically over months of development. Live, they approach their songs as structured improvisations—keeping the framework of the recorded material while allowing each performance to take on its own character.
Tom and the band also discuss creating a huge, layered sound without a traditional guitar player, using keyboards, organ, bass, drums and other textures to build their music. Although Gates of Kiev features intricate studio layering, the band's live shows are driven by intensity, energy and the chemistry between the musicians.
Their music crosses boundaries between progressive rock, garage rock, punk and underground heavy music, something that has helped them connect with audiences outside traditional progressive-rock circles. The band talks about playing Amsterdam's underground scene, performing for younger audiences, and why today's listeners seem increasingly open to musicians who refuse to stay inside one genre.
Hessel and Tomas also reflect on their earliest shows, the painful reality of hearing recordings from those performances, and the importance of continuing to grow rather than settling for what you've already accomplished. They discuss the balance between technical development, creative experimentation and simply keeping music fun.
The addition of bassist Eszl has also opened up new possibilities for Gates of Kiev, including his contribution to the concept behind “Drunkship of the Mice.” The band explains why they intentionally leave some imperfections in their recordings to preserve a raw, human and live feeling rather than chasing sterile perfection.
The conversation also covers vintage equipment, finding the right stage setup, audience reactions, the challenges of performing experimental music, and Gates of Kiev's plans for the future—including their November 11 release show in Amsterdam and their hopes of eventually bringing their music to the United States.
Topics Covered:
Gates of Kiev • Tales of Ion • “Cosmic Chronograph” • “The Drunkship of the Mice” • Progressive Rock • Garage Rock • Punk • Improvisation • Experimental Music • Amsterdam Music Scene • Underground Music • Live Performance • Songwriting • Vintage Equipment • Independent Music
And Now The Band — EP394
Featuring: Gates of Kiev — Hessel & Tomas
Album: Self-Titled
Genre: Progressive / Experimental / Underground Rock
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