Heretic - Interview October 2012

1.         Hello Brian, how are you? First of all, what made you reform Heretic after an insanely long hiatus (1989 if I’m not mistaken)? Can you introduce the musicians for this new line-up?

- Founder/myself Brian Korban – guitar (Reverend), Torture Knows No Boundry era vocalist Julian Mendez (Stone Soldier), Glenn Rogers – guitar (Hirax, Deliverance...), Angelo Espino – bass (Reverend, Hirax, Anger As Art, Bitch...), Ignazio Coppola – drums. Glenn put the spark in me a few years ago, telling me how much classic metal was alive in Europe. He was touring with the band Hirax at the time. I remember seeing photos of him at festivals in front of thousands of people, and thinking "I want that". So, when Julian approached me about reforming, I jumped at the chance.

2.         How did the collaboration with Italy’s Metal On Metal take place and how is it going so far?

- The band owes everything to guitarist Glenn Rogers. He started all communications with the label, and they have been all that we could've hoped for. They have given us nothing but support through the whole process and have gone far beyond any of our expectations. Our CD packet/design says everything, F-ing amazing!

3.         The new album “A Time Of Crisis” was just released. Tell us a little bit about the whole process (composing, recording, production).

- When vocalist Julian Mendez approached me about doing a few local live (California) shows, I couldn't say yes fast enough! I already had the idea in my head because long time friend guitarist Glenn Rogers had been touring with the band HIRAX, and he told me that a HERETIC reunion would do great in Europe. From the beginning, we knew we had a special chemistry that was going to be something incredible. The first thing I did was start writing new songs, and before I knew it, we were recording "A Time Of Crisis" The songs came together very fast. We recorded the CD in three sessions, three weekends to be exact. We would pick three or four at a time (whatever we could afford) and blast out everything in a few days. This would not have been possible without our brilliant producer John Haddad. John brought out the best in everyone. We have all been through the meat grinder, so we knew what was at stake. The professionalism with this group of musicians really shines on each of these tracks.  

4.         Traditional Heavy Metal is not exactly trendy these days. Although Heretic has some back history, it is nonetheless an Underground band. Metal On Metal is also an Underground label run by two Metal fans. This is a labor of love, so to speak. What are your thoughts on the current Hard ‘N’ Heavy scene? Are there any new bands that you like or you just stay faithful to the old school stuff?

- I still listen to Priest, Maiden, Motorhead, Sabbath, UFO, Scorpions and Accept, but I also like Mastodon, Slipknot, In Flames and Machine Head, to name a few. I listen to all kinds of music, the Beatles to Dead Can Dance.

5.         The lyrics are always an important part of Heavy Metal. Would you like to highlight and explain some of the lyrics in “A Time Of Crisis”?

- Most songs deal with everyday life, and the consequences of our actions. The lyrics deal with war, the world economy, government control, personal freedoms, religious fanatics and greed. It is a look in the mirror for mankind.

6.         Is there a tour already aligned to promote this record?

- We are in the process of putting together tour dates preceding our 2013 performance at Germany’s Headbangers Open Air festival. Several other irons are in the fire but I don’t want to speak too soon.

7.         What are your plans for the nearest future?

- I'm already deep into writing the next CD, so the rest of the boys better be ready to stick around for awhile. We will play shows locally in California, and get ready for 2013.

 

8.         Thanks a lot for your time. Do you want to leave a final message to the Portuguese Metal fans?

- Thank you for the interview. I hope all the Portuguese Metal fans will check us out and enjoy our music.

Interview by: Ricardo dSdS

Answers by: Brian Korban (guitar)

http://www.hereticusa.com/ / http://www.myspace.com/hereticfromla / http://www.facebook.com/HERETICUSA / http://metal-on-metal.com/bands/heretic/

Fénix #1018 – 21 / October / 2012 - Playlist

1^st Hour
·         Grave Digger – Home At Last – Clash Of The Gods (Napalm, 2012)
·         Paragon – Iron Will – Force Of Destruction (Napalm, 2012)
·         Manowar – El Gringo – The Lord Of Steel (Magic Circle, 2012)
·         Gauntlet – Slave – Stubburn (Self-released, 2012)
·         Dreamtale – Firestorm – Epsilon (Rock It Up, 2012)
·         Cloudscape – Your Desire – New Era (Nightmare, 2012)
·         (Highlight) Therion – Initials B.B. – Les Fleurs Du Mal (Self-Released, 2012)
·         (Highlight) Therion – Poupée De Cire, Poupée De Son (V2) – Les Fleurs Du Mal (Self-Released, 2012)
·         Seven Kingdoms – In The Twisted Twilight – The Fire Is Mine (Nightmare, 2012)
·         Trail Of Murder – Nightmares I Stole – Shades Of Art (Metal Heaven, 2012)
·         Red Lamb – Puzzle Box – Red Lamb (Hansel & Gretel, 2012)
·         (Highlight) Family – Daddy Wrong Legs – Portrait (Pelagic, 2012)
·         (Highlight) Khoma – Just Another Host – All Erodes (Pelagic, 2012)

2^nd Hour – Hammerheart Records Special Hour

·         Cruachan – Ossian’s Return – Folk-Lore (Hammerheart, 2002)
·         Sophicide – The Art Of Atrocity – Perdition Of The Sublime (Hammerheart / Willowtip, 2012)
·         Vile – What Lies Beyond – Metamorphosis (Hammerheart / Willowtip, 2012)
·         Vile – Rise – Metamorphosis (Hammerheart / Willowtip, 2012)
·         Macabre – Konerak – Dahmer (Hammerheart, 2000)
·         Septic Flesh – The Watchers – Sumerian Daemons (Hammerheart, 2003)
·         Collision – Charming Chicks With A Crucifix – A Healthy Dose Of Death (Hammerheart, 2012)
·         Collision – My Super Sweet Stalker – A Healthy Dose Of Death (Hammerheart, 2012)
·         Collision – Machine Girl – A Healthy Dose Of Death (Hammerheart, 2012)
·         Phobia – Assertion To Demean – Remnants Of Filth (Hammerheart / Willowtip, 2012)
·         Phobia – Contradiction – Remnants Of Filth (Hammerheart / Willowtip, 2012)
·         Phobia – Submission Hold – Remnants Of Filth (Hammerheart / Willowtip, 2012)
·         Phobia – Plagued By The System – Remnants Of Filth (Hammerheart / Willowtip, 2012)
·         Phobia – Dementia Having Overdose – Remnants Of Filth (Hammerheart / Willowtip, 2012)
·         Necrophobic – Art Of Rebellion – Bloodhymns (Hammerheart, 2002)
·         Repugnant – Intro / From Beyond The Grave – Hecatomb (1999 / Hammerheart, 2012)
·         Gorerotted – Corpse Fucking Art – Mutilated In Minutes (2000 / Hammerheart, 2012)
·         Gorerotted – Put Your Bits In A Concrete Mix – Mutilated In Minutes (2000 / Hammerheart, 2012)
·         Mercenary – Darkspeed – Everblack (Hammerheart, 2002)
·         Desecravity – Enthralled Indecimation – Implicit Obedience (Willowtip / Hammerheart, 2012)

Fénix #1017 – 07 / October / 2012 - Playlist

·         Dead To Me – Still Heartbeat – Cuban Ballerina (Fat Wreck, 2006)
·         The God Awfuls – Calling – Next Stop Armageddon (Kung Fu, 2004)
·         The Sainte Catherines – Get Your Politics Out Of My Hair – Dancing For Decadence (Fat Wreck, 2006)
·         Nofx – Dinosaurs Will Die – The Greatest Songs Ever Written By Us (Epitaph, 2004)
·         Nofx – Linoleum – The Greatest Songs Ever Written By Us (Epitaph, 2004)
·         The Bouncing Souls – Sing Along Forever – Anchors Aweigh (Epitaph, 2003)
·         Jello Biafra With The Melvins – Yuppie Cadillac – Never Breathe What You Can’t See (Alternative Tentacles, 2004)
·         The Sermon – Tender Sin – Volume (Alternative Tentacles, 2004)
·         Tiger Army – Atomic – Tiger Army III: Ghost Tigers Rise (Hellcat, 2004)
·         D.O.A. – World War 3 – Bloodied But Unbowed The Damage To Date 1978-83 (Alternative Tentacles, 1983 / Sudden Death, 2006)
·         Division Of Laura Lee – Pretty Electric – Cheap Shots Vol. V Comp. (Burning Heart, 2001)
·         Faith No More – Land Of Sunshine – Angel Dust (Slash, 1992)
·         Killing Joke – Seeing Red – Killing Joke (Zuma, 2003)
·         Morgoth – A New Start – Feel Sorry For The Fanatic (Century Media, 1996)
·         (HIGHLIGHT) Via Sacra – Souls Of Fire – The Road (Self-Released / Ethereal Sound Works, 2012)
·         (HIGHLIGHT) Dream Circus – Make Believe – Land Of Make Believe (Digital Media / Ethereal Sound Works, 2012)
·         Dammaj – Devils And Angels – Mutiny LP (1986 / Metal Soldiers + Blood & Iron, 2012)
·         Grip Inc. – Pathetic Liar – Nemesis (SPV, 1997)
·         Machine Head – A Nation On Fire – Burn My Eyes (Roadrunner, 1994)
·         Fear Factory – Self Bias Resistor – Demanufacture (Roadrunner, 1995)
·         Voivod – Project X – Negatron (Mausoleum, 1995)
·         Darkest Hour – An Epitaph – So Sedated, So Secure (Victory, 2001)
·         Raintime – Rainbringer – Flies & Lies (Lifeforce, 2007)
·         Carcass – This Is Your Life – Wake Up And Smell The… Carcass (Earache, 1996)
·         Afterdeath – Hunger Calling – Unreal Life (Demos & Rare Tracks 1990-1997) LP (Metal Soldiers + Guardians Of Metal, 2012)
·         Mandibula – Negros Laços Sobre Os Tronos Da Terra – Sacrificial Metal Of Death (Caverna Abismal / Ethereal Sound Works, 2012)
·         Cattle Decapitation – Karma Bloody Karma – Karma Bloody Karma (Metal Blade, 2006)
·         Aborted – Nailed Through Her Cunt – Engineering The Dead (Listenable, 2001)
·         Nasum – Doomnbringer – Helvete (Relapse, 2003)
·         Gadget – Choked – The Funeral March (Relapse, 2006)
·         Cretin – Tooth And Claw – Freakery (Relapse, 2006)
·         Impaled – Mondo Medicale – Death After Life (Century Media, 2005)

19º Mangualde HardMetalFest - 12 Janeiro 2013

Festival Phantasticus! II



 

Phantasticus (Oficial)

Phantasticus (Facebook)

Amplifest 2012

Phobia (Shane Mclachlan) - Interview October 2012

1.       The new record, “Remnants Of Filth”, is pretty much a Grindcore / Crust record, no holds barred, no experimentalisms or crossovers into other genres, but it doesn’t sound as you’re in a sort of “automatic pilot” that so many bands fall in. It really sounds fresh, heartfelt and genuine. How do you manage, after so many years of Phobia, to keep that freshness and vitality of a rookie band?

I really think because we still believe in what we do, everything I do is sincere, I live my life and face the challenges that I am put up against, and then I put it to paper, to me that’s the only way to be real and in this band!! I also think we just do what we do, we don’t fix what isn’t broken, you know? 

2.       I really like this clean and powerful sound in “Remnants Of Filth”, contrary to most Grind / Crust recordings that are just plain disgusting and you don’t really manage to listen to it properly which, I got to be honest, put me off. Can you tell us a little bit about the recording process and production of the album?

Yeah, I think most bands in a lot of places don’t mind bad production, who wants to listen to something that sounds like shit? Have a just became an adult and now want good production? Hahahaahh!!!  When your doing a record and work with Scot Hull, he is good at what he does, he works well with us, and his name is on the line as well, so I really wanted the songs to be herd and really be brutal at the same time as having good sound to it, you know?

The recording process is pretty much the same as it has been, ill write a lot and come into the studio semi prepared, we actually write a lot in the studio, I like the pressure, being on the spot, let it all come out and it will work out fine!

3.       The lyrics are, as always, an important part of your work. Can you lead us into a quick explanation of some of the lyrics included in “Remnants Of Filth”, perhaps starting with the album title?

Yes they are very important to me, I have always been very passionate about my lyrics, and I think that people get that, you know? Im glad that people like you notice, awesome!  “Remnants of filth“ is a very therapeutic record, its about tragedies in the past and to not make the same mistakes again in my life! I want to be a better person, want to be a better father, son and I have lived a life of fucking chaos, hahah, and I don’t want it anymore!!

We have songs like filthy fucking punks, about childhood and just being a punk, I still am punk rocker, its what I believe in 100%, we have songs about all sorts of elements on the record, it has come a long way and everything just fell into place while the recording was happening!

4.       Some people don’t actually give an importance to the lyrics and just want to listen to the music. But some people do care about the lyrics. I, for instance, listen to some Christian / White Metal bands because I like their music, although I’m an atheist. The same with the so-called Satanist and/or occultist bands. It just doesn’t matter to me because it does not affect or shock me at all. But I do have a certain disdain for NS bands and don’t want to listen or buy their stuff. That kind of message does affect me. I don’t like or agree with it. Where do you suppose we can draw the line where it is just freedom of speech and it is plain dangerous and starts interfering with our beliefs and/or political ideas?

Yes, I agree with you 100% some music you take serious and some music you enjoy! I have been vegetarian for 22 years and believe in it, but I do listen to some black metal, and some bands that advocate the slaughter of animals, or killing, but that’s there deal, I know where I stand with my politics and belief system! We can draw the line for sure, were not little kids anymore, we are adults and need to be smart about our opinions and views! Music is entertainment!!!

5.       How do you see the Punk, Hardcore and Metal scenes nowadays? Are there any new bands that you’re paying attention to?

I like the scene much longer ago, back when I got into it. Before Internet, back when people were pen pals and writing and sharing tapes and demo’s and all that! I think the scene now is to spoiled and kids want everything now…I miss the old days! I still listen to pretty much old school music, punk, death metal and rock and roll!

6.       I’m a music nerd so I always like to pose this type of questions. What are your favorite albums and that you would recommend to everybody into Punk / Crust / Metal?

I like discharge, avskum, anti cimex, possessed, new model army, judas priest and saxon, anything by these I would always say is good, hahahaha!!!    

7.       Having such a long career, you experienced a little bit of everything in the music industry. From the tape-trading era to this mp3 file-sharing; from the traditional labels to the digital labels; from good will people to the malicious bastards… How do you see the evolution of music industry and the future for it?

Like I said in the past question I like the old days much better, more integrity and passion!

8.       There is a tour already aligned to promote this record. How is it going so far?

Yeah we have done some touring earlier this year, and we will tour again in a week, it has been great!

9.       What are your plans for the future?

Keep grinding my friend, as long as we believe in it, we will do it, grind fucking heads in!

10.   That’s all for now. Thanks a lot for your time. Do you want to leave a final message to the Portuguese grinders?

Thank you for this interview and your support and hope to see all you grinders again soon!

Hammerheart Records / Willowtip / Sophicide (Myspace) / Sophicide (Facebook)

Vile (Colin Davis) - Interview October 2012

1.      The new record, “Metamorphosis”, was released in Europe, back in January, by Willowtip / Hammerheart (in Europe). How has the reaction been so far?

Well the album has received a lot of great reviews so far.  Some people were a little confused because the album is a bit different from other Vile releases in some ways, but overall the response has been quite positive.

2.      Hammerheart is also releasing the CD “Rare Tracks 1996-2004”. Can you tell us a little bit about this release?

Since both Juan, the original singer and myself are recording engineers, we always recorded  pre-production demos before we released albums or after new songs were written.  The first 2 demos were released on cassette tape in the late 90’s but have not been released since and the others were never released.  I also have a lot of live material that was never released, so this CD is of all of the old material that was recorded with the original line-ups before Juan left the band in 2005, re-mastered at my CD mastering studio Imperial Mastering.

3.      You just finished a European tour, how did it go? Unfortunately Vile did not play here in Portugal on this tour!

Yes, we just got back from Europe last week.  It was great fun and was a good thing to do because its been 6 years since we have toured Europe.  Its true Portugal was not in the tour this time, but it was just 16 dates this time.  The tour was a lot of fun and we had some great shows and played really well.  It was great promotion and a great warm up for more tours to come in 2013.   

4.      There have been some line-up changes in Vile and, nowadays, you’re only a duo. In this tour you’re playing with Finnish and Dutch musicians. Is it difficult for you find permanent musicians for the band? And how is it to play with session / tour musicians with whom you’re not really old friend?

I’ve been using session players for years and it has worked pretty well in the past, but this line-up is the best ever.  The musicians are all really great guys and we played better than probably any other tour we’ve done.  Because the band has been around for so long, its not that hard to find musicians, but there is always a concern when I’m searching because they need to be top-notch players.  I guess I am very careful because so far its always worked.  These latest guys are the best I have worked with though and so I’m really excited to go out with them again.   The current line- up included:  Hike Hrubovcak – Vocals (Monstrosity, Azure Emote USA), Colin Davis – Guitars ( Vile founding member USA), Thomas Luijken – Guitars ( Caedere – NL), Mike Poggione – Bass (Monstrosity USA), Timo Hakkinen- Drums (Sotajumala FIN)

5.      “Metamorphosis” seems to be an intriguing title. Can you lead us into a quick explanation of some of the lyrics included in this record, perhaps starting with the album title?

OK.  The album title refers to a fundamental change or paradigm shift.  The album art goes along with the title and sing lyrics as well.  All of the songs are about a change in human consciousness and about a shift from the current way of living to a new state of human consciousness.  March Towards The Dawn has positive lyrics that help to motivate people, The Revealing is about conspiracies and the opening of secret information to the public, What Lies Beyond is about spiritual evolution of the personal psyche, Rise is about revolution against the current power elite, I Am Alive is a tribute to Alex Jones, the film maker and radio host, Wolf At Your Door is about challenging the secret societies who corrupt societies, Shadow Work is influenced by Jungian psychology, Prophetic Betrayal is a fantasy about Illuminati bloodlines and history,  As One is again about Spiritual evolution and Redemption is an instrumental. 

6.      What are your plans for the nearest future?

We want to go back to Europe in early 2013, South America in the fall of 2013 and then US sometime soon too, as soon as something good is offered.  We are looking for management and booking agency deals because we really want to get out there and do a lot with this new release. 

7.      That’s all for now. Thanks a lot for your time. Do you want to leave a final message to the Portuguese headbangers?

Thanks for coming to see us in 2003 and 2006!  We appreciate your support over the years!  We will see you again soon I am sure.  Please keep in touch with us via facebook or our website!  Cheers!

Hammerheart Records / Vile / Vile (Facebook)

Sophicide (Adam Laszlo) - Interview

•        By personal experience, when it comes to one-man bands I’m really put off because most of it is just crap (95% being trve necro black metal recorded in the guys basement). However, Sophicide is a completely different matter. First of all, congratulations for such an astonishing album. Tell us a little bit about the whole process (composing, recording, production). Did you play all the instruments in “Perdition Of The Sublime” or did you have some help?

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it! On this album I did everything on my own, the drums are only sampled though. The songs emerged over a period of about 3 years, ever since I released the "The Art Of Atrocity" EP in 2009, which I produced on my own as well. Things went down very well before, so I decided to take the production in my own hands again. So noone helped me throughout the production really, I basically learned all those things through tutorials and just trying around a lot over the years that I've been doing this.

•        As far as I know, because I don’t have access to the lyrics, “Perdition Of The Sublime” deals with an interesting theme. Can you lead us into the lyrical concept of the record, including the name of the project Sophicide?

The main topic of POTS is the intellectual decay of society. A big part of this is religion in my opinion and more generally speaking every institution that tries to impose a certain belief system on others claiming it to be the only true one. People seem to have a propensity for not thinking for themselves and letting others decide. Obviously other people exploit this characteristic and I think especially in our times it's more important than ever to be sceptical and question everything.
The name "Sophicide" can be translated to something like "murder of wisdom", which pretty much coincides with the meaning of the album title.

•        Although this is, basically, a Technical Death Metal record, there are lots of other influences, ranging from Neoclassical Metal to, lets’ say, score soundtracks. Which bands do you listen to that actually influenced your work in Sophicide?

I listen to a lot of bands and actually I believe that all of them somehow influence my songwriting in general, even if only subconsciously. But to name a few big influences, I love Opeth, The Faceless, Necrophagist, Periphery, but also John Williams for instance, who is a genius obviously.

•        How did you come in touch with Willowtip / Hammerheart?

After I released the first Sophicide EP it got about to some degree through some underground metal blogs, stuff like that. Some weeks after that, Willowtip contacted me and offered me a deal, and I signed it. I was pretty stoked about the whole thing, I didn't really expect anything like this to happen.

•        Is this a studio only project or are you planning on recruiting some musicians and play some live shows?

I'm actually looking for musicians right now. My friend Sebastian Bracht already joined me on guitar and backing vocals, I will be playing guitar, as well as the main vocals. So we're still in search for a drummer and a bassist, but we already have some candidates.

•        What are your plans for the nearest future? A new Sophicide record or a different project?

The next big goal is definitely to complete our lineup and play live as soon as possible. We're really anxious to hit the stages!

•        That’s all for now and, again, congratulations for such an astonishing record. Do you want to leave a final message to the Portuguese metalheads?

Thank you! I usually take these opportunities to cite the great Charles Chaplin: "Let us fight for a world of reason, a world where science and progress will lead to all men’s happiness!"

Hammerheart Records / Willowtip / Sophicide (Myspace) / Sophicide (Facebook)

Fénix #1016 – 30 / September / 2012 – J-Rock / Visual Kei / J-Metal - Playlist

·         B'z - All-Out Attack (Monster 2006)
·         B'z - My Lonely Town (Magic 2009)
·         L'arc～En～Ciel - Good Luck My Way (Good Luck My Way Cds 2011)
·         L'arc～En～Ciel - Lost Heaven (Good Luck My Way Cds 2011)
·         Tokyo - Sorafune (Single 2006)
·         Nana Mizuki - Etsuraku Camellia (Ultimate Diamond 2009)
·         Nana Kitade - Kesenai Tsumi (18 -Eighteen- 2005)
·         Uverworld - 99-100 Damashi No Tetsu (Awakeve 2009)
·         Uverworld - The Truth (Last 2010)
·         Abingdon Boys School - Howling -Inch Up- (Abingdon Boys School 2007)
·         The Gazette - Filth In The Beauty (Traces Best Of 2005-2009 2011)
·         Nightmare – A:Fantasia -Reprint Ver.- (Nightmare 2011)
·         Nightmare - Gianizm Kyuu (Gianizm 2010)
·         X-Japan - Rusty Nail (The Last Live 2001)
·         X-Japan - Kurenai (The Last Live 2001)
·         The Street Beats - Eternal Rock'n'roll (25th Anniversary Best 1984-2009)
·         Versailles - Shout & Bites (Lyrical Sympathy 2007)
·         Versailles - Suzerain (Noble 2008)
·         Seikima II - Fire After Fire (Kyofu No Fukkatsusai The Live Black Mass D.C.7 Selection 2006)
·         Anthem - Black Empire [Live] (Heraldic Device 2011)
·         Galneryus - Kizuna (Kizuna Mcd 2012)
·         Maximum The Hormone - What's Up, People_! (Zawa...Zawa...Za..Zawa......Zawa 2005)
·         Maximum The Hormone - Tsume Tsume Tsume (Single 2008)
·         Dir En Grey - Reiketsu Nariseba (Uroboros 2008)
·         Dir En Grey - Hydra -666- (Uroboros 2008)
·         Kat-Tun - Lips (III -Queen Of Pirates- 2008)