by Janet Willis (Defecation of the Divine)
This Arizona band has been making a lot of noise for a few years now underground and I finally got to hear their latest monstrosity, Misanthropic Slaughter, last week and it was so awesome that I was inspired to crank out the review and also get in touch with the band for this interview. The sound of this band is unique with thrash influences but nods to death and even black metal in places to give it enough venom to really sting potently when you hear them. Definitely give this band a listen at the links at the end of the interview. Fans of Sodom, Onslaught, Rotting Christ (Non Serviam), Kreator, and Destruction should check this band out!!!!!
Metal Maniacs: I’ve been working with Doug over at Metal Matters for a few weeks now and he sends me some of the most amazing underground talent like Evil Amidst and now you guys. You’ve been playing for some time now and have had some killer reviews, so for those who are hearing about you for the first time here maybe you could talk a bit about the band, how you got started, etc.
Masaki: Travis and I formed Hemoptysis in early 2007 and we released our first EP “Who Needs A Shepherd?” in September 2008. We received over 25 positive reviews on that and got a lot of exposure. It took us a while until we were able to record this follow up full length “Misanthropic Slaughter” for many reasons, but it’s finally done and we will be releasing it on March 08, 2011. All of us have different music backgrounds and that helps make our sound different and unique.
Metal Maniacs: I gave Misanthropic Slaughter its first listen while watching “Night of the Living Dead” of all things and it really worked, it also gave me a chance to listen to it as a soundtrack and catch things because they came naturally and I really found it fresh. Thrash is one of the styles that initiated me into metal as a kid and I get almost irritated with retro thrash, it lacks soul, but you guys bring it back with all the speed and aggression that makes it what it is. I really could feel the circular mosh pit swirl in the rhythms and the great leads, but the keyboard parts on “End of Sorrow” made me think of Rotting Christ Non Serviam and that hooked me for good. How do you feel you differ in your sound and what ’s your take on the thrash retro bands that’ve come out over the last few years in swarms?
Masaki: I agree with you. I am not a big fan of retro thrash. I don’t see the point of it when you can listen to the original bands they copied from that have been around for over 20 years. We play what we like and feel, without trying to mimic the bands that you worship. Everybody has influences, but it doesn’t mean you should play the exact same thing. Don’t get me wrong, there are some killer bands that have a retro thrash taste, but they at least have their own identity in their music, but so many of them don’t.
Metal Maniacs: The fact that you play what you feel really shows in the power of your sound too. How has feedback been for Misanthropic Slaughter?
Masaki: So far, it’s great! Everybody is digging it and excited to hear more.
Metal Maniacs: Definitely!!!!!!! I’m really stoked to hear bands pushing boundaries and playing solid metal. As for MS, it is a self-release, correct? How do you guys like being a DIY band? I hear a lot of true talent that do self-release and merchandising and I respect it.
Masaki: So far yes. We are shopping the labels now and hopefully we will find a place to call home soon. If not, we will keep running what we can. Being a DIY band is not easy, but it is pointless to be signed if the deal is a joke. Getting signed and signing a contract are two different things. Being an unsigned band doesn’t mean they are not as good as a signed band anymore. There are so many unsigned bands that deserve more attention than a lot of signed band.
Metal Maniacs: I totally agree that so many unsigned bands run circles around many that are, thankfully there are us that can hear and feel the difference and not think twice about labels. There are a few labels that were once solid but are now trendy and unreliable for quality metal these days, whereas 5-10 years, at least, you could just pick up bands on that label and be confident that they were going to kick some ass. What does the near future look like for the band, I missed you on tour passing through San Diego?
Masaki: We are working on the dates now in spring. As you know, it is not easy for bands like us to tour without having tour support, but we will do our best and that’s what we want to do.
Metal Maniacs: I try to keep interviews brief and to the point so forgive me for stopping here. Is there anything you’d like to say as your famous last words for this one?
Masaki: Thank you for your support and hope everyone will enjoy “Misanthropic Slaughter”. You can listen to a few songs from it on www.facebook.com/hemoptysis Check it out and make sure to suggest it to your friends. We will keep you updated about the release and tour and hope to get to see you all soon!
Metal Maniacs: Thanks so much for your time and the amazing release, I’m also including links to your pages for folks to check out the sounds. Best of luck.
Other band links and audio samples:
http://www.hemoptysismetal.com/
http://www.myspace.com/hemoptysismetal
Reader Comments
I decided to check them out based on this interview-listening to them now and so far am impressed-Thrashy with some black metallish vocals. Thanks for pointing these guys out!
I’ve now listened to both of their albums on Napster and loved both of them. They are so good it will be a crime if they don’t get signed. Way better than half of the bands out there nowadays, and no I’m not overstating it!