This interview was done with Rick Boon, rhythm guitarist in Australian band Fury.
1. First of all how it all get started? Tell about the beginning of Fury and why did you decided to call your band Fury?
I guess it all started in 1993 when Darren and I just started jamming on covers together.We had a few members come and go but nothing was ever really solid. A 4 song demo was recorded in 1995 with a drum machine and a good friend of ours (Lord Tim from Dungeon) doing vocals and bass. We then played some shows with a full line up and eventually went on to record our first full length CD in January 1997. At the time we had our current vocalist Mick O'Neil, bass player Aaron Dewsbery and Ben Harris on drums. Aaron left in 1998 and Ben was just on a session basis, so we needed to move to get a complete line-up. We relocated to Adelaide and Derek joined us in August '98 on the drums and Steve, our bass player in October. With the line-up now complete, we went on to record our mini-cd Stigmatised.
There's no mystery surrounding the name of the band or any deep dark secrets. We just wanted something that was both easy to remember, and was a reflection of our style. We like the idea that people know we're a metal band before they even hear us.
2. During your existence all the time Fury had problems with drummers. Is it means that there aren't good drummers in Australia, or there are other reasons? Are you satisfied with your current drummer Derek?
We originally started in Broken Hill, a small country town in New South Wales, and unfortunately unless you're into country or grunge, there aren't many musicians to choose from. We ended up having to record our first cd with a drum machine and getting a local session musician - Ben Harris - to perform live shows with us. It was partially due to the lack of musicians in Broken Hill that made us relocate to Adelaide. We were only here a couple of months when we started jamming with Derek. As it turned out, things worked out great and it wasn't long before we were planning our first recordings with him. We like his style, it suits the direction of the band.
3. It takes about a week to record, mix and produce an album for your band. I think it's very short period of time, some bands are sitting in studio for months... What are reasons of such hurry?
We're pretty fast workers when it comes to the studio, and I don't think it's really because we rush things. I think it's more because we do a lot of pre-production in rehearsals. Being an independent band means you can't really afford to waste time in the studio, so it helps to have everything organised before you get there.
4. During five years you recorded only one full length album, one mCD and few songs for compilations. You don't have time for creating your own music or what?
Once again, being in Broken Hill held us back a little. The city wasn't even big enough to have a recording studio, so it was really hard to get original material out there. Since relocating to Adelaide and completing our line-up we've actually been pretty busy - we've recorded 2 cds of our own material, we've also appeared on a stack of tribute albums for Dwell Records., and numerous compilations for various labels.
5. Are you satisfied with your mCD "Stigmatised" or you think it could be better?
We're actually reasonably happy with the songs on Stigmatised. We only wanted to make it a mini-cd more for promotional purposes. We just needed to have recent material recorded down so we could shop around to labels etc... There are a few things with the production that we'd probably do differently now, but they're only minor problems.
6. It's interesting that in both your albums are hidden tracks. Whose idea was to do so and why?
With the hidden tracks on both cd's so far, they were songs that we were all undecided about at the time. We weren't sure whether they suited the other songs on the cds, or what we really wanted to do with them. So rather than regret it later, we thought we'd throw them on as a bit of a bonus.
7. You took part in lots of compilations and tributes to famous bands. Do you feel that the fact that you're an Australian band prevents you from becoming a worldwide known star? Do you feel separated from the rest of the world?
It is pretty hard for a metal band in Australia to actually get recognised. Things like the Internet, Tribute albums, compilations etc, are a good way to get people hearing about us.
8. Tell a bit about underground in Australia? Are there any specific features that European or American underground don't have? Maybe all Australian underground bands knows each other?
The underground scene in Australia is reasonably large, so there's no way that you could know everyone. Most of the scene down here revolves around trend metal bands like Korn/Limp Bizkit etc. We still have all of the other styles of metal, but they just aren't as big down here at the moment.
9. Are there many places to play in Australia? How many fans come to concerts?
As a general rule, you'll only find a few main venues in each of the cities that will actually take the heavy bands. And as a result, I guess the entire scene suffers a little. There's usually a pretty good turnout though, and the fans are pretty cool.
10. Do you tour much? Which tour do you memorize as the best?
The show I remember best would probably be our first show in Adelaide. It was when we played at the Slayer after party when they we're touring for Diabolus in Musica. It was also our first show with Derek, and we were all looking forward to blooding the new line-up.
11. Tell about your shows. Do you use any special effects in your concerts?
Apart from light shows, our gigs are usually pretty straight forward. We don't have a lot in the way of crap gimmicks or props. Just us and a high impact show.
12. What are plans for Olympic Games? Are you planing to do more shows or just rest and enjoy the Games?
At this stage we haven't got any shows planned for around the Olympics, and with any luck we'll get a chance to just kick back and enjoy the atmosphere of the Games. But who knows, now that I've said that we'll probably end up playing all the way through the event.
13. What are your plans for the future? When will your full length CD come out?
Work is already in progress for our next full length CD, but we're not too sure at this stage as to when that will go ahead. In the meantime however, we've still got tracks leftover from our last recording sessions which we're thinking of releasing a little later this year if it looks like the full length is a little longer than expected. Also, we've got more interstate shows around Australia planned and with any luck, negotiations to do a few overseas shows will pay off.
14. Last word to our readers...
Support the underground and stay metal!
Thank you very much for answers.
Consternation 'zine, 5 May, 2000
This inteview was done with Adli Peace, the rhythm guitar player in Malaysian band Seasonal Abyss.
1. Tell the story of bands name.
Actually Seasonal Abyss was known as Abyss which was an acronym of the band members' first letter name. A stands Ahmad and Ayul and A-d, B stands for Banne, Y is the upside down symbol of peace and the double Sare for Syed and Sharul. Later Syed (Ex SA guitarist) suggested that to add Seasonal to give a meaning to our name, which in Malay is stands for "Jurang Bermusim".
2. You say that letter "Y" in word "Abyss" means upside down symbol of peace. Are you guys peaceful? Usually death metal bands don't sing about bright sides of life, how about you?
The letter Y represents peace even though it is upside down. Yes we are peaceful guys even though our lyrics and songs are aggressive. Most people says that death metal bands don't sing about bright sides of life, but Seasonal Abyss's lyrics are the combination of the bright and dark side of life. Normal human have the good and evil feelings inside their souls and so is Seasonal Abyss. However, if you get to know us better than you will find out that all our songs are just expression of what I feel about me, society, life and death.
3. How would you best define Seasonal Abyss' music?
I would always try my best to avoid categorizing or defining our style of music because the definition of music itself is broad. Seasonal Abyss would not try to confine us to a certain style of music because doing so will limit our creativity and ideas. Basically Seasonal Abyss would not deviate from the metal roots which are our main interest in music..
4. Your band was formed back in 1990, but first demo" Dead Reality" was released only in 1995. What were you doing these five years?
During the first five years, what we do is just hangout together and play covers songs and try to search for our own identity. It is actually a process of bonding the band members together. However, it was a failure since three of the original members had quit playing. However, most of the time we are studying at colleges and universities and that time and it certainly limits our meetings.
5. I read some good reviews of your first demo. Have they helped you to find a record company for a contract?
The review that you have read must have been a review from a local newspaper, THE SUN, (Joe Kidd's article) which does not help us much because there are not enough good labels over here who have interest in our music. Most of the labels are more towards to commercial pop music, which I may say that, non of our interest. It is better to be independent rather than be a commercial pop band, which normally will not last for two or three years.
6. In first demo your lyrics were more about individual thoughts - suicide, fear, hate. What influences such thoughts?
In the first demo most of the lyrics are written by Syed (ex-guitarist) and I admitted that at that time we are so young and immature and that influence our lyrics. I cannot read his thought at that time but I can explain why the lyrics are written that way. It was because we have so many teen problems. Additionally, we are broke and frustrated with our life and the society at large because of the un-acceptance and resistance towards metal. What we want at that particular time, is acceptance by the society about the existence of metal freaks like us.
7. Second demo is oriented more to social problems. Is that because of feeling that life is unfair to you?
Yes, the second demo is oriented more to social problems, political issues, and etc. I write the lyrics mostly because of the current issue that is happening surrounding me. It is not because life is unfair to me but what I see for other people, what I see for the society, what I feel should be done and also because I want to spread my messages to public masses.
8. In what mood do you usually write lyrics for yoursongs?
Normally, I would be well educated with the issue and feel that somehow somebody should inform the public about the existence of the problem for example. Then I would be writing down the lyrics. Sometime I write the lyric on a bus trip, while waiting for someone, after reading the newspaper and etc. Normally I would be in the "anger mood" while writing lyrics. It is a way for me to blow out my anger instead doing ridiculous things. It is a cool way to express your anger.
9. What message are you trying to spread with your songs?
What should be done that should be done, what should be prevented from happening, and what we have done wrong, which might be corrected if we realize it.
10. All of band members are or were studying in universities. Is this a problem for band existence? Are you planning to continue activities in underground scene after finishing studies?
Not at all, studying in universities never a problem for the band existence. With education we are more confidence with our music and ourselves. Our lyrics are also intellectual. No, education will not be a problem for the band existence or any band. Maybe, the concentration on education might slow the growth of the band but it will not be a problem to a band. I will be an advantage to a band. Personally, I am still continuing my underground activities even though I have finished my master degree. Ajoi and Ziggy have also recently finished their studies. We are planning to continue our activities until we are so tired of it due to old age.
11. Ten years passed since your bands' beginning. What do you think has changed in underground metal scene? Is it easier for underground metal band now?
Well there are a lot of changes in the metal scene if compared to the old days. Nowadays the metal scene is more advance with the advancement of our telecommunication system i.e. Internet. I notice that back in the old days it is hard to be recognized as an underground band elsewhere but today with the help of the multi super highway, we are enable to establish contacts with metal heads from all around the world efficiently. It helps us the underground band to be exposed to others in seconds away. However, the old fashion way (flyers) should not be abolished because it has sentimental values.
12. How do you earn money for living?
I have just graduated from my master degree and currently unemployed. However, I do part time project consultation for companies or I might say company, which is not much.
13. Three of original band members had quit. Are you in good relationships with them? Do they come to your concerts?
It is sad but true, they had quit but we are still best friends. The reason they quit was because they have some other important things that need their full concentration, which prevent them from being active with the band. Do they come to Seasonal Abyss concerts, I am not sure for Syed but Ahmad assist us with our sound system and etc at concerts or gigs and Sharul sometimes plays with Seasonal Abyss as sessions.
14. How would you assess Seasonal Abyss' future prospects?
Seasonal Abyss has a bright future, the band is a shining star which will shine the darkness of the night if the moon light is not so strong. What we need is support from all metal fans.
15. Is there anything I haven't mentioned that you'd like to talk about?
Well I think that wrap it all up, thanks for the killer interview. To all metal heads check us out at our website at http://welcome.to/seasonal-abyss or email us at [email protected] or subscribe to our newsletter at http://globalmetal.listbot.com. Currently we are working with 4 new songs for our coming release "Thy Gold Kingdom" (Maybe more songs). "Thy Gold Kingdom" is heavier. We need more contribution for our Seasonal Attribution Mag.
Thank you very much for answers.
Consternation 'zine, 12 March, 2000
