Interviews: Crossfire

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Thrash Metal band Crossfire from Ireland. Check out this band and follow them on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

It was definitely Kev's idea. We're pretty sure it was actually inspired by one of the levels on Call of Duty 4! It was only a little while later we found out about several other bands who have used the name, but we were too stubborn to change it!

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

For me, personally, I love the high speed and intensity of thrash metal, the aggression in the music really clicks with me and the topics of the songs, be it horror, social or political issues are all things that genuinely interest me.

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

When we formed Crossfire in 2013, I knew of Kev and Treacy (our former guitarist). Kev had messaged me out of the blue 2 or 3 years previously about trying to get a band together but we couldn’t find a drummer so nothing happened there, I didn’t hear anything else from him after that. A few years later, I showed up at a house party and lo and behold. Kev and Treacy were there and we instantly bonded (by drinking until we couldn’t see straight anymore). A few weeks later we started jamming together regularly and Crossfire was born!

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Kev: Thin Lizzy

Dan: Dream Theater

Matt: Metallica

Cj: Judas Priest

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs? 

Ourselves, we write the music that we want to listen to and we enjoy playing. There aren't that many bands that still play old-school thrash and finding ones we like can be difficult, so we try and do it ourselves!

6. Where was your last gig? 

We closed the second stage at The Siege of Limerick on the 29th of October. That was the third time we’ve played at the Siege (which is Ireland's biggest metal event held biannually) in Dolan's Warehouse in Limerick, Ireland. It’s a fantastic day and is a free entry event hosting roughly 30 bands across 3 stages from all over Ireland, they’ve even featured acts from abroad for several years.

7. Where would you like to act?

I'd love to play the Camden Underground or Bloodstock Festival. The Underground is such a famous venue and I'd love to be able to play there. Bloodstock would be unreal though, playing to massive crowds on the same stages as some of my favourite artists would be seriously cool.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

If we could get Rob Halford on a track with us while he's still going, that'd be a dream! Realistically though, we're open to playing and collaborating with anyone who is into the same kind of thrash that we are. Once they're good craic and enjoy an alcoholic beverage or two, we'll get on well with them!

9. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that? 

Most of us still do! We think the key is to have confidence in your playing; the songs have all been practised countless times in the rehearsal room, so there's no reason why you can't nail them in a live setting. And if you miss a note or two, 99% of people in the crowd won't even notice! They're just happy to be at a show and we're lucky that anybody close to us who has seen us more than once has been nothing but supportive.

10. What bands have inspired you the most?

The 'Big 4' are obvious ones but there are so many more progressive-leaning thrash bands from the late 80s and early 90s we try to take inspiration from. Heathen and Toxik would be two in particular. We also try to draw a lot of influence from a lot of NWOBHM and early-speed metal stuff. As Irishmen, Thin Lizzy has also always been in our rotation too!

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

Someone asked Kev for the shirt that he was wearing on stage as soon as we were done. The thing was just drenched was sweat, we wouldn't even wanna touch it once he's done playing but this guy actually wanted to wear it!

12. What do you think of your fans?

They're absolutely mental (like ourselves!) and we love them. We appreciate anybody and everybody who has come to one of our shows, or even just streamed our single once or twice. You'll never beat the thrill of playing songs you've practised so much live and seeing people in the front row go crazy to them

13. What do you think of our site?

The site itself and the content look great. It can be hard for bands on their first album to stand out - there's so much new music out there to find, listen to and decide what you like or not. Interviews and other features allowing bands to stand out more and show a bit more personality really help with that and not every site is doing that, so credit to Breathing The Core for allowing bands like us to tell people a bit more about ourselves

14. Something to add?

The first single off our debut album 'Switch To Reset' is out now, with the full album being released on December 15th through Wormholedeath Records. The initial response so far has been great and we hope people enjoy the full record when it's out. If anybody ever wants to know more about us, or just say Hi and have a chat, please just shoot us a message on Facebook or Instagram, we always love chatting with people throughout the world who have managed to come across us!