13) As the world today know about the tragic death one of the most respected guitar played Dimebag Darrell (ex-Pantera, Damageplan). And I know RASPATUL are being influenced by his skillful and legacy. What's your opionion on his death? Do you feel that Metal scene will not be so happening? Do you think there must be other great idols will arise soon replacing Dimebag throne?
- I recently had a small space in RASPATUL paying tribute to Dimebag Darrell. Everyone of us in the band made some comments on Dimebag's death and I guess this is a little something that we can do at least. I am still in shock and disbelief over this incident honestly. Dimebag's guitar playing opened my ears for Metal music in another dimension and although I was already listening to even more hard and extreme music before Pantera came along, I felt Pantera and Dimebag's guitar playing made such a huge influence on me, especially in the precision area. I was also into divebombs/whammy bar tricks all the time and after hearing what Dimebag was doing, he was the hero for me. No I don't think the Metal scene will cease of change in any way that is very drastic. I actually had some friends asking me if I was ok after knowing about Dimebag's death. I told him I am fine but of course the sadness will always remain in my heart. I do not have the honour to meet or talk to Dimebag in this miserable life of mine, so it did not affect me that much. Life still has to go on if you know what I mean? But the Metal world will definitely miss a guitar giant in the community. There will definitely be a lot of talented and amazing musican's to come, but if you are talking about replacing Dimebag's throne, they can forget about trying. There are some musician who are talented and skilful, but they are such boring character and personality. Some have charisma but they are not so good players. Dimebag was truly a gem as he possessed both talent and charisma. RIP Dimebag Darrell Abbott (1966 - 2004)
14) Do you feel that Metal has lost its way temporarily? I just get the feeling with the latest releases from UNLEASHED for instance, that the original that some of these bands possessed have been brushed/swept aside in favour for a more melodic and dare I say 'accessible' edge.
- Well, this is a pretty difficult question to answer because if I didn't enjoy this band's new album, I can always listen to bands that rick my world! Hahaha! There are certainly a lot of new bands breeding everywhere and I must admit that there are some pretty killer bands. Since you mention Unleashed, so I shall talk a little something on the Swedish Metal scene. I am not a fan of Unleashed, not that they are bad or anything but I just don't enjoy listening to them, that's all. I wouldn't really say that Metal has lost its way, but I would say sometimes it is just a simple fact that the bands want a refreshing change to play something else more accessible. Musicians get bored with playing the same style over and over again and a change is needed. But as long as they do not crossed the line like what Metallica did, then I think it's pretty fine! Hahaha! Oh yes, another example of extreme change in a bad way would be Entombed. From their classics like Left Hand Path and Clandestine and until now that they changed drastically. Melody could sometimes be a good thing but again it all depends on how you do it. Just take for example, I really love this band called Arsis and they are a band from USA. They have melody but they certainly have brutality and agression as well! Anyone into Death and Thrash Metal will certainly like this band!
15) In terms of contemporary Metal, do you guys as a collective, listen too much Metal? Dealing with Metal constantly would probably get tedious. What are some Metal CDs you are listening to at the moment?
- No I don't get any tired listening to Metal. In fact I listen to Metal every single day for the past 12 years and I still haven't got tired in any way! Metal has already become my life and my lifestyle always evolves around Metal music. I cannot imagine a day without Metal in my life, so I guess I am pretty much poisoned! I am currently listening to:
Defleshed - Fast Forward
Defleshed - Royal Straight Flesh
Arsis - A Celebration Of Guilt
Coporation 187 - Perfection In Pain
Soulless - Agony's Lament
Narcotic Greed - Twicet Of Fate
Rebaelliun - Annihilation
16) What can we expect for future release from RASPATUL/
- Right now RASPATUL is concentrating on a new full length album, which we will try to start recording in Feb or early March. It will be about 8 or 9 songs on the album and so far no album title has been confirmed. We will be getting a South American graphic company to design our artwork as well as CD layout. Check out also the 10 way split album that RASPATUL is involved in. The split album, which is entitled '10 Ways To Split Thy Skull' features 10 bands from all over the world and I believe this is the very first split album that is done on such a scale. It took us almost a year to get everything fixed and confirmed. The hardest part of it was to find the right bands to join this split