SHANNON: The current line-up consists of Eric (guitar/vocals)
Marc (guitar),
Shawn (bass/backing vocals)
and Shannon (drums)
. We all participate in the music writing and lyrics.






3. DARK RECOLLECTIONS: Whose idea was it to name the band AVENGER OF BLOOD... and why was that name chosen?

SHANNON: Eric came up with the name before we met. The name was chosen because back in the 90's, the corporate music industry attempted to eradicate metal from the public and is still trying to do so. Metal is in our blood, and Avenger of Blood is our revenge, bringing back the passion and heart for this kind of music.

4. DARK RECOLLECTIONS: How long has current line up been together... any luck finding a replacement guitar player for ex-band member Nathan?

SHANNON: The current line-up has been together for about a month now. Marc replaced Nathan a month ago and has really made the band tighten itself up. Marc is a great guitarist and I wish we would have known he played sooner! He's been a friend of Shawn's for a few years now and he had always helped us when we travel but Eric and I didn't even know he played. When Shawn recommended him, we thought we'd see how he did, and he freally surprised us in his playing. Marc is a great guy who was totally into what we were doing when he 1st heard us and now we feel we finally have that thrash guitarist that was needed in the band!

5. DARK RECOLLECTIONS: Talk about your debut album "Complete Annihilation" on JCM records...

SHANNON: "Complete Annihilation" is a 10 track CD that we feel combines older influenced thrash with newer more modern aggression but done our way. Its been getting great reviews so far and we are all pretty happy about that. Since JCM Records shut down, there is no advertising, distribution, or promotion for it except what we do and push to get.



6. DARK RECOLLECTIONS: What was the hardest thing to record when it come to being on the studio for the recording of Cd?

SHANNON: Well the whole recording was a pain in the ass! Our engineer was cool, but he really didn't know how to record us and kept wanting to do things that was not our style. On top of that he was high the entire time! He chain smoked weed so that really put a lot of stress and shit on us because nothing was really sounding right. I had to record the drum tracks 3 times. The guitars had to be reamped twice, and nothing on it is really how we sound. When it came time to mix, it was all jacked because of everything he did wrong. But the hardest thing to actually record were the drums.

7. DARK RECOLLECTIONS:What is the song "Where the Pictures Lie" about... and what inspired it?

SHANNON: We like to have some of our songs to be open ended, with several possible interpretations available to the listener. One way to look at "Where the Pictures Lie" is that it is a sequel to "Scent of Death". The ritual serial killer from "Scent" awakens to find himself trapped in a dark cell surrounded by polaroid pictures of his victims scattered on the floor around him and is finally confronted with his guilt. It was inspired simply by Eric's desire to expand character and plot development in his writing. He's got a great imagination for that stuff!

8. DARK RECOLLECTIONS: AVENGER OF BLOOD seems to play live a lot... what are some of the most memorable shows you have done, and what is one of the worst things that happened while on tour?

SHANNON: The most memorable would have to be both Minneapolis Mayhem Festivals, and the Northwest Deathfest. We met the coolest bands and people at these shows as well as seeing friends that were in bands as well as ones that weren't. The comraderie amongst true metal heads is amazing and the support is killer in all aspects. Also our show we had with Rigor Mortis here in Vegas! That was kind of a lifetime achievement for me.

One of the worst things that happened to us was when we were traveling back to Las Vegas from San Diego, and our buddy's SUV caught on fire. Luckily we were in 2 different vehicles amongst the band. We pulled everything out after I put the fire out with my 20 oz Mt Dew. We rearranged things between the 2 vehicles and packed as much as we could into the other vehicle and Shawn Eric, and Marc went back home. My buddy and I were sorta stranded in this village type place for like 9 hours. It was kinda cold but the sun was strong and I ended up sun burnt. Our buddy's parents had to come and get us. We returned to the vehicle where the rest of the equipment was to find the tires slashed and a few other crazy things.

9. DARK RECOLLECTIONS: Are you a vinyl collector... what are some of the albums you are proud to own?

SHANNON: No I don't collect vinyl because I don't have a record player, so it wouldn't really do me any good to have vinyls. But I do have a couple copies of the Morgion "Travesty" 7" and I am really glad I have those!

10.DARK RECOLLECTIONS: What we expect a vinyl release of "Complete Annihilation?

SHANNON: Well there really are no plans for it, but if someone comes along and wants to press it on vinyl, we are for it! I'd love to see it on vinyl!

11. DARK RECOLLECTIONS: Is there any plans to go back into the studio to record a new album... have you gotten any record labels interested in releasing your albums?

SHANNON: Well we have plans to record a few songs for a compliation we were asked to be on and that will happen soon. But we are writing the 2nd album stuff now in putting ideas out and seeing how things go together. We want this album to top the 1st one, so we are being really anal about what goes riff where and such. But we are looking at going into the studio again probably in September to record the next full length release. As far as labels and the interest... we really aren't concentrating on that at the moment. There has been a little interest though.

12. DARK RECOLLECTIONS: You have played a few times in Tijuana, Mexico... what is the reaction to your music in Mexico like... compared to some of the shows you have done in the states?

SHANNON: Well actually we have only played in Tijuana once. As far as the reaction, It was really cool! The kids in the front were headbanging for the entire set, like it was 1985!. From what we have seen so far, Mexico are much more into the bands and shows than in the U.S. Unfortunately, there was a power outage during our set, and my drum monitors went out, which I'm sure affected the tightness of the band. I can't wait to go back and put on the really great show that we are capable of! Especially since now we are back as a 4 piece again!

13. DARK RECOLLECTIONS: Any last words, comments? Thanks for the interview

SHANNON: For those who haven't heard Avenger of Blood, you can hear a few of the tracks online at;
www.myspace.com/avengerofblood
The cd is available to purchase on our website at
www.avengerofblood.com
or www.avengerofblood.net
Both urls go to the same location. Thanks for the interview Wilhelm! It was cool doing this. I wish the best of luck in Dark Recollections Zine!

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