NEW INTERVIEW: Our first interview with DEIFORMITY (Sydney Death Metal), by Collin Brophy, 18/11/16

Deiformity (Sydney Death Metal) Interview, by Collin Brophy

 

Collin Brophy (Busuk Chronicles). Hello how is everyone in Deiformity going?

Deiformity. Great thanks. It's just me Paulie (drums) answering, so I'll answer in the first person as myself instead of talking about the band in the third person... so it doesn't feel weird.

C. Brophy. Deiformity was formed back in February 2016 but it was only made public in November that Deiformity even existed. Why did it take so long for it to be announced that Deiformity even existed and what was behind waiting so long for it to be announced?

Paulie (drummer). We wrote all the material before learning our parts and hitting the rehearsal room, so we needed to fully complete certain goals to reach the stage where we had something more than just a name and a logo to offer everyone.

C. Brophy. How did you guys come up with the band name?

Paulie. Adrian and Loz came up with the name. We were after a single-word band name that wasn't taken yet, which proved to be very hard! It took us a while with probably thousands of suggestions that were either taken or had been done in the past. That was a hilarious few weeks; we could have been called many things. In the end Deiformity was a no brainer; its meaning resonated with all of us. 

C. Brophy. Can you give me a brief history of the band?

Paulie. It started off with Loz and me working together on another project. We decided to abandon that and work together on something new with a set system to get a new band established and get us back onstage. We then formed up with Adrian Williamson to begin the writing process. Instantly the drive was there and we started hammering straight into it. Half-way through the writing process we called on our good mate Rob Piersen who has been shredding away for years to take up the second guitar and he's exactly what we needed. Finally, Loz convinced Chris Tuckley to join on bass once most of the material was written and he started joining us in the rehearsal room. 

C. Brophy. Who came up with the logo for Deformity?

Paulie. Loz did. The original was a Pencil drawing. The band instantly loved it.

C. Brophy. Can you introduce the band members and what roles they play in Deiformity?

Paulie. We have got Loz from Hell Itself on vocals.
Paulie - (ex-Daemon Foetal harvest) on drums.
Adrian - (ex-Viscera) on guitars
Rob - (fresh meat) on guitars
Chris - (ex-New Blood) on Bass

C. Brophy. How long have you all known each other?

Paulie. A fair few years now, but within a decade I'd say; it is hard to pin-point.

C. Brophy. How did you meet?

Paulie. The Sydney Death metal scene. We have all been friends amongst friends and around each other for years. Again, it’s just one of those random things you can't really pin-point.

C. Brophy. What inspired you to make music together?

Paulie. We just wanted to play some fat death metal with each other as a group of mates and enjoy the piss out of it.

C. Brophy. What can you tell me about your instruments? (i.e., are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever's available?)

C. Brophy. What made you choose the instruments you have now?

Paulie. Personally, for me on drums, I hate house kits... it never feels like the same instrument for me. I am still using my gear from six years ago when I last played.  The cymbals I use are a mish-mash of good shit that was at the right price at the right time. But coming back, I'd say every time I crack one I'd be replacing them with Rech cymbals from Australia. They sound wicked and are good value too. Still using my old Pearl export kit which is great for the road. Nothing wrong with it. Aesthetically it is so beaten to shit that its character is growing on me. Still using Axis long board pedals with Ekit triggers for monitoring. They are perfect. I ain't changing what ain't broke.
Adrian (guitarist1). B.C.Rich Icon V with a single EMG 81 P/UP, Mesa Boogies 100 watt Dual Rectifier, Vader Custom 480 watt Cabinet, Marshall JCM 900 100 WATT Cabinet Maxon O.D. 808 Overdrive , BOSS NS2 Noise Suppressor and a BOSS TU-3 Chromatic Tuner. Strings are S.I.T. Power Wound 12-52's.
Rob (guitarist2). B.c.rich ironbird standard, 150 watt LINE6 SPYDER 3, JCM 900 350 WATT A Cabinet, boss ns2 noise suppressor s.i.t power wound 12-52, chose instruments because they are built for metal, and just absolutely deliver what you want them to. They are great to play and look great.
Chris (bassist). (too busy working or punching shit to answer)
Loz (vocalist). A lead pipe in the study.

C. Brophy. What made you choose the instruments you have now?
Paulie. For me personally, cymbals were just a matter of getting the right price for the quality of sound. They all break the same. My pearl kit was through Billy Hyde’s back in the day, they mainly sold Pearl over Tama. So I got the red one. The Axis long board’s pedals I chose originally to assist with speed but now I use them with the Ekit triggers for monitoring which other pedals can't do without using acoustic triggers that make life hard.
Adrian. Based on legendary bands/guitarists who use similar and the crushing guitar tones they got from them.
Rob. Because they are built for metal, and just absolutely deliver what you want them to. They are great to play and look great.

Loz. I make memes.

C. Brophy. Who writes your songs?

Paulie. Adrian writes the guitars. I write drums to that and maybe play around with the structure, and then Loz writes vocals over the top. 

C. Brophy. What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?

Paulie. War. The band didn't start with a set theme or topic, but these themes came naturally to Loz. I figured if he was writing the lyrics and had to sing them, we should leave the themes completely up to him. And we all really dig the direction in which he has taken us.

C. Brophy. Do you think these topics will change over time? 

Paulie. Yeah could do. But everything we have currently written is all war at the moment.

C. Brophy. Could you briefly describe the music-making process? 

Paulie. We decided not to work in the traditional sense of jamming together, writing in a rehearsal room and trying to remember what we played for the next week. We all have full-time jobs working various hours, have family and other commitments, so we decided that we were all competent enough to learn our parts at home and turn up and play when we could get together. So we went with the sending files back and forth approach, writing the guitars to click, then I write and lay down drums, then Loz records vocals. Once we had enough material written and recorded, we would then go into rehearsal mode to get ready to go live.

C. Brophy. What bands do you like / influence your style?

Paulie. Too many to name those we like. I'd say this band is heavily influenced by Cannibal Corpse, Bolt Thrower and old school death metal in general.

C. Brophy. As a new metal band what can we expect from Deiformity that we don’t already get from metal bands in Sydney?

Paulie. We just want to play some fat death metal, together as mates, for the front row head-bangers to head-bang their arses off to. We are not here to offer anything different from anyone else because we are not comparing ourselves to anyone else. We all love Death metal. We all love playing death metal - so we started a death metal band and these are the songs we write. We tried to make them as catchy and as brutal as we could. Hope ya like' em! That's about all there is to it.

C. Brophy. Can you tell us about the metal scene from where you are from and can you recommend any bands?

Paulie. We are all from Sydney. Sydney has very few venues and a generally tight-knit community of metal-heads as a result. Always up for a drink and a good time no matter what bands are on. Some of us have been a part of it since the early 90's and it's our primary social circle. We wouldn't have it any other way. There is some cool new shit on the scene: Golgothan Remains, Horrisonous and The Plague. Murder World and Darker Half still kick arse. 

C. Brophy. What are your goals and plans for the band?

Paulie. Go live and record.

C. Brophy. What’s your ultimate direction for your band?

Paulie. Just write and play some fat death and enjoy the piss out of it.

C. Brophy. How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?

Paulie. We only have one demo released on youtube so far with more to come.
We are still in the process of getting ready to record. We should have a few out by the time these lines are read [see links below for four tracks].

C. Brophy. Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD? 

Paulie. Only Facebook and youtube at the moment.

C. Brophy. Deiformity unleashed their first ever song back on the 9^th November 2016 called “Corpse Stomper”, what has been the response from the public to the song?

Paulie. Pretty awesome. We are really happy with the response.

C. Brophy. Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support since forming Deiformity?

Paulie. Yes. Loz, for covering everyone at rehearsals when we forget to pay and drive off.

C. Brophy. Any last words?

Paulie. We should be releasing some more demos soon. Hope you enjoy them and come out to head-bang with us live in 2017. Subscribe to our Youtube channel and add us on facebook for updates.

C. Brophy. Once again thank the guys from Deiformity for the privilege of doing this interview with them, it’s been an honour.

Paulie. cheers. \m/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/deiformity/

1 "Corpse Stomper":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymK0LRYBWxU

2 "Twist the Blade":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtBn54Tr4Ko

3 "Cadaver Factory":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0Zo6pjr3bQ

4 Cloud of Ash

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQmllX68RMw

DeiformityMetal. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxL7FF4zyYD4PTnodRLlDNA

CONCERT REVIEW: ENSLAVED / BANE OF ISILDUR @ The Manning Bar, Sydney, 7/10/2016, by Collin Brophy

Enslaved 25^th Anniversary Australian Tour 2016, by Collin Brophy, 7/10/2016

The last time Enslaved was in Australia was way back in 2013 and I saw them then at The Manning Bar Sydney and that was one hell of a night to remember.

Fast forward to 7^th October 2016 and Enslaved are back in Sydney for the 25^th Anniversary show at The Manning Bar and Sydney’s very own Triumphant War Metal masters Bane Of Isildur were a perfect band for Enslaved only supporting opening band for the Sydney show.

Bane Of Isildur

Band Members: Lead Vocals, Guitar - Aaron Worboys, Bass, Backing Vocals - Ray McGill, Guitar - Matthew Bell & George Delinicolis – Drums.

Hometown: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Genre: Triumphant War Metal

Song Set List:

1.    Born to scorch the earth.

2.    The war of God's and men.

3.    Furious hunt.

4.    ...and the earth becomes aflame.

5.    Chosen path.

It has been sometime since I last saw Bane of Isildur and I still remember how amazing they were back then. When Bane of Isildur was announced to be Enslaved Sydney supporting band I was really happy for the guys, and I was really looking forward to seeing these guys and they didn’t disappoint either. Bane of Isildur only had time for five songs, and what a set list it was, from the opening song “Born to scorch the earth” to the last song “Chosen path” they had the crowd headbanging to every song and throwing the horns in the air. I am sure that they had made some new fans last night with their performance. Bane of Isildur were outstanding and I even heard some of the crowd say just how impressed they were, not with just the way they played but also how they loved their songs and that they were just the right band for the opening supporting spot. I was lucky enough to get their album, EP and a 7 inch vinyl which was signed by the band. I always get just excited to see the local bands as I do for the international bands, sometime more because I know just how much hard work has gone into getting to this point to open for international bands that tour Australia. If you missed them on this tour, Bane of Isildur are also opening for Destroyer 666 Australian tour at The Manning Bar on the 5^th of November. Don’t miss out. Bane of Isildur 10/10.

Here is Bane of Isildur Facebook page, I highly recommend that you go and check these guys out.

https://www.facebook.com/Bane-Of-Isildur-481263060510/

Bane of Isildur Music Page

https://www.facebook.com/Bane-Of-Isildur-481263060510/app/155326481208883/

Enslaved

Band Members: Ivar Bjørnson – Guitars, Grutle Kjellson – Vocals & Bass, Ice Dale – Guitars, Herbrand Larsen – Keyboards & Vocals, Cato Bekkevold – Drums.

Hometown: Bergen, Norway.

Genre: Progressive Black Metal / Viking Metal

Song Set List:

Tales from the Mythological Forest

1.    Loke

2.    Convoys To Nothingness

3.    Heimdallr

4.    793 (Slaget Om Lindisfarne)

5.    Slaget I Skogen Bortenfor

6.    Fenris

7.    793 (Slaget Om Lindisfarne)

Spinning Wheel Ritual

8.    Roots Of The Mountain

9.    Runn

10.  Return To Yggdrasil

11.  Ethica Odini

12.  The Crossing

Encore

13.  Drum Solo

14.  Isa

15.  As Fire Swept Clean The Earth

It’s hard to believe that is been three years since Enslaved last graced our shores, and I was at their Sydney show when Rise of Avernus was supporting them back then and what a night that was. It is really hard to comprehend that Enslaved have been around for 25 years, so much has happened and changed in the world, but one thing that hasn’t changed and that’s Enslaved. There was a really healthy crowd at The Manning Bar for tonight’s show, a great mix of ages as well.

During the opening song “Loke”, guitarist Ivar had technical issues throughout the song. Once “Loke” was finished, to keep the crowd occupied Grutle started to tell the crowd some jokes, he received quite a few laughs as well, he is truly a funny dude. Once the technical issues were over it was time to get down to business.

Tales from the Mythological Forest era was truly amazing, to hear some of those songs sung live were a dream come true, never in a million years did I ever think I would hear these live especially here in Australia. Enslaved did two different sets, they were Tales from the Mythological Forest era and Spinning Wheel Ritual era plus an Encore.

The crowd lapped up every word that was said and sung, everyone in the venue was head banging, yelling and throwing the horns in the air. I was just in awe of just how amazing Enslaved are live. At times I was speechless; Enslaved this time around were even better than last time I saw them. Grutle even thanked one fan for attending all three Australian shows to which the fan raised his fist with a huge applause from the crowd. The Tales from the Mythological Forest era was over with before I even knew it which was said because I was enjoying this era so much.

Then it was time for the Spinning Wheel Ritual era, the crowd was move vocal this time around, with fans singing along with the band which was brilliant to see. “Roots of the Mountain” was one of my favourites of the night as RIITIIR is one of my all-time favourite albums. There was some pit action during the Spinning Wheel Ritual era which was fantastic to see as the crowd were having the time of their lives and then it was over, and they were gone.  With loud chants of “one more song, one more song”, Cato did a drum solo that was out of this world, sometimes I would use the drum solo as a toilet run before the band comes back on, but it’s really hard to leave when you are standing there in awe of just what an excellent drummer Cato is. Once the drum solo was done Enslaved came out and smashed through a crowd favourite in “Isa” and for the final song to finish of what was a once in a life time show with, “As Fire Swept Clean The Earth” and if a fire did sweep clean the earth straight after the show then I would have died as one of the most happiest and satisfied metalheads in the world.

Not one person left the venue until it was completely over and that it was definite that Enslaved wasn’t going to come back out and do any more songs that some of the crowd started moving for the exit, the feeling I got was that no-one wanted to leave and for me I have never seen that in all the years that I have been going to shows. I just hope that they do one more Australian tour before they call it quits.

For those Enslaved fans that didn’t turn up for the Enslaved 25^th Anniversary Australian tour, you missed out in was a once in a life-time opportunity to witness live the almighty Enslaved playing songs that we will never witness again in Australia or in our life-time ever again. 10/10….

[By Collin Brophy for Busuk Chronicles.]

NEW INTERVIEW: Our first interview with TENSIONS ARISE (Sydney Groove Metal), by Collin Brophy

Tensions Arise Interview, by Collin Brophy, 3/10/2016

Introduction by Collin Brophy: Tensions Arise are a Sydney Based Groove Metal band and they have had a massive year in 2016. As a massive fan myself, I had the pleasure in interviewing the vocalist the one and only Kayyne Reid.

Collin Brophy (Busuk Chronicles). How is everyone in the family that is Tensions Arise?

Kayyne Reid (Tensions Arise). Man, the family is going great! With the new line up the mood has been lifted a great deal and everyone is positive and on the same page. It’s an exciting time!

C. Brophy. Tensions Arise have just got a new guitarist, what was behind the move for another guitarist, who is he and can you tell us about him?

K. Reid. I have always felt two guitarists was better, nothing to take away from the amazing talent Ash is of course. I just felt like that extra layer would always help and add to things if done correctly. We have had such a time in our history with failed second guitarists and we actually dropped the idea. We agreed if it was going to happen it just had to be organic and random, anytime we put out a feeler or an advertisement we found the wrong person always stepped up. With Scott, we have known him a long time and before the band he was a brother, we kind of poked and prodded in humour at him and then the next thing we know we had some fun jams and then we all had to go “hang on, something is happening here, do we all wanna seriously do this?”. We were all on the same page and it became a thing. It kind of just happened.

C. Brophy. Can you tell us a bit about Tensions Arise, what genre / style you play, where you are from, and what inspires Tensions Arise to be who they are as a band?

K. Reid. Tensions is kind of groove metal I guess you could call it, but it’s pretty obvious we have inspiration from many sub genres, nu metal, thrash etc.… I guess the best way to describe the songs is pop music for a metal band, with the way our songs are written and structured its essentially pop songs… We as a band are from Western Sydney, but we all live all over. What inspires us? Pretty much we just like having fun and are known as a party band. We just enjoy having a good time and this band has helped us have such a great time all over the country and in a few countries! It doesn’t get better than that!

C. Brophy. Tensions Arise release a new album back in May 2016, how did you come up with the album title A Breath of Aggression, and how did you come up with a really cool album cover?

K. Reid. The album title was the typical writing names in a book and going from there, no crazy story behind the title. However once the title came the rest came and the album is kind of a concept album, it isn’t technical and way in depth but it has a basic concept. The awesome artwork was designed by Dan at God-Awful Designs. The artwork idea was the band brainstorming and Tim kind of started the idea and it snowballed with Ash then Kyle and I added input with the idea and I have it to Dan to work on and that’s how he got it done, I really like the art.

C. Brophy. How was the new album received by the fans? And what are your thoughts on the album?

K. Reid. The album has been received pretty well by friends and fans, we have gotten some airplay and what not, and people have requested “Darkness Binds” a lot, which is really cool to see… I actually love the album, I think it’s a really good representation of who we are sound wise. I don’t like recording it isn’t a strong point for me but this whole process was amazing and I couldn’t be happier. I actually listen to this album, I rarely listen to the others. There is just something about A Breath of Aggression I can’t help but be proud of.

C. Brophy. Tensions Arise had a massive tour with the release of A Breath of Aggression, how was the tour, and what was it like playing alongside so many talented Australian bands?

K. Reid. The tour was way better than we all could have hoped for! As for the amazing Aussie bands, a lot of them I asked to be involved as I had a big hand in a lot of the shows, some I didn’t of course but was pleasantly surprised at the talent. Adelaide has some of the best bands I have ever seen, Se Bon Ki Ra, Voros, Headbore, Gorlapse.. That show though small the bands all blew me away! Lavidius in Queensland, Chronolyth, Requiem Of The Damned, Lycanthrope, How can I forget the icons Segression? Seriously I feel like I should name every single band on the tour, it was ridiculously amazing, and they were all amazing people, the fans and bands involved. Pretty much this country doesn’t get praised enough for the talent we have in the Metal scene. Go to a damn show people!

C. Brophy. If possible what was your favourite show of that tour, and why?

K. Reid. As far as a favourite, I can’t really pick an Aussie favourite show, Wollongong was crazy amazing, Sydney of course being a home town, Adelaide, Newcastle.. Seriously the tour as a package Is something I want to relive over and over.

C. Brophy. Tensions Arise was one of the supporting bands for the Drowning Pool Sydney show back in May, what was that like as not only as a band playing but also massive fans of the band itself?

K. Reid. I am not ashamed to admit I cried, Watching those guys do what they do was just mind-blowing. Dave Williams (R.I.P) was one of my favourite vocalists in my teen years, that first album resonated with me and still does. It was bitter sweet with Dave not being there, but Jasen was electric! CJ was the loveliest guy I have ever met. We got a selfie backstage which he demanded we did duckfaces haha! He knew exactly who I was before we event did a sound check or played. (that’s something you could only dream of). They opened with Sinner my favourite song, I was in my happy place haha!

C. Brophy. Tensions Arise was also a support for the Fear Factory show back in June, what was that like?

K. Reid. It was the scariest, most surreal thing I have ever experienced, apart from Sevendust (That was mindblowing!! Lajohn and the guys were f***ing amazing!) The FF show was awesome. They are such an iconic band and to have Burton say our name on stage and hear a crowd erupt was just something you’d never think would happen haha! Dino was exhausted, but really lovely, the perception some have of him is very unfounded seriously… Tony Campos saw my amazing dance moves, he was impressed… so don’t be surprised if you see TC Twerking against Burton at a show haha

C. Brophy. 2016 has been a truly amazing year for Tensions Arise, with plenty of shows, what would have to be the biggest highlight for Tensions Arise for 2016?

K. Reid. The best thing about 2016 has been the entire year; we achieved so much in this year, done more in this year than any year of our history. It isn’t over yet! How can I pick one thing? Sevendust, Fear Factory, Drowning Pool, Album recording and releasing, Full Australian Tour… this year was the stuff dreams are made of!

C. Brophy. What was it like going over to New Zealand and play alongside 8 Foot Sativa and other New Zealand bands?

K. Reid. You asked earlier my favourite show of the tour. In all honesty the people in New Zealand became instant family, the attendance was seriously amazing the energy, the line-up… 8 Foot Sativa are icons, I can’t thank Justin enough for being involved if Sativa weren’t on board we wouldn’t have gotten on a plane.. Sarah at Blackfrog looked after us amazingly, as did our new family Brent & Kynan, Scottie is a bad arse also! Apart from our 3 major support shows, this show was a real “Rockstar” moment… I can’t wait to go back on each album cycle! If you can, go!

C. Brophy. If anyone wants a copy of the album A Breath of Aggression, or any merchandise what is the best and easiest way to get their hands on it?

K. Reid. At the moment the album is on many streaming sites like Spotify, you can get it on itunes. We are currently working towards a proper online store for all our merch, we have such a good range we just need to get the promotional side of it out and about… keep an eye out for that.. For the time being, an inbox to our band page or my personal page will get some merch orders happening!

C. Brophy. As a fan of Tensions Arise myself for many years, I still get really excited to see you guys play live, what is it like to be on stage playing and doing the thing you love so much, and what’s it like when the fans sing your songs back at you when you’re on stage playing?

K. Reid. Firstly man, thank you for the kind words and years of support it’s genuinely appreciated and should keep any band humbled. We are glad you get such a buzz and excitement knowing we are coming to town. We love doing this and love that people love what we do. This is the first tour we have done where we can see the fan base grow and it’s been amazing! For me being onstage is an outlet for a lot of good and bad in my life, it’s my happy place you know? Some days it’s hard to get out of bed to wanna do it, but when it’s happening I don’t think there’s a better drug than a sold out show. Seeing people sing the words that I or the guys have written back to us is seriously mind-blowing, I am kind of scared that the fans sound better than I do haha! It’s really the greatest feeling to know what we are singing about resonates enough for people. It honestly makes us feel great knowing we can impact people’s lives for the better with what we do.

C. Brophy. What is left in store for the rest of the year for Tensions Arise?

K. Reid. Currently man we have two shows left this year we are playing Friday 25th November 2016 at the Agincourt Hotel in Sydney and Saturday 26th November 2016 for The Vault at Newcastle Leagues Club. These two final shows are special for many reasons, one being Scott is officially debuting with us. We are also filming a lot of footage at both shows for our two upcoming film clips which we want as many people to be a part of as possible! Also how could I forget we get to support our awesome friends from Victoria in Frankenbok!

C. Brophy. Thank you for this great opportunity to interview you.

K. Reid. Thanks so much for wanting to do an interview man! We really appreciate it, it has been fun!

Closing Comment by Collin Brophy: I would like to thank Kayyne Reid from Tensions Arise for this time in doing this interview. I would also like to wish Kayyne and Tensions Arise all the best. Tensions Arise have a few more shows before the end of the year so I suggest you go and experience their live shows.

TENSIONS ARISE - Welcome to Sin City (official video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeKHuiwnDVg

TENSIONS ARISE - Maniac (official video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENBAgkT93WA