Hello, my name is Rutger Meert and I am a Belgian independent musician, multi-instrumentalist and animal rights activist. My music can best be described as a combination of progressive avant-garde metal with a pinch of death metal. I try to weave a harmony of solid, clear complexities into an ocean of emotion. After providing various bands with a solid bass sound in the rhythm section, I thought it was time to make my own mark and come out with my own work. Deriving from what, in retrospect, were educational experiences within the music industry, I invariably thought that what I did in band related context cost way too much money for what it ultimately yielded. The times I literally said: “I could have done that myself for a lot less money.” are nearly impossible to keep track of. That is why, with certain pride, I can say I do everything myself. From writing to recording, mixing and mastering the music, designing album covers and logos and making the music videos. I am, as it were, my own manager, publisher and record label. It's obviously impossible to match the reach of major bands and labels right now. The idea, therefore, is to grow further and especially further develop my musical ability. Besides music, standing up for those who don't have a voice is one of my main activities. For Bite Back I regularly conduct campaigns to raise awareness of the abuses in the animal industry. The actions range from peaceful street protests to civil disobedience. When it comes to helping animals and the environment, the decision to stop eating and consuming meat and other animal products and adopt a plant-based diet is one of the most profound personal changes I have made as a human being.