The following interview was done with Tony (guitar) and Jay (vocals) from US Black/Death commando, TRENCH WARFARE.
Hails! To inaugurate this interview, tell us
how the band formed, including some details about the line-up. Did any of you
play in other bands priorly?
Tony: I had a jam
session with some guys from my hometown. They are cool guys, but we differed in
our approaches to music. I wanted to play fast shit, they wanted groovier
chugga chugga shit. The guy who played bass on our demo, Kelly Bogus, was one
of the dudes I jammed with. He mentioned Jay and told me Jay was into weight
lifting and bands more in my preferred style. He made a call and Jay showed up at my house
moments later, and we hit it off. I think that day or possibly some days after
I was showing Jay the Goatchrist/Embrace of Thorns split (repeated listening of
“Concubine of
Antichrist”). We discussed
playing a similar style in the vein of Conqueror, Blasphemy, Deiphago,
Nuclearhammer, Proclamation, and classic Florida Death Metal. "Decimate Legions" was the first song
written specifically for Trench Warfare but I decided to also use "Blood
Cleansing," which I initially wrote for Plague Swarm (old solo project),
to be used on our 2015 demo. "Evil Shall Triumph" was the final
addition for the unholy trinity of songs to appear on that demo. About a decade and a half prior to Trench
Warfare, I played drums in a local punk rock band. I think it was called
Federal Silence. I was also a fill-in drummer for another band, Uncle Spooge,
when their drummer got arrested. I played two shows with each band. After my
short lived drumming career, there was a long period of musical masturbation
(solo jamming) until the release of the 2015 demo.
Jay: When Bogus
invited me that day, I could see Tony's expression of disgust with their
direction. I was curious about what he was into. As soon as he mentioned
Blasphemy and Beherit, I asked him if he wanted to start a band in that vein.
The seed was planted. It's been black magical ever since. While I agree with Tony about Bogus being a
great guy, the other guy from that day is a complete degenerate. But with that
said, he was involved in a self-defense situation with a psychotic girl that
led him to shoot a part of her hand off. haha That amused me, anyway. I’m sure she felt differently. But I digress… I played in several bands in the past, most
notably in the West Texas region was the metal/hardcore band Kanye East.
How would you describe your music to those
who haven't heard it before and which bands would you cite as influences?
Personally, I like to think of your music as “Militant
Death Metal.”
Tony: Militant
Death Metal! I like the sound of that. I generally describe Trench Warfare as a
Bestial War Metal band with Florida Death Metal influence or vice versa. I have
a plethora of influences, some of which aren’t event metal. I once wrote a song to the ghastly whirling noise of
a pumpjack ("Astral Projection"). As for direct influence: Conqueror!
Ryan Forster and James Read created something I don’t think can ever be replicated. The most violent monstrosity to
exist! I'd have to say they are the biggest influence for me. Other direct
influences are Deiphago, Nuclearhammer, Proclamation, Blasphemy, Beherit,
Angelcorpse, Morbid Angel, Diabolic, Deicide. There are many more influences,
both legendary bands and some newer bands.
Jay: I describe
us as a black/death metal band with war metal roots and inspiration. We started
as a war metal band, if a label is necessary. And there ain't nothing wrong
with psychotic war metal.
Some say that in order to play extreme metal,
you have to be an extreme person yourself. Having said that, do you think of
yourselves as "extreme" people or is playing this kind of music more
of an outlet?
Tony: To a
degree, yes. Those extremes can vary from person to person. The average person
isn’t drawn to this
shit. Personally, I don’t
know what it was, but this instantly clicked for me. Most other things bored
me, but this drew my undivided attention. I don’t consider myself extreme. I'm quite boring, truth be told. haha
Then again, to the average person (normie), I could be considered “extreme.” “I
CANT UNDERSTAND THE WORDS!” This is definitely an outlet for me and has been ever since I picked
up guitar back around '94.
Jay: I don't
think it's mandatory for one to be "extreme" as a prerequisite to
play extreme music. But with that said, I would describe Tony and myself as
being fairly extreme and intense, relatively speaking. I think we are driven
and ambitious, and kind of nuts. I don't think we are always the easiest people
to deal with. I think all of that is evident within our music. This music is
the ultimate outlet as well. I channel certain kinds of negativity and rage
through Trench Warfare. It is ritualistic in that sense, whether it's writing,
practicing or performing.
Do you feel that Trench Warfare has its own
sound? Is having your own musical identity important for you or not?
Tony: I think our
mesh of influences give us a unique sound but I'm not sure we can say that we
have developed our own sound as of yet. We are striving to better ourselves and
develop the Trench Warfare sound.
Jay: I think we
sound distinct, and I’m proud to say that
we are definitely improving with each step that we take.
What albums have you been listening to
lately? Any highlights from this year so far? In your opinion, has this been a
good year for metal or not? Here lately I have been listening to a lot of Black
Feast/Witchcraft.
Tony: I really
don’t keep up with
releases year to year. I loved the Abysmal Lord EP, "Cathedral," that
came out a few months ago! "Warcult Supremacy" is always on constant
rotation. I recently came across an EP, Thanks to Tino from Satanik Goat
Ritual. The band is called Whore and they released a 3 song cassette called “Whore Tape.” The name comes off generic and I was a bit
off-put by it, but man, was I blown away by it once I gave it a listen. It was
like a mix of Necrovore and Repulsion.
Jay: It’s almost always a good year for metal. You
just have to keep digging for it. The Abysmal Lord release that Tony mentioned
is killer, and I’ve enjoyed new
releases from Exaugurate, Nexul, Omegavortex, Sacrocurse, and Boris with Merzbow in recent times.
Do you feel like some people might wrongfully
pigeonhole you as “war metal,” or are you
okay with that? What is your association with War Metal? In your opinion, is it
an actual genre?
Tony: I would be
fine with “war metal” as a description but most who have heard us
say we are a mix of war metal and death metal, which I believe is the better
description. Yes, I believe war metal is an actual genre. Lots of people refer
to it as black/death metal, but bands like Myrkskog, and later Cadaver, come to
mind for me. Unlike black/death metal, War Metal/Bestial War
metal has a distinct sound that sets it apart from other death metal or black
metal bands.
Jay: War metal is
amazing! I'm more than fine with people describing us as such. There is a raw,
vile spirit at its core, and there's a blend of black, death and grindcore.
That's a winning formula. Themes of war are touched upon on our album, evident
from the cover itself, and that will continue as we progress.
Can you give us some details about your
lyrics and the theme behind your album title, “Hatred
Prayer”? Also, can you explain to us what songs like "Axioms,"
"Behead Muhammed" and "Blood Cleansing" are about?
Tony: Jay writes
the majority of lyrics. I wrote "Blood Cleansing." "Blood
Cleansing" is about eating and/or fucking bloody pussy because I'm a nasty
bastard like that and like that nasty sort of thing.
Jay: Lyrics for
future music have been coming to me sporadically over time, but the bulk of the
album came together with a notepad one evening when I was drunk, angry, hateful
and listening to music in my car. I had to isolate myself from everyone under
the sun. The album title was derived from the song of the same name.
"Hatred Prayer" is about unleashing flames of rage, justice, revenge
and self preservation. It's not a game. It's a legitimate prayer and curse all
in one.
"Axioms" is about the snakelike nature
of mankind and expressing contempt for it. But it's more than that. It's also
about the idea that there's a fine line between persuasion and manipulation,
and that meaning can be managed and defined with an arbitrary approach. I
suppose there's some pondering and pontificating about rhetorical notions at
hand.
"Behead Muhammed" is, not
surprisingly, an attack upon Islam. All organized religion is ridiculous, and
Islam is no different. It's for the weak. Freedom and truth await once people
are ready to break the shackles. The first steps involves the awareness and
acknowledgment that the shackles are even there.
Why did you guys decide to use your real
names for the band instead of opting for something 'trve' like Necro Beast of 7
String Holocaust Invoker?
Tony: Hahaha
Great question. I just present myself as I am. That is pretty much it, short
and simple. I am just a perverted guitar player, and I speak through my riffs.
SANGUINE CHASM DEVOURER!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jay: Our names
are what they actually are. We aren’t
overly obsessed with surface level aesthetics, either. The spirit of Trench
Warfare flows through our veins. We aren’t here to play dress up.
What's your opinion on the current climate of
censorship that has become such a widespread phenomenon? A lot of the “kvlt” black
metallers on social media appear to be in favour of it (making redundant
assertions like, 'Black metal was never meant for everyone.') whereas some people are
against it. I mean, it must suck pretty hard for someone getting their label
shut down just because they sold a few Burzum albums, right?
Tony: I am
against the PC censorship. With regard to kvlt black metal, “Black
metal is not for everyone,” that is more discernment than it is censorship. We were subjected to
the censorship when the SJW types, in their infinite wisdom, attempted to shut
down a show we played in Denver, Colorado, about this time last year as a
matter of fact. LMAO
Jay: Like Tony
said, Antifa degenerates targeted us and tried to shut down a fest at which we
played. We have tremendous respect for Derek in Denver for sticking to his guns
and ensuring that the show went on! But yes, people should be free to express
their ideas and art. We won't always see eye to eye on things, but all of these
notions and philosophies need to play out in the marketplace of ideas. The best
ideas will rise in time, and that which is deemed inferior will be washed away
into the sea. And heavy metal, of all things, needs to remain a wild beast.
What are 10 albums you can't live without?
Tony: These are
hard for me to list, because my top ten changes from time to time. "Hell
Awaits," and "Warcult Supremacy" always make the list. The
remaining eight, this time around would be "Mentally Murdered,"
"Legion," "The Return," "Messiah of Darkness" and
"Impurity," "Exaltation of the Infernal," "Black
Thrash Attack," "Obsessed by Cruelty" (European Version), and
"The Inexorable." There are a plethora of great releases!
Jay: They fluctuate
for me as well, and I find these kinds of questions impossible, so the best I
can do is offer selections that are truly meaningful to me. In no particular
order:
1. Black Sabbath - “Black Sabbath”
2. Blasphemy - “Fallen Angel of Doom….”
3. Emperor - “In The Nightside Eclipse”
4. Brutal Truth - “Sounds of the Animal Kingdom”
5. Mayhem - “De Mysteriis Dom. Sathanas”
6. Sepultura - “Morbid Visions /
Bestial Devastation”
7. Pantera - “Vulgar Display of Power”
8. Napalm Death - “Throes of Joy in the Jaws of Defeatism”
9. Impaled Nazarene - “Ugra-Karma”
10. Morbid Angel - “Formulas Fatal to the Flesh”
I may be wrong, but I could swear I heard a
hardcore punk influence in the track "Young Lord." Are any of you
guys fans of hardcore punk? If so, what are some of your favourites? Which do
you prefer –
American or UK hardcore punk?
Tony: That song,
"Young Lord," is actually a Poison Idea song that came from their
demo days/early days album. I am a big fan of hardcore punk. As far as my
favorites, obviously Poison Idea. lol Add Broken Bones, Discharge, Legion of
Parasites, early DRI, Confuse. I'd have to say I prefer the UK hardcore punk.
There was a certain roughness to it that really appeals to me.
Jay: Hardcore
punk has definitely had an impact upon us. I like it from various decades, but
I suppose Tony and I have common ground regarding eighties material. With
respect to the American and English bands, hardcore, like metal, has flourished
well beyond the aforementioned geographical parameters. Lärm was a fantastic band from the
Netherlands, for example. And I’m
partial to Japanese bands like GISM and Gauze.
What can you tell us about your cooperation
with Transcending Obscurity Records? Wouldn't a label from your own country
normally be a first choice when looking for a deal?
Jay: Transcending
Obscurity Records had a webzine component up until a few years ago. They
interviewed us, and we kept in touch with them. Another label asked us to write
a full-length for them since they were excited by our demo, but that was prior
to their unintended downsizing of sorts. At that point, the album was ready and
we were speaking with a few labels. Transcending Obscurity made the best offer,
so we signed a contract with them. They have been fantastic to us on multiple
fronts. We will be recording our next full-length album with them as well.
What is your preference in regard to music
formats, and what do you think of sentiments like, "Only vinyl is
real"? Does one have to collect vinyl in order to be "true"?
Tony: It depends
on the band. Usually for established legendary bands I'll purchase either CD or
vinyl. If it’s a newer band,
I'll usually purchase the digital version, and if I really like them, I'll buy
CD or vinyl. I prefer physical copies. It’s a toss up between CD or vinyl. I have only a handful of cassettes,
most notably the "Antichrist Superiority" demo!!!!!
Jay, tell me about your vocal approach and
style? When did you first start growling? Do you have any particular
influences? Personally, I think you sound a bit like John Tardy, but with a
more hardcore edge. Your vocals are powerful and fierce though.
Jay: I appreciate
the kind words, sir. I started singing melodically. I was even in choir as a
kid for a while, but I started growling along to music as I was discovering
bands. It began with singing along to heavy artists: Ozzy, Peter Steele, Glenn
Danzig, Layne Staley, Mike Patton, etc. The singing led to screaming along to
Phil Anselmo of Pantera. The screaming led to growling, starting with Max
Cavalera from Sepultura, then Barney Greenway of Napalm Death and Kevin Sharp
of Brutal Truth. And yes, sir! You’ve done well to spot out the John Tardy
influence. I think it’s obvious. It’s not that I try to mimic any one singer. I
have just sung along to their music for so long that the emulation is
inevitable. Pestilence’s Martin van Drunen (also of Asphyx) and Patrick Mameli share
qualities with Tardy as well, and I’ve definitely enjoyed singing along to
them. You’re also correct in spotting out the hardcore aspect. It’s
definitely prominent. As far as pin-pointing specific singers, Jon Gula from
Turmoil and Lou Koller from Sick of It All come to mind. Nocturnal Grave Desecrator and
Black Winds from the mighty Blasphemy has made his mark as well, and strikes me
in the same way that many hardcore vocalists do with a very punchy and
aggressive delivery.
A lot of bands sing about war, whereas your
guitarist has actually been to war. Do you think that sets you guys apart from
other bands, or is it irrelevant?
Tony: A war can
culminate in a lot of things, such as military operations, someone's personal
resolve, lifestyle of violence, etc. I wasn’t exactly a frontline troop, although warfare has changed. Anyone
that was deployed to the Iraq operations during the early part of the 2000s
were subject to getting hit by an IED while on the road, or a mortar when you
are going to take a shit, headed to eat, or even the gun range on base. I was a
supply sergeant. That notable photo of me holding a Mach 19, I was overlooking
an arms room inventory and had my soldier snap a photo of me in the Conqueror
shirt. I joked that the photo would be legendary someday. hahahahahahah
Jay: Tony is
definitely modest about that aspect of his past.
Your opinion on the following:* Greek Metal
Tony: I haven’t heard a lot.
Jay: Rotting
Christ, Varathron, Necromantia, Inveracity.
* Teutonic Thrash
Tony:
"Obsessed by Cruelty" and "Satan’s Gift/Riders of Doom."
Jay: Sodom,
Destruction, Kreator. And I’ll
throw Tankard into the trashcan.
* Dictatorship:
Tony: Bad
business.
Jay: I’m an outspoken proponent of liberty, but I
can see the appeal for some people who want or need to be led and controlled.
On the flip-side, I can see the appeal for those in power once they understand
how simple it can be to manage the psyche of the masses.
* Organized Religion:
Tony: I don’t care for it.
Jay: Spirituality is valuable, but organized
religion is just nauseating.
* Hipsters
Tony: hahahahaha
Definitely not the loving "inclusive" bunch they say to be. That’s a story for a different day, or Jay might
key you in on that.
Jay: haha Tony
and I went to a beer garden and eatery that was right across a rehearsal studio
we were using in Austin for a while. As we were sipping our drinks and awaiting
our pizza, I could overhear a group of nondescript twentysomething Austinites
criticizing Trump and racism. Once our food was ready, Tony and I sat down
fairly close to them because they were near the only available seats. The
pompous elitists stood up and walked away instantly. I think we were too dark
for their liking. haha The situation just underscores the lack of
self-awareness and hypocrisy of “woke” people. We had a good
laugh at them for their absurdity and existence.
What's the last album you bought?
Tony: Goat Vulva
discography 12”
Jay: Roy Orbison
- “Mystery Girl”
Lastly, what does the future hold in store
for Trench Warfare, and where can maniacs get hold of your merchandise? Thanks
for your time. The last words are yours.
Tony: I am in the
process of writing the next Trench Warfare album. You can grab "Hatred
Prayer" from the Transcending Obscurity Website or our Bandcamp page. We
have a handful of the demos left, so you can purchase that through the Trench
Warfare Facebook page. I appreciate you taking interest in Trench Warfare and
we are honored to do this interview. Cheers!!!!!
Jay: Our demo is
also available via Nuclear War Now Productions! (https://shop.nwnprod.com/products/22286?_pos=1&_sid=ce0d4df67&_ss=r),
and it’s available
digitally (https://trenchwarfaretx.bandcamp.com/album/perversion-warfare).
People can contact us on Facebook
(https://www.facebook.com/trenchwarfaretexas) regarding our “Demonic
Christ” shirt, and “Hatred Prayer” is available via our Bandcamp (https://trenchwarfaremetal.bandcamp.com/album/hatred-prayer-black-death-metal).
More music and more madness awaits. We aren’t going anywhere. Hide your daughters. Hide
your wives.
