The Metal Crypt - Mad Aleister Interview

Interviews

Interview with vocalist and guitarist Scott Wark, bassist and vocalist Allan Johnson and guitarist and vocalist Armin Kamal
Interview conducted by Luxi Lahtinen

Date online: January 15, 2026

Forged in the cold crucible of Canada's heavy metal underground, Mad Aleister arrives with both pedigree and purpose. Still a new and evolving force, the band already boasts a lineup that commands attention: Scott Wark (Joe Thrasher) leading the charge on vocals and guitar, Allan Johnson, also known for his work with metal veterans Exciter, handling bass and vocals, and Armin Kamal (also in Infrared) adding firepower on guitar and vocals.

While Mad Aleister is still in the process of auditioning drummers to complete the lineup, the chemistry and intent are already unmistakable. Drawing on decades of collective experience while pushing toward something fresh and uncompromising, the band stands poised at the beginning of what promises to be a formidable chapter in Canadian metal.

In this interview, we dig into the origins of Mad Aleister, the vision driving the band forward, and what lies ahead as they continue to sharpen their sound and solidify their ranks.

OF EXCITER

Allan, let's start with Exciter first if you don't mind. You are a part of a pioneering wave in speed and thrash metal with Exciter. When you look back at albums like Heavy Metal Maniac and Violence & Force, what stands out to you the most about that era, musically or personally?

Allan: As an era, the '80s is one of the last huge momentous decades music-wise. Think about it. Throughout the '50s, '60s, '70s, '80s and '90s, there were very unique, diverse, huge artists and bands, distinct music, big time changes in the music and huge hits. There were actual rock stars, and they became millionaires with multitudes of excessiveness. After that you'd be hard-pressed to identify a decade which had such distinction: it was all hip hop and rap crap bullshit throughout the 2000s. To this day, since I've been back in the music business, '80s metal is still enjoying a big come back. It always will be the best decade for metal, and I don't see it ending any time soon. I'm still riding the wave.

Speed metal was still forming as a genre when Exciter came out blazing. Did you have any idea at the time that you were helping to lay the groundwork for thrash and extreme metal?

Allan: We were highly inspired by the NWOBHM and just wanted to be a part of it and put out the kind of heavy metal that we were into at the time. Now you have to understand that in the early '80s the only way you could get news of the metal scene was to go and get fanzines, metal magazines, whatever you could get your hands on because there was no internet, no cell phones, nothing. So here we are traveling around the world, and people are calling us speed metal and I'm all confused, like what the hell is speed metal? No, we're just regular heavy metal. I thought it was demeaning for us to be labeled anything else. It took me a long time to embrace it and when we got credited for actually inventing speed/thrash metal, that's when I said OK, I'm good with it now.

What was the song writing dynamic like in early Exciter? Were there any songs where your bass playing or writing had a bigger influence than people might realize?

Allan: I can't really think of my bass playing as having an influence as far as writing was concerned, but it was generally all the same. John or I would come in with an idea and if Dan got inspired, he'd start writing down ideas and lyrics, but rarely it was a group effort it was either me and Dan or Dan and John writing something. In the early days, I'd write most of a song by myself and if I got writers block, I'd let Dan finish the lyrics. I've never been able to write a song with John. I wrote/co-wrote a lot of the songs on the first two albums, but when it came to the third, I couldn't get John to play my riffs, he just couldn't do it. I had so many ideas, so many riffs that went in the garbage because he just couldn't play them. I ended up with only one song on Long Live the Loud where I wrote the whole thing, that was "Victims of Sacrifice."

Exciter had a raw, aggressive sound that really stood out, especially compared to some of the more polished metal of the time. How intentional was that rawness, and what gear or techniques helped you achieve that gritty bass tone?

Allan: It was definitely not intentional. It was probably because we had shit gear which made it sound raw, I don't know. I had a bass that was custom-made and it was not the best. It was made by a local company and they were called Shark guitars. I still have it, it's the bass that I wrote the first two albums on and someday I will auction it off. I was recently offered $5000.00 for it but the deal fell through. I still think to this day that the first two albums sound like total shit, but a shitty production that sounded raw to the core was what turned so many heads back then. It became a blessing to us, who knew, bloody hell.

NEW PROJECT: MAD ALEISTER

Let's talk about your new band, Mad Aleister. What inspired the formation of the project, and how would you describe its sound compared to your work with Exciter?

Allan: Well, I've known Scott Wark for many years and was familiar with his work in Joe Thrasher, but I never knew just how talented he was until he started sending me songs that he was working on. I instantly knew I had to be a part of what he was writing because it was amazing. We've been writing for a while now and I am excited more than ever. The sound to me is very unique, it has so many different elements going on. It's just really good down-to-earth metal and that's exactly what I want to do. If it's a great metal song, then we do it, doesn't matter what style it falls into. This heavy metal pizza can be one slice pepperoni, but the next slice will have bacon as well, then the next will have some spicy peppers on it, it'll never be just regular and boring we will have something for everyone.

Scott: After the demise of Joe Thrasher, I was doing a hard rock type project, but still had that itch to rip out some old-school screaming, ass-kicking metal. Allan and I had talked about writing some stuff together for quite a while, and we sent a few ideas back and forth, and it all just clicked.

Does Mad Aleister still tap into that same speed/thrash vein, or are you exploring different territories musically?

Scott: As far as sound goes, I'd say it's still rooted in traditional metal, thrashy with lots of screaming, shreddy guitars, pounding double bass, but it also takes some other turns. Don't worry, though, it'll ALWAYS be heavy.

Allan: From the beginning, I've said I don't want us to be pigeonholed or thrown into a certain category. I agree, it's thrashy but it's catchy, too. There's so much metal out there where, after you listen to it, it's forgotten. I like memorable songs where the listener walks away and the tune is still going around and around in their head. I like to focus on the chorus first and if the chorus is good, if it's catchy, then the rest is just gravy.

What does each member bring to the table in terms of sound and chemistry?

Allan: I've always wanted to have a band with two guitarists and Scott and I both wanted this with Mad Aleister and so this year we added a second lead guitarist, Armin Kamal from Infrared, and the three of us have been creating some excellent metal tunes together. We are currently trying out some drummers. Both Scott and Armin are incredible lead singers, lead guitarists and songwriters so what we are capable of doing is boundless.

Scott: Between Allan, Armin and I, we all bring unique talents that really build the sound of the band. I'm very excited to see just what we will come up with next. With Armin on board, we can do a lot more with the guitars and vocals.

Armin: It was very cool to have a mutual friend between Al and me reach out and ask if I would be interested in auditioning for the band. I got to hear a few of the songs and was instantly impressed with their power, diversity, and writing. All to the point, in your face metal with scorching vocals. With my producing, mixing and mastering background, I offered my services and together, we rearranged some of the work, beefed it up and put together a pounding metal production. Pun intended. All three of us are song writers and we seem to gel and get along in that regard quite well. Excited for the next batch of songs.

Al, are you writing most of the material in Mad Aleister? How has your approach to song writing changed (or stayed the same) since the Exciter days?

Allan: We have a lot of music written, the bulk of it by Scott and me, lots of songs in various stages. Armin has a vision when he hears our ideas and has added a new dimension and his own writing style to the songs and things are working out incredibly well. I think we will have a huge library of songs to choose from.

Scott: We are all songwriters at heart, so, like Armin mentioned, I'm excited to see where we head now. Even the tweaks we have done to some already written material has just been mind-blowing. We are a force!

Armin: Agreed, there are lots of song ideas in the pipe. It's just a matter of getting them structured and recorded.

Is there a full album or EP in the works? Any live shows or tours planned for Mad Aleister fans?

Allan: We've thrown around some ideas of how to release the music. Things are different these days. Perhaps an EP would be a good way of putting us out there while we entertain various record deals.

Scott: We have lots of material, and it's a real crapshoot as far as an actual release to start with. There will be music out right away, however, be it a single, and EP or an old-school demo. I'm definitely hoping for some live shows this year as well.

Armin: The approach these days is almost anything goes, as you can post and release music yourself and engage PR companies to let the masses know you have stuff to offer.

INFLUENCES AND PERSONAL INSIGHT

Which bass players, guitarists, metal or otherwise, inspired you the most when you were starting out, and do you hear any of their influence in your playing today?

Allan: In the '70s it was Dennis Dunaway, Mel Schacher and Geezer Butler. In the '80s it was Ian Hill, Steve Harris and still Geezer Butler.

Scott: I'd say, Eddie Van Halen for sure, Tony Iommi of course, Steve Vai, Jake E. Lee, George Lynch, Dimebag, Paul Gilbert, Fast Eddie, Mantas; the list goes on!

Armin: Not a bass player, but from a guitar perspective, Uli Jon Roth was always an inspiration. I cannot hold a candle to him, not many can, but he certainly inspired me a lot.

What's the biggest lesson you've learned in your decades in the metal scene, especially navigating both the highs and lows of the music industry?

Allan: The fans are #1, you are nothing without them. I've always made a point to talk to as many people at the shows as I can before and after any show. I got out and mingled after shows apologetically sweaty AF but it's the experience, and it only happens briefly and then maybe never again. I'll sign anything, I'll answer any question, they came there to see and hear you and if that means after the show too chatting and taking photos and shaking hands, then that's a huge part of it too.

Scott: Just be yourself. If nobody else likes it, at least you will! Haha.

Armin: Write for yourself. If you like it, chances are there are others like you who will connect with your songs. Don't chase a scene, try to be it. It's hard to create a new genre of music, but it's not hard to stay true to yourself.

Canadian metal has always had its own fierce identity. How do you see the Canadian scene today, and where does Mad Aleister fit into it?

Allan: I don't follow any particular scene, never have, but you're right, Canadian metal does have its own identity; in fact, there's a song by Joe Thrasher called "Canadian Metal" and it's an awesome song, true to the core. Joe Thrasher was an awesome Canadian band and Armin's Infrared are a great Canadian band. Vantablack Warship are really good. These are the bands close to me that I know and love and I know there are a lot of other great Canadian metal bands out there but I don't really ever listen to any metal when I'm writing songs. I can't listen to any other metal bands period for risk of getting influenced by them.

Scott: There is a lot of good metal out in Canada, some great traditional metal stuff around, still lots of thrashers too. I think we'll fit in just fine.

Armin: Always loved Canadian metal. There is so much good stuff out there. But again, I agree with Al, the influence now comes from within. What do I like? That's what I write. It just so happens that what Al and Scott are writing hit a nerve with me. I think it will hit a nerve with others, too. I like the fact that we don't box ourselves in. Even on a short 3-4-song EP, we cover a lot of ground. It's very Anarchy Metal!

Al, if you could go back and give a message to your younger self just before recording Heavy Metal Maniac, what would you say?

Allan: I would say to myself "don't worry it'll be all good in the end", because we recorded it in a basement as a demo. Our sound man at the time recorded it and made me go direct, no amp, no effects, just dry bass, and I hated it and still do. I never wanted that to be released as an album. We wanted to re-record it professionally but at the time the record company wanted to release it as is and since it was so raw and fast, it captured the listener's ears and people still love it. I think that album may have influenced Scott and Armin in their early years ;)

Scott: Exciter has always been a huge influence on me. That raw, nasty, fast and ripping sound just spoke to me right away. As far as HMM, that production is definitely a huge part of its charm.

Armin: I was certainly aware of Exciter and super proud that it was an Ottawa band doing big things with kick ass, dare I say new genre music. Definitely pioneers who inspired us to give it a go.

What do you hope fans, both old-school Exciter heads and new Mad Aleister listeners, take away from your music today?

Allan: The Mad Aleister album will be awesome, and all I can see happening is that our music really turns some heads, because it's totally not just the same old same old. This is something that will stick in your head, and you'll go back and listen again and again. The songs speak for themselves.

Scott: That their asses were just severely kicked!!!

Armin: Hope. Metal is not dead! There is so much more good music to come out.

OK, I have one more question for you: If Mad Aleister had to open a show for any band, past or present, who would it be and why?

Allan: My dream came true when I opened up for Priest in 2022. I can't think of any other band that would top that experience for me.

Scott: Priest sure would have been cool! I was fortunate enough with Joe Thrasher to open for lots of my favorites. Ummmm, Saxon would be cool, Motörhead would have been cool... Venom...

Armin: I'm jealous of Al. Priest would have been amazing. Through Infrared, I have been so fortunate to open for so many of our heroes. Too many to mention here, but the Canadian contingent is high! Exciter, Sacrifice, Razor, and Anvil to start. Udo, Flotsam and Jetsam, Heathen and Raven to mention a few more. But to have been able to open for any of the "Big Four" or minor four picks (like Exodus, Testament, Death Angel, etc.) would have been awesome too and may yet happen.