Interview - LAZARUS A.D.

English text


Martín: Hello! Your debut album for Metal Blade is out now, tell us about LAZARUS A.D. career and the birth of “The Onslaught”.

Alex: That's right. I think I heard about that band and their CD coming out. Haha. Well, It's been quite a long journey so far with so much more to come. We started in 05 rolling only on a three song demo. We had the opportunity to open for Anthrax in 06, and then open for Testament in 07. Both of those shows gained major exposure for us. Just after the Anthrax show we hit the studio to record our first full-length album "The Onlsaught." We had it mastered by James Murphy (ex-Death, Tesatment) which also helped gain exposure. We rode on that album for a couple years when Earache Records caught word of us and offered a spot on their upcoming compilation "Thrashing Like A Maniac." We decided that would probably be a good thing to be a part of seeing as we fit the bill. So we accepted and off it went. Again gaining more and more exposure through that. Shortly after Metal Blade caught wind of our music and ever growing fan base, and offered us a record deal. We collectively decided to re-release "The Onslaught" on Metal Blade. I guess everyone thought it was a record worth spreading to the masses. So we sent it back over to James to have him remix and master the album, and let me tell you, it sounds incredible! We also had all the artwork redone by Colin Marks of Rainsong Design in Germany which also took on new life. And there you have it. The album has just been released this past Tuesday, March 3rd. And now we're looking to hit the road in support of "The Onlsaught" for the quite some time. In April we'll be out with Amon Amarth, Goatwhore, and Skeletonwitch. And in May a possibilty of a tour with Testament and Unearth is in the works. We'll see where that one goes!

M: Are you satisfied with the new sound of the album?

A: Yeah as I mentioned before, it sounds incredible! James did an absolutely amazing job reworking it. It's modern and that's how it should be. So yes, we're all extremely satisfied with it.
M: I think that LAZARUS A.D. is between the old school and the new generation of Thrash Metal. What is your opinion about that?

A: I would strongly agree. We all grew up listening to bands like Metallica, Testament, Slayer, and Pantera, and they all had a major influence on us. So a big portion of our sound is derived from that, but we knew that we didn't want to be pigeonholed as a band with an "old" thrash sound. A lot of bands are out making thrash metal but it sounds like so much like the founders of thrash. We wanted that modern sound.

M: Where do you find the inspiration to write the lyrics?

A: Everywhere. Our lyrics are based around a lot of what's happening today. Whether it's political or personal. The great thing about the lyrics is that they have such a wide meaning and anyone listening can come up with their own meaning that relates to them. We have our own way of looking at them and so should everybody listening for themselves.

M: Many extreme bands are making videos to promote its songs, are you planning to film one?

A: Actually yes. We have a video shoot scheduled for this Saturday March 7th for the song "Thou Shall Not Fear." So be on the look out for that one as it will be released very soon.



M: What can we expect about LAZARUS A.D.’s live on stage?

A: You can expect a good fucking time! Our show is very energetic and we enjoy the interaction between the crowd and ourselves. Everyone is there for the same reason so let's have a good time together. We really take pride in our live shows. You won't be disappointed.

M: Can you choose two bands or artists with different styles that influenced you to be a musician?

A: Personally, I would have to say Metallica, because they were the first metal band I had heard, and Tom Petty because he's the first artist I got involved with ever. I think I was maybe four when I first heard Petty and I was ten when I first heard Metallica. I'm into all sorts of music though, as is the rest of the band. Whether it be jam bands, rock and roll, rap, etc.

M: How do you see Thrash Metal scene in the United States today?

A: It's looking brighter than it has in the last couple of years, but there are still a lot of newer bands that aren't necessarily making there own music. Everything sounds like it came straight from the Bay Area thrash scene of the 80's. With us, we want a modern sound and choose not to follow the founders completely.

M: What is your opinion about music in our days with the internet and mp3 downloads?

A: Well, it's a big thing. Something so big that not even Metallica could get rid of it. Unfortunately it's going to continue because the people downloading music don't realize that that's how we make our money to continue doing what we do. The internet itself is something that definitely helps in todays day in age. It's great for networking and much easier to get the music you want. It really has it's pros and cons. Even though music is being illegally downloaded it allows people to still hear your music, and in turn will then hopefully make it to the shows. We'll see what happens in the near future but I can't say it's going to be anything that completely gets rid of all the downloading.

M: Thank you very much for your time. Here you have space to write what you want as farewell.

A: Your welcome. Thank you for your time. Thanks for the support. When you get a chance come out to a show, have a beer, and enjoy the music! Oh and don't forget to go out and pick up "The Onslaught." It's in stores NOW!

http://www.myspace.com/lazarus1