1. Heils, Vermin!!! Let's begin with a polemic, what do you think about the annunciated 'up coming' War? Are you anti- or pro- to attack Iraq? Don't you think that's just a economical/religious interest?
It is a pathetic, short sighted waste of valuable military and human resources. The US government should look to other means of feeding its energy hunger.
2. Is the war an evolution? That's the meaning behind the Axis of Advance name? What is the origin of the name?
War doesn't evolve, only do the means with which to carry it out. "Axis of Advance" is a line of attack. The name just came to me one day... Vermin and I discussed it and it stuck.
| 3. Axis of Advance arived from Sacramentary Abolishment ashes... so, tell us about the founding days of Axis of Advance. How and when it was formed, past releases, lineups, etc...
A timeline: 07.98 The destruction of W�r and Vermin's previous band, Sacramentary Abolishment
09.98 The formation of Axis of Advance; the recruitment of J Read as session drummer
04.99 The recording and subsequent release of 'Landline' mCD (Catharsis Records)
06.99 The recording of 'Tactics Forth' - a song for a 4 Way split 7"
11.00 The recording of 'Strike' CD/LP
01.01 The release of 'Awaiting the Glorious Damnation of Mankind' Split 7" (Demonion Prod.)
11.01 The release of 'Strike' CD/LP (Death To Mankind Records)
06.02 The recording of 'The List' CD/LP
08.02 The recording of 'Elemental' (Thergothon Cover) for a local compilation
09.02 The release of 'Project Infinity Vol.2' compilation (containing 'Elemental')
10.02 The release of 'The List' CD/LP (Osmose Productions) |
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4. Which bands or piece of art/literature has inspired Axis of Advance most? How would you describe your musical style?
Our style of metal is described as violent spitfire! Our influences are:
M. Van Drunen -sickness of throat,
C. Schuldiner -sickness of head,
B. Steer -sickness of hands,
L. Bravo -sickness of groin/loins,
N. Sirk� -sickness of soul.
5. Now that you have recently released a new album, how do you see it? Are you satisfied with "The List"? What do you feel it has done for your band?
Given hindsight, there would have been some things done differently, but on the whole we are pleased. It has helped to further solidify our name, and to create more havoc in the realms of violent metal.
6. How are the divulgation and reception of your album? Are you having a good response?
It is getting a killer respose so far. Everything is proceeding according to design.
7. Can you explain us what led you to choose "The List" as the title for the new album?
Whiskey, strippers and Black Metal.
8. What lyrical themes are followed in the songs on "The List"? Is there a common thread running between all of them?
The album's there is consumed mostly by war/horror/pain/torment. It's just how it came out this time.
9. What inspires you musically and lyrically? What about in your life?
Everything and nothing. I have to release the fire every now and again or only ashes will remain.
10. What meaning/concept do you find in "The List's cover art? How much of a connection do you feel it has to your lyrics?
It has a direct connection. It looks the way the music sounds - like hell on earth.
11. Your compositions are really original and still very violent. Could you explain more about Axis of Advance musical structures?
That you for that compliment. It is the way we do it... Write, rehearse, record, do shows, write more... The song structures are impossible to describe in human language.
12. Your drummer, J.Read, is just a session-member, but what's the influence of J. Read in Axis of Advance and in the album?
Most tempos are predetermined by the parts, but he has a way of leaving his mark of brutality.
13. Let's back to your previous material, how do you feel you've progressed so far from previous releases? What elements are going to be different for this release as compared to the older material? And what direction are you headed in the future?
The band's evolution is still taking shape. The whole picture is not yet clear. There are many places we will take this band... but one thing is for certain... forward!
14. Is there a growing scene for extreme metal in Canada, how do you view the Canadian metal scene these days?
We pay little mind to current trends. There are noteworthy units out there (Voivod, Revenge). On a whole, the global scene is much more interesting.
15. Do you read much? What books impress you most of all? What are you reading now?
The "Merck" manual at this time. I don't read much fiction - most dry, detailed historical and/or factual data. Frontline reports, and so on. |
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16. About tour stuff, Axis of Advance will be touring Europe in 2003, what are your expectations? What European guys can expect about your shows?
It is not yet confirmed that we'll tour at all. The chance is still there, but we're not some huge band with tons of requests. We'll see.....
17. Plans to the future?
More albums... more shows... more grim metal!
18. Thanks for this interview, Vermin... Your final bullets...
Thanks for the opportunity to vomit! Hail the End!
Official Axis of Advance site
