Just when you thought thrash had seen its heyday 'Transition.' managed to get some brief words from Evile's bearded monster Ol Drake. Take heed:
(You can also play the 'drink every time you see the word “metal” or “thrash”' game)
T. - How are moods in the band concerning the up-coming set at this year's Bloodstock festival?
Ol Drake - The mood in the band is very up. We've been working hard in reigning Joel in on the bass front, and we're feeling a lot more solid and tight as a band now. We're working on playing a song we haven't played live yet, so we can't wait to do that. ("Metamorphosis")
T. - Are you more into smaller venue where you can really interact with the crowds or do you like the sheer volume and exposure of bigger gigs/festivals?
Ol Drake - I think they both have their individual charm. You can't beat being up close and intimate with a crowd in smaller venues. At the bigger shows it's an amazing experience to be playing to so many people who are enjoying what you're doing, and you're enjoying their appreciation and enjoyment. Such a great feeling. To conclude, as long as we're playing, I don't think we mind, small show or big show!
T. - This year saw your first tour of the US with Kreator. Did you feel right at home playing in the birthplace of thrash metal?
Ol Drake - At first it was very daunting. The US is such a huge place that it was quite a lot to take in at first. Touring Europe is a lot different to touring the US. The distances are huge. Other than that, it was quite a feeling to be in the places thrash was born.
T. - For newcomers to an Evile show what can audiences expect in terms of atmosphere?
Ol Drake - Simply, they can expect an honest, pure metal show put on by fans of the music. No gimmicks, no b******t, just a full-on metal atmosphere that band and audience share in.
T. - Where do you foresee thrash's future? Do you think it will make a significant return like in the days of yore with the Bay Area bands?
Ol Drake - I think because of the state of the music industry today, thrash and similar kinds of metal will struggle to make it that huge again, but I hope I'm wrong! I'd have loved to be into this music when it was that huge. Metal is such an overlooked and under-appreciated form of music, but it's charm is it doesn't mind being underground.
T. - What's next for Evile after this year's touring?
Ol Drake - We've already started writing our third album, but after (and during) all our touring, we'll be putting our efforts into writing. We didn't spend enough time on "Infected Nations" and we learnt from that, so we're going to put our all into the next one. Other than that just work on getting our music as far and wide as we can! Would love to make it to the eastern side of the earth and to all the places people wanna see us.
T. - Aside from thrash bands such as Slayer and Metallica are there are any acts that influence you that fans may not expect? Anything that may seem out of place with Evile?
Ol Drake - In the metal vein I'm very inspired by Obituary. There's something about their simplistic approach to such an extreme style of music that just amazes me. They say more with a simple 3 chord riff than some modern technical bands can say with 100 notes. Away from the metal world, I'm very inspired by Gentle Giant and Yes, Frederic Chopin and Miles Davis.
T. - How has Joel (bassist) settled into the band since joining last December? Any band habits he's had to get used to?
Ol Drake - It's taking it's time, which we expected it would, but the great thing is he's a nice guy. We get on with him and he's a great bassist. We've actually had to get used to his sleep walking. Some very entertaining stories, especially one of him walking naked in a hotel forgetting which room he's in.
T. - During your acceptance speech of the "Metal as F**k" award you mentioned that to be metal one needs a cup of tea and a bacon sandwich. What if I add crumpets into the equation?
Ol Drake - Crumpets are more rock, but that wouldn't hurt at all. I think too much is put into being "Metal", we take pride in not being typically "Metal". I'd rather be able to 100% play my instrument than only be able to slightly play it and be wasted 24/7. I've never heard stories of drugs making people immortal, it's always the opposite, so why bother?
T. - Any closing statements or last words for Transition. readers?
Ol Drake - If you like your metal very metal-y, check Evile out for some pure, honest metal from pure metal fans! Check out our latest "Infected Nations!", we have a redux version out in September with lots of extras and goodies.
Evile will be playing the Ronnie James Dio stage at this year's Bloodstock Festival on Saturday 14th August. Their current album “Infected Nations” [2009] is available through Earache Records.
By Andrew Heaton
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