Interview with WRATH-Thrash Metal from Chicago

The original WRATH from Chicago-land. Here's the interview with guitar player Scott Nyquist.

1-First of all, thanks Scott for your time in answering this interview for my blig. How did you come up with a style so Thrashy but groovy at the same time from a band like Wrath back in the day?
-Our style was developed over the course of many years. We don’t write for anyone but ourselves, and are our own worst critic! We pride ourselves on writing interesting and memorable “hooks” and we try to keep the complexity of a song in a tasteful range. That said, every band is a product of their influence.

2-Where did the name Wrath come from?
-The name WRATH came from Gary Modica’s brothers band’s song title, “Black Knight’s Wrath”. Gary’s other choice was Realm, whom we played shows with later (from Milwaukee WI).

3-Did Wrath become popular here in the states and outside usa? What about these days, do you think is the same reaction from the old school fans?
-Our popularity was probably bigger outside US in early days once we put out Fit Of Anger. We were introduced to the world as they were introduced to us. We had no idea how huge metal was outside the states. The states however were VERY kind to us on tours, etc. Our audience is older fans and younger fans who discovered 80’s metal later on. Recent festival shows found us talking to people who were in their forties and newer fans in their early twenties. That’s fucking cool!!!

4-Are there any bands on today's metal music scene that you feel have been able to create a unique sound on their own?
-Newer bands like HAVOC, LAZARUS AD, DIAMOND PLATE, AND WARBRINGER have definitely tapped into the vibe and feel of true 80’s thrash. Those bands have bright futures, and their musicianship is fucking outstanding!

5-Tell me a little about all the special Re-issued cds of the band.
-Stormspell Records reached out to us to re-issue Fit Of Anger and Nothing To Fear. We opted to release it as a package deal with a bonus DVD – Mutants of rare and raw live footage from the days of those releases. Iordan and staff did an outstanding job on the layouts! We are considering re-issuing Insane Society at some point in the near also.

6-What bands were your main influences starting out?
-Our influences back in the early days: Priest, Maiden, Sabbath, Accept, Motorhead, Metallica, Anthrax, and any other NWOBHM and later bands. Still listen to a lot of it!!

7-What kind of response did you get when the band reformed?
-The band kind of went silent around 1994-95 cuz the metal scene was in dire condition here in Chicago area. When we reformed in ’98-99, we picked up where we left off. It’s been fun ever since. Fans are so loyal in metal. We are very fortunate to have so many ties to the 80’s metal genre. It has meant a lot to our existence today.

8-What can people expect from a live Wrath show?
-At WRATH shows you’re going to see five guys give everything they have in the tank to make sure you leave with a thorough ass kicking! If you are not kicked in the ass, you are not paying attention. If you are not paying attention, stay home!!!

9-Insane Society is a cool cd, tell me about the unique lyrics on that album, what was the inspiration?
-The inspiration on Insane Society is rooted in all that was going on around us at the time (’89-90). Doomsday predictions (Test of Faith), plane crashes (Panic Control), Religious leaders molesting children (Closed Doors), and a very special trip to New York City (Insane Society). It’s kind of crazy how all of those themes are still happening here in 2013!

10-Mtv was such a good way to promote bands back in the day? It was all about music. What is your opinion about today's Mtv?
-Today’s MTV is dead to us.

11-How is Wrath different from the other thrash metal bands?
WRATH differs a bit in that we can relate to anyone. We’ve had comments from people over the years that were at a show and never liked metal, but they thoroughly enjoyed our show. Our singer Scott Matrise sings with very strong vocal melodies. He can bark when he needs to, and he can sing like his life depended on it. All of our singers over the years have brought something unique to the table. I think people can latch onto that easily. We are metal, but we are easy to digest!

12-What does the future hold for Wrath?
-Future is very good! We are finishing up our latest record as we speak (two solid years in the making!) and we recently hooked up with some people who were very instrumental in getting WRATH out on the road and spreading out. We are stoked!!!

13-Any words for the Soulgrinder readers and thrashers out there? Thanks for the interview Scott.
-To all of those reading this: THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST, SUPPORT, AND LOYALTY OVER THE LAST 3 FUCKING DECADES!!! WE WILL STOP WHEN WE DIE! TIL THEN, BRACE YOURSELVES! ITS’ GONNA BE A HELLUVA RIDE!!!!!
Contact: www.facebook.com/pages/WRATH/284918710024
Interview by Paul Caravasi

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Interview with Insurrection

Deathmetal band from Gatineau, Québec, Canada.
Interview Answered by Vocalist Stef Jomphe

1-The music of Prototype is not a  walk in the park, who's in charge of that, tell me about the line-up.
We kind of wish it was a walk in the park, beacuse most parks we've seen were fucking disgusting and populated by oddballs! That sounds like us to some degree!

2-Where are you from?
We're all from Gatineau, which is right next to Ottawa, Canada’s capital!

3-A lot of bands share the same cult influences of Metal's past, but what are some of the newer bands to influence you?
Influences come from such random places, and we're all influenced by pretty much radically different bands! I don’t know what influences the other guys lately, but I've been listening to a lot of Hypocrisy, Bloodbath and such.

4-Are you happy with the production of the album?
For the production, we went with Topon Das of Fuck The Facts and we got the result we wanted: something organic and that breathes, yet heavy! Pierre Rémillard (Obliveon, Cryptopsy, Krisiun, etc) did the mixing and mastering for this one!

5-How would you describe the music of Insurrection in a few words?
I'd say it's death metal based on groove, a good mix of technicality and straight up simple heaviness. We're not over the top and we try to keep it catchy and fun to listen to.

6-What is your opinion on the current state of the Metal Scene in Canada and worlwide?
It's hard to tell where things are headed. I'd say band wise things are going pretty good and the fans are there, but it's hard to tell what state it's in since we were never 'it'.

7-Who writes the music and lyrics for the band and how did you decide singing in both languages French and English?
The music was written by pretty much everyone in the band as opposed to previous albums, and I (Stef) do all the lyrics. I never really took a conscious decision to write in both languages, I just did it beacuse I could. French has some pretty intricate ways of describing things and English is simpler and catchier.

8-Have you had any label interest outside Canada?
We haven't really looked outside of Canada to be honest. We've always been DIY up till this album and the indiegogo campaign we did went in that direction.

9-How did you come up with your band name?
The band name came after a LOT of arguing and thinking and suggestions. We wanted something bilingual: that was important. Even now people still mess up our name pronunciation and mix up two languages! We didn't want anything gory or overly typical, but something easy to remember with a kick!

10-Have you always spoken English? Is it your second language?
English is our second language, but in Gatineau, it's hard not to work in English due to its proximity to Ottawa!

11-Do you guys play a lot of shows?
We try to play as many shows as we can. In our Unrockstardom, we have jobs and lives, but we're pushing hard to reach out to the fans and do what we do best!

12-What are you plans for the future?
I think we're overdue for a video clip. That and promoting the new album. eventually we'll start working on number 4 :)

13-Well, seems like i'm out of questions for now. Thanks for your time in answering this intrview, good luck with everything and this space is for you my friend.
Thanks for your time! Hope to see you at a show sometime!
www.insurrectionmetal.com
www.facebook.com/insurrectionmetal
Interview by Paul Caravasi

Kobra and the Lotus (2013)

Well-written Heavy Metal tunes. There are some melodic-hitters on here, but the beef was into the songwriting with more feeling, emotions and careful construction of the songs using more of a soundscape style with their melodic/Heavy Metal style and ability to hit the notes right, giving the music more power and uplift, very much in the European way actually. Great skills and vicious guitar solos makes this album a feast for those who hunger for the Traditional Heavy Metal sound. Despite the clear similarities and somewhat classic style. Kobra and the Lotus has come up with their own sound at the same time, as they're not afraid to show their roots and influences. 

www.kobraandthelotus.com

www.facebook.com/KobraAndTheLotus

www.universalmusicentrerprises.com/kobraandlotus

Review by Paul Caravasi

Disfigurement-Soul Rot (2013)

Blaaaaassstt! You fuck!!! The 5-piece from Atlanta,Ga definitely rocks your cranium with ultra-sheer sonic circumcision, murderous speed and schizo-strengthed songs (there's 5) wil keep your hands lightly gripped on a 90lb double-edged axe awaiting the first victim that interupts this maxiCd when you're listening. The fucked scenario i leave you is early Kataklysm meets Incantation and Immolation! Grind your way to these maniacs.

www.borisrecords.com

www.facebook.com/DisfigurementMetal

www.facebook.com/clawhammerpr

Review by Paul Caravasi

Mosh-Pit Justice (2013)

Another bands that's influences by Forbidden, Overkill, and Exodus. Mosh-pit Justice is like hearing "Forbidden Evil" once again, It's nothing new here but it's been well-played. I want to thank Mariyan for hooking me up with this cool cd, these guys like the "old school" with the influences before mentioned, 10 tracks which satisfy the craving for Thrash. The drumming and the constant barrage of riffs proves why i as well as you should appreciate this band. Not bad at all!
www.facebook.com/Mosh-pit-justice
www.ebmrecords.com
Review by Paul Caravasi

Soul Reminants-Black and Blood (2013)

A 5-piece from Boston that's very brutal like early Morbid Angel, Immolation, and Pestilence; intense, powerful and great, catchy songwriting. You may find it to be a bit typical in spots, but there's plenty of ideas floating in and out of each song which keeps the listener's interest. This is the kind of bands that remind me of the glorious 90's, with the blast beats, speed, brutal grind and still room left for harmonious parts. 9 tracks of material in the veins of the bands already mentioned without beign a clone. This is a must before it's gone!
www.facebook.com/chopwork
www.horrorpaingoredeath.tk
www.facebook.com/clawhammerpr
Review by Paul Caravasi

Insurrection-Prototype (2013)

Have no knowledge of this band prior to this release, but it's certainly not bad. Powerful riffing and technically musicianship and a decent production. The technical level is good and if Insurrection continues in this direction i'm sure we'll hear more from them. It's a mixture of Death Metal with an occasional Thrashing style in the riffing they span through a wide spectre of genres though it never sounds confusing or loose it's foothold. Quite the opposite actually, as they have very much their own style and churn out tight and heavy rhytms with a convincing precision and determination. Lyrics in both languages French and English. A crushing production tops this off and leaves me curious on what to expect from these guys in the future. The Canadian Metal scene is getting stronger every day!
www.facebook.com/insurrectionmetal
www.AsherMediaRelations.com
Review by Paul Caravasi

Infected Society-Get Infected (2012)

If Kaotoxin and Give Praise records mantain the quality of their releases the way it's been so far, they'll definitely be one of the strongest labels around. Certainly they won't grow big, as they don't care about the current trends at all, but they will definitely come out of it with pride and integrity. Same could be said for Infected Society whose album is an extreme metal feast of Grindcore. In a way the emphasis of the riffing is laid on Thrash, but it sounds so fuckin' demented that it can easily labelled Grindcore/Thrash. No matter what, the guitars pierce like white-hot needles and the vocals cut like razors. This cd features 6 pulverizing tracks including 2 covers, Napalm Death's Necessary Evil and Pantera-Sandblasted Skin. This band will leave you beaten, screaming for more. I'm sure i'll hear more from them!
www.kaotoxin.com
www.facebook.com/infected.society
www.givepraiserecords.com
Review by Paul Caravasi

Accion Mutante-Worst than a Virus ( 2013)

This German band was formed in the 90's, but still they pump out some of the meanest Grindcore i've heard for a long while. Accion Mutante presents 17 tracks of vicious, raw and hateful grinding complete with english lyrics, i can only give my praise to these maniacs for having delivered such a brutal gift of pure extreme-angry metal. Vicioussssssss!
www.givepraisercords.com
www.facebook.com/Accion-Mutante
Review by Paul Caravasi

Haiduk-Plagueswept (2010)

In 2012, I had the privilege of reviewing this solo project before on Aquelarre Zine# 14. Now i have the chance to do it once again with this cd from 2010. From the ever-growing Canadian underground comes Haiduk performing fast, and aggressive Black/Death Metal. The raw, dry death rasps of Luka Milojica are truly vile and with a brutally heavy sound this cd should definitely be worth picking up. It's very different than "Spellbook" (2012), but this one gets the job done in a brutal way too!
www.haiduk.ca
www.facebook.com/haidukmetal
Review by Paul Caravasi

Reborn From Ashes #7 (2013)-Usa

The warrior of the underground Metal scene has another unleashment. Reborn from ashes is a zine you need to take time out and soak in the vast supply of info. Xeroxed with a cool layout, the cover art by Mark Riddick is FKN killer. As far as the content, there's lenghty interviews with Anatomia, Horrendous, Revel in Flesh, Vanessa and Billy of Razorback Records, Offal, Bloodsoaked, Xolotl-A load of reviews, decently done as always. Recommended for all supporters of printed zines, Tony knows music pretty well and doesn't ass-kiss. You don't want to miss this one so drop Tony a line and secure a copy of true Metal history.
www.facebook.com/RebornFromAshesFanzine
Review by Paul Caravasi

Leukoplakia Zine # 3 (2013)-Mexico

Leukoplakia is also on it's 3rd issue and has improved even more with the interviews and layout. This issue has some interesting chats with the owners of Razorback Records, Ascended Dead, Devouring Faith, Envenomed, Violet Magic, Survival, Jacobo Cordova (Majestic Downfall/Zombiefication), Disgorge,Ruined-a decent amount of sincere reviews.For many who enjoy any underground zines, check this one out, quality work from Mexico. Written in Spanish, Leukoplakia Zine is good reading and worth supporting due to the devotion to the underground metal scene. Good Job Sergio!
www.facebook.com/Leukoplakia?
Review by Paul Caravasi

Diovim Zine # 3 (2013)-Lithuania

This should be a zine you have at least heard of. Each issue is very similar to the last one, with the exception of the photos which are cool. I must say , the lay out continues in the same direction with a nice neat text. Interviews include Toxik, Maelstrom, Desaster, Lecherous Nocturne to name a few, and a good amount of reviews( demo, zine and cds), there's even a nice tribute to Jeff Hanneman. My only problem once again with this zine is that i don't read Lithuanian and the price of the zine is unknown, other than that it's well worth it, check it out and support printed zines!
www.diovim.wix.com
Review by Paul Caravasi

Wan-Enjoy the Filth (2013)

The label, i know, is from Sweden; the band is a mistery a i didn't get too much info on them. This cd features 13 tracks of filthy Black Metal in the vein of Darkthrone/Marduk and Immortal. Very catchy and chunky/fast riffs, also with a Venom/Hellhammer influences as well,  for their Black Metal approach i was impressed with the band. You need to hear this for yourself, another Swedish band that shouldn't be missed.
www.carnalrecords.se
www.facebook.com/clawhammerpr
Review by Paul Caravasi

Cursed 13-Triumf (2013)

Here's another band using the classic approach of Black Metal. But what separates this band compared to others is the overall musicianship is a little bit better and production is very respectable for beign very underground. 11 tracks of basic Black metal even though i don't lust the vocals much and i can overlook that easier than most. Anyway, they have to be a well-respected entity in Sweden!
www.cursed13.com
www.facebook.com/clawhammerpr
Review by Paul Caravasi

Argus-Beyond The Martyrs (2013)

I want to thank Scott of Clawhammer Pr for hooking me up with this cool Heavy Metal band out of Western-Pa. These guys like the old school-traditional metal with influences ranging from Maiden/Attacker/Sabbath and Saxon, 8 well-written tracks which satisfy the craving for traditional heavy metal. The riffs, vocals and solos proves why i as well as you should appreciate this band. Hope to see more from Argus and its label Cruz del Sur in the future.
www.argusmetal.com
www.cruzdelsurmusic.com
www.facebook.com/clawhammerpr
Review by Paul Caravasi