FORGE: Originally you were called Onslaught, but were forced to change it to Warbringer, what is the story behind the name, if any?
KEVILL: John Laux and I were 2 kids who were just getting into metal when we started the band. We were trying to think of a name, before we had a full lineup or anything, and we thought that sounded cool. Within about a month we had found the UK band Onslaught, and decided that we needed a different name. Warbringer came up during a brainstorm session and we stuck with it. We have only ever recorded or performed under the name Warbringer.
FORGE: What are your influences from both metal and non metal music and what of them influenced you?
KEVILL: We listen to all kinds of stuff, but our music is influenced by things like Slayer, Kreator, Sacrifice, Demolition Hammer, Judas Priest, Exodus, Autopsy, Malevolent Creation, Morbid Saint, Vio-lence, etc.
FORGE: How do you feel about being an influence on other bands and metal fans?
KEVILL: Not sure about that, never thought of it. We try to play heavy thrash metal and we are always working on trying to make our own style using the old ways. None of us ever thought about influencing anyone, we just play the music we want to play.
FORGE: Any advice you have for new bands?
KEVILL: Do what you do and work on your own vision of your music, don't compromise, and always find a way to sharpen yourselves. Play a lot of shows and rock the fuck out when you play.
FORGE: Who contributes lyrically to your group and where do they derive their inspiration?
KEVILL: I write most of the lyrics, here and there there's an idea or contribution from one of the other members, usually John Laux. Usually there's riffs first and then words will come into shape once I'm familiar with the song. I try to make all the lyrics pretty violent or demoralizing, and also have a bit of that '80s action movie badassery to them. And I always try to make sure that a lot of it is memorable.
FORGE: What is one place/venue you have always wanted to play a show at?
KEVILL: South America and Mexico. All the fans down there seem completely die-hard and crazy. I would also love to play in Japan, just to see it.
FORGE: If you could tour with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
KEVILL: Tough question. Since you said alive or dead, how about fucking Thin Lizzy? I'd do it just to see them every night.
FORGE: When you aren't playing, what do you like to do in your downtime?
KEVILL: We have no downtime! I haven't been off the road for over 2 months straight now so I am starting to forget what home is like. The last few times I've been home I've been waiting to leave on the next tour.
FORGE: Do you have any significant others back home and if so, how do they feel about tours, you guys being gone for so long?
KEVILL: I do, I'm the only one right now. She supports what I'm doing, being a musician herself. But it's definitely tricky being gone for so long. Just gotta tough it out!
FORGE: Warbringer uses symbols like the pentagram and iron cross among others, these symbols are synonymous with Heavy Metal but, is there any reason Warbringer uses them other than that?
KEVILL: Don't need any other reason! Warbringer is a heavy metal band through and through and we are proud of it. We want our imagery to look either militaristic or fucking evil.
I'm so sorry to hear about your family. I hope everything works out okay for you all in the end. Take care of your loved ones first and foremost but don't forget to keep those Horns Held High!!
ReplyDelete