-Interview- Vengeance (4/1/14)

Vengeance
www.facebook.com/vengeance213
From: Kalispell, MT
Sounds like: Metal
www.facebook.com/vengeance213



1. How did the band come together and form? Who thought of the name “Vengeance” and is there any meaning behind it?

The band was first formed in the spring of 1998 as a three piece thrash metal band. While playing local shows over the course of the next 10 years, band members came and went, while I was on the search for the right combination of musicians to complete the project. I met Mat in 2003 and then Dalton joined the band in 2013, which is our current lineup. We have toured across the northwest since 2009. The original drummer of the band came up with the name. The name means a lot to us. Vengeance means sticking to our guns, following our dreams and ultimately succeeding in the face of all of those who think we are wasting our time. \m/


2. What do you want listeners to take away from your music?

Two things: Lyrically - to expand their minds and make them really think because our lyrics are deep and not to be taken completely literally. Musically - to make them head bang and move to the music, releasing their bad emotions through it so they are left happy and satisfied.


3. How would you describe your music to the average listener?

We have a lot of old thrash influence at our core, with hints of speed metal, death metal and some progressive. We are very 'riff' oriented and draw from influences all over the musical board.


4. What can people expect from your live show?

To be punched in the face (metaphorically speaking). There are no distractions, no unneeded extras, just 100% intense heavy metal.


5. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?

Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax to name a few.


6. Any crazy show stories?

We played a show in December of 2012 in Portland, OR @ The Tiger Bar, I will never forget it. Our alternator died on us 4 blocks from the venue. Right across the street, there was a santa clause party where everyone was partying while dressed in santa suits. Long story short, we recruited somewhere around 15 "santa clauses" to push our RV and trailer 4 blocks through downtown Portland towards the venue. There were so many people on the streets giving us the craziest looks. Our new crew sang 'ho ho ho' while they pushed us ultimately into a parking spot. We even had to stop at a few red lights and then get going again, it was unbelievable!


7. What’s your take on the current state of metal?

There are bands out there I like and bands I don't like. Musically, I feel like the metal genre has become so spread out and convoluted. There are so many sub genres, I can't even keep up with it. Some bands are trying to push the envelope so far that it doesn't sound like metal or even make any musical sense. I appreciate originality, but if it doesn't sound good, it doesn't sound good.


8. What’s the current music scene like there in Montana both locally and state wide?

Our hometown has no music scene. It is very difficult to find a venue that will accept metal bands. The rest of Montana is much better, there are some amazing metal bands in MT (namely Missoula, Billings and Great Falls) and there are some great venues in the bigger cities. In Butte, there is a college radio station that has done wonders for the underground metal scene here in MT. (KMSM FM and The Mistresses of Mayhem).


9. What’s your take on legal/illegal music downloading?

We just want you to listen to our music and come see us live. If you download it illegally, I guess that is between you and the authorities. And kudos to you for risking yourself by breaking laws to listen to us! Our live show cannot be matched by any recording though, so catch us on tour.


10. What’s next for Vengeance?

Recording a new album soon, releasing a music video and lot's of touring. We are going to expand our tour routes from the northwest down to the southwest and then head east. Spreading the VENGEANCE NATION.


11. Any shoutouts?

Our sponsors - Underground Herbal Spirit and Five Wives Vodka from Ogden, UT. Our brothers American Head Charge who we have toured with in the past. Kronos Kustoms - Missoula, MT, The Mistresses of Mayhem (KMSM FM) - Butte, MT, Pat from Sir Smooth Entertainment - Salt Lake City, UT and all of the bands we have shared stages with!