Tantric

Tantric first hit the music scene with a self-titled debut in 2001 that topped the charts with swaggering, grungy singles like “Breakdown” and “Astounded” that fit right into the New Metal mode that has been a staple of rock radio giants like Nickelback, Staind, and Creed since the late 1990’s.“Tantric” went on to be certified platinum but the band’s follow up albums have seen the band cultivate a more selective audience. In the decade since their debut, the band has completely changed its lineup. Only front man Hugo Ferreira remains of the original members of the group. Tantric released its fourth studio album “Mind Control” in August 2009 and has been on tour regularly since then. On stage, Ferreira’s grave vocals are his most distinguishing characteristic, but off the stage Ferreira’s work in the rock industry has brought him a great deal of insight to the many sides of the music industry. From the creative aspect of writing music and producing videos to the business end of promoting a product that people want to experience. I caught Ferreira the night before a show in Santa Rosa, California on a brief break during their summer tour.

MAXIMUM INK: I just got done watching the “Mind Control” video. You get a chance to do some zombie acting and television smashing. What is it like to film a video like that?
HUGO FERREIRA: We filmed the ‘Mind Control’ at an old warehouse in Nashville. We made it look like a ward with props and a lot of creative ideas. I wanted to do something a little darker and edgier and I was given some reign for creative choices. We were pleased with the end result.

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Five Finger Death Punch

Jason Hook first picked up the guitar at age 6. He also trained on drums, piano, and violin. Jason has worked as a solo artist releasing two instrumental albums, the first of which, Safety Dunce, won an L.A Music Award for Best Instrumental Record of 2007. He also works as a sessions artist and has appeared alongside Vince Neil and Alice Cooper. He is currently an active member in the band Five Finger Death Punch.

Maximum Ink: What was it like to begin guitar lessons at the age of 6? You also trained on several other instruments. Why do you think you chose to become a guitarist?
Jason Hook:  I was obsessed with KISS when I was 6 years old. My next door neighbor brought over the destroyer album and I couldn’t stop staring at the cover while we cranked the music. That was it. I begged my dad to get me a drum set and an electric guitar. I was such an eager spaz I wanted to be Ace Frehley and Peter Criss!

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16 Second Stare

The industrial metal band, 16 Second Stare recently released their second album “16 Second Stare” on Goomba Music. Frontman Chris Davis steps out from behind the drums and is joined by guitarist Tim Shanks, Brando Foor on drums, and Ryan Hand on bass to provide a sound that is often called..angry. The band will be hitting the road in support of their sophomore album with the 16 Second Models (girls in fishnets and heels that introduce the band and hang out with fans) in tow. I recently caught up with Chris Davis and Tim Shanks to see what the band is up to next.

Maximum Ink: Who are some of the artists that have influenced the 16 Second Stare sound?
Chris Davis: We were influenced by some of the hard rocking bands like Pantera, Marylin Manson, Sevendust, Metallica, Mudvayne, Advenged Sevenfold, White Zombie and KoRn to name a few.

MI: At what age did you know this was what you wanted to do? What do you think you’d of been if not a musician?
CD: At the age of 4 when my dad gave me a drum set. I honestly think if I wasn’t involved in music in some way, I would die.
Tim Shanks: I knew I wanted to be a musician since the age of 12, but if I didn’t become a musician I would be an administrator.

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This Or The Apocalypse

Combine pure aggression, heavy grooves and lots of melodic musings, you have THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE. With their debut record release, “Haunt What’s Left”, released with the production blessing from Chris Adler, drummer of LAMB OF GOD, this band has come out with all guns blazing. Diversity is what drives the metal out of this band even though singer, Ricky Armelino, says, “we’re not exactly hardcore, not exactly metal,” but what they definitely are is heavy.

Being an educated guy, Armelino draws on lots of influences for their music. “The musical diversity in this group is so wide,” he explains, “the most amazing thing, I think, is making five people that listen to completely different genres… we actually make it work.” These guys truly have a passion for the music that they write, and strive to stay true to their unique sound. Armelino explains that he is influenced by “the authors that I respect. Civil rights authors,” but he draws from his wide literary spectrum, “my favorite was early on, when I would use Victorian era poetry and just scream it at these hardcore kids, and they loved it.” The influence of old murky literature and contemporary metal and hardcore artists like EVERY TIME I DIE creates the passionate spectrum that is THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE. “There is a lot of inbreeding in this genre of music,” Armelino explains, “and we just push to really create a new sound. We force ourselves to not rip anybody off and make our own brand.” Using contemporary breakdowns and soaring choruses at first glance these guys could be mistaken for another screamo band until they hit you with their brand of brutality. Driving songs that beg to have a mosh pit, draw you in, and the piercing lyrics will make your chest shake.

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Nonpoint

The new Nonpoint album “Miracle” is out now on the band’s own 954 Records.The album was produced by Chad Gray and Greg Tribbett of Mudvayne/HELL YEAH. Nonpoint is comprised of three original members, Elias Soriano (vocals), Ken MacMillian (bass), Robb Rivera (drums), along with axeman Zach Broderick who makes his debut on the new album.

Maximum Ink: What were some of your earliest influences?
Ken MacMillian: Musically I’d have to say that Iron Maiden and Suicidal Tendencies really helped jump start my true appreciation for music. Before that I didn’t really look at music as ‘influential’. Just stuff to jam to.
MI: When did you first know you wanted to be a musician? And why?
KM: I was introduced to music by way of a bass guitar given to me as payment for mowing my neighbor’s lawn. A week later, a buddy of mine said he was putting a band together and asked if I played any instruments. I told him “yeah, I play bass.” I was happy to find out that when I showed up, they were all just as bad as I was. It was a hell of a twist of fate in my favor, but I couldn’t be happier with the way it turned out!

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