KILL RITUAL (Eng.)
– Hi, thanks for your time. What are you currently up to? How is everything doing right now with KILL RITUAL?
Things are going well right now with the band as we’re going through the release process with interviews, promotion etc. And looking forward to some shows early year. Maybe we’ll also get a chance to play in Europe if all goes well.
– You are a new band that has just released its debut album so, first of all, could you please share some history of KILL RITUAL?
The band was formed 2 years ago after the demise of Imagika by Wayne and I. We had worked on a 4 song demo of material that was initially being worked on for Imagika, but once the band imploded we used it to solicit the current members of Kill Ritual through some local adverts and some online musician referral sites. The rest of the guys came on board and we immediately got work on our debut.
– KILL RITUAL is formed by ex-members of bands such as IMAGIKA or DARK ANGEL among others, and we can also find in the band Roberto Proietti, ex-ELDRITCH. As he is Italian and the rest of you are from the US I would like to know how do you work on the song writing and if you can rehearse together.
Roberto actually lives in the US now and is about 2 hours away from the SF Bay Area. Our bassist Danyael lives in LA so that’s about a 6 hour drive for him. Wayne, Josh and I are the writing team so we do the majority of rehearsing and writing and when the songs are ready we send them to Roberto and Danyael to learn so that when we record or play live they are already familiar with the material and ready to go.
– Your first album is entitled «The Serpentine Ritual» and was released a few weeks ago. How has the feedback been so far? And what are your expectations on it?
We had some really great reviews so far and it’s been pretty positive press. Of course there’s been a few reviews from some that don’t like the fact that we don’t play what they consider real Bay Area thrash along the lines of Testament or Heathen or the fact that our vocalist has a voice that doesn’t fit their closed minded opinions either. We’ve never claimed to be a true thrash band in the first place. We have thrash roots from our past bands, but we definitely wanted to be just a solid metal band that had an old school feel with modern touches and approach.
– Getting a bit deeper into this opus; what do some of the lyrical ideas deal with?
Josh tends to write about numerous subjects and likes to touch on everything from war to a hard night of drinking! HA! Whatever works and whatever the song calls for. The themes vary depending on the feel of the track.
– As I said, this album has just come out but, when was the material actually born? When did you start writing some of the songs featured on the record?
Like I mentioned it was late in the life of Imagika that some of the material was written. I write all the music and then Wayne and Josh get a hold of it and add their parts and we collectively finish the arrangements. The first songs to come to life for the CD were Law Of The Land, Ambush, Time To Kill and The Day The World Dies.
– Your music is straight-forward Thrash Metal, mixing both modern and traditional elements. How has your musical background affected what you’ve created on «The Serpentine Ritual»? Anyway I guess you are open to newer stuff also so what younger bands has been an influence on you and the band?
To tell you the truth I personally just pop on the metal station and probably absorb some ideas and influence from the stuff that is playing subconsciously. I never really sit down and research bands or actually even dig to deep into what is out there. Since I’m constantly working on my own music I don’t feel the need. One of newer bands that I do like is Gojira.
– Metal veteran Andy La Rocque mixed this opus in Sweden. You already worked with him for some IMAGIKA stuff so was it clear you want to go work with him? And are you satisfied with the obtained result?
Yeah I had Andy in mind the whole time to do the mix since we’ve been working together for awhile now. He’s a good solid guy and gets great results out of his studio. I like that he retains the bands core sound with out making it all sound like everything else out there. A lot of producer have one sound that is their trademark and almost all their production sound the same. We definitely didn’t want that.
– He also provided a guitar solo on the song «Coat of Blood» so, how did this arise? And could you say he has provided a different flavour with his guitar playing?
Yes I had his style in mind when this track was done because it kind of had a feel that was similar to some King Diamond material and knew it would provide him with some room to play a cool solo with the right vibe.
– Anyway you engineered the effort. Was it something positive? I guess it may be good to have a member taking on such duties to have total freedom but, on the other hand doesn’t make it you work under more pressure? Is it easy to be 100% objetive with your own material?
The truth of the matter is it comes down to cost and money. This band wouldn’t even exist if we had to pay for recording sessions. There’s almost no money in Metal for bands like ourselves and it’s really a labour of love to get it done and ready for public consumption. The idea of doing the engineering wasn’t because I really want to spend endless hours recording, editing, etc. it’s just a fuckin’ neccessity. That all being said the results that I’ve gotten are far better than any I’ve had in the past with other enginners, because most don’t care and are only looking for a paycheck.
– You have already done a video for the track «Old School Thrasher». First off I would like to know why did you pick this tune. Is it representative not only of the band’s music, but also of your personalities?
We picked the song because it was catchy, simple,direct and quite frankly one of the most commericial tracks on the CD. It’s one facet of who we are as band, but certainly doesn’t define us. As far as what we’re like as people and perfomers it’s definitely reflects that.
– And secondly, how did the shooting go? And do you plan doing any other videos for this CD?
The shooting went great and very smooth. We used a local guy who has done tons of bands like Machine Head, Testament and even Lynard Skynard. As far as another video for this release that’ll remain to be seen. This video came out of our money so unless the label is paying for the next one I’d say no.
– All this about «The Serpentine Ritual» being said; how could you describe it in just 3 words?
Thrash And Roll!
– And finally, what are your near-future plans?
We’re currently recording our next CD and working on some live dates for early next year. It took about a year from the completion of the debut to the release because we wanted to find the right label so we’ve had time to write and start recording CD #2. It’s already started to take on a life of it’s own and again will further our evolving style and take on Metal.
– 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 Tania and Queens Of Steel for helping us spread the gospel of Kill Ritual! Cheers!
