Album Reviews

I've been a bit behind on some album reviews lately, but here's a nice chunk of what has come our way in recent times.

Natural Order - s/t (Purgatory Records)
Unfortunately, this Natural Order 7" came to me cracked in half in the mail, so I've still only heard the two songs on Sound Cloud, but I love what I've been able to hear.  This has a heavy vibe reminiscent of late 90s bands like Turmoil, Bloodlet and Damnation AD.  There's a discordant and noisy aspect that adds to the dark feel provided by the lyrics.  If you're into heavy, mid-paced hardcore, definitely check out Natural Order.

Listen | Buy

 No Turning Back - No Regrets (Fastbreak Records)

It's crazy that No Turning Back have been around since 1997, and I've heard their name tossed around plenty of times over the years, but for some reason, I've never actually heard them until now.  I can see why these guys have existed for so long in Europe, though.  They carry a nice mix of fast beats and groove oriented riffs that remind me of bands like Terror and Madball.  No Regrets features 11 new tracks, but the US version of the CD contains two bonus tracks that were originally released as a split 7" with SFAR in 2009.  Given that this was my first time hearing No Turning Back, I don't have any old releases to compare this with, but I'm sure I will be seeking some out here soon.

Listen | Buy

The Weight We Carry - Downcast (Full Circle Attack)

From the first minute that I put this 7" on my turntable, it had upstate New York written all over it.  Heavy and angry are a perfect description, but doesn't quite do it justice.  Although the music carries some huge breakdowns and double kick action, the lyrics also convey a working class sentiment that isn't often seen in heavier hardcore bands, which is a nice change of pace from the standard fare.  It's pretty amazing that they were able to squeeze six songs onto this 7", because they don't feel like they scream by in a short burst.  Overall, this is a pretty impressive 7" for a newer band and label, so I'm anticipating much more from both in the future.

Listen | Buy

Triggerman - Learning To Lie (1124 Records)
It can always be difficult to review records by bands that have reunited nearly 20 years after they called it quits, especially if you actually enjoyed their output the first time around.  A fear sets in that you might hate the new effort, and that could potentially even ruin your outlook on old material.  Thankfully, that didn't happen at all with the recent Triggerman LP - Learning To Lie.
The songs featured on this LP were actually written in the early 90s before the band broke up, and I think that these songs benefit from the improved recording technology of today.  A lot of older melodic hardcore records are very hit and miss for me due to poor recording quality, or perhaps just studio engineers that didn't know how to handle it properly.  All instruments cut through nicely on this recording, and play well with Joe Nelson's clean vocals.  More than anything, I would say that Triggerman carry a strong Dag Nasty vibe on Learning To Lie.  There's a lot of melody throughout the songs, but they don't detract from the punk nature of the songs themselves.  The fourteen tracks have a nice flow, but I would say stand out tracks are the title track and "This Town".  If melodic, early 90s hardcore is your thing, I'm sure this will fit very nicely into your collection.

Listen | Buy

Blood Runs Black - Demo 1994

Blood Runs Black were from Syracuse, NY, and played a pretty chunky hybrid of metal and hardcore.  They released a couple demos, a handful of comp tracks and one EP on Harvest Records before a couple members morphed into Godbelow.  Although there isn't any pertinent date related recording info in the liner notes, I believe this is their second demo from 1994, as it features Kris Wiechmann (Earth Crisis) on guitar.

Blood Runs Black - Demo 1994

http://www.mediafire.com/?17yn2eqao9yw8j0

Earth Crisis signs to Candlelight Records

 

Right on the heels of news that Terror has signed with Victory Records, another group of hardcore stalwarts has left Century Media in the form of Earth Crisis signing to Candlelight Records.  

Here's the press release:

Candlelight Records proudly announces the worldwide signing of EARTH CRISIS. The Syracuse-based band, featuring vocalist Karl Buechner, guitarists Scott Crouse and Erick Edwards, bassist Ian Edwards, and drummer Dennis Merrick, is currently writing and demoing material for their ninth studio album. Recording is expected to begin in June.

No hardcore or metal fan can be unaware of EARTH CRISIS or the contributions the band has made to heavy music since their founding in 1989. Championing the weak and the voiceless, the band has over 200,000 catalogue sales to date, according to Nielsen Soundscan. Regardless of passing trends, the five-piece has maintained their vision, dedication to their craft (and causes), and most importantly respected their fans in the 20-plus years of their performing career. In 2013, the band embarks on a new chapter delivering mission music as only they can.

Guitarist Scott Crouse says, “We are excited to be working on a new album, and equally as excited to be working on it with Candlelight. Their roster speaks for itself. It's an honor to be alongside bands like Fear Factory, Corrosion of Conformity, and our old friends in Vision of Disorder.” Vocalist Karl Buechner comments, “I'm really looking forward to sharing this next chapter of EC with Candlelight Records. I think they've proven to know the genre well, and will help push us in the right direction.” Candlelight co-owner Steve Beatty notes, “I am very proud to have EARTH CRISIS on Candlelight. I hope our partnership sees the band retain their rightful place in extreme music.”

Founded by Buechner, EARTH CRISIS has enjoyed two chapters in their musical journey. From 1991 to 2001, the straight-edge, vegan band would cultivate a global fanbase. Enduring numerous line-up changes, van accidents, and the natural up-and-down of music industry fads, the band released five full-length albums, two EPs, and two live albums before saying goodbye before a sold out audience at the 6th Annual Hellfest in 2001. Six years later, the band would reunite and perform at the Maryland Metal & Hardcore Festival January 2007. It would open the door to additional performances in the US and Europe, later leading to the band’s headline appearance at 2008’s Firestorm Fest. A rejuvenated EARTH CRISIS would later record two albums, To the Death (2008) and Neutralize the Threat (2011). Each followed by extensive international touring. Revealing a bit about the new album and its focus, Buechner conveys, “Lyrically this new record is going to focus strictly on an animal rights/anti-vivisection theme. Of course this is what the band is known for, but we've actually never solely dedicated an entire album to the topic.”

“EARTH CRISIS has made a name for itself not only through punishing metal and hardcore, but via staunch support of straight edge, animal rights, and veganism,” says Lambgoat editor Alex Arnold. “Few bands command the respect that EARTH CRISIS does, and they've earned it through 20 years of hard work and consistency. Contain, control, to dominate! Contain, control, exterminate!”

Shai Hulud - Reach Beyond The Sun [pre-order]

Over at the Metal Blade webstore, pre-orders are now available for Shai Hulud's new album, "Reach Beyond The Sun".  If you're itching to hear a track from it, we did a post a few weeks ago - http://xstuckinthepastx.blogspot.com/2012/12/new-shai-hulud-track.html.

Shai Hulud - Reach Beyond The Sun [pre-order]

Mediafire Account Shut Down

Well it looks like my Mediafire account was suspended...I've received messages from people asking me to re-up files but it looks like I can't. I apologize but I'm not sure what else to do. If anyone else has any suggestions, my ears open.

x206x Zine #2

Here's the second (and I believe final) issue of x206x, which was done by Chris Jacobson (Wait In Vain) and Big Jake.  This came out sometime in late 1998, and has interviews with Trial, Indecision, Left With Nothing and Skarhead.  It's a fun zine, even though they completely butchered my last name in the Top 10 lists.

x206x Zine #2

http://www.mediafire.com/view/?vi2iwmv02r4ck4d

Powerhouse (CA) - OBHC demo [1994]

Recently, a kind reader from Switzerland sent me a package with a nice selection of demo tapes and CDs in the mail, and within that box was both Powerhouse demos.  Yes, there was another Powerhouse from Florida, but this Powerhouse was from Oakland, CA.  They played NYHC style hardcore, but gave it their own West Coast spin.  Playing throughout the Northwest a lot in the mid-late 90s, my friends and I always enjoyed when they would come up here, as they put on a great show.  Also of note is that Powerhouse's bass player, Ernie Cortez, passed away a few years back.  He was always an incredibly nice guy, and he is sorely missed by many.

All that being said, here is Powerhouse's first demo from 1994.

Powerhouse - OBHC

[demo 1994]

http://www.mediafire.com/?zfpkyjee5f23dd3

Deathbed / Another Mistake US tour.

Starting today, Deathbed and Another Mistake will be embarking on a tour that will take them across a large portion of the United States.  Check out the dates on the poster below, and catch a show in a city near you.

Gut Feeling - (Ex-Catharsis, Undying) S/T EP to be released on Headfirst!/Bitter Melody Records

 A few weeks ago, we posted about a new band, Gut Feeling, that features ex-members of Catharsis and Undying.  The recording previously mentioned will now be released as an EP, and here's word from the labels.

Gut Feeling is a new hardcore band consisting of various members of older hardcore bands scattered around the North Carolina area (Catharsis, Undying, Nightbear, etc).  Musically these guys deviate from the previous more metal-laced endeavors and the only part that really carries over from the previous is top notch song-writing, structure and musicianship. Gut feeling does a great job bringing back anthemic hardcore in the vein of bands such as Champion, Comeback Kid, Modern Life is War, etc  think fast polished hardcore punk with melodic guitar overtones, a tasteful spattering of gang vocals and sing along parts.

They recorded a 4 song EP in November 2012 (recorded by Kris Hilbert/Legitimate Business and mastered by Brad Boatright/Audiosiege) and then made it available online shortly thereafter. Headfirst! and Bitter Melody having worked together before and already looking to do another project together - briefly discussed interest in putting out this EP on vinyl.  A few days later we got together with the band, and it was decided Headfirst! and Bitter Melody would co-release this EP as their first projects of 2013!  With the combined artistic talents of the band and both labels involved you can expect this to be a top notch release for the start of 2013!

You can stream/download the EP for free at their bandcamp: http://gutfeeling.bandcamp.com/

Gut Feeling has started booking shows and can be contacted at gutfeelingHC@gmail.com

Hey everyone! I'm back with my SECOND post here on Stuck In The Past. Believe me, I plan on posting here more often but shit (life) gets in the way man! Anyways, here is an interview I did with Nathan (I am Heresy/Boysetsfire). I did this interview in September of 2012. My band (Inner Dam) played a show with I am Heresy in my home town (Newburgh, N.Y.) & I was blown away by how great they were live. Nathan was more than happy to do the interview and as you will read it is pretty in-depth. Having been a big fan of Boysetsfire I have had a lot of these questions in my mind for a hell of a lot of years. I mean....Boysetsfire...The politics, the passion. The singing/screaming combo (from a guy who can actually pull it off!) and the breakdown/stomp parts! Anyways, check out I am Heresy. They are a band worth your attention. On that note, I hope ya dig the interview. You can always check out my zine site VISTA FANZINE and check out my band INNER DAM. "Like" us cause hell....We "like" you!
John Vista~

Vista: Hey Nathan. Can you give us the current lineup of I Am Heresy? Also tell us the history of the bands as far as ex members, year started, what has been relased so far and what's still available?

Nathan: OK...CURRENT LINE UP: NATHAN GRAY: VOCALS
CRUMBS: DRUMS
GREG KAUTZ : GUITAR
MATT BALOG: BASS
JAY SIN: GUITAR
THE BAND WAS FORMED BY JONAH LATSHAW (JOSH OF BSF'S SON), SIMON GRAY(MY SON), AND ME...WE SET OUT TO WRITE A BUNCH OF LOUD AND FRANTIC SONGS THAT MADE US HAPPY...SO WE DID. ONCE I DECIDED TO GET MORE SERIOUS WITH IT, I GRAB ON TO ALL THESE OTHER GOONS TO HELP ME OUT, AS SIMON AND JONAH ALL READY HAD A FULL TIME BAND (THATS THE SHORT AND SIMPLE ANSWER)..NOTHING BUT SOME DEMO STUFF RELEASED SO FAR, BUT WE HAVE OUR FIRST ALBUM COMING OUT ON MAGIC BULLET RECORDS ON OCTOBER 3OTH. IT WILL BE OUT ON CD, DIGITAL, AND AWESOME BLACK AND GOLD SPLATTER VINYL.

Vista: I Am Heresy has some new material coming out. Tell us about it? Album title, how many songs, record label? As far as this new recording goes, where was it recorded and how long did it take overall as far as begining to end process?

Nathan: YUP..THINK I JUMPED THE GUN AND JUST TOLD YOU ABOUT IT HAHA..IT IS SELF TITLED, AND CONTAINS 9 SONGS. IT TOOK FOR FUCKING EVER..NOT SURE I CAN EVEN REMEMBER OR CARE TO REMEMBER THE PROCESS, BUT IM GLAD WE ARE FINALLY DONE, AND THIS ALBUM WILL FINALLY BE AVAILABLE. IT WAS RECORDED, MIXED, RE-MIXED, MASTERED, RE-MASTERED, AND BASTARDIZED ALL OF NEW JERSEY UNTIL WE WERE FINALLY HAPPY WITH THE END PRODUCT.

Vista: Have you guys done a lot of touring for I Am Heresy? As a band are you able to tour or are you just doing long weekends? Is this band full-on as far as touring goes?

Nathan: NO TOURING YET, BUT WE DEFINITELY INTEND TO. WE WILL BE DOING WEEKENDS, BUT ALSO WANT TO DO FULL TOURS IN THE US AND EUROPE TO START. THIS IS DEFINITELY GOING TO BE AS FULL TIME AS THE BAND WILL ALLOW US TO BE.

Vista: "I Am Heresy". Where did this name come from? I know from past projects that you have been in, lyrics and themes seem to mean a lot to you and tie together. What are the thoughts behind the band name?

Nathan: THE NAME COMES FROM THE VERY FIRST SONG WE WROTE, AND REALLY ENCAPSULATES THE VISION BEHIND THIS BAND. I SPENT A LOT OF TIME WITH BSF TALKING POLITICS AND REVOLUTION, BUT HONESTLY HOW DO WE DEFEAT TANGIBLE REAL-LIFE AUTHORITY FIGURES, WHEN WE ARE NOT ABLE TO RID OURSELVES OF INTANGIBLE GODS THAT WE CREATE IN ORDER TO BE SUBSERVIENT. WE WANT RULERS SO BAD THAT WE WILL LITERALLY MAKE THEM UP OUT OF THIN AIR? WHAT HOPE DO WE HAVE? UNTIL WE STOP LYING TO OURSELVES ABOUT ALL SEEING, ALL KNOWING, AND ALL LOVING SKY DADDYS THAT THROW TEMPER TANTRUMS OVER WHAT WE DO WITH OUR GENITALS..WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CONFRONT MAN MADE TANGIBLE POWER THAT SEEKS TO CONTROL US.

Vista: What bands have influenced the band? Also, speak a little bit on behlaf of the other guys in the band. What bands/artists have directly influenced I Am Heresy?

Nathan: WELL LETS SEE. A LIST OF INFLUENTIAL BANDS WOULD PROBABLY LOOK LIKE THIS: DEADGUY, DRI, CELTIC FROST, AT THE GATES, BLACK FLAG, DEATH IN JUNE, CHRISTIAN DEATH, INTEGRITY, JOY DIVISION, THE CARPENTERS, AND ANTONY AND THE JOHNSONS.

Vista: What was you first connection to punk/hardcore? How old were you and what bands really first grabbed your attention? Also, what was the first punk/hardcore show that you ever attended & what year was that?

Nathan: LETS SEE...I'D HAVE TO GO WITH BLACK FLAG. A FRIEND OF MINE DRAGGED ME OUT OF MY HAIR METAL YEARS WITH A COPY OF "IN MY HEAD"..THEN TOOK ME TO SEE THEM PLAY AT AN ELKS LODGE IN PENSACOLA, FLORIDA. IT WAS TERRIFYING AND EXCITING ALL AT ONCE. I WAS NEVER THE SAME FROM THAT DAY ON. I SCARED THE LIVING SHIT OUTTA ME BUT I COULDNT STOP.

Vista: Vocally, who have really influenced you early on and even as far as today? Can you name a handful of vocalists that inspired you to be vocalist? Have you ever taken vocal lessons? Do you play any other instruments?

Nathan: AS FAR AS VOCAL STYLE I REALLY CAN'T THINK OF MANY...BUT AS FAR AS WORK ETHIC, PRESENTATION, IMAGE, AND JUST THEIR ABILITY TO GRAB THE RESPECT, FAME, OR INFAMY THEY DESIRED I WOULD HAVE TO LIST DAVID BOWIE, SAM MCPHEETERS, PRINCE, JOHN REIS, AND HENRY ROLLINS TO NAME A FEW. I PLAY A LITTLE GUITAR...BUT NOT ENOUGH TO REALLY PLAY IN A BAND. JUST HELPS WHEN WRITING.

Vista: You were in a band called The Casting Out a while back. How did that band come together? It was also a big departure from Boysetsfire as well. Was that a big transition for you during this time period? Also, why did The Casting Out come to an end? I'm not completely sure but It seemed like The Casting Out came to an abrupt end?

Nathan: THE CASTING OUT WAS A STRANGE PHASE I JUST NEEDED TO GET OUT OF MY SYSTEM. IT WAS FUN, RIDICULOUS, AND SHORT LIVED...THE WAY IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE. IT WAS VERY QUICK AND VERY ABRUPT. I TRIED TO HOLD IT TOGETHER, BUT HONESTLY IT JUST DIDNT END UP BEING WORTH IT..CONSTANTLY HAVING MEMBERS QUIT. WAS JUST TIME TO MOVE ON. MAYBE ILL DO ANOTHER ALBUM OF CASTING OUT SONGS...BUT NOT IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

Vista: I have been a big fan of Boysetsfire for a long damn time. So, I have a bunch of questions that I have wondered about. Ok, here is the first one. When I listen to the radio and a Rise Against song comes on...I always say out-loud...This band sounds like they ripped off Boysetsfire! Every single time I hear one of their songs I really do think that it is Boysetsfire. Any thoughts? Is it just one example of how history skips over the original band that paved the way for another band to smoothly ride down that road and stumble upon success {hit songs}?

Nathan: HAHAHA...YOU AND A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE MY FRIEND. IT IS WHAT IT IS. MOST BANDS WE TOOK ON THE ROAD ENDED UP GETTING BIGGER THEN WE DID..WHY? NO CLUE. I DONT REALLY BOTHER WORRYING ABOUT IT THOUGH HONESTLY. ALL I KNOW IS THAT I LOVE WHAT I DO. I BRINGS ME JOY. I LOVE MUSIC, AND WILL BE DOING IT TILL I DIE. IF 30,000 PEOPLE APPRECIATE IT? AWESOME...IF 10 PEOPLE APPRECIATE IT? JUST AS GOOD. I AM GOING TO PUT EVERYTHING I HAVE INTO WHAT I LOVE. SOME WILL CONNECT WITH IT AND SOME WILL NOT, BUT I WILL STILL BE OVERJOYED THAT I AM DOING WHAT I LOVE.

Vista: Boysetsfire I'd imagine could write a good sized book on the experience you guys had as far as dealing with different record companies/labels. Just to name a few labels: Conquer The World, Equal Vision, Victory, Wind-up, Burning Heart, Initial...My question is: You have had tons of experience from really small labels to "Big Biz" labels. Are there any big differences? The common thought is that the "Big Biz" labels are the sharks {scumbags} but in reality are some small labels that claim to be "for the kids" just as bad, if not worse? This all being said, what advice would you give to a young band out there that are weighing thier options from a few labels?

Nathan: JUST THINKING OF THE ENCYCLOPEDIA SIZED ANSWER I WOULD NEED TO GIVE TO THAT QUESTION EXHAUSTED ME HAHA..SOMEDAY MAYBE ILL WRITE A BOOK...BUT I DOUBT IT. YEAH, LABELS ARE LABELS ALL AROUND..SOME GOOD AND SOME ROTTEN REGARDLESS OF BEING "INDIE" OR "MAJOR"..THE ONE LABEL I'VE FOUND THAT DESERVES HIGH PRAISE IS MAGIC BULLET RECORDS. BRENT IS ONE OF THE MOST UPSTANDING LABEL/BUSINESS OWNERS IV HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING, AND HE PUTS OUT ONLY SHIT HE LOVES COMPLETELY. IF HE CANT BACK IT, IT AINT BEING SOLD FROM HIS LABEL. GREAT DUDE..GREAT LABEL. MY ADVICE? READ THE FUCKING CONTRACT YA MORON!!! ITS SIMPLE. DON'T COMPROMISE. WITH FACEBOOK, ITUNES, BANDCAMP ETC. YOU DONT NEED SHIT FROM ANYBODY. DO YOUR THING AND LOVE WHAT YOU DO WITH ALL YOUR HEART. DONT COMPROMISE AN INCH OF YOUR INTEGRITY AND PRIDE. THIS IS WHAT IVE LEARNED FROM MAKING ALL THE BIG MISTAKES. KNOW WHO YOU ARE WORKING WITH, AND FUCK EM IF THEY DONT WANT YOU FOR WHO YOU ARE.

Vista: Boysetsfire were commonly known as being rooted in political lyrical content. I know in the 90's that was what a lot of bands were doing {or at least attempting} but you guys obviously did your homework on many topics and to use a slang term...You guys had your shit down! But in the 2000 era when the terrorist attacks happened and everything that was happening post-9-11...You guys were really cranking up the political stances and my question is: looking back on this time era it sure seemed like you guys pissed off everyone! Personally, I didn't have a problem with it. To me that is what the hardcore scene should/is about as far as having a band {or zine} bring ideas and thoughts to someone who may not ever have thougth about certain topics. Was there a backlash from your political stances? Did it light more of a fire in you to be more vocal in between songs when you guys played live and in studio recordings?

Nathan: OH YEAH..THE LABEL WANTED VERY LITTLE TO DO WITH US AFTER THAT ALBUM. THERE WAS A DISCLAIMER STICKER ON OUR ALBUM AND EVERYTHING. I'VE NEVER BEEN ONE TO GIVE A FLYING SHIT WHAT ANYONE THINKS OF MY OPINIONS. THAT'S WHAT LIFE IS ABOUT. YOU HAVE ONE FUCKING SHOT AT IT, AND IF YOU DONT SPEAK UP...YOU GET WHAT YOU DESERVE. I TEND TO TRY TO KEEP THE BANTER BETWEEN SONGS TO A MINIMUM UNLESS IT IS ENERGETIC AND HAS THE POSSIBILITY OF INCITING. OTHERWISE IT JUST GETS BORING, PREACHING, AND DISTRACTING.

Vista: As of this interview {Oct. 2012} what is the status of Boysetsfire? I think I have seen on the internet that Boysetsfire has done a few shows in Europe? How is the band perceived in Europe as opposed to here in America? What are the plans for Boysetsfire for the near future?

Nathan: BOY SETS FIRE IS HAPPILY AND PRIDEFULLY A BAND WITHOUT A PLAN. WE ARE A BAND, BUT DONT INTEND TO BE PART OF THE "MUSIC BUSINESS' WHATEVER THAT IS OR THE RAT RACE TO STAY CURRENT, PROFITABLE, AND A VIABLE PART OF THE SCENE. WE JUST WANNA PLAY AND WRITE MUSIC WHEN THE IMPULSE STRIKES US. WE INTEND TO BE PASSIONATE, INTENSE, AND LIVE BY THE SEAT OF OUR PROVERBIAL PANTS FROM HERE OUT. YOUR GUESS IS AS GOOD AS MINE

Vista: Going back to I Am Heresy. You have your son playing guitar. I think that is awesome. I have spoken to a few people about I Am Heresy and I have mentioned that your son plays guitar and most people actually don't believe me! As if I would just randomly make that up!? Hahaha. How is it working with your son...In a band situation? Is it a seemless situation or do you two butt heads?

Nathan: HAHA..YEAH, AS I SAID HE WAS IN THE BAND..WROTE SONGS, AND PLAYED ON THE ALBUM THATS COMING OUT, BUT HE IS NO LONGER IN THE BAND. IT WAS HONESTLY AWESOME THOUGH. HE IS SO INCREDIBLY TALENTED, AND I AM REALLY PROUD OF HIM.

Vista: I know earlier I asked you about your first exposure to Punk/Hardcore but I am wondering what was your very first exposure to music in general? What bands/groups would you say? Also, did you have a family member or friend that you would say introduced you to music early on in your youth?

Nathan: MY FIRST EXPERIENCE WAS MUSICALS...WEST SIDE STORY, MAN OF LA MANCHA, AND LES MISERABLES...STILL FAVORITES OF MINE. I COULD PROBABLY STILL SING EVERY LINE.

Vista: You have been involved in the music scene for a hell of a long time. What is your opinion as far as the Hardcore scene these days? Is it the way it has always been? Is it the same shit, different decade type of feeling? I always seem to go back to my memory and come to the same thoughts...In the 90's there were so many political/social bands/zines that people got burned out on all of it. Then the mid to late 90's came and it became "cool" to not care about anything!? Bands like Blood for Blood {just as an example} made it cool/fun/hip to not care about anything, "fuck the world/fuck society/fuck you/white trash". I guess maybe it was a reaction to what was going on? By the early 2000's...It sure seemed like bands didn't have any stances on anything. Maybe it was the world changed so much in the early 2000's and the bands broke up and/or moved to major labels?

Nathan: EH...SHIT IS WHAT IT IS. I TRY NOT TO PAY ATTENTION REALLY. I FIGURE WHAT OTHERS DO ISNT ANY OF MY BUSINESS UNLESS IT STRIKES A CHORD WITH ME. I JUST TRY TO KEEP MY EYES IN MY OWN GAME, AND LET OTHERS BE WHAT THEY NEED TO BE.

Vista: Outside of everything that is involved with being in a band: practice, recording, traveling & so on....What are your interests and hobbies?

Nathan: WELL...I WORK AS AN EMPLOYMENT CONSULTANT FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. I MOSTLY WORK WITH PEOPLE WITH AUTISM AND DOWNS SYNDROME. I INTEND TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL FOR DEGREES IN PSYCHOLOGY AND SOCIOLOGY. BETWEEN THAT AND MUSIC...I HAVE NO TIME FOR HOBBIES HAHA.

Vista: While on tour what are your top 3 essential must-have items?

Nathan: Advil. Water. Cell phone. Fuck you, I'm old! Ha.

Vista: This is a question that I ask often when I do interviews just cause I love to hear varried opinions. What are your top ten favotite bands/albums of all-time? It doesn't matter what genre...Just your personal top-ten?

Nathan:

1. CHRISTIAN DEATH- ONLY THEATER OF PAIN
2. BORN AGAINST- NINE PATRIOTIC HYMNS FOR CHILDREN
3. BLACK FLAG- IN MY HEAD
4. THE MAN OF LA MANCHA- SOUNTRACK (PETER O'TOOLE)
5. DAVID BOWIE- LET'S DANCE
6. THE SULTANS- GHOST SHIP
7. CELTIC FROST- MONOTHEIST
8. JOY DIVISION- WARASAW
9. FEAR- MORE BEER
10. METALLICA- MASTER OF PUPPETS

Vista: I think I read that Boysetsfire have had songs on baseball and wrestling video games? Were you guys involved/consulted in that happening? I guess a better question is: did you guys receive money for this or at least some free video games!? Do you have a favorite wrestler and baseball team?

Nathan: WE RECEIVED SOME ROYALTIES, BUT I THINK A OT OF THAT WAS MORE THE LABEL THROWING US ON SHIT FOR PROMOTION. I GOT A FREE TIGER WOODS GOLF GAME AND NEVER PLAYED IT....CAUSE ITS GOLF. MY FAVORITE WRESTLER WAS ALWAYS LORD HUMUNGUS...MOTHER FUCKER CAME OUT TO WAR MACHINE BY KISS!!! YOU CANT BEAT THAT SHIT. IM ALSO A PHILLIES FAN WHEN IT COMES TO BASEBALL, AND A DIE HARD PITTSBURGH STEELERS FAN.

Vista: Over the years you have done some interesting cover songs. There was "Live Wire" by Motley Crue, "Holiday in Cambodia" by Dead Kennedys and "Rocket Man" by Elton John. Have Boysetsfire ever done any of these songs live over the years? Does I Am Heresy do any cover songs? On that note, what other cover songs have you done over the years?

Nathan: WE ALSO DID "I AGAINST I" BY BAD BRAINS, WHICH WAS PROBABLY MY FAVORITE COVER WE EVER DID. IF I AM HERESY EVER DOES A COVER, ID REALLY LOVE TO DO SOMETHING THAT PEOPLE WOULD NOT EXPECT.. LIKE THE CARPENTERS OR CURRENT 93.

Vista: Nathan, thanks so much for your time. I appreciate it. Any final words?

Nathan: THANK YOU SO MUCH...THIS WAS A VERY GOOD AND DETAILED INTERVIEW. IF I MISSED ANYTHING, OR YOU WOULD LIKE MORE CLARITY ON ANYTHING..LET ME KNOW.