- INTERVIEWS -

Hello, please introduce yourselves and tell us what instrument you play.
Rich: Hey Mark, my name's Rich Goss and I front Warpath, playing rhythm guitar and main vocals.
James: I'm James Davenport the drummer.
Pete: Hi, I'm Pete Hawthorne and I pretend to play the lead guitars in Warpath!
Joel: Joel Jordan and I play the Bass guitar and backing vocals.


Tell us a little about your band's history.
Rich: I formed Warpath in late 2003. We recorded a few demo tapes and played live for the following two years building our name in the UK. In December 2005 we entered Bridgerow Studio's (Wales) to record the 5 track EP 'Cataclysm' which we released in January 2006, receiving positive reviews across Europe and worldwide airplay, helping to build the band's name further in the UK and abroad. Just over a year later, James and I began to write and demo tracks for the Damnation album, with recording beginning mid-June. During this time Pete joined the band as lead guitarist, and soon after Joel on bass. The album was mixed and mastered in the USA around Christmas time, and then we shot the video for Damnation back in London, UK in January. The album and video were then released in May.


Who are your influences?
Rich: My rhythm guitar playing is influenced by Chuck Shuldiner (Death), Dave Mustaine (Megadeth) and James Hetfield (Metallica). Those guys are insane rhythm guitarists and listening to them always makes me want to improve my guitar playing. I'm also classically trained since the age of five, so I have a lot of influences there, my favourite being Paganini. I also enjoy listening to Andres Segovia's guitar playing. Vocals...I wouldn't say influences but my favourite vocalists have to be Matt Barlow (Iced Earth), James Hetfield on the 'And Justice For All' album, and Freddie Mercury.
James: Hmm, this is a tough question. I grew up listening to extreme metal and heavier music than the rest of the band did. Fear Factory's drummer, Raymond Herrera, influences my drumming style, as well as Derek Roddy's drumming in Hate Eternal and Serpants Rise, George Kollias (Nile), Tim Yeung (Devine Heresy) and Franky Costanza of French metal band Dagoba. I take influences from everything I listen to. I do like smooth jazz, classical percussion, Arabian and Egyptian tribal drumming.
Pete: For me I would say my main influences for playing started with Dave Murray from Iron Maiden. The first time I heard his lead work I was blown away by his tone and the way his solos just flow perfectly. Apart from him, I am heavily influenced by Jeff Waters (Annihilator), Glen Drover (Eidolon) and more recently Doug Aldrich who has played with Whitesnake, Dio, Lion & Hurricane to name a few.
Joel: My influences vary from a range of guitar and bass players. For bass it would have to be Cliff Burton (Metallica), David Ellefson (Megadeth), John Myung (Dream Theater) and Steve Harris (Iron Maiden). Those were the musicians that pretty much got me to pick up a bass and learn their amazing bass lines. I also appreciate a lot of vocalists including Dave Mustaine (Megadeth), Tom Ayra (Slayer) and James Hetfield (Metallica).


Tell us some about your new album "Damnation". What has been the reaction to your new album so far?
Rich: The reviews and fans reactions so far have been phenomenal! Damnation recently won 'Album of the Month', has had a lot of '9 out of 10's' scores and was also recently rated in the top 5 'Metal Albums of 2008', Testament's new album being 1st on the list, and ours ranking 4th. Damnation sold out all copies in Osaka, Japan within two days of going on sale, which was great news. We were also the Number 1 Unsigned Thrash / Metal band on Myspace Top Artists for June. We've attracted label attention since the album's release and our music video has been added to Scuzz TV Videos this week.
Joel: The way things are going is great! A lot of people have bought the album and love it. Fans show us a lot of support from around the world. Damnation selling out in Osaka just seemed incredible to me!
James: Crowd reactions at gigs we have played have been totally insane. There are people of all ages coming to gigs and going wild for us.


James Murphy (Obituary, Death, Testament) mastered your new album. How did you meet him? What was it like working with him?
Rich: When I was looking for someone to master the Damnation album I instantly thought of James Murphy, being a big fan of his tracks with Death and Testament and knowing of his production work. I contacted him and he agreed to work with us, which was a big honour! I was talking to him a few days ago actually about him possibly mixing the next album.
Pete: Yeah, when you hear the name James Murphy you instantly think, "Wow, this is some serious metal we're in for." For him to not only want to work with us means he likes our material and for someone like me who loves his work in Obituary and Disincarnate as well as the others Rich mentioned is just a metal dream come true!


What are some of your favorite albums of 2008 so far?
Rich: To be honest, I've been so busy I've hardly had any time to check out new albums this year. At some point I'll be checking out Testament's new album, as well as Gamma Bomb and Pitiful Reign's.
Joel: Well most of my collection is from the 80s! But I'd say Gamma Bomb's new album is pretty damn cool. Unfortunately, I haven't really had the time to check out many albums this year. I did manage to get Dream Theatre's 'Best Hits' which was a must because I am also a progressive fan!
James: Fury and The Flames from Hate Eternal and Prevail from Kataklysm. That's pretty much it. Most of the other stuff I have heard is pretty much the same as albums from 2002 - 2007.
Pete: Kataklysm - 'Prevail' \m/


Who have you opened for? What have been some of your more memorable shows so far?
Rich: We played the first Full Thrash Assault Festival along side Evile and Pitiful Reign, which was cool. We've played hundreds of shows across the UK and played with many great bands. Unfortunately, we missed out on playing Bloodstock Open Air Unsigned this year, despite having the most votes. Go figure!


Have you played outside of the UK yet? If not then do you plan to anytime in the near future?
Rich: We're currently working with booking agencies to play our first European shows later this year, with more planned for 2009. We're also looking into the possibility of playing in Japan, as we have many Japanese fans and the album's selling extremely well there.


There has been a great deal of thrash bands coming from different countries over the last few years. Why do you think there are so many younger bands doing a style that was so popular twenty some years ago?
Rich: Well, the whole predictable hardcore screaming and break down patterns really are becoming stale (in my opinion) and the metal scene is desperate for bands with killer riffs, fast drums, blistering solos, etc. But, I also think that it's become trendy to play this style of music, so people are jumping on the bandwagon. You tend to see many bands that used to be a hardcore band now calling themselves 'Thrash Metal' which is amusing.
Pete: As much as I love thrash metal and it's great seeing all these bands popping up, it is becoming somewhat of a, like Rich said "trend" to play fast, speedy, retro thrash, which is why I feel we stand out so much, as our musical basis is so much more solid and mature, instead of copying the latest craze.
Joel: Metal needs a fresh attack. Thrash is the one to do that! I'm sick of hardcore and screamo bands classing themselves as Thrash. Most of the music isn't even fast!
James: Seriously, how many people have seen kids on a stage having massive tantrums? It wasn't even good to start with. All true metal fans are sick of massive labels signing these awful bands and TV is full of them. I've been listening to metal for years and years and I can only name a handful of bands that aren't copying or ripping off other bands and calling it their own.


Do you think thrash bands of today are doing much different from the thrash bands of the 1980's? If so, then how are they different?
Rich: Some are, but most aren't sadly. The ones that do are playing with a more modern twist to it. Some are far faster than the 80's bands. We incorporate death metal drumming techniques (kick drum patterns, blast beats, etc) into our songs to make it faster and more interesting, plus the riffs I write are fairly tricky to play rather than just standard E string tremolo picking! I think production nowadays is much better and has far more impact than before. I do think though that some of the new thrash bands are blatantly ripping off many 80's bands. There are a few I listen to, where I don't just think "That reminds me of Metallica and Testament, wicked" or "Cool, you can tell they're inspired by Exodus", but I've actually found myself thinking or saying "What the hell...that IS a Testament riff!"
We're extremely pleased that we're carving out our own sound, and that reviewers are saying that we sound unique and stand out.
James: Writing the drums for Damnation was great. Rich's face lit up when I showed him the ideas. Mixing extreme metal drumming with old school thrash made it sound awesome. We tried to avoid using a lot of blast beats because it kills the thrash feel to the tracks, everything is used at the right time and, with Rich's input, we made the drum tracks brutal. We see a lot of the hardcore bands using blast beats that are played out of time and used all the time. It sounds terrible. I've noticed a lot of the thrash bands of today are going for this cartoon comic book image on their artwork; nuclear waste, gasmasks, bullet belts, etc. I'm not a fan of this. We deal with real life and things that affect everyone.


How have you guys progressed since you first started out?
Rich: Well, we started out as I think every other band starts out, recording on a tape player, writing as many songs as we could, but nowadays we're far more selective with material. We're far better musicians now than when we first started out, the song writing is more complex, and of course the recording quality is better.
James: When I first joined Warpath in 2006, I learnt a lot about how things work with writing and production. We don't just slap together a few riffs, drums and call it a track; we make sure everything fits and works perfectly. When we do write a track, we spend hours trying different things out and variations that fit, making sure each note is perfect. I remember Pete recording the guitar solos for Damnation and Rich with the rhythm & vocals, hours of takes until we found the perfect ones.


In what areas do you think that you still need to improve?
Rich: For me, I'm constantly striving to improve my rhythm guitar playing and vocals. Although with vocals, you'll never please everyone. Some people love my vocal style and some people dislike it. I just sing however I want. I refuse to sing 'cookie monster' vocals because I can't stand that style; I think it's ridiculous. I have a few new things planned for the next album though!
James: Screaming vocals in thrash aren't cool. Thrash was never intended to sound that way. Drum wise, I will never consider myself good enough. I want to get to the level where things considered impossible are possible.
Pete: I am always trying to improve my playing in both rhythm and lead departments and push myself the best I can as a musician.


Pick the band from each of the following pair that you prefer and tell why:


Rich: I don't like either band.
Pete: Raven...(the pack is back!)
Joel: Lay down your souls to the Gods of rock and roll! Venom wins this one. They kind of shocked everyone when they came out and that's what's cool about them.


Rich: Bolt Thrower - Those Once Loyal kicks ass! Karl the vocalist was really complimentary about Warpath too, which was ace. I do like Onslaught as well though. I found out recently that I teach one of their guitarist Andy's students too. He has guitar lessons from both of us.
Joel: They're both really good bands. But I'd have to say the Bolt Thrower riffs draw me in more.
Pete: BOLT THROWER!!! (Although I love Onslaught's 1989 'In Search Of Sanity' and it is one of my favorite thrash albums, even though a lot of people dislike it. The track "Welcome To Dying" rocks!)


Rich: Testament all the way! Exodus have wicked songs, but Chuck's vocals win!
Joel: Testament! The songs are awesome and have some of the best guitar solos I've heard.
Pete: TestAmenT.


Rich: Slayer without a doubt.
Joel: Slayer are a band you can let all your anger flow with. Tom Araya's vocals impress me.
Pete: Umm neither, although if there was a gun at my head I would probably say Slayer!

Is there anything else you would like to say about your band or your music?
Rich: I'd like to thank everyone that has bought the album and our merchandise for supporting us. It's always appreciated. Keep thrashing, and we're looking forward to making new fans on tour!
Pete: We really appreciate everyone's support so far and we can't wait to meet new fans on the road. Watch out for us, as we are only going to get faster and way more technical! All the best & keep rockin'!!

How did you get together and decide to form Warpath?
Rich: Warpath was formed a few years ago by myself in my hometown of Swansea. We released the demo CD 'Cataclysm' in December 2005 and gigged consistently across the UK for much of the following year, building our name and promoting the demo CD. The CD received airplay across Europe and America, drawing attention to the band's activities. In 2007 we took a short break from playing live to focus on writing faster, heavier and more complex material for the debut album.
James: I'd seen Warpath play since the formation of the band and they played some killer shows. I can remember standing there watching with no idea that a few years later I was going to be drumming for them! When the band needed a drummer I auditioned straight away. We started writing new stuff and so the Damnation album was born.


Tell me about the line up.
Rich: The lineup is Pete Hawthorne on Lead guitar, James Davenport on Drums, Joel Jordan on Bass guitar & backing vocals and myself on Vocals and Rhythm Guitar. The guys are all from England, I'm the only Welsh dude in the band haha! James has been in the band for two years now, Pete one year, and Joel joined us over the Christmas holidays. They're all incredibly talented and focused musicians, and I can't wait for people to hear the lineup!
James: Yep, Rich is the only Welsh dude in the band. Yeah, Pete, Joel and Rich are all extremely good at what they do. Some of the best musicians I know.
Pete: The line-up is a very solid and tight one and you can hear this in our music and live shows. Rich is the mastermind behind the Warpath machine and it's great playing with someone so focused! He and James were already a tight unit when I joined the band and things fell right into place, he can also knock out a good solo or two!
Joel: I heard about Warpath near the Christmas holidays and I got in contact with Rich. He sent me some of the Warpath songs and I was blown away! I auditioned just before New Years Eve and two or so weeks later the Warpath lineup was complete!


What are you doing at the moment?
Rich: We're currently working harder than ever before to promote the new album, booking shows across the UK and we're in talks with booking agencies for some European shows. We're also arranging distribution for the CD in shops and for the Damnation music video on TV. Our myspace profile plays a big part in our promotion and making new fans, so we work hard on keeping it as up-to-date as possible. The positive response to the new tracks on there has been phenomenal.
Joel: We're also going to start working on new material but of course our main priority is promoting Damnation!


What have you done? (Important gigs, recordings, videos, etc)
Rich: Recording wise, the 'Damnation' album was worked on by some of our favorite musicians, people who've inspired our playing, so it was a big honor for us to work with them. Mixed at Kevin Talley's studio USA, Kevin currently plays for DAATH, and in the past has played for the mighty Chimaira, Hate Eternal, and auditioned for thrash legends Slayer. The tracks were mastered by James Murphy, who played for Testament and Death, two of my favorite bands, so that was awesome. Also the sound quality with those guys is fantastic.
Pete: It was so amazing to not only record the album and put the best you can into it, but then have your creation worked on by some of the biggest names in the genre and know they are listening to your craft and making it a golden piece of work. James Murphy is a fantastic musician and his work in Obituary, Cancer, Disincarnate as well as Death & Testament blows my mind, I hope he digs my playing!
Rich: The video was also an important step for us in establishing a bigger name for ourselves and reaching a wider audience through TV. Getting to work with Dave Kenny, Bruno and Genertik Ltd was great, the video shoot was a lot of fun (though 30+ hours playing, non-stop, no sleep is exhausting)! Those guys have an endless supply of energy and the video shoot is definitely the hardest we've ever worked with anyone, they really pushed us! They've done a superb job with the video and I'm extremely happy with the end result.
Pete: Dave & Bruno were weirdo's and I never want to work with them again! (only kidding!)
Joel: Over 30 hours of playing the same song can kill you! Haha but it was definitely worth the effort as the end result of the video proved!


What's next?
Rich: The album has recently been released, so we're be busy promoting it. We'll be touring during the summer with fellow UK Thrasher's Sekhmet, and have plans for another video with Genertik, as well as our own shows across the UK and abroad. Thanks for the interview!
Joel: Promoting and the Sekhmet tour are our biggest things on the list! Thanks for interviewing us.

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Three years after reviewing their demo on these pages, Welsh thrashers Warpath are back with their full length debut album "Damnation". Self-released and self-produced with a little help from James Murphy from across the pond, this album is sure going to surprise a few folk. Their line up has solidified and after a number of problems, the band appear altogether a stronger and more formidable force. I caught up with the band to find out how they're getting on.

Hey Rich! How are things currently going in the world of Warpath?
Rich: Hey Luci, things are great thanks, extremely busy with promotion for the album!


Your debut album, Damnation, is finally here! There will be a few people who heard your E.P. Cataclysm which was reviewed on this website around 3 years ago, and probably a fair few people who are completely new to your band. So for both camps, what should they expect from this album?
Rich: Well, Damnation is a massive leap from Cataclysm in both quality and complexity. We completely re-vamped three of the EP tracks as well as writing five new tracks for the album. I think fans of the old material will love this album and it's winning over new Warpath fans every day.


It sounds as though you took your time with self-producing the album, understandably to try and get the best possible results. Tell us about the recording period - how did it go? I believe your new guitarist Pete Hawthorne entered the fold mid-way through your recording sessions so how did this fit in with the schedule? I'd presume that his tracks were the last to be laid down?
Rich: James and I began tracking the drums and rhythm guitars mid-June and had them finished by August. In that time we met Pete who demo'd a few solo tracks for us. We thought they kicked ass and were exactly what we were looking for so we invited him to record on the album and eventually join the band full-time. Vocals were the last tracks to be recorded.
Pete: I first came to Wales around August time '07 to lay down the solos for 'Damnation' and instantly fell right into place with Rich and James, they are great guys to work with and recording the lead guitar tracks was a fantastic and frantic time. Really hard work and so much fun!
James: We listened to Pete's demo tracks and knew he was the right guy immediately! His playing is far superior to anything we've had before.


Looking at your MySpace blog, the album was originally slated for a late 2007 release. Were there some hold ups that prevented you from releasing the album at that time?
Rich: During September we decided to re-do a few parts on the recording which we felt made the album stronger, so the mixing was pushed back until we were completely satisfied with the recordings. I took alot more time on my vocals during the recording than I have done before. I find the vocals are the trickiest part of recording and I didn't want to settle for anything less than what I felt were my best takes. Mixing then began in November with Orlando Villasenor at Kevin Talley's studio in the USA and was completed by Christmas. After James Murphy completed the mastering, we then shot the video for Damnation back in London. The plan was to release the album and video at the same time for a stronger impact, hence the slight delay with the album's release.


Your line up has undergone a few changes. Would you say that the new members in the band have brought about any change in the Warpath sound?
Rich: Definitely! The entire song writing stepped up when James joined the band. He's an awesome drummer and his kick drumming techniques are insane. When he joined we decided to either scrap or re-invent the old material to make it far faster and more complex than before. Pete is a wicked lead guitarist and brought kickass solos with melody to the songs. Joel isn't on the album but is a killer bassist and has great live presence!
Pete: When I joined Warpath, Rich and James were already a tight unit with a very solid and awesome sound which I instantly fell in love with. They are awesome musicians and an honour to play with, I feel my guitar solos add to the over all sound of the band and add a little melody to some of the fastest and most complex thrash metal songs I have ever heard!
Joel: I accompany the guitar riffs as much as possible and feel this lineup is incredibly tight.
James: I remember the audition, it was awesome! I grew up listening to 1990's extreme, death and industrial metal and started drums with only those influences behind me. I hadn't actually heard much 80s thrash until I met Rich, he introduced me to a ton of awesome music. I've incorporated alot of death metal styles and techniques into the Warpath drumming.


On the subject of band members, you haven't had an easy time keeping a steady line up. How are things going with the current line up - can you see this one staying put?
Rich: The band is a much stronger unit now than our previous lineup, all of us having the same goals and mindset with regard to where Warpath is going. Gareth, our previous bassist left to focus on university, however he still plays a big part in the band's activities, handling the website and supporting us. The new lineup are extremely committed with all the members except for myself being from different parts of England and them moving to South-Wales full-time.
Pete: Yeah, the lineup is definitely a very tight and solid one. Bassist Joel Jordan joined over the Christmas holidays and it was pretty obvious he was the missing piece of the Warpath puzzle.
Joel: There was a great atmosphere during the first practice after my audition, and this lineup is definitely here to stay.
James: The line up is as solid as a rock.


The album was mastered by James Murphy. How did this come about and how happy are you with the work he has done on the album? He's worked with some really major bands so he must have seen a lot of potential in your music for him to agree to work with you.
Rich: James is an awesome guitarist and I'm a huge fan of his work on Death's 'Spiritual Healing' and Testament's 'Low', so it's a big honour for me that he agreed to work with us. He's done a superb job with the mastering and really added alot of depth and general heavyness to the sound. It was ace working with him!
Pete: I was so pleased when I first heard he had agreed to master 'Damnation' and think the end result speaks for itself in terms of quality, tone and overall sound of the album.
James: When we got the finished product back from James Murphy we were, and still are, amazed at the work he has done on it.


You've really pulled out all the stops with this release, in terms of production, packaging...and of course the musicianship has really improved over the past few years since you recorded Cataclysm. The message it kind of sends out to me is that you want to be seen as an independent band and that you feel you can do a good enough job without label backing. Would this be correct? Still, are you looking for any sort of deal - would you turn down anything unless it was the 'right deal' for you?
Rich: With regard to being seen as an independant band, I wouldn't say this is necessarily the case. Up until now we've remained an independant band, self financing all of our activities, although we have had offers from certain labels. We're grateful to them for their interest and confidence in what we're doing, however what they offered at the time wasn't in line with where we want Warpath to go long-term. However we're still open to offers!


Do you have any distribution deals in place, or in the pipeline, or are you planning to just sell your album at gigs and through your website?
Rich: We're currently negotiating a UK and USA distribution deal for the album. I can't really go into details yet, but keep an eye out for official announcements.


On the subject of record deals, labels such as Earache and Metal Blade have taken a real interest in thrash metal, with bands like Evile and Gama Bomb having signed to the Earache label recently. Do you have any opinions on the way the thrash metal scene is going at the moment, and do you think it's a positive thing that it's getting so much exposure?
Rich: I personally don't pay that much attention to many of the other bands as I just like to focus on Warpath. There are some great bands around though, Evile and Gama Bomb as you mentioned, also Sekhmet, Pitiful Reign and Seregon are cool. I definitely think it's positive that thrash metal is getting more exposure, really, how many more screamo/hardcore bands can anyone stand?
Pete: For me personally I feel that because of the publicity thrash is getting again in the mainstream it has become almost a fashionable trend to be in a fast speedy thrash metal band. We don't wear tight ripped jeans, Exodus or Overkill shirts and white trainers like we're back in 1987 but in regard to Warpath I am very confident in what we're doing and fully believe in it.
Joel: I think thrash has had it's sleep for far too long! It's really great that thrash metal is finally getting the publicity it deserves. However, we're definitely NOT going for a completely 80's style or sound.


Your album cover was done by Lee Gaskins, who also did the Evile demo covers. I believe that the concept for the artwork was yours, but that Lee Gaskins also put a few of his own ideas into the design. Could you elaborate a little on the concept?
Rich: When I approached Lee I had a few ideas about the artwork and the themes and symbols to incorporate into it; money, religion and politics. The original idea was for the politician to be a rotting corpse/zombie figure or to have some sort of gas mask but we quickly discarded those ideas. Things like that have been done to death in thrash, so Lee came up with the idea of the subtle, eyeless contact with the viewer, which we feel has a much stronger impact. We were originally going to have the album title in big bold letters on the bottom right but Lee suggested having it as a street sign amongst the rubble which I thought was a killer idea. Lee is an outstanding artist, a real cool guy, and we're looking forward to working with him on the next album.
Pete: You have no idea what my reaction was like the first time I saw Lee's artwork for the album! I still smile like an idiot every time I look at it and feel it is going to be a big hit with all the fans out there. I agree with Rich and can't wait for us to work with him again and see what he can conjure up for the next album!
James: Lee has done a wicked job with the artwork, ensuring that people are impressed before they've even opened the case!


There seems to be quite a heavy political influence to your lyrics; and from watching your video for Damnation that kind of fits into that with the footage of the war on Iraq, and the statue coming down, etc. I was wondering if you could shed a bit of light on some of the themes discussed in your lyrics?
Rich: Sure. I won't go into all of them as it'd take too much time, and I'd like to leave some of them open to interpretation, but I'll explain some of my favourites.

The title track, Damnation, is about the thousands of wars that have gone on in the past throughout history and that are still going on today, hence the Iraq and Afghanistan footage to make it relevant. The themes of money, politics and religion, which are usually the real causes of wars, are included in the lyrics and the artwork also represents that. The track W.M.D is also in a similar vein, standing for 'Weapons of Mass Deception'.

Face To Face is about the destructive effects of drug abuse and addiction, and some of the mental problems it can cause.
Expendable Forces is partly inspired by the Rambo films and the Metal Gear series and are about the way soldiers are treated by the government and some of the public, especially in the UK. It originally had the working title 'First Blood' but when Evile announced their album tracklisting we realised we couldn't use that, haha! I suppose we could've called it First Blood...Part II!
The rest of the lyrics I'll let people guess or interpret in their own way, but there's definitely a revenge song on there!
James: The lyrics carry tremendous weight behind them, Face to Face especially for me, with old friends and people from my past that are now caught up in drugs and are slowly killing themselves.


To what extent are you inspired by political themes and is there any particular message you are really trying to get across?
Rich: The political influences in the lyrics are meant to be from a neutral viewpoint and not to really 'take sides'. I find it alot more interesting to write about those themes as they're what's actually going on in the world today, rather than the stereotypical thrash themes of zombies, mutants and nuclear waste.
Pete: Yeah we don't really base our themes on things like that, or an outcast getting revenge in an American high school prom like typical trends in music today, we try to focus on more mature and current events in the world and our lives including war and it's effect on people.


Now the album is complete what are your plans for the rest of 2008? Will you be heading out on the road touring?
Rich: We have a tour planned with fellow UK Thrashers Sekhmet for the summer and we'll be putting on our own tours for the UK and parts of Europe later this year. The band are in negotiations with TV channels including Scuzz for airplay for the Damnation music video, and we have up-coming interviews / reviews in all of the Metal and Rock Magazines. Keep an eye out for our feature with Rockworld TV's Samara in the June issue of Alternative Magazine!
Pete: Also we're contenders in Bloodstock Unsigned for this years B.O.A. festival so we'll have to wait and see what comes of that.


That's all the questions I've got for now. Anything you'd like to add for our readers?
Rich: I'd like to thank you for taking the time to compose such a great interview, and hope the readers of MetalTeam UK enjoy! Keep thrashing! |m|
Joel: Keep it metal and we hope to see you guys soon!

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"Warpath are the new standard of Thrash metal. Hellish guitar riffs will suck you in, and let you know this band is serious. They hail from the U.K. but are prepared for world domination. If you like your metal real and free of bullshit then Warpath is your band!"

Nocturnal Euphony - Warpath 'Band of the Month' January 2008

1. How long has Warpath been together, and please introduce the band members
Rich: The band has been together since November 2003. We recorded our first rough demo in 2004, a five track EP at the beginning of 2006, and now our debut full length album will be released in the next few weeks. The lineup is Sal Christian on drums, Pete Hawthorne on Lead & Rhythm guitar, and myself on Vocals, Rhythm & Lead guitar. We have a new bassist joining us over the Christmas Holiday after we've confirmed the last few details and had new promo photos taken.


2. So work on the debut album is wrapped. What can fans expect to hear from this release?
Rich: Pure metal. No ballads! This album was written with one purpose in mind - to headbang, spin your hair, and pit to! You'll hear killer guitar solos from Pete, extremely fast kick drumming and crushing riffs, metal the way it should be.
Pete: 'Damnation' is going to become a future classic in the thrash metal field, it's fast, aggressive, full force UK thrash metal that is gonna take the scene by storm! The lead work on the album was a real challenge for me and there was alot of blood, sweat and swearing put into them, I hope all the guitar geeks like myself out there dig the playing.


3. Will there be a supporting tour in the coming months?
Pete: Yup, Warpath on the road, leaving destruction, bleeding ears & broken necks wherever we go!!
Rich: We'll definitely be playing shows across the UK for 2008 to support the album!


4. I have been listening to the Infernal Demo. I really love the guitar work! What are you looking for when writing a new riff?
Rich: Thanks! That demo is fairly old now. For the album I re-recorded the guitars from scratch, upped the tempo, added alot of new harmonies and leads in. As for new riffs...it depends really, what kind of mood I'm in. I like writing riffs that can sound brutal and that are challenging to play, but also simple, catchy headbanging riffs too. Sal and Pete have awesome riffs and song ideas so I'm really looking forward to working on new songs with the guys!
Pete: The Warpath riffs are fucking awesome!! They are soley Richards creations and all the songs, structures and riffs are his babies that he has been writing for a long time, they are awesome to play and I can't get enough of them. It'll be a real pleasure to start collaberating now the album is out and work together on new, faster, more techinical monster thrash!!


5. I see there is a love for Jackson guitars. How many do you use on the album and do you have a favorite model?
Rich: You know what, Jackson guitars are wicked! For the album I used my JS30RR Rhoads. But I also love my BCRich guitars too.
Pete: Mmmmmm Jacksons!! I love Jackson guitars and for the recording of 'Damnation' I used my SL3 USA Soloist, the nicest guitar I've ever owned! I'd love to try one of the new RR24's they look sexy as fuck, but one day I'll definately have my own custom RR 'Prowler' model, Oh yes!!


6. Looking back at the history of Thrash is there any one band you would credit with drawing you in most to this style of metal?
Rich: Metallica were definitely the first 'real' metal band I heard as a kid, but everything changed the day I heard Megadeth for the first time! Dave Mustaine is one of the most insane rhythm guitarists around and has had a huge influence on my guitar playing. Chuck Shuldiner from Death also was an influence for me. I would say Megadeth, Testament and Death are the bands that've drawn me most into this style of playing.
Pete: Annihilator, all the way. Jeff Waters is a musical genius!!


7. How is the scene in the U.K? Are you receiving good support from fans?
Rich: The scene in the UK right now is cool, there are some great bands around, Sekhmet and Evile being my favourites. The fans are great too, it's wicked seeing kids with Warpath t shirts walking around! We also get alot of positive comments daily from fans across the world on our myspace and website which is ace.
Pete: We're getting great support from fans everywhere, not just the UK and I can't wait for them all to get 'destroyed' at our gigs!


8. Who did the producing on the album?
Rich: I produced the album, and arranged for it to be mixed at Everlong Studios USA, which is run by Orlando Villasenor and Kevin Talley (DAATH, Chimaira). We recently confirmed that James Murphy will be mastering it, which is a huge honour for us - I'm a big fan of his work with Testament and Death!


9. What is one thing fans should know about Warpath?
Rich: We've had alot of challenges and got through them so we never give up or lose sight of where we want to be. We're grateful to every fan that buys our CD's & merch, and that comes to our gigs to headbang with us! Musically...there's no bullshit, we're fast, heavy thrash metal.
Pete: Do you mean like the sacrificing of babies, raping of nuns and the occasional visit to gay sex shops (Sal) that other bands would hide from their fanbase? Oh arse.... did I say all that out loud?? [laughs]
Rich: [laughs]


10. Where can fans order the album and merchandise?
Rich: The album and merchandise will be available from www.myspace.com/warpathuk and www.warpath-online.com. Thanks for the interview Jason!

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