Metal Shock Finland (World Assault )

“…a mix of Black Dahlia Murder-esque savagery and Testament-live precision.” -Revolver Magazine. “Tightness, conciseness and stellar riffery” -Metal Sucks.

Together, the five-piece BATTLECROSS, from Detroit (USA) create an unforgettable and energetic live show that decimates their audience with raw energy and persistence, that has earned a style of their own: “Blue Collar Thrash Metal”, in reference to the hard-working, ‘never give up’ attitude of those who hail from the Motor City. Their full-length debut album “Pursuit Of Honor” came out in august, via Metal Blade. BATTLECROSS are: Kyle Gunther, Vocals – Tony Asta, Guitar – Hiran Deraniyagala, Guitar – Don Slater, Bass – Michael Kreger, Drums.

Just before the release I had a chance to chat with BATTLECROSS members and here’s what they told me about their latest news…

Hi Guys, I’m Tarja. Welcome to Metal Shock Finland! how has been your day, so far?

Hey Tarja, it is our pleasure! Today has been very exciting! Our first music video “Push Pull Destroy” has been unveiled and our Metal Blade debut “Pursuit of Honor” is now officially available everywhere.

On your facebook, you define your genre as “Blue Collar Thrash”… well now you gotta tell me better, what do you mean with it? Lol

We were branded “blue collar thrash” by our peers in reflection to our heads-up, working class, never back down attitude. But don’t let that label fool you, we’re 100% METAL 😉

The band was formed in 2007, what can you tell me more about those years?

The early years were definitely a time of molding for us as forming BATTLECROSS was the hardest part. Finding the right musicians with the ability, the right attitude, and the hunger was a journey all on its own. Finally with a full line up we ventured out to play hard any place that would book us, recorded a three song demo and handed them out to literally anyone who would give us the time of day. Got that ball rolling then and the rest is history!

In these days I’ve listened with pleasure to your forthcoming album “Pursuit of Honor”… congrats, it an awesome blast! it welcomes you with intriguing tunes but then it nailes you on the wall and leaves you breathless… please tell me what was in your mind when you wrote the songs? and from where you took the themes?

Thank you so much Tarja! The song writing process usually begins with being immensely inspired by something. For example a shredding riff, a tasty melody, or just the mood we’re in will set off a fire storm of ideas. All the songs on the album have only one thing in common, to kick ass!

Just a couple of days ago you’ve premiered a new single “Breaking You”, the 3rd one from your new album … what has been the reaction of your fans and critics?

“Breaking You” seems to be our heaviest single from the feedback we’ve heard and it’s actually one of our oldest songs, imagine that! The critics have been mostly positive and it’s really humbling.

Technically speaking, what kind of surprises and new stuff you’ve inserted into the album?

It’s all home grown, Michigan bred, American metal! No surprises really. We’re not looking to break any speed records, jerk off our instruments for a half hour, or bore you to sleep with excessive break downs.

Now a question to Gumby… you should know I’m very found of growl, and your voice is fantastic!… but tell me what do you do to make it come out like that? something you eat for breakfast? 😀

I’ve been able to do it since i was a kid, I’m just a freak of nature!

What about the album title, Pursuit of Honor… why this choice?

The title was named after the first track, an instrumental intro to the album. The whole album is a constant tug of war between the lyrical themes of perseverance and domination and the music’s mood of menacing aggression, it only seemed appropriate to name the album “Pursuit of Honor”.

Cover art is quite apocalyptical… how you came up to this idea?

After deciding the title of the album, we passed it along to Josh Schroeder and said “You know us best, design whatever you want, it’s an open canvas.”

What is your relationship with other metal genres?

We’re all influenced and listen to the various genreas of metal. As fans of metal and music in general, we can’t just listen to one genre. Inspiration comes from all over and in various forms we love that about metal.

Talking about your live shows, what kind of contact you have there with your audience?

We want our audience to be into what we’re doing and the only way to do that is to show that you’re having a good time. It’s boring just to see a band get up there and play and not move. We emanate our passion and drive to be in this band by going on stage and raging! Also interacting with the fans and supporting the scene is just as important as your stage presence. We’re always down in the action, hanging out with our friends and fans, watching the other bands, and having a beer.

So far, you’ve shared the stages with the names as Dying Fetus, GWAR, Devil Driver, The Absence… tell me some memories of those moments…

The Gwar show was probably the biggest and most responsive crowd we’ve ever had the privilege to play for. I mean it was a mosh pit the entire time with fists in the air, the stuff dreams are made of!

Earlier this year you signed to Metal Blade, how do you see this contract changes your future?

Its huge! The floodgates have opened and people we’ve never dreamed of all over the world have the chance to hear us. Metal Blade is a very trustworthy and prestigious label and we are honored to be a part of the family!

Concerning your forthcoming tour, any further details you can give me, especially for the shows in Finland and in Italy?

Our management is currently working on securing us a booking agent so we don’t have any details yet but rest assured we will make our way across the states and over seas!

And now the last question… what are your greetings to your fans and to our readers?

Can’t wait to rage, headbang and drink with all of you! Thanks for being a fan, you’re support means the world to us and we wouldnt be here without your support! If you haven’t yet please go out and buy your copy of “Pursuit Of Honor” out on Metal Blade Records everywhere! Live, breath and bleed metal \m/

Interview by Tarja Virmakari

For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/battlecrossmetal

Battlecross – “Push Pull Destroy”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miZLob1Hi4I