Ohio's H.A.T.E were first around two decades ago before disbanding a few years later. Now they have a stable line-up as well as a new record deal. I recently talked with drummer Michael Harris to find out more.
Please introduce your band and tell what instrument everyone plays.
Greg Wagner - vocals/guitars, Chuck Ruszin - bass, Michael Harris - drums, Curran Murphy - guitars
Congratulations on signing to Auburn records. How exciting is that? Was it unexpected or had you been in negotiations with them for a while?
It has been in talks for years and we are very excited to be under the Auburn label.
You guys have been around for a while. Tell us a little about your band's history?
H.A.T.E was originally formed in 1988 by Greg and Chuck and disbanded in 1991. Greg carried on with other projects and chuck filled his time playing in various punk bands. Greg decided it was time to bring back that true metal sound and reformed the band in winter 2004 with Chuck and Michael. Curran got on board in summer of 2005 and here we are about to release our sophomore album and 7 more songs in the can for the 3rd release.
So have you started work on an album for auburn? If so how much do you have done and how has the writing and recording process gone so far?
We are currently mixing and mastering the album at Curran’s studio (Smiley sound) in Akron, OH. Everything has went smooth. we captured the drum tracks in 7 hours. Greg, Curran and Chuck got all their parts down a few weeks later.
Do you have an album title picked out yet? Do you have a possible release date or approximate date scheduled yet?
Yes, the album title will be "inject the infection" and is scheduled for release late fall/winter 2008-2009.What should someone who comes to see you live expect?
Solid, old school metal with no gimmicks. Just in your face, bone crushing metal with an emphasis on song writing and structure.
I saw that you have a few dates coming up. What have been some of your more memorable shows?
Every show has some form of memories. And when we perform, we do so like it's our last show.
I remember hearing that Cleveland had a pretty active metal scene back in the mid-late 1980's. What's the scene like today?
Yes it did, but it's made a downward spiral over the years and with the help of Bill Peters (Auburn records C.E.O.) and a few other promoters that use bands like H.A.T.E., it's gaining popularity again and is making a strong resurgence.
Now that you are signed can you share the wealth and mention any great unsigned bands in your area? M.S.O.D. and DOFKA are solid bands with excellent musicians.
What were some of the first metal bands that you really got into?
Early Van Halen, Judas Priest, Accept, Scorpions, Slayer, Metallica, etc.
What do you think of today's metal scene in general?
You hear one, you hear them all. Boring and stagnant. There are a few that still know how to write a song.
Name some of today's younger bands that you like a lot?
Killswitch Engage, In flames, Bobaflex
Where do you hope to be in three years? Still on earth grinding the metal.
Pick the band from the following pairs that you prefer and tell why.
Dio or Ozzy
Both, because they were both very important in their contribution to metal.
Breaker or Destructor
Breaker, because I like their songs better and I also sing for them, so I am partial to Breaker
Iron Maiden or Judas Priest
Judas Priest because I thought Rob Halford was god of all singers and their guitar attack was so original to me.
Megadeth or Slayer
Megadeth basically I like Mustaine’s writing a little more than Slayer, but they both kickass.
Is there anything else that you would like to say about your band or your music?
Just that we have always stayed true to our sound of the 80's metal and always will! Thanks to people like you, and our fans for sticking with us! See you on tour!!!
http://www.myspace.com/halfwayattheend
***Thanks to Michael for doing the interview.
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