Interviews: ASSIMILATOR

This is a new interview with the Thrash Metal band ASSIMILATOR from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the artist on his FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, did you plan it or come out just like that?

I was watching Star Trek TNG, as I am known to do on occasion, and the Borg was in it. I always thought them the most interesting nemesis and their line “You will be assimilated…” always struck me as cool. It is just so matter of fact. That was the inspiration. From there it just all made sense with the sound and vibe we have. It is also just fun and we get to have fun.

2. Why did you want to play this genre? 

I have always loved guitar-heavy music with solid hard-hitting percussion. I remember the first time I heard Death and Morbid Angel. I kept diving deeper trying to find heavier music. Then I got into the metal classics. It all just feels natural. We can sing about almost anything and have fun on stage. We don’t have to be too serious. If I was plying anything else I would feel disingenuous about it. This is the music we love

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

We didn’t. I met everyone out of the need to have a live band. We all clicked and started writing more together and it is great. We all have a different approach and it feeds the sound to be what it is. This was a classic case of people seeking out other musicians to jam with and we became fast friends

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Aren loves a lot of obscure stuff. Probably King Wizard and the Lizard Gizzard. Kyle is obsessed with Tom Waits. Noah is a death metal nerd and is hard to paint with Suffocation. I would say Death or Morbid Angel for me.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

It is a bit of everything. From a music composition standpoint, we are all always writing and riffing. I have a ton of riffs on multiple drives and a slew of videos on my phone for ideas. Lyrically it is different. If I am reading something or if there is a great line from a show I am watching I start to write. Lyrics are the hardest part for me as I usually do it at the moment. I am working hard on getting better at it. I love what Randy Blyth and Trever Strnad do. I am inspired by them

6. Where was your last gig?

As of the day I am writing this, it was in Round Lake IL at Spirits Pub. We are about to head south for several dates around the golf though.

7. Where would you like to act?

I don’t think I can act. I always feel weird shooting videos and pantomiming. Now if this is where we would like to play… We really want to hit Canada around the Great Lakes region.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

This list is too long to name them all. I love Dave Davidson and Brandon Ellis’ style and would love for them to do a lead. Gene Hoagland would be awesome on a track and very different from our normal approach. Vocally Kayla Dixon is amazing and I would dig to have her feature on a song, maybe even Jeff Tardy. He has such a distinct voice.

9. Whom not?

This list is way shorter. Just to add a name we will say Chris Barnes.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright?

For sure. It took a long time and a lot of practice to feel comfortable. Sometimes we still get the jitters. It’s natural. Any tips for beginners on how to beat that? I had to practice my craft a lot in a mirror. We rehearse “moves” and just try to have fun. The biggest thing is putting on a show. If it is dark and sinister or high energy and fun don’t matter. Make it an experience. Practice the stage presence as much as you do the notes. The more you do it the easier it gets.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

I have so many bands I love and listen to with appreciation. That said, the most inspiring bands are actually in our regional scene. Severed Headshop just signed with Everlasting Spew, Carrion Vael signed to Unique Leaders, WarCurse are with Blacklight Media…. The list goes on. What is inspiring is these guys work hard and are nice as hell. They work to elevate the scene around them and support local bands they love. To me that is inspiring. I try to emulate that as much as possible.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Nothing too weird yet. I am from Indiana though. We are pretty salt of the earth. I am sure that the more times we hit other regions, the stranger things will get. I look forward to it though. Embrace your inner freak.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Our fans are great. We have a diverse group of people that listen to us and I love that. If it weren’t for them coming to shows and buying merch and music, we wouldn’t be here. They are the most important members of the band.

14. What do you think of our site?

Love it. You do a great job of covering the scene that we care about without the click bare fluff filler.

15. Something to add?

Be excellent to each other!