– Hello, lots of thanks for answering our interview. How is everything going into the ALEHAMMER’s camp right now? First off, as you are about to unleashed your debut album after an EP and a split album; could you please make some history of the band for all those who haven’t heard about you yet?

In 2006, it was Shrub’s (bass player) birthday and we thought how we should give him a good time! He said he would love to drink beer with friends and music. So we thought we would do both at the same time. So Scoot, Shrew and Karl planned a beer/studio session to end all, ALEHAMMER was born! We choose the 1 in 12 Club in Bradford to record with Bri Doom (from the band DOOM) after much beer and laughter the 10» «Mine’s a Pint of Crust» was recorded, it was raw and made up on the day and we liked it. This was then released on Agipunk Records, we also played our first gig at the means to an end festival at the 1 in 12 Club in Bradford. In 2008 we did a small tour in Europe which was fun, then in 2009 we recorded the tracks that would end up on the split LP with TYRANT, again at the 1 in 12 Studio and again on Agipunk Records.

– Anyway with those two previous releases you already managed to gain some fame into the underground. Did that releases opened you many doors? Or maybe the fact all of you are stablished musicians into the scene also makes things easier?

It probably closed a few doors too!! When we play live no one really knows if we can play or not, on both tours we did, quite a few times we had to wake each other from being too drunk, at most time we could play, but we have done gigs where we really were too drunk to be up there and I feel a bit bad for people who paid to see that. In the studio it’s better (but not much!) as for releases, yes they did OK, we also know a lot of people around the world from the other bands we are/were in.

 

– Despite your album isn’t out yet it has already hit the press so, how are the first reactions being? Considered the feedback your two first releases got, what were your expectations on the full-length?

We really did not have any, we recorded «Barmageddon» in the same way we recorded the other releases – raw, drunk and honest! It seems that people like it, but people can find fault with most things if they try, but that misses the point – we really don’t care! Just look at the cover artwork! What band in their right minds would put out a cover like that! It’s not even in focus! And we fucked up the track listing too! But I’m really happy people like it.

 

– This first album is entitled «Barmageddon», which I find it quite fitting both to the album’s sound as well as the overall essence/attitude but, how did you come up with it?

That was Shrub trying to say two things at once drunk, the end of the world and who is going to the bat next?

 

– Your musical basis is Crust, but you also throw into the mix several Metal elements. Has your musical background helped shaping ALEHAMMER’s sound?

Yes I think so, we love Crust Metal. But we are open to most things.

 

– Then there are also tracks like «Floormonger», with quite rockier riffs so, what could you say are the main musical influences for the band? As they seem to be quite diverse.

The main influence in the band is real ale. But yes we have/are in a few other bands.

 

– Talking about «Floormonger», is the longest tune on the album, and I’d also dare say one of the most complet songs into the record. What’s the story behind this cut?

This track made itself really, i like the idea of «Blues/Jazz/Metal/Crust! One review has said it should have had some harmonica on it! This is how we think!! It was a fun track to play and hear, I would like to do more like that.

 

– «Barmageddon» is an album that shows an impressive energy and fury. I guess just 6 songs and an average of 2 minute length helps keeping that through the whole album and also a sense of freshness. Was this something you hand in mind while creating the album?

Yes I was, a lo of people have said it’s a bit too short, we did have another track, but we forgot it! Yes the freshness, raw energy and to be «real» is what it’s all about, even if we can do it or fuck it up, we will try – no egos in ALEHAMMER.

 

– Talking about such, how was the song writing process? As the final outcome feels to me quite honest and spontaneous.

We all share in getting the songs together, if it works we record it. We never practice, if we have a tour, we will jam for a day before to remember stuff. For the studio we will just book the whole day to record as it comes.

 

– The fact the intensity is strong during the whole listening experience which helps making everything have a natural flow, and the organic sound enhances that, giving a quite honest vibe to the CD. In fact you have managed to get a really thick and crunchy sound. Would you mind to elaborate a little bit on how was the production process like and who took such duties?

Yes the production is down to the great skills of Bri Doom and the 1 in 12 Studio, we had to mix it on another day, as the 1 in 12 Club was broken into, the studio was OK thanks to its huge steel door, but our heads were not in the right place to mix, so we went to the pub early.

 

– And what about the recording? It feels like one of those old albums that were recorded live with the entire band playing on the same room.

Well the studio is very small, the bass and guitar are played next to the mixing desk, the drum and vocals just next door.

 

– All this about «Barmageddon» being said; how could you describe it in just 3 words?

It’s my round!

 

– And finally, what are your near-future plans? What are your plans in support of «Barmageddon»?

If there are any, no ones told me!! I hope we can get together soon for a beer, see what happens!!

 

– That’s all, thank you once more for answering our questions. If you want to add some final words; feel free to do it.

Thank you for the space… Up the DIY punks!

 

Tania Giménez

tania@queensofsteel.com

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