Interview with RIgal Karki from Itahari (Sunsari) Based Metalcore Band

                                                                                                                                                          

Sin without cease is a metalcore band from Itahari, Sunsari (East Nepal) . Frankly i haven't seen them live but have gone through their  videos of gigs. Earlier this year i met them in Itahari on their Guitarist/Tattoo artist (Rigal) at his studio where he is selling Instruments, metal tees Cd's as well as a practice jampad. These guys are totally devoted in music and can even become a powerhouse beyond Kathmandu valley if given proper exposure.
 Special THanks to Navin from UNLEASHED DESIRES for the Photographs.
To know much about the band
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sin-Without-Cease/240339842788328

You can even go through their original Hate em all

Before we begin we would like to know how things are going back there in Itahari.

Well talking about the scene here in Itahari, many new bands are forming nowadays. We are working for the betterment of the metal scene in Itahari. So far Itahari has quite a lot of metalheads compared to the other parts of East Nepal. In short we can say that there are some glimpse and sparks of the scene evolvement here in Itahari.

Talking about the scene in east Nepal, I was aware of some gigs happening in Dharan. But being honest during my recent visit I found out that some activities has been starting back there in Itahari, which is infact a good thing. Along with this i really appreciate that you are taking a step to make the scene's foundation back there. You guys have earned my respect.

Yes bro it’s true, those activities happening in Dharan are now starting to happen here in Itahari as well. There are no such local bands that have played beyond Morang and Sunsari but there are lots of metalheads emerging from Itahari too. Thank you for that kind words that you have respect for us and we too have a deep respect for you.

Well now coming to the point. Sin Without Cease how did the journey begun?

First we all members were in different bands ,I (Regal) used to play in a metalcore name NEXT LEVEL TO ENERGY, our drummer bassist and Vocalist had a project named DEAD EINSTENE. I (Regal) used to cover some metal songs from that bands and our vocalist who was really influenced by my playing asked me to start a band. We did some couple of sessions every one of us liked it and thus Sin Without Cease was formed.

Coming to the bands lineup, Can we know Sin without cease's lineup?

Bivek Chettri - Vocal,

Rigal Karki-Guitar,

Suraj Poudel-Bass,

Saurav Rai- Guitar,

Bivek Karki - Drums

As far as i know you guys had a gig last few weeks back in Tarahara how was the gig?

Well gig was total hardcore and we totally blasted the fucking show.

Sin without cease what does the name replicate?

Its the Sin (paap) with no end..

As i was going through your videos in YouTube found out you guys have one original say us about it?

Yes, we have one. It’s about the thought of an atheist who thinks vengeance should be taken with interest if you can't reply his/her domination with your fist then you will always be dominated, there is heaven and hell here in earth not in afterlife. This is what it talks about. Currently we are working on other original.

Interesting well coming beyond Sin without cease what do you guys do?

Saurav Rai and Bibek Chettri are on +2 level, Bibek Karki is on slc holiday now, I Rigal Karki have a tattoo and metal shop and Suraj Poudel is studying in IT level.

Well Rigal a few days back we had a talk with fellow mates from Agyat and they told us that there is still a saying

 "You have long hair a tattoo you are a thug and you start a metal band,

You do drugs then you start a Rock Band

and

if You got cheated by a lady you start a pop band",

 Like we want to know despite all this useless saying are you guys getting ample support from family. Cause as far as know people still have negative perception especially on Rock and metal bands.

Of course, we are having great support from our family. The saying is true shit as per people thought, but they should also know that having long hair, tattoos, taking drugs, getting betrayed doesn't make anyone a musician and looks doesn't make a music either.

Seeing the social condition there and lack of peoples idea about this particular music. It's hard to keep up with metal music people consider pain in ear. Do you agree with it?

Yes, I do because as you mentioned above, people lack ideas about this music and many guys out there don't like it or we can say not interested. But nowadays, we can see that many youngsters are encouraged in metal music due to regular gigs happening here. Local scene’s activities, Album launch, tours have played a crucial role on broadening the peoples concepts and as well as played a key role for appraisement of metal scene here in East Nepal.

Well, that’s the sign of evolvement which is a good sign. By the way how is the sound system service there?

Sound system service is some how not bad here, but they lack in managing it for metal music. So, rather taking risks we are ordering it from other places now as in our events.

Recently, you guys organized Metal Maina-II. How was the gig?

It was beyond our imagination, as after tribute to dimebag and metal mania I, no gigs have happened. We didn’t expect many crowds but got a massive response. It was great to know that Itahari has much metalheads, we are hopeful that soon we will have a systematic scene here in Itahari.

Yeah for sure, so i want to ask you guys have you guys shared stage with bands from Kathmandu?

Not yet. But i have done with many bands from valley from my previous band Next level to energy.

Because i was bit confused as some guys were mentioning about your experience with bands from here, back when i was in your studio?

Sadly, our band has not done yet. I think they were talking about NLTE.

Maybe, so guys tell us how did your journey in music begin?

Well, to be honest lets say all of us were interested in music from our childhood. We used to listen rock and pop Nepali as well as English songs. At that time, we were not concerned about the music we play at present. Our guitarist (Saurav) and drummer used to play from their school time and decided to form a rock band so we all had some sort of experience and had build back in our school days . After that we slowly did gigs at different places and knew more about music.

Well as you all know when talking about the Nepalese scene people take Nepalese underground scene just in Ktm and Pokhara recently Hetauda. Do you think the reason beyond negations’ of other cities has caused delay in exposure of scene back their in east?

Well, that’s a yes because underground scenes are everywhere, not only in Kathmandu, or Pokhara. There are lots of underground metal bands in here east as well. Recently, as in our gig at Dharan, Itahari we have found people coming from various cities of east like Damak, Biratnagar, Birtamod to attend the gig, which means eastern part should also be given priority in underground scene.

I did a slight research about the eastern scene and i came out with some facts that Underground activities started at 2007 in Dharan 2008 in Itahari and on 2010 in Biratnagar. Let’s say almost 7 years has begun. I am also from east but i had never heard of gigs happening besides Dharan. Don't you think you guys are also responsible for it?

Well yes, as we talk about past there were not much people concerned about underground scenes. It has been slowly uplifting now. During that time, there were only few bands, not much people were concerned about underground scene, its difficult to create or organize a promotional event, as regarding people and bands as well.

Well taking of the scene hetauda's scene was formed in 2012 which can be taken as the source of inspiration. I suggest you guys to take them as an inspiration, i am sure it will help you guys.

Thank you and yes we were shocked and inspired too to hear that. In a very short time, this city has upraised.

Well what do you guys want to say to bands and organizers from these 3 cities? Because i personally feel East Nepal’s bands voice must reach here as well. We will love to bang our head on slot of bands from east here in Kathmandu.

Thank you for that question. Well, they have been promoting Nepalese metal scene to greatness. Those organizers are really worthy as they have been helping for uplifting metal scenes. But what we want to say is that apart bands from those cities, not just only in east but every city where there is underground scenes or some glimpse of formation of scene, organizers should also give us chance to show our calibration, every band has a hope to do something great. Respect all the bands, don’t neglect them. Give a chance make it loud and huge! “Ekpalta Chance deu ya ta eta ni gig garne kura chalau we all will do our best to make it a possibe. Failure bhaeni no need to worry least the bands will have experience. Sikna dherai milcha jasle garda each and every band can get much better in there future gigs as well and also help us to create a systematic scene. ”

Well that’s for sure, so any message to the fans as well as friends from different cities?

Thanks to you brother, we got a chance to say something. To all people out there through you guys. We would like to say live, love, and laugh and make some hope. To the bands 'play hard, practice hard because to reach certain goal/success it's important? If you fall get up and try again never quit, support every bands to fullest. Make everyone loud and proud. Thank you !!

We are at the end now. Lastly a space for you guys to ask if we SNRMB crew have forgotten to ask?

Nothing much, from all of us, thank you for giving us chance and your time as you thought we need some. We would like to thank every SNRMB members for doing this and gave some priority in eastern part as well. We really appreciate you all, it meant a lot to us, loved it. Thank you!

Thank you guys for your time

Welcome and thanks to you too.

Interview with Anders Jacobsson from Draconian

Before we begin we will like to say a bit about the band. Formed in 1994 Draconian is one Of the Premium Swedish Doom/Gothic metal band.I guess i should not talk much about this Doom Metal giant. To know much about Draconian  can check their band page on
Facebook:-https://www.facebook.com/draconianofficial

Website: http://www.draconian.se

Greetings Anders before we begin we will like to know how are things going back there in Sweden.

Hey man, things in Sweden have been going a bit all over the place these past months. Lots of wine and crazy things, but I've managed to write some good lyrics and ponder about my existence... and others’ ^^ It's starting to get very hot so obviously I kind of hate it right now. I sleep terribly and curse the sun every morning, true story.
Sweden will soon be better though since Heike is back very soon and we can pick up where we left off writing this new album.

Coming to the band Draconian how did the journey started?

The short story is that we founded what is the basis of this band in 1994, under the name Kerberos. Some months later I joined. I wanted to focus on something more melodic and emotional than the death metal band I had been part of. In 1995 we recorded Shades of a Lost Moon and the demo got praise world-wide. We were very happy and even more surprised. Though, the coming years we were dealing with setbacks and it was hard to come further… One can say the band has been a struggle to bring about ever since. Like this curse hanging over us. We fooled around with some different directions (still maintaining a ‘sound’) until in 2002 we released what was to become our last demo, Dark Oceans We Cry and that made all the difference. We found a sound that spoke to our hearts. We finally got a record-deal at Napalm Records and the rest has been a slow, but still creative process since then. I wish we were a bit further today but ‘the curse’ lives in the back of our minds... but we strive, we create, we won't let go of this Draconian horde. Good things on the rise.

Well i have been following Draconian since 2009 and Bloodflower from your 2008 album Turning Season Within is one of my favorite tracks and it was infact the 1st song i ever heard of Draconian. Since then i am following Draconian.

The Bloodflower experience is a common one. The funny thing is that it's not very typical for a Draconian song, typical rather emotionally. I think we have this thing that unite our sound, this longing, heart-rending, tortured beauty screaming through the walls. It's a very direct song, still it leave questions... and just as it is for us in the band, I think people tend to identify allot with Bloodflower. It's powerful, easy to get into and beautifully desperate. Like life, love and the loss there-of.

Exactly sometimes i listen this track around 3 to 4 times in a row and i feel like my entire emotion is poured out by that song. Honestly this track is not of that kind that never makes you bore nor feel tedious that's what i believe. Well coming to the band name DRACONIAN what actually does it mean?

I had a girlfriend once who played our songs 3-4-5 times in a row and it made me crazy, haha. But I'm glad you get that kind of passion from this song, or any song... it's very humbling and I feel like we've done our job right :) The name Draconian I got from the term 'draconian magic', dealing with the exploration of what lies hidden in the dark, unexplored areas of your psyche, your soul... the yet untrodden paths. I was very much into an organization called Dragon Rouge (dark magic theory and practice) back in those days, but one should know the idea of draconian magic is positive; to not deny what's already yours. You just need to find it and confront what you need to confront in order to gain these treasures. The uncensored areas of the self... and this make me think of hallucinogens, obviously. But it connects to a divine, unmasked truth. We don't know half about ourselves, or what we COULD be.

So far draconian have released 4 Demos 1 Ep and 5 full length studio albums the latest one was A rose for the Apocalypse which even won the Best Gothic metal album of the year 2011. Can we expect any new release soon?

Reading you I feel it's almost unreal to think about. We have so much because of our fans. It's humbling and even if things always have moved slowly with Draconian it somehow always pays off in the end. And it will this time too. The new album is in the making, I'm starting to see the features of its face and I'm nothing but excited. The lyrics have been a part of a soul-searching journey over the past years. Fans will see the romanticism, the darkness and the beauty. They will see me, or will have the mean to. We have news coming soon. 

Well talking about the new album i am  sure it’s going to be awesome. No doubt about the lyrical low that you write and deliver with the music. Anders we will like to know when are you guys entering studio for the new upcoming album?

Thank you for your expectations.
We have no exact dates yet. The current plan is to have it out before the new year. For once it seems to be an album coming out in the midst of darkness. At least the vocals and mix will be with Jens Bogren.

Honestly i am pretty excited about it. Alright coming beyond Draconian, tell us how your journey in Metal music began?

Wow, that's a big thing. Well, was exposed to stuff like Kiss and Deep Purple at the age of 5-6 and from then on I began the journey of a life surrounded by hardrock music, friends with new cool tapes and music magazines. This whole new exciting world opened up. But that was a bit later. Bought my first vinyl in '84 and it was Dio's 'The Last in Line'. It was just out. I remember how blown away I was by that awesome cover. That album has tremendous value to this journey of mine. It got personal. But I caught myself getting more and more into the deeper, darker stuff as time has passed. I listen to many different types of music today and they all have some kind of darkness, some depth that appeals to the way I conceive myself, the inner and the outer. It dares things, it confronts and it shows the larger spectrum of the world. Metal has been the main genre that has made me this wide-spread I am today. It allows your somewhat rebellious identity, gives you a tap on the shoulder telling you that you're not alone suffering in this cesspool of a society. The ‘cultural straitjacket’ we’ve created.  Sorry, tangent. :P

For sure it does. Would you tell us what are you listening to lately?

My friends probably think I am completely repetitive playing Crippled Black Phoenix, The Black Angels and a Swedish band Weeping Willows all the time. Mostly stoner rock and metal, lots of a band called Ancestors. It's like this wonderful stony version of Pink Floyd. I really like the new Anathema album, appeals to a quite humble side of me. It’s lovely.  Obviously I take in allot of Mammoth Storm and Doom:vs. I advice anyone to check their new albums out. Been into Klimt 1918 allot this past year as well. Music can be such a good friend in moments of transition, and actually, almost any kind of moment can be ‘soundtracked’. 

Well haven’t heard of them for sure going to check them. Anders we would like to know about DOOM metal. Could you describe it for us in your own words?

Doom metal, heavy down-tuned, somewhat alarming with depth and large emotional spectrum, dense and dark. Leaves room for space, a space you can fill yourself. I really don't have any better answer to the question. The music just suits me, most kinds of doom in its own way. I prefer the more melancholic, atmospheric stuff... whether it's the first three Theatre of Tragedy albums, old-school Anathema, Esoteric... or post-stony doombands like Year of No Light.

From 1994 there have been 3 changes on lady vocals/keys Susanne Arvidsson (95-97) Lisa Johansson 2001-2011 Nov 15 she left the band and on 19sep 2012 Heike Langhans joined the band i hope she will keep the magic as set by both of them.

We do not consider our band the female vocal aspect as one of the main tenants of our sound, and I'm sure some people thinks that is strange considering it's been with us since the first demo. It’s there to create diversity and contrast, a beautiful nuance that marries with the rest, creating this wonderful spectrum of soul and human emotion. Heike has some pretty big shoes to fill and she knows it but never really go around worrying about it. She has too much of a personal relationship with our music to waste energy on such things. She is a calm, asserted person that does what it takes. We have all heard her incredibly beautiful voice by now and we all know the particular sound of Draconian. I think this union speaks for itself. The rest is not up to us.

Well almost at the end now .Any message to the young and the upcoming bands? I am pretty sure your experience can be a source of knowledge that can be a  source of inspiration for the local bands! 

I don't have as much practical experience as one might think. Maybe in my head, long knowledge of the scene and its supposed purpose, yes, and that's what's been driving me as things move slowly and reality bites a bit harder than expected. You get to learn to connect the dots. It's like with everything else and what speaks to you on a deeper level. It reflects you a bit, gives you motivation staying true to yourself… and feeling, if only momentarily, healed. The hunger, the rage and the sorrow can be useful. Make it into art, something to be part of, make your speakers weep! So, if the passion is there do not give up! 

For sure Anders, so any message to the fans?

We love you! Keep the beauty you've always had and we'll meet you on the road. We truly hope the new songs will be cherished as we cherish them. Thank you for a good interview, my friend.

Lastly a space for you to ask if we SNRMB team have forgotten to ask. You can ask here Space all yours.

I want you to take music to heart, understand what it means. Allow yourself to feel and live on the point of tears. Feel It. Do not give in to the mainstream, don't let yourself be controlled by an industry that is killing art, killing Us . Don't do anything merely to fit in but follow the road You already know you have within, however narrow, and increase your consciousness, understand yourself and how small this little 'pale blue dot' is. Be in awe. Do not worry, do not stress because this is just a journey and it is yours as it is everyone else's. If you can do this, teach me how, because I'm not saying it's easy, my life is messier than hell, but we all get reminders. Music is magical; it is art transcending itself through our ability to understand what's inside, a way to reveal and express, yet to ask questions. 

Thanks again for the conversation and epic cheers to Nepal and You.

“In a decaying society, art, if it is truthful, must also reflect decay. And unless it wants to break faith with its social function, art must show the world as changeable. And help to change it.” 

– Ernst Fischer

Interview with Jeff Harmsen from LEGION OF DEATH

Legion Of Death formed in 1985 is Denver, Colorado based hardcore/Death Metal band. We had a short talk with Jeff Harmsen  their guitarist.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=107211186030830

Before we begin Jeff we would like to know what you guys are doing nowadays.       

Nothing since last 6 months, got show on 4/19 here with cephalic carnage and deadhorse. Got members from cephalic, zombie hate brigade and scalafrea so, it’s hard to do a full time band.

Almost 29 years of journey 1985 until now how has been the journey been?

Rough to say the least, been through multiple lineups since the start. Legion of Death was formed in 4/85 with me and original drummer Damion while we were in high school together. That summer we acquired john and Dennis but didn’t jam as band until a week before "have a nice death" demo recording and release on web records in 12/85. Did "unconstructive anarchism" demo #2 in 2/86 then i had to release bassist Dennis who was replaced by Andy. We did many shows with DRI twice, Slayer, MOD, Crumbsuckers, Plus many local acts. I left in late 87 due to alcohol and was replaced with my best friend of 30 years mike. They did LOD 1st lp in 1988. I went on to do ANATHEMA with rob from SATANS HOST drummer .LOD did demo #3 in 89 then disbanded so mike joined ANATHEMA with me. We left to start ASYSTOLE then doing a 7" "higher form of hatred” for Seraphic Decay records plus did an unreleased lp. LOD sat dormant until 3 years ago when we did a reunion show with len from cephalic Carnage (who i did SEWERGRATE with) , Chris and Joe.

So can we say that the band was reunited after 22 years in 2011?

Something like that, I retired in 97 from active bands then started again in 2005. Mike and i were approached by Len about reunion. Len and Chris were big fans of lod since day 1 so, they were a natural choice. We got Joe on drums because he was working for Cephalic. It’s a really superstar lineup for Denver, Zombie Hate Brigade and Scalafrea both have international following and everybody in world knows who Cephalic Carnage is. I've known Len since 84, he started Cephalic because of seeing lod live...we’ve been friends forever. I knew Chris from adnauseum/decimation. He’s friend of 25 years... That’s how the story goes... I was pen pals with pat from Hellwitch back then; we traded tapes. Glad to see he’s on your new compilation as well. Man for sure a great guy and they’re one ruthless band. I got my original rough mix advance tape of "Reign In Blood" from pat before anybody even knew what slayer was about. Pats one of the originals in Death Metal scene along with me...

Yeah for Sure as i know and have talked with Patrick, guys from Hellwitch they are totally down to earth. Coming back to Legion of Death you guys have a show in 20th of April i.e coming Sunday can you say us something about the gig?

Its a 2-day fest Len does every year called "vaporfest", were doing a 6 song,25 minute set of all material off our new "condemned to hell" lp/cd on Chris’s label ,"getupandkill" records. This new lineup for sure going to shred, I glad to be playing again.

Jeff a moment back you told us that Cephalic Carnage is inspired from LOD man i am stunned and even i checked some of your tracks you guys are fucking amazing...

Thanks brother, its old school death metal/hardcore crossover, we were first to do it period worldwide, only SOD was before us but they don’t have death metal songs or vocals. We are influenced by bands such as Napalm death and Carcass. Shane, Jesse, Barney and Mitch from and used to stay at our house when in town and Jeff/bill from arcass also cite influences. I’m totally honored to have inspired greats such as them...I almost joined repulsion back then too, matt was a good friend but i didn’t have money to move to Michigan. Such is life...

Money its a problem everywhere. Jeff you have seen the scene from 80's until dates of now can you compare and say us about the Death Metal Scene from 80’s 90’s 00 and the present time?

The scene sucks now, its all re-hash stuff that’s been done a hundred times over. No originality, its pretty much the same but, i am a huge fan of dying out flame from Nepal. Aabeg's a dear friend. Wishing luck to all Nepalese bands, money’s tight everywhere...the scene used to be tight-knit; bands were friendly and supportive of each other. Everything was new and groundbreaking but that's pretty much gone these days. Everybody used to play their full 45-75 minute sets and had only 3 or so bands on bill but now it's like 7 bands doing 15-20 minutes and each band for themselves...feel sorry for youth of today.

Yeah that is for sure. Dying out flame is one up the upcoming Giants from Nepal. Man these guys are way too serious and devoted in their stuffs. Jeff i want to come to you. Can you tell about your journey in metal music?

I started playing guitar in 82; i had many years of formal lessons. I met mike in 84 and was teaching him guitar. We met at shows like Metallica on ride the lightning tour. He was originally my guitar tech. In original lod, I wanted him for 2nd guitarist but John and Dennis said no so it was only natural for him to replace me when i left. Were still best friends to this day...i've been playing with him off and on for 29 years. I’ve been a fan of rock and metal since i was like 10 years old; I’m almost 48 now, that’s a long time. I also love jazz n classical. I’m formally trained in both.

So Jeff can you tell us what are you listening nowadays?

Same stuff i listened to back then-Tygers of Pan Tang, ufo, Uli Roth, Gary Moore, Al Dimeola, The rods, Exciter, Monstrosity, Morbid Angel, Napalm Death, Repulsion, Terrorizer, Immolation and many more...a lot of guitar stuff. Metal these days really doesn’t float my boat. A few good bands but mostly all sound the same like Tech Death and i cant stand black metal...

Jeff i was going through some of the track that you told me and i personally like Death Sentence and Unite And Kill from your album LEGION OF DEATH released in 1988.And I must say this album is in my top 15 favorites albums.

I appreciate that, I wrote Unite And Kill about the scene back then when the metal crowd and hardcore punks used to fight each other at shows, lod united them together and everybody became friends. Death sentence is about my life, going to electric chair for a crime you didn’t commit. My band loves writing songs about me as a joke, I fucked your mom and sewer rat are both about me. I don’t mind, they’re funny and I’m a good scapegoat.

Well that’s for sure joke's and fun helps to sink much more and have a bond in the band members. Jeff right now i was having a talk with a friend and when i said Legion of Death he thought the Thrash metal band from L.A do you guys face some sort of incident where fans considered the other band as we can see similar name bands confuses . Any such incident.

Yeah, the lod from LA came out like twenty years after we did it when we were in remission, the anathema from England came out way after i first put out stuff with the one from Denver...i guess people cant come up with original names no more...There’s also an asystole I’ve seen on Youtube. All our stuff came out first. Bands just redo names these days. My names come in dreams.

Yeah for sure sometimes when i go through some new bands sometimes feels like the riffs are almost the same. It seems like the new bands are not being much creative and repeating the same thing over and over in their songs. Jeff we will like to ask you guys is there chances of New album or any demo release of LOD this year?

Yeah there are just way too many bands these days, back then there was a handful and all were good but now everybody got stars in their eyes. They don’t realize that 99.9% of bands never get signed or do nothing, they disband 6 months later. We’ve stayed around because our fans are diehards; they know all the words and come onstage at shows to sing with us. We treat our fans really good, cheap cd, sticker, t-shirt and shorts prices. They go with us wherever we play regardless, that mean the world to me! We might enter studio later but kind of broke right now. We’re going to write new material soon but who's to say where one will be tomorrow, one day at a time.

Yeah for sure slowly and steady wins the race. Honestly pal i started to listen LOD a few months back and honestly speaking i am a fan of you guys. What impressed me is that the lyrical pattern of you guys total realistic and fun.

I write about real events in my life, off the news, politics, religion, death and rebirth. The Satan shit is way overdone; I’m a spiritual freak-i read tarot and study quantum physics. I also have a funny side with the joke songs-they're real crowd pleasers live. The songs don’t preach to youth but make people think. I don’t condone killing cops or politicians or raping women or molesting children...that stuff's for delusional children or addicted adults’. 18 years sober, i write about life experience.

So Jeff coming to your journey almost 30 years and above you has experienced a way lot of things. Can you share some of your experience because i am sure your experience can mean a lesson to the upcoming bands. Like how hard was it to sink with members bands splitting some best moments anything you want to share

Members come and go. Me and mike got a strict interview regimen for potential players...phone interview, face-to-face interview then audition...No alcoholics or druggies, only social drinking and weed smoking is allowed. I’m sick of hiring fakes that shit doesn’t fly in our bands. I like this lineup, everybody got their own family/child/work issues but family obligation comes first in my band. I work around that, kids are very important. Practice is necessary but we only do it one day a week.

Well yeah that’s for sure family first. So Jeff any message to the fans?

Undying, heartfelt thanks to SNRMB staff and all our diehard fans of 29 years worldwide. Fans are what make us go....if we had wanted to get rich and famous we would have done it 25 years ago, we do this 100% for fun, all our show money goes into merchandise, bandspace rent and studio time. I’ve never made a cent for myself from this; I’ve probably lost thousands-its all about fans, music and fun...that’s what we love.

Lastly a space for you to ask if we SNRMB team forgot to ask you can ask us here?

Support your friend’s bands and most of all your fans. I have literally hundreds of friends in bands worldwide, they can only survive with your dedication-up and coming bands need to stick it out and strive for originality. If you’ve got stars in your eyes your in the wrong business, labels only want bands who sell. We’ve only got like 800 likes on our Facebook page but that means nothing...the ones who come to your gigs is what matters .Its all about energy release and fun. Don’t take yourselves so serious that you lose out on the fun. Egos are worthless; live by what you know is true....

Yeah that’s for sure thank you Jeff for your wonderful time

Welcome, hope that answers your questions. Thank you and all at SNRMB looking forward to compilation, Give pat my regards.

For sure brother

Keep in touch. Long ass interview but very long history, longest i've ever done...

Interview with Peter Hobbs From Hobbs Angel Of Death

If you are much in extreme music then i am pretty much sure you have heard about this Kvlt Thrash Metal Band from Australia. Yes, i am talking about the Mighty Hobbs Angel of Death . Formed in the  early 1987. The band is also considered one of the pioneering Thrash Metal Band from Australia. We had a short talk with Peter Hobbs the man behind the Band. Recently the guys from Violentor (Italy based thrash metal) are backing him up as the permanent crew for the band. A few days back their World tour started off along with that they have started their album recording as well which is to be released by the end of this year. Talking about Peter he is active in the Global metal scene for almost 36 years now. To know much about him and Hobbs Angel of Death you can check them out in their page .

https://www.facebook.com/HobbsAngelOfDeathOfficial

Greetings Peter before we begin we would like to know how the preparation is going on for the Europe tour. If i am not wrong you will start the journey from the 1st week of June?

Hello there, yes that’s true, The Euro kick off starts in June and all has fallen very well into place.

I have also found that the band was formed in 1987 and was previously named TYRUS from then until now how has your journey been?

Yeah it was Tyrus the great band back then which led me to create Hobbs Angle Of Death the journey has been a 34 year plus adventure and luckily I am still there now with the opportunity to play all over the world, no career is an easy path we have faced many hurdles and brick walls but we have always punched through.

So Peter i want to talk about your recent tour in Europe in Dec/Jan. How was the tour?

It was the best tour I have ever had the line up with the Violentor boys was just awesome, great musicians and great people to work with we had a chemistry that worked extremely well on the road and off the road a real team effort by all.

Yeah recently we had interview with Alessio and he had mentioned about them being a fixed lineup of Angel of Death , Coming Back to the tour during your tour in Sweden were robbed on road have you got any details of your lost gadgets especially your costumed BROCK guitars? 

We will never see our things again, a shock at 8am in the morning but we had Commitments and had to be executed so we fort on to the end and succeeded I’m very proud to say that we made it.

So Peter coming to the Name of the Band Hobbes Angel of death i heard that you guys were inspired by Slayer and converted the name to Angel of Death from TYRUS?

I loved Slayer, still do today and was happy to play with Slayer last year, it was a great way to finally show in Finland that Hobbs is not a cover band which they heard. It was great talking with Kerry a 30 year wait that night.

Peter you are considered one of the pioneers of the Australian Thrash Metal Scene and 34 years is a way long time. How do you see the scene back then and now?

 I am still the pioneer in many areas. I’m still at it the scene it has changed a lot but I guess it would, that’s evolution.

Ok Pete coming beyond Hobbs, how did your journey in Metal music began?

I’m the devil hahaha I have always been listening to metal since I was a kid.  It’s been my way of life loud music loud cars extreme everything nothing like excess. I’m very lucky to have grown up from the 60’s to have had the pleasure of the old school way.

In a matter of a week’s time you guys are on tour, can you tell us about it in a little detail?

I am looking forward to re-unite with my gladiator brothers, the lineup is now full European members I have had great people over the years but at the last tour I felt something very different, I felt choirs of demons coming from on the stage and the fans heard it to we have much more to do this year USA and South America is after Europe we are and will deliver it at our best!!!!!

As far as i have heard Hobbs Angel of Death is playing with Venom in Italy is that true?

Another long overdue event, Alessio an

d I have worked hard this last year to make things happen I’m proud to say that yes Hobbs and Venom will meet in the arena , also with many other great other bands that have been around for a long time at that fest in Italy.

Man that’s awesome playing with Venom it is like a dream come to many bands how excited are you guys.

It’s awesome, In 2014 there aren’t many bands that are all original and people passing away but its just fantastic that I have had these times I have played with some great bands over the years and met some great people in oz and os.

That’s for sure. By the way heard about you guys recording of an album during the tour. Tell us something about the new album our Readers will like to know about the upcoming album?

Yeah I’m recording again, it will have many tracks to choose.

While talking with Alessio he told that they have started the session back there in Italy. By when can we expect the album to be launched?

I would like to say x-mas 2014, I have had many offers and want it to go to the right Company I have a lot of experience in this field and want to make sure it becomes cult also as the first LP. I want to be happy with it and I know that it’s a good recording, no rushing.

Being in the global scene for around 34 years that’s a way long time Peter tell us how your journey was from 1980 till present date?

Lots of rocket fuel many jumps and slides deep waters tall mountains some good times some bad but I am still here trying!!!!!

Alright Peter rapid question tell us in your view for the following time frame 80’s 90’s 00’s and present time?

Loved every minute.

What are you hearing nowadays?

I am not listening to a great deal trying to keep focused on my own stuff and writing.

Well that’s for sure when working for an album. So apart from music what do you do?

I build fast cars, the more power the better, i like to drive things that are uncontrollable

That’s awesome man. So, any tips or message to all the young thrashers you for sure are an encyclopedia for them. So, any useful tips to the young bands I am sure you will like to share some stuffs from your experience?

Stay strong, you can’t please everyone but those that you do treasure it and respect it I have always said in my career that the Hobbs fans come first, without them there would be nothing and I would of course not had the opportunity to do what i have done over the years and my sincere and deepest gratitude goes out to them

I was supposed to ask you this before and now I remember it, any dates in Asia?

We are working on Japan as we are chatting.

Cool best wishes for it so, any message to fans?

Cheers to all Hobbs Angel Of Death fans around the world, You guys and girls rule, love you all can’t wait to see you over the next coming months thank you very much for giving me the time for this interview, stay safe take good care of your souls I’m gathering healthy ones.

Lastly a space for you to ask if we SNRMB team has forgotten to ask. Feel free to ask. Space all yours.

Awesome talking to you let the Hobbs Angel Of Death unit say it all on tour cheers

Thank you Peter for your time

Thank you!!!!!!!!!! Regards

Interview with Mina Balada From Marsia Pugita

Marsia Pugita a Brutal Death Metal/Slamming Brutal Death Metal band from Philippines.  Formed in 2010 the band is getting a good response in Philippines . We wish them good luck for their future.The thing made me attracted towards this band is that they have a lady on bass. Personally i really appreciate ladies on a metal band.  We had a short talk with their bassist Mina regarding her journey with the band . To know much about Marsia Pugita, you can check them in their page .

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marsia-Pugita/161767597204912

Before we begin Mina we will like to know about how things are going back there in Philippines?

Well, it’s summer here and there's a lot of holidays this month.. Lots of preparations for the up coming gigs, our new drummer is doing his job so well, and we are excited to play again after few months of break..

So coming to your band Marsia Pugita what does it means?

The story behind the name of our band is there is a lady in the market who sells an octopus, in Filipino "PUGITA"... and the name of that lady is MARSIA.. Its kind of funny but we are used to it..

Well that’s for sure, 2010 until now how has been the journey?

I am just new in the band, but i'm happy to be part of the it.. Little by little we're making a dent in the scene, we're playing bigger shows and people have started appreciating our music..

So Mina tells us about your journey in metal music?

I am actually a singer...I had a band in 2004, we cover some song from KITTIE and some local metal bands.. I started to play bass since 2008, my ex-boyfriend influenced and taught me to play bass.. He is my personal mentor until now. In 2013 DRED( our guitarist) saw my video on Youtube playing SEPULTURA- DESPERATE CRY, he ask if i can play as their bassist as a replacement of their bassist way back then.. So that’s my journey as BASSIST and i hope i can explore more and improve more.

Recently we had worked together and thanks to you guys got to know way lot about the scene back their in your land. Mina as far as i know you are a freelancer photographer as well can you say about this part of you?

Thanks for making us part of RAKTAPYAS bhai.. YES! i am a Freelancer Photographer for almost 2 years now.. I love Light trails shots, sunset, beach and landscape photography specially event photography like metal gigs and band photo shoot.. Even videographer for random bands in the metal scene..

So coming beyond Marsia Pugita Mina what do you do apart from photography and music?

Im still studying for my last year in college (Multimedia Arts), so i hope for the best in my last year as a graduating student...

So Mina what are you listening nowadays?

more on brutal stuff... locals and foreign... like Epicardiectomy, Abominable Putridity, Cerebral Bore, Guillotined, Down From The Wound, Human Mastication, Kraanium, Katalepsy, Turbidity, Gutfed, Vulvectomy..

Your single Tortured by Vaginal activities is one of my favorite. By the way can we know Marsia Pugita's recent lineup?

Vocalsist = Michael Guntang

Guitarist= Emz Fule

Guitarist= Dred much uyi

Bassist= Mina Balada

Drummer = Oman Yacat

So any new updates of the band like gigs and E.P cause last time we talked we had a chat you told us about entering studio?

We haven't talk about it recently about the recording schedule, but we are going to record our EP this year, we have gigs on MAY 29 at Rakista Pilipinas, June 14 at Killing Fields 4 and July 12 at BIcol Holocaust..

So Mina who are your influence on bass?

Jaco Pastorius

Tal Winkelfield

Billy Sheehan

They are some good bassists for sure. By the way we are almost at the end any message to the fans?

To all the fans of Marsia Pugita i would like to thank for your support and making us part of metal scene and believing in us.. Keep it SLAM!!! Keep it BRUTAL!!! \m/

For sure by the way a space for you to ask if we SNRMB team has forgotten to ask. You can ask us here?

No more Bhai..  Thanks for the questions and interviews...