Interview by FRANCESCO
PARMIGIANI
AoA is born from the
ashes of Sacramentary Abolishment, for which reasons did you split the
band? What can you remember of that period (1993/1998)? Can we consider
AoA as a sort of new incarnation for Sacramentary Abolishment? Which
reasons have pushed you to form AoA and which are the goals you'd like
to obtain with AoA?
It was simply time to end Sacramentary Abolishment. There were several
reasons, but we prefer not to live in the past. Axis, for us, is a natural
continuation and an evolved incarnation of Sacramentary Abolishment,
as we were responsible for the writing process in both bands. We look
back on those years with satisfaction, as there were many great battles
fought in the name of metal many shows, and some brutal creations.
Axis was formed so we could continue our apocalyptic terror metal in
an elite fashion, and our goal is to continue to do music of this nature
well into the future.
I have read a lot of reviews to "Strike" and in many of
them AoA were compared to Order From Chaos. Do you think this comparison
is right? Is Order From Chaos one of your favourite bands of all time
and which are, if there are any, the similarities between the two bands?
Well, although Order From Chaos is indeed a cult and highly respected
band to us, we fail to see the comparisons that have been placed on
us. Perhaps some of the sounds we make are similar, and some influences
are the same but that is all. In our opinion, the two styles
differ quite a bit.
Even though you're from Canada, both your full-length albums were published
by European labels; "Strike" for Death To Mankind and "The
List" for Osmose. Why this particular choice? Isn't it difficult
to "control" the work of a label based so far away from you?
After the first album there were rumors that you had signed for Barbarian
Wrath, a totally cult label, instead you are now on Osmose, can you
tell us why?
Control is not a problem. It is not as difficult to retain excellent
contact as it was in the beginning. We have worked the best with European
labels due to the fact that the extreme metal scene is so strong in
Europe, and therefore the labels are much more focused and able to promote
their bands. As for the Barbarian Wrath situation, both Hartmuth and
Axis of Advance had decided that the priorities of each entity at that
time did not match, and thus a friendly split ensued. After that, Axis
of Advance shopped around to labels, and was pleased to accept the offer
made by Osmose Productions.
The title of your latest
album is "The List", and I'd like to know why you have chosen
such a simple and direct album title. Will be there a "list"
of enemies of AoA, and what do they have to fear from you?
The List is a demonstration of the destructive power of
our capabilities. Though the band is not without enemies, this album
is dedicated to our comrades and allies, and although the imagery foretells
grimness and gloom, hope through remembrance and awareness keep them
alert to the perils at hand. In the future, we will focus on our enemies
and destroy them in time.
Which are the differences and the improvements between "Strike"
and "The List", both from a lyrical and musical point of view?
For the first album the process of creation was long and challenging,
has it been so also for the new opus?
It is always challenging to create music of our caliber but it
is not without reward. The contrast between the two albums is hard to
pinpoint. However, some differences are that the songs are shorter,
a bit more direct and more concentrated. The production value of the
new album is greater than Strike, due to a better budget
and therefore more studio time. Lyrically, The List is different
direction than Strike, but the evil is still most prevalent.
Musically, it is pure Axis, pure Hell. This is the only way.
It seems that war is an obsession for your band, so can you tell
us what's so fascinating with it? Logically, you have never had a direct
experience of war, so, which are your fonts of inspirations? Nowadays
we have people saying that war means just death and destruction and
on the other side people that consider war the only way to "clean"
the planet, as only the strong will survive. What's the importance of
war in your opinion?
Our obsession is with
metal. We will never condone or accept its defeat. We will march on
when others losefaith. It is our struggle and our duty and that is why
lyrics come out the way they do. Were more hostile than ever.
Our music heightens existence to the next level of evolution. Every
Battle brings us closer to apocalypse.
I really admire your lyrics, as they're really unique and atypical.
What's useful to draw inspiration from? Are music and lyrics on the
same level of importance for you? I know you'd like people to interpret
your lyrics in different ways, but aren't you afraid someone can give
total different meanings to what you originally wanted to say?
Thank you for the compliment.
We consider lyrics to be very important, and tend to write about what
were into and the like. The way they are interpreted by the individual
listener interests us greatly. We are not afraid, but encouraged by
their interpretation keep it coming!!
What can you tell us about the cover of the new album? Is it important
to have an image on the cover of the album that can represent immediately
the spirit of the music?
The cover art for The List will be sick, dirty and vile.
Booklet art is integral to tie the concepts of the music together. When
assaulting the aural depths of a listener, it is necessary to attack
the visual senses simultaneously.
Can
we consider J. Read as an official member of AoA? His drumming is really
outstanding, a real point of force of the band. How much does he help
you to obtain this powerful sound?
J. Read is technically a session member of Axis of Advance. Regardless
of this fact, he will be solely responsible for the drums on Axis of
Advance releases. The reason for his rank of session member is due to
his busy schedule with his focal band, Revenge. We do not intend to
recruit a different drummer, as his style and ability compliment Axis
of Advance in the highest fashion.
How is the situation
in Canada for a band like AoA? Do you get more feedback for your music
from USA or Europe? I know you've played quite a lot live. Which are
the best bands you've played with and which are those you'd like to
share the stage with? How can you describe a perfect AoA gig to our
readers? Do you think one day AoA will come to play in Italy?
The situation in Canada is fine for a band like ours. The main negative
aspect of our country is its size. Touring Canada is challenging to
say the least. There is just too much space between cities. Other than
this, Alberta is ideal. We are left alone, and are free to make the
music we desire. We get a lot of feedback from our Canadian and American
comrades, but our best response is from the Europeans. As for shows,
we will play with any band that is harsh and militant. Weve played
with many bands since our inception to the extreme music scene, and
each have had merits. Since signing with Osmose, the likelihood of Axis
of Advance ambushing Italy has increased greatly.
What kind of persons do you think or hope could appreciate your music?
How would you like people to remember AoA when the band will cease to
exist?
All jailbird, militant, warmongering, stone throwing, flame throwing,
beer guzzling, metal freaks love Axis of Advance. They feel that they
can relate to us, which is true. This band shall be remembered as non-compromising,
arrogant genius.
The state of human existence is a fragile one. And the balance between
man and his world is no different. We are a part of nature, as nature
is a part of us... and it was once said 'Nature does not belong to us,
we belong to nature.' What are your thoughts on the decay of this balance?
In 100 years, Canada will be a desert and the Mediterranean will be
an ocean. Who cares? Kill it all; in 100,000 years, well do it
all over again anyway.
Your final words....
Thank you for the insightful interview and your support of the band.
Cheers to the legions of metal. Hail the End.
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