WITHOUT REMORSE Interview

Ride with them or get ran the fuck over – WITHOUT REMORSE (NY, USA).


First, please tell us something about the band history of WITHOUT REMORSE. Who is in the band, how did you meet, who had the idea and so on.

We started jamming and writing music in January 2004 but Chris, Jon, Matt and original bassist Chris Fassino had a high school death metal band called FROM THE ASHES ever since 2000 but split up in 2002. All of the original members went to high school together in East Islip, NY. The current lineup is me,Chris McCarthy, Matt Martens, Shaun Kennedy and Seth Cuevas. Shaun and Seth are also in NY death slam legends REVENANCE. Jon still plays shows in the NY area with us but is unable to tour due to a full-time job as a butcher.


Has your naming something to do with the 1993 published thriller novel by Tom Clancy or is it pure coincidence?

It is a coincidence. Matt came up with the name and we thought it sounded cool. Although, my father did have that book on his bookshelf when i was growing up. But I never gave it a second thought when i was a kid.


So, WITHOUT REMORSE are demolishing the underground since 2004 with real brutal Deathslam / NYHC. Now it`s 2011. How do you see the current development as a band?

We have released 2 full length albums and toured the USA many times over so we are very pleased with what we have done from the ground up. We just wanna travel more and continue to write and perform crushing, intense music.


What bands have influenced your style?

DYING FETUS, IRATE NYC, METALLICA, MISERY INDEX, SUFFOCATION, SEPULTURA, SHATTERED REALM, old SWORN ENEMY


What are your main themes in your lyrics? Do you handle personal experiences in the songs? Or is it “just 4 fun”?

Starting out, we just tried to write lyrics about violence and death and all that shit but now the topics are more real-life commenary and have a bit more meaning to them. Lyrics about life, family, money, government, cynicism, drugs, crime, religion etc.. We dont want to be limited to just the one constant theme of violence and death like every other metal band out there.


Describe your sound to someone who has never heard you before in just one sentence.

Imagine if the movie DIE HARD, was a metal band.


After releasing 2 demos in '05 and '06, you guys released 2007 your first full-length record Execution Style” on the label Last Resort Records (NY). Who arranged the contact to the label?

Last Resort records owner Sean F. Bell actually saw our old band FROM THE ASHES in 2002 and really liked us even when we were a shitty local garage band. When WR formed, Sean decided to put out "Execution Style" because the first 2 WR demos sold so well for a new band.


Are your demos still available?

Yes and No. Haha. We only really made CD-R copied demos, so we could always re-print them if there was a demand. But I dont even know who has the original mp3s, so I dont know who could make that happen now.


We think it was a successful cooperation with Last Resort Records, because in the end of 2010 your next album came over. It`s named “The Truth Hurts”. How is the current feedback?

The response to the new album has been great. Its really sad that nobody buys cds anymore in the US now in 2011. But we sell pretty good on iTunes for an underground band.


You recorded the CD @ Full Force Studios with producer Joe Cincotta (SUFFOCATION, WAKING THE CADAVER…). Did you like the cooperation and are you satisfied with the results?

Yes, Joe is one of the best producers weve ever met. Full Force makes great albums and we couldnt ask for a more relaxed, creative atmosphere.


How much time do you spend for WITHOUT REMORSE?

The band is my life. I think about it constantly. How to grow and progess with it. New riffs, new shirt designs, booking shows. Its my pride and joy and Ill do it until Im dead.


So WITHOUT REMORSE played a lot of shows and festivals. What moment on a show is particularly burned into memory?

There have been alot of sick shows over the years. Small bars to huge venues. We played a show in Virgina and a kid got stabbed while we were playing. That was pretty crazy.


WITHOUT REMORSE toured 2008 with WAKING THE CADAVER. What was the funniest moment on this tour? Please tell something about the tour. Your experiences, unforgettable moments and stuff like this.

We actually toured with them again in Summer 2010. As well as a REVENANCE tour with WTC in 2007 that Chris, Matt, Shaun and Seth were all on. So many great memories with them. Getting wasted and stoned in every state in the US. Too many crazy times to list.


We`ve read that WITHOUT REMORSE will be touring the U.S. again in 2011. Furthermore the band is working on possible European and Japan dates. Any news for us?

We arent on a major label and we dont have a booking agent, so its hard for us to tour. Europe is a dream of ours and we are trying our hardest to get over there at some point.


Do you have any upcoming shows that you would like to tell the readers about?

We have a few shows coming up on the east coast over the next few weeks...Long Island, Albany, Boston, Pittsburgh.


If you could arrange a festival of your dreams – which bands would play?

DYING FETUS - Destroy the Opposition lineup, SHATTERED REALM w/ Chris on vocals, SEPULTURA w/ Max, PANTERA and JOHNNY CASH


What kind of music is usually playing in the CD-player when the band is on tour or driving to a venue?

We listen to alot of varied music on tour... TENACIOUS D, METALLICA, THE JERKY BOYS COLLECTION, JOHNNY CASH, RUSH, WUTANG CLAN


Do you know some European / German Death/HC-Bands?

Our fave Euro bands are SIX FT. DITCH, VOMIT THE SOUL, NASTY, HAPPY FACE, COLD HARD TRUTH


Can you tell us something about New York, any good hardcore or metal bands? Good shows, record stores, other cool places?

The best bands in our area are MOTHERBRAIN (sick death/grind/punk feat members of REVENANCE and THE PARTISAN TURBINE), INCENDIARY, WOLVERINE, SOLDIERS... The best record store on Long Island is LOONEY TUNES in West Babylon, NY...


What do you think about the new MySpace-design? Do you think it is easier to handle now or are in you in agreement with us that the new MS sucks?

Myspace used to be very helpful. Its new design is complex and slow. It has hurt the music industry alot.


Tell us something about your MySpace-Page Top Friends. Who are they?

I honestly dont even know who is up there anymore.... MISERY INDEX, SUFFOCATION, WTC...check em all out.


WITHOUT REMORSE are friends of WAKING THE CADAVER. Did you listen to their new album “Beyond Cops, Beyond God”? What do you think?

That cd is great. They totally focused and wrote a slammin-ass death metal album thats totally legit. It kept all the haters quiet because its so tight.


Thanks a lot for your time. Any last words to your fans?

Stay high, stay underground, and buy "The Truth Hurts" so we can save up to get over to Europe!


Stopp!! We have almost forgotten…BRAINSTORMING!!

New Jersey or New York?
NY FOR LIFE

Your fav Beer?
Stella Artois

Boobs in the www?
Gianna Michaels

Trick or treat?
What?

Gameboy or PS3?
WWF Wrestling for Gameboy

God?
Nah

Satan?
Nah

For further information please check:
http://www.myspace.com/withoutremorse
or add them on FACEBOOK!

xDIGx Interview

Negative StrHate Edge hardcore from Paris – xDIGx (FR).


Thanx a lot for the interview!

Please introduce yourself and the band xDIGx for the people who don`t know you. When did you start the band, who are the members and so on.

Hi! We started rehearsing around the end of 2009 if I remember right. We have had the same line up since the beginning, except the original guitarist who has gone to live in Essen, and has been replaced like a year ago, by Vincent. Axel we still love you bro, hope you'll come back to Paris some day!
So we were supposed to sound more like old nyhc stuff in the beginning, like OUZBURST, very old MADBALL and shit, but we found our way in the style we have had since our demo, which is a bit more metallic I guess. Can't hate SLAYER!


How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?

Man I think we are the best of friends, this is what this band is mainly based on (that, and
being angry dickheads). There are a few of us that I can't imagine being in a band with people they're not friends with, the shit would get out of control so quick... It already happened in the past haha! We've known each other for quite a while, except for our kid Vincent who was still playing with his poo when we were going to our first shows. But he is like our little bro now.


Are any members in side projects beyond xDIGx?

xDIGx was supposed to be a side project... So Daick our bass player is always in 4 or 5 bands (check www.myspace.com/mowol for some hardcore punk for example). Our drummer Ben sings in BLACK SPIRALS (check them out there : http://blackspirals.bandcamp.com/) who have already played a few times in Germany, and Vincent has a skatepunk project that seems to be on its way. Our guitar player Nico has played in every Paris Straight Edge band.
Nico, Ben and I, Erwan, also have a side project with some friends, "Boston 2000" style, we should see that quickly enough after xD.I.G.x's EP is recorded.


Who came up with the name xDIGx and what`s the idea behind this name?

I am guilty for that name. I have always wanted to have a band that would be called D.I.G.. You can put so many different meanings behind these letters, which is good. But all I can say is that at the start these letters represent our respect to Floorpunch's interviews and spirit.


And which bands influenced you most?

To be quick, I should name three cities instead of a bigger list of bands whose influence can be found in xDIGx : some Boston, Cleveland, and New York bands. Oh shit there’s California too.


On your MySpace we found following part:
"Ils ont beau se foutre de ma gueule, c'est métal à fond, lourd, à base d'aller retour à la guitare, triolet et compagnie. En plus ils sont méchant, ils on faillit cassé la gueule à Stéphane."
What does it mean and could you translate these words please?

Haha, it's what a friend of us said after attending our first show. I thought it described us well : "They can keep mocking at me, but they are metal all the way, heavy, back and forth guitar riffs and shit. Plus they are mean, they almost broke Stephane's face."


xDIGx are celebrating obviously the trademark “Nike”. Why?

Hm not all the trademark man. I, for one, am really angry for the way they screwed up most of the retro Air Stab and retro Pegasus '89 releases, and a few others... Thank God the AM1 shape has come back to quality lately, I like it almost as much as the original shape.
But our skinhead likes his Adidas way more than Nike.
And our lumberjack only wears Vans.
The rest of the band is cool though.


And what is your favourite Nike stuff?

Air Max 1 all the way for me. And some Liquid Racer. But some AM 90, 95 and 97 and Structure are also very acceptable !


In 2010 you guys released the “Notorious Demo”, which includes 5 tracks . The Cover shows a close-up picture of the American rapper. Are you such great fans of Notorious B.I.G.?

I don't think we can exactly be referred to as great fans of his, but we like his sound in general. We thought the rip off was cool. And we did not have many other ideas for the demo cover. haha



Against whom is the track “Less Vans More Air Max”?

Against all those so called rebels who dress all the same and try to act the most politically correct they can, and try with their group of friends who are just like them to exclude you if you do one thing that is not PC in front of them. The title is just an image of course, we also happen to wear Vans. But it is kind of efficient since people remember us thanks to this name, which, I have to admit, is pretty shocking.


And in the track “Life Hater” we found the line
“No PMA for me
I'd rather hate today
No PMA for me
I'd rather hate all days.”
What does “PMA” stand for?

I know it may seem stupid but it really is BAD BRAINs' Positive Mental Attitude. Damn this shit is not for me. Never been. I don't think it ever will be. I am not gonna talk shit about the BAD BRAINs though because it was not my point at all when I wrote these lyrics.


The other tracks are full of hate, rage and dissatisfaction, too (“What a boring life,
Hating everyday”, “Because this world is crap” and so on). Where does this negative attitude come from?

From everyday life, working, staying more or less poor, feeling enslaved to a life we haven't really chosen. Not having had the same chances others have had. And for hanging out with the other guys in the band, I can tell it's what they all feel at times, some maybe more than others. Anger is growing on us and we need a way to externalize it or else it might eat us alive. So yes, this band is a catharsis for everything we can’t stand. But don’t be afraid, most of the time we are pretty chill dudes!


Do you think there are a lot of reasons to be so happy in this world?

At times we feel surrounded by assholes, a lot of people piss us off each day, bosses and shit.
I guess being happy is a state of mind, some people are happy with just not much. I can't. I can't feel satisfied when I live what I live, see what I see and know what I know. Even if I am far from being the most miserable person in the world. And about boss problems, I really have issues with authority in general, and these days in particular. It sure will get me in serious troubles some day soon.


Is the “Notorious Demo” your first release or are there other ones?

Yes it is, recorded in may 2010 by Jerome Turblin, and we are currently recording the new 7" with him again. We have recorded the drums already so it’s all on its way now, and we know he will do a very good job with what we will give in studio. This next disc will be an E.P., called “Socially Disabled”. It should sound probably more serious and a bit less stupid lyric wise, and the same goes for the music. At least that’s what we are trying to do. I still have to write the lyrics for the last song by this time haha.


“Say yes to Drug Free“ - Why are you guys straight edge? Which reasons made you sure to live this lifestyle?

Because that is just the way we are. I used to smoke pot and drink without liking it when i was a teenager. But that was mostly to act like the others, I guess I didn't want to be rejected again. And then I thought about it, and decided to go my own way, and fuck those who wouldn't like it. Cliché as it is. Fuck peer pressure.


And do you live a vegetarian life style, too?

We have one vegetarian in the band. But his english sucks even more than mine so you won't hear what he has to say !


We think that not everyone in your fanbase is sXe. Are you a militant die-hard str8 edge band or is it ok to smoke/drink/whatever in front of you? How do you handle with non-straight-edge dudes?

We love non straight edge dudes as much as the others but not the same way. It's so funny to see drunk people doing shit when you are sober. I do think we need them to have good times haha. We would be so friendless if we only talked to straight edge people. France is really not the best country to be an intolerant straight edge guy. Even if some times it gets really appealing !


What are your favorite sXe-bands?

Tough question! From YOUTH OF TODAY and CHAIN OF STRENGTH to HARM`S WAY and AGITATOR...
My personal favorites are the youth crew ‘97-‘03 era bands though.


Did you ever play in Germany? Or are there any plans to play here?

We haven't played there yet, but we will be a part of the Break Down The Walls Fest with awesome bands, don't miss it, 30th April in Essen. The German scene is great, we are thinking about making 3 shows there in June, booking will start soon (xdigxparisx@gmail.com).


Do you know some german HC-bands?

Of we course we do! EYEBALL was so fucking awesome... TRUE BLUE too. We also listen to THE ICE and AYS for example. Europe in general has some crazy bands.


Do you know how many shows you played yet and with which bands you shared the stage already?

We haven't played a lot because we don't want to play too much in the same areas.
We have shared the stage with THE MONGOLOIDS, BACKTRACK, DOWNPRESSER but this doesn't really matter, does it? I think we have played less than 10 shows, and could have played twice as much. Call us lazy.


And what are the next chances to see xDIGx live?

Already answered :)


Are there some bands out of Paris we have to check out?

Only a few now. But the situation should improve soon, some people are working on that.


And is there a large and cool scene in your area?

If you like beatdown metal bands yes, if not take your car and go to Nantes or some places like this. I for one don't feel that much connected to gangsta or springbreak video clips, signing sessions, promo pics and long epic self-loving biographies. So that doesn't leave many bands for me to relate here. The next big thing I see coming is the new youth crew style band called No Solution from Nantes. We saw them play recently and it really has what it takes to be well known outside the country and finally put France on the map. Can’t wait for their demo.


If we would end up in Paris – which places do we have to check out?

Ah that needs a long answer! Depends if you want to see sights, go to shows, skate, fight… Get in touch with us when you are coming and we’ll try and help you out!


Last words for our readers?

Check our upcoming EP, it's going to be awesome haha!!
And check the other Street Survival Records bands, they really are too!
Also we wanna say hi to Strike Back and Haute Couture!
And thanks to you for the interview and interest guys!


And now - Brainstorming:

Your favorite food?
Hamburgers and pizzas

Paris = so called “city of love”?
I hate love

Adidas?
Oiiii!

Soccer: Germany or France?
PARIS

French hip hop?
Is dead

Playstation or Nintendo?
xBOx !!


For further information check:
http://www.myspace.com/xdigx
http://xdigx.bandcamp.com/
or add them on Facebook!