Interview with ForChristSake

Having first heard Northern Ireland-based ForChristSake back in July of 2012 (thanks to Roxx Records' "Summer Sampler 2012" compilation) it was only last month that I was able to experience their full-length debut album, "Apocalyptic Visions of Divine Terror", and then their debut EP, "Death Is But A Breath Away". Both releases an excellent example of extreme metal, but from a Christian view-point. You can read all about these two recordings at this link (http://metalmark.blogspot.com/search?q=forchristsake). Meanwhile I had the opportunity to talk a little with this young act and I just want to thank them for taking the time to do that. Enjoy!

 

Andy-First off I just have to ask. Is there a Christian metal scene at all in your part of Ireland?

 

ForChrsitSake-More secular and we are sometimes derided for what we are trying to do we are more accepted outside of our own country but we do not let that stop our vision of the band and its ministry

Andy-Drummer/vocalist Ignatios formed ForChristSake out of a previous band correct? Could you give us a time-frame as well?

 

ForChristSake-ForChristSake formed as a proper unit in 2008 when Ignatios asked Mark to join the band along with another guitarist - we subsequently picked up Simon on lead and Guy soon after we rehearsed solidly for a year before gigging or recording, Ignatios had the original idea for the band but the right people didn't materialise until 2008.

 

A-How was the name decided on?

 

FCS-We were tired of the Lords name be used as a blaspheme or curse word we wanted to take it back and use it for the right reasons in that we do this ForChristSake -

Andy- What are some of your influences? Either as a band or as individuals?

 

FCS-Mixed influences mostly metal such as Christian metal bands Mortification Zao, and other non Christian such as Gojira, Sepultura and Emperor to name a few but other non metal influences too
 

A-Was "Death Is But A Breath Away" the first recording from ForChristSake?

 

FCS-Yes an EP of 4 songs there are other songs from those sessions still in the FCS riff fridge it was our first recording we are happy with the response it got but we feel we have progressed from this original foray what with the release of our debut album AVODT
 

A-Is there a story behind the departure of former lead vocalist/keyboardist Guy Taylor or was it a amicable split?

 

FCS-Generally amicable and at that time Guy wanted to play guitar in another band we have always been on good terms with Guy he brings an energy to FCS and has stood in for us on some gigs and continues to be a good friend to the band.

 A-And finally, how did the deal with Roxx Records come about?

 

FCS-I sent Bill Roxx a video link of our video for "O" from our EP he liked what he heard and saw and over a number of discussions online and over the phone he offered us a deal - we are very happy to be with Roxx and Bill has been ultra supportive of us.

 

As I've now had the chance to listen to both recordings quite a bit, with the new album being absolutely dynamite(!), I've just got to say that this is one band that manages to pull off extreme metal (elements of hardcore, death metal, modern metal and even some black metal roar through their debut album!) while being theologically sound lyric-wise! Their debut album comes with a 12-page booklet which, besides featuring nifty artwork, includes all of the lyrics to their songs! There's no doubt that Christin metal has come a LONG WAY from it's humble beginnings, but even in that regard ForChristSake are undeniably HEAVY and EXTREME! I've just got to say how impressive it is that these guys are doing their thing for God while also unleashing some of 2014's most (unreal) BRUTAL riffs and INSANE drumming! Talk about making a joyful NOISE unto the Lord! 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/ForChristSake/114570038553752

ForChristSake-Apocalyptic Visions of Divine Terror

Roxx Records
2014

Belfast-based act ForChristSake, which was formed by drummer/vocalist Ignatios, claim that they are  Northern Ireland’s "only Christian extreme metal band". I'll take these fine, quite talented, four-lads at their word with that one as I'm (honestly) not all that familiar with Northern Ireland’s extreme metal scene, Christian or not. Serving as a follow-up to the group's 2010, self-released (and reportedly, overall, well-received by both critics and fans!) EP "Death Is But A Breath Away", which you can find as a digital-download on places like iTunes and Amazon (or, presumably if you go by the band's official website, which I'll link to below, can be ordered directly from the band members themselves at the following email address: forchristsaketheband@ymail.com), this 16-track collection of pulverizing metal was due to be unleashed upon the unsuspecting metal community back in 2013. But, after some technical difficulties and a few other (unmentioned) misc. delays, it is only now (or rather next week) that fans will finally be treated to everything that this extreme Christian act has to offer with the crushing "Apocalyptic Visions of Divine Terror". Heavy on the theology, and even heavier in their delivery, ForChristSake combine elements of heavy/power metal, thrash metal, death metal and even black metal into a decidedly deadly, expertly executed,  Molotov cocktail of a release that has to NEEDS to be heard to truly be appreciated! Having lost lead vocalist/keyboardist Guy Taylor along the way, which left many fans wondering how this band would continue on without his contributions, it now appears as if Ben (who also handles rhythm guitar) has stepped up his game and, along with drummer Ignatios, is providing lead vocals. If I'm mistaken in that assumption then I offer up my most humblest of apologies. But, when you think about it friends and fellow purveyors of all things incredibly loud and disruptive to the nervous system, it really is a bit of a moot point as no matter who handles the lead vocal work on which particular track it all ends up with the same result-BRUTAL and CRUSHING extreme metal! Together with lead guitarist Simon and bass player Mark (both of whom are as equally talented as our presumably lead singers!) the pair of Ben and Ignatios toss caution into the wind and just go full-out CRAZY with their full-length debut album! Whether you're a Christian or not is not so much the issue with this upcoming release as it's more about  whether or not you are a fan of extreme, melt your face off and shred your body into a billion tiny pieces, metal at it's finest! If the answer to that second part is yes and you find yourself looking at 2014 and thinking "Where will the next brutal band come from and when will their extreme album drop?" then this soon to be released CD is for you! Besides the (often-times) otherworldly vocals, which actually give this Christian metal release a bit of a dark afterglow, it's the heavy-use of thrashing guitars that gives "Apocalyptic Visions of Divine Terror" much of it's powerful edge. Lead guitarist Simon lays down some simply-sinister solos that bring to mind everyone from Slayer to Death! Meanwhile the rhythm section, which is (thankfully) never buried too deeply in the mix (as you'll want to hear each and every drum beat and bass riff you can on this one folks!), cuts it's teeth on old-school death metal as much as it does the more modern elements of today's extreme metal scene. What sticks out in the end is how each and every part of the equation that is ForChristSake is given equal opportunity on the main-stage and how (collectively) this four-piece feeds off of the energy of each other. No doubt this lot is as dedicated to their craft as they are the album's overall message! Slated for release on January 21st, with a mere 30 CD copies (although likely-less by now) of "Death Is But A breath Away" also available to purchase in a (slightly) more expensive set (which is what I opted for!), you can pre-order this (likely-addition to my "Best of 2014" list) CD right here: http://roxxproductions.storenvy.com/products/1098444-forchristsake-apocalyptic-visions-of-divine-terror. Also be sure to check out the band's Facebook page and give them a "like" while you're at it as I'm sure these Irish rage-rockers would appreciate the love!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/ForChristSake/114570038553752 

Official website of ForChristSake:
http://www.forchristsake.co.uk/ 

ForChristSake-Death is But A Breath Away

Self-Release/Independent
2010

No label? No problem! In what would prove to be just the first step of many taken by this extreme metal band from Northern Ireland, the (then) five-piece band known as ForChristSake self-released their debut EP, "Death is But A Breath Away". Fronted by lead vocalist/keyboardist Guy, with all of the lyrics and music written-by the pair of Ignatios (drums & vocals) and Seraphim (guitar & vocals), this Christ-first/death metal-second act might have wore their faith on their sleeves, but, given the fact that it was being backed up by some of the most brutal and extreme metal out there, it was presented in such a fashion as to reach every corner of every pit whether in their home country or world-wide! "Heavy for Christ" is a battle-cry that I've heard, or rather have felt and laid witness to, many times over from my first "real" Christian metal concert "experience" (Deliverance w/ Sacrament) up to and including now (with Christian heavy metal and thrash at an all time high, quality-wise and availability-wise, there is no longer the tired old stigma of "this band is just a Christian version of this band, etc." that haunted it for far too many years). Still, I fail (epically!) in my attempted rummaging through my warn-out memory banks to find any Christian band as destructive on tape as this bunch! While it's not strictly death metal we are talking about with these four tracks, as there is plenty of black metal and thrash metal to be found within a release like "Death is But A Breath Away", it's probably the best starting point from which to jump when chatting about this (soon-to-be) Roxx Records act! Other then lead vocalist/keyboardist Guy the same bunch that recorded this EP appears on their recently-released full-length debut album, "Apocalyptic Visions of Divine Terror". Having heard their Roxx Records full-length debut release first though, which you can read all about at the link pasted below, it's somewhat interesting walking backwards to this short recording. But, other then the switching-up of the vocal duties between releases this is the same crushing entity that blew me away with "Apocalyptic Visions of Divine Terror". So, if you've heard their first and liked it then you'll no doubt like this EP. That's not to say that there hasn't been growth as there certainly has been. This is almost a case of addition by subtraction as I actually prefer the vocals on ForChristSake's new LP more then I do on this 2010 EP. Also, the band seems to have tightened up all of the various lose edges and made more then a few steps toward being more technically-sound. But of course that's what is supposed to happen when you grow as a band and have a few years between releases. All of which means exactly what in the end? Well, if I was going to give out an album to a fan and fellow lover of all things extreme metal (as a "Hey, have you heard this new extreme metal band from Northern Ireland yet?") I would definitely go with "Apocalyptic Visions of Divine Terror". That seems fairly obvious right? But, after letting them soak up the awesomeness of "Apocalyptic Visions of Divine Terror" I would slide them this EP in an ever-so-cool manor and say "If you thought the full-length debut from this gnarly bunch was wicked wait until you listen to this raw beast of an EP!!!!!".

http://metalmark.blogspot.com/search?q=ForChristSake-Apocalyptic+Visions+of+Divine+Terror+

Various Artists-Summer Sampler 2012

Roxx Records
2012

This was a nice surprise to find in my inbox last Friday. I mean first off all I really like sampler albums and secondly I really like a lot of what Roxx Records has to offer. A few of these artists I've reviewed in the past like The Sacrificed and Jump Ship Quick. Some I know of (Ultimatum for one is lead by my freind over at No Life 'Til Metal, Scott Waters) while the rest were new to me like ForChristSake and Ascendent. Overall this is a nice little sampler covering everything from hard rock to punk to thrash. The track list is as follows:


The Sacrificed – Behold The Power of God
* Taken from the Roxx Records Release ‘III’ (Now Available)
Liberty N Justice – Get Down
* Taken from the Roxx Records Release ‘Hell is coming to Breakfast’ (Now Available)
Jump Ship Quick – Hollywouldn’t
* Taken from the Punk Roxx Records Release ‘Where thieves cannot tread’ (Now Available)
Join The Dead – Out of Breath
* Taken from the Roxx Records Release ‘Join The Dead’ (Release Date August 7, 2012)
Liberty N Justice – Jesus Love Shout
* Taken from the Roxx Records Release ‘Before the Revolution - Best of LNJ The Early Years’ (Available Fall 2012)
Ultimatum – Heart of Metal (Metal Pulse Radio Mix)
* Taken from the Roxx Records BONUS DISC version ‘Heart of Metal – 20 years of Ultimatum’ (Available Fall 2012)
ForChristSake – Red Moon
* Previously unreleased live version recorded on the 11th of May in Midtown Wales UK! Watch for their debut album on Roxx Records ‘Apocalyptic Visions of Divine Terror’ (Available Fall 2012)
Ascendant – The Alteration
* Taken from the album ‘The Alteration’ with US Distribution through Roxx Records (Now Available)


Per the promo:

"If you like what you hear jump over to our website www.roxxproductions.com or any of our retail outlets and pick up a copy to support the cause! Roxx Records titles are available at Amazon, Century Media, CD Baby, iTunes and wherever fine indie music is supported!"

Indeed, good stuff folks!