From the Ni Hao Biography
NI HAO plugged in and played as if Satan Himself was on their heels, knobs to eleven and full speed ahead. Kicking, screaming, jumping and slamming until the walls were torn down. Their show was a raging beast of anger and adrenaline’. This is how one of NI HAO’s shows was reviewed by the press! Until now, NI HAO has shared stage with bands such as 24-7-spyz, RKL, Down By Law, Sheer Terror, Beowülf, Burning Heads, NRA, D.R.I. (Dutch clubtour), Integrity, Ryker’s, Deviate, and Sick Of It All. They have played numerous festivals as well, Dynamo Open Air ’97 , which they opened with a blast, being one of them. In ’93 NI HAO started out as a five piece, playing covers and own material. Their first demo tape was recorded spring ’94; a hint of what was yet to come on their ’95 debut cd Progress ? (DIY/ Semaphore). On this album, influences as diverse as hip hop, punk and metal make up a boiling meltingpot, with an explosive endresult. The cd created a regional buzz, sold over 1200 copies and put NI HAO on the map. The more than 60 live shows following the release of ‘Progress ?’ proved NI HAO’s qualities as a tight, well-oiled live band. With this live-experience and some new songs under their belt, they decided to take a more proffessional approach for their follow-up cd. March ’96 they recorded six songs with Oscar Holleman as producer (a.o. Gorefest). The result was released july ’97 as the mini cd Full-born (DSFA/Zomba/Rough Trade). Full-born got positive reviews in national as well as international magazines, and the name NI HAO became more prominent in the Dutch music scene. More than on their debut cd the styles are integrated in one aggressive sound, described as ‘groovecore’ by Rob Rampey of D.R.I. With a mix of metal and hardcore, sometimes some experimental influences, and aggression combined with catchy melodies, NI HAO doesn’t belong to any scene, but appeals to a larger audience. After a year of figuring out where NI HAO wanted to go musically as well as what to accomplish, it was decided to go on as a four piece. From then on, the music became even more intense, with a more personal approach to the lyrics. The death of a father (DEAD), a broken relationship (Two Faced) and anger are the driving force of the new songs. Six of these new songs were recorded for their latest demo, in a garage, with limited means. These songs should prove that NI HAO is better than ever before…
Popwerk festival, Den Bosch. From left to right there's Marco Leijtens, me, Gideon Rijsdijk, Chris van Hilst. Our drummer Santana Moll is not visible in this picture.
Also visible in the background is Dennis, guitarplayer for The Undeclinable Ambuscade, later on known as just "undeclinable". Undeclinable has split up in 2005.
History
Since 1992 (Christmas 1992, actually) I was one of the two vocalists of dutch hardcore band Ni Hao. I quit in 1996, together with Chris, our bassplayer. Ni Hao was a relatively popular band (as far as bands in Holland get popular) and we played a lot of venues and we all learned a lot. ("Learned", not "Earned", yes)
I recorded two CD's with the band, "Progress?" and "Full Born", which was brought out after I left. I had to quit when the band got too serious to be just something to do on the side. I had to make a choice between Ni Hao and school/work. Eventually the band ceased to exist in 2000, but it left some fond memories for all of us.
Unknown show - appearantly the little 'dance' I did is still legendary among the guys from Green Lizard.