Dustin Boltjes is best known to Decibel readers as the drummer of the OSDM primitivists Flesher. In 2023, Decibel said their debut Tales Of Grotesque Demise would appeal to the “discerning group who like music that lands like a dominatrix’s kick to the nads.” In our cover story on Glen Benton earlier this year, Boltjes told us about the time he dropped LSD, listened to Legion, and nearly lost his mind.
Boltjes, however, can’t be shoehorned into one genre. His post-punk band The Secrecy is a love letter to early post-punk. If you appreciate bands like The Chameleons, Red Lorry Yellow Lorry, or Killing Joke, The Secrecy will speak to you.
Decibel is happy to premiere the band’s debut video, “The Wall,” below. Please check it out and read a short interview with Boltjes below.
You are best known for your death metal project, Flesher. Have you always been a post-punk/goth fan?
Yes, for quite some time. Growing up in the 80s, I gravitated to New Wave and pop and eventually discovered The Cure as an angsty teenager in the early 90s. They were a gateway for me into post-punk.
How did this project come about?
I have wanted to join a band like this for quite some time, but being rooted deeply in extreme metal, the opportunity never presented itself until earlier this last year.
I had been poking The Chameleons booking agent about doing a show in Indianapolis and finally got a bite. Upon confirming the show, I told my friend Jeff about it (he is equally as big of a fan). In that conversation, I jokingly said, “we should start a post-punk band so we can open for The Chameleons.” He told me he had some stuff written in that vein and sent it to me, and I was blown away. The Secrecy was born.
Can you tell us about the song premiering today and why it’s significant for election day?
This song was written as a result of this election. It delves more into the divisive side of it and how obsessed and brainwashed people get over their political views. Unfortunately, there has never been a peaceful resolution with these divisions. Intelligent, respectful conversations or debates over politics don’t exist anymore. They typically always end in violence.
Are you working on a full-length album?
We have written and recorded an EP’s worth of material. We will release a single every month (October through January), and in February, we will release it all as a six-song EP.
What would you say to a metal fan to get them to check out Duran Duran?
To the average metal fan, it’s a tough sell. I would start with the instrumentation and playing abilities of the players in this band. Beyond that, I would tell them to stop being serious, throw on “The Reflex,” and vibe out.
Are you going to share this new music with Glen Benton?
I would love to sit down with Glen Benton and talk about this band and the music that influenced it. Something tells me that even Mr. Benton has a soft spot.
