Interview with Slow Grind
Interview conducted by Barbara Williams (Crowley)
Date online: March 19, 2003
First of all, how are you doing and a big thanks for coming to El Paso to play. You gave a killer performance!
Thanks for having us! We sincerely appreciate the people of El Paso going nuts with us!
I'd been listening to your latest album, Resurrecting with Malice, and it kicks ass! Who came up with the title and the concept for this album?
Glad you liked it! Our former guitarist, Jaime Cisneros, was the one who came up with the idea of Resurrecting with Malice. Our lyrics have always had double meanings, so the lyrical concept for that album brought about the group to decide on the idea we used for the album: a resurrection of heavy music against the compromise of commercialism.
How would you describe this album to someone who's never heard it before?
A different approach to heavy music, period. Utilizing heavy music to a different perspective. We combine the intensity of fast and technical death metal with the crushing power of grind and thrash.
The same year you formed, you also came out with your demo, Morbid Visions of Reality, which features five tracks. Wow! What got you guys to move along so quickly?
The motivation to get the idea of Slow Grind going. This band has never been an idea taken lightly, and the desire to get it solid was the driving factor behind the band's first album.
John Garcia, the drummer for the band, also produces the albums. I don't see that you are signed on to any record label. Is that your choice or will you be going the "conventional" route later on?
We are currently unsigned, not necessarily by choice, but we take care of our own business and are proud of that. Of course, if a label wishes to pick us up and lighten the load we have and help to get our music out there, why wouldn't someone take that kind of help!
How do you get the inspiration for your writing?
We all simply create an idea, whether it be musical or lyrical, and it webs rapidly from that point because we are all in the same frame of mind.
Which bands are on your list of favorites? Had any of your favorite artists been a role model to you?
Man we could go on forever: Morbid Angel, Death, Black Sabbath, Deicide, Cannibal Corpse, Emperor, Iron Maiden, Disincarnate, and the list goes on and on. We all have favorite artists, and they have all had an influence over our musical drives, mainly in the sense to follow our own paths.
You have a some songs off the Resurrecting with Malice CD on Mp3. Do you feel that is has helped you attract new fans?
We certainly hope so! When we go to a band's website, if they have samples for us to listen to, we go right ahead and do so. If the interest is there, the songs will get downloaded and hopefully something will be got out of doing so.
You already have the next Promo CD ready. Could you tell us a little about the lyrical concept for this album?
The striving for power, constantly questing for power, and the darkness that comes with failure. It's about never cutting yourself short: "Do or die." It will be the First Chapter to this concept of conquering what you are after, whatever this may be.
What will be your next step? Will we be seeing you go on tour pretty soon again? If so, where and when and with whom?
Our current next step is to finish Chapter I - Taste of Dominance, which will be our second full-length release. We are talking with a few people and may be on tour later this year, but we'd rather not give out the details just yet.
Have you thought about getting on a Compilation CD such as WWIII, the Identity series or even by playing a tribute to one of your favorite bands?
The thought hadn't crossed our minds at this time, only because we are awaiting the completion of our promotional CD which we are recording at Ancient Ruins Studios. We will use this CD for all of our distribution needs and opportunities.
I had seen you on stage, and you guys look pretty bad ass. I have heard some heavy criticism from a metal fan, however, who finds that Black metal is no longer acceptable because the satanic content most albums have. As an atheist he sees this as a form of religion. What's your take on this?
Well, we are glad you enjoyed the performance because we enjoyed giving it! As far as our take goes, we care more about music and its expression. Religion and other forms of brain washing, we really could care less about.
You've also got some live Video Clips coming up. Who is producing this for you and will you make MTV? (Just kidding on this one)
We, as we mostly have done before, will produce them ourselves. Now that our computer has got upgraded, it should allow us to use more processing power to our advantage. I'm not to sure we would want to be on MTV with the crap it has right now...unless of course they bring back Headbanger's Ball (which I seriously doubt).
Who is your audience?
Anyone who gets a charge out of heavy, aggressive music. There is no limit to who you can attract as long as a person can get a release from what you are generating.
How do you see yourself as a role model (or idol) to many young people who listen to and who get into your music?
If anything, we hope that people are at least getting the drive to do what they want to do or what they are after. If we can inspire that, we have done our part for that person.
You are from a fairly small place in Texas. Does the metal scene kick ass where you guys are or is it pretty much a continuous struggle?
The scene here is developing very quickly and has always been very strong. It is great to see how every year brings new people to the South Texas Death Metal scene.
What are the future plans of your band?
Release our second album and do whatever it takes to spread our music.
Outside of playing Metal, what kinds of things do you enjoy doing?
Pretty much what most people like to do: kick back and have a good time! Bar-B-Q, drink, smoke...can I say that? Watch anything that'll crack us up, and so forth.
Any collectors among you?
Not really. We're always broke.
When are your birthdays?
On the days we were born. Aaa ha ha hhaa!
VERY funny!!!! LOL
Any last words to fans?
Stay fucking brutal, spread the word, and just keep crushing!!
Once again thank you so much and have a great one,
Barbara
Other information about Slow Grind on this site |
Review: Resurrecting With Malice |
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