As the thrash machine continues to power through bone heaps and beer cans, and as the legends of the international scene polish their Jacksons; ever mindful of their own dominance, but none-too-aware of the fact that bands like Eradicator are doing it with more balls, a dark vision of our future looms. Thrash with meaning? Absolutely. Remarkable band, and a remarkable message to their new LP: the human paradox and its profound impact on life around us as we knowingly and unknowingly sabotage ourselves and all those within the fallout - societal and environmental collapse as the catalysts to one brave but folly outcome - all tragedies set to wisely-composed but still balls-to-the-wall thrash fucking metal. During my latest interview, Seba of Eradicator sheds some light on the band's early days and their eclectic way of recording. He also provides some insight into their brand new "The Paradox" LP, into the importance of environmental vigilance, and into the duality of our most inglorious futures…

Jeger

Hails and welcome to MetalBite. Let's get into a little background as there is not much to be known about Eradicator other than the fact that you're a German thrash band that happens to boast a very impressive discography. What inspired you to start Eradicator and did you have any vision for the band going in?

Thanks for having me. This year we celebrate our 20th anniversary. So, when we first started the band in 2004, we were really young, like 14-15 years old. Our most important drive was to play music together. We just started to play our instruments and wanted to use them! For the first maybe two years we focused on performing as a band and covering songs of our idols like Priest, Maiden, Metallica, Megadeth, you name it. Around the beginning of 2006, we felt that once we wrote music, it was thrash metal. Our first album, "The Atomic Blast", came out in 2009, and you can say that it's clearly in the vein of the genre ancestors. But early we developed our own vision and it was important for us to not just copy our heroes. Later, we put out an album every three years and played many concerts in Germany and some in Europe. And now, many years later we are releasing our sixth album, "The Paradox". To describe our style: we take the influences we like most, whether it is Bay Area, Teutonic, or even outside the box of thrash metal. We mix it and try to make it our own characteristic sound.

You guys don't play a thousand miles an hour like other bands. At least not on the forthcoming LP. Reminds me of Metallica and how they basically refused to play that way as well back in the day. They got plenty of guff for it too.

In my opinion, it quickly gets boring if you speed through every riff and song. There is no darkness without light, and that makes it important to slow down to make the fast parts even more relevant. For me, it is a lot about feeling during the songwriting process - let the dynamics happen and the song can breathe. For example: the song 'Drown In Chaos' from the new album, it contains some of the fastest stuff of the band but also has some groove and melodic parts going on. That's what makes it a good Eradicator thrash metal song for me. Sure, especially the early Metallica albums had a great impact on our journey as musicians, but on the other hand, it is not our intention to recreate or copy their style. There are a lot of other influences from classic heavy metal to thrash metal bands from the US as well as from Europe and Germany. "The Paradox" is our sixth album and I think that we collected all the ingredients over the years to form our own style and special sound characteristics our band can be recognized for. Also, I think that "The Paradox" our most versatile album yet. We even added some death metal elements to our style.

I'm a black metal guy so I'm big on stuff like traditional recordings techniques and basically any old-school way of doing things. I feel like it's important to preserve those ways so we don't get totally lost in technology. It's bad enough that we have stuff like Pro Tools and Autotune that basically take the work out of making music. Looks like a layman's future for music in general.

We have recorded most of our albums differently, and we're quite proud of it. If you ever get your hands on our 2006 demo, "Back To The Roots", check it out. It was recorded with a 24-track tape machine. We tried all different ways over the years, the most important thing is that you feel happy with the way a new record turns out – the production has to fit the music. And if it is a good match, production even takes the songs to the next level. With the 2021 album "Influence Denied" and now "The Paradox", we went a little bit more modern way with mostly digital production, but our intention is to keep the band sound direct and straight in your face. We try to make the best out of modern technologies and capture the raw and honest sound of the band we are known for performing live. Everyone starts as a layman. We recorded our very first demos on a Hifi MC-Player. They did not sound amazing compared to today's outputs, but we began our learning process from there on. In the meantime, modern technology made it easy and affordable to record your songs, that's right. But isn't it exactly this that makes art and music so fascinating? You don't need a truckload of money or to be privileged enough to have a big record company behind you to make a great and good-sounding album. Nevertheless, it is still hard work to produce an LP.

Let's talk about the new album, "The Paradox". Interesting concept behind the record. Can you give us an explanation of the concept from your perspective as the writer?

I started to write the lyrics for the new album like one and a half years ago. And as I was gathering ideas I noticed that "The Paradox" would be the perfect title for this album. If I write about a specific topic that is important to me, I do some research to discuss different views on it. What I saw when I had this concept in the back of my mind was that conflicts and contradictions surround us everywhere, and a lot of our actions can be seen as paradoxes. We kind of expect one thing but do something that leads to something completely different. Sometimes we know about the consequences of our actions very well, other times not. And again in other situations, even our mind is playing tricks on us. For example, the topic of the title-track, which is industrial animal slaughter - it is a well-documented cruelty. From feeding to scaffolding, it's a really scary machinery where millions of lives get born, raised, and murdered every year. And looking at the conditions and the efficiency of this "deconstruction line", makes everyone at least question it, not only hardcore animal rights activists. But what we do is, we are really good at ignoring it, like selective perception. Sausages and meat are available and the origins are really not seen when walking through a supermarket. Maybe the background has to be promoted a lot more so consumers are aware of it and ignoring it becomes harder. This is where the idea of the album title has its origins, and if you have a closer look at most of the other tracks, you'll notice some kind of paradox, too! May it be the atrocities of war as in 'Let The Shooting Begin' or the closer look at the human mind in 'Hell Smiles Back', which deals with the inner contradiction that can lead to depression.

The human paradox is puzzling indeed. Was it anything specific that inspired you to tackle such thoughtful but ultimately convoluted subject matter?

Like I mentioned before, the idea to focus on the paradox topic emerged naturally during the writing process. I really like how you can find these conflicts in the songs and how it connects them to unite the tracks for the album. Since these conflicts seem to be in every one of us, I do not want to present my moral statement and convince people of my view on things in the first place. But what I would like to archive is that people start or continue thinking about their own actions: reflecting on actions and reactions - this can be seen as an inner conflict, too. To allow more than a black-or-white view of things. We are full of "failure" and contradictory actions, and that is okay, it makes us human, but we can learn from it and develop as individuals, and society in general. This is where progress comes from.

One track in particular stands out on the lyrical front and that is 'Perpetual Sacrifice' which details the paradox between victim and aggressor along with the denigration of the weak as a way to bolster the strong. Sounds like Nietzsche's definition of Master and Slave morality.

Thanks and great you like it. Yeah, obviously there are people who can only feel strong by making others feel small and by degrading them. Also, this song text is about an aggressor switching roles with the victim when getting confronted for abusive actions. This is more than for the purpose of personal feelings, like getting away with a crime. It starts with the denial of the accused crime and then continues with attacking the victim's credibility. There have been cases in public debate lately but unfortunately - even while this is a well-known procedure and quite easy to spot - aggressors often successfully switch roles to protect themselves and to make others support their point. And in the end, the offender presents themselves as the victim.

There's some environmental-collapse foreshadowing too and it's quite imaginative. 'Debris Of Demise' tells a tale about our planet's final unlivable state as total environmental destruction looms over the horizon and our last hope of survival is extraction from the planet. A lot of people really care about the environment but I'm more of a watch-the-world-burn kind of guy…

You're right, this song is a kind of science-fiction end-of-time scenario. Civilisation collapsed and the environment was exploited as far as that there is nothing much left to continue living on the planet for anymore. The apocalyptic vision of the story makes the survivors try to escape with a spaceship. But the junk and scrap in the orbit make it impossible to leave as the ship immediately gets hit and destroyed. Surely, this is an exaggerated scenario, but in the end it shows that we should all care about the environment and leave it the way we would like to find it ourselves. Like you say, there is a big fascination in imagining watching the world burn. Even this is kind of paradox. We – or at least I – don't want to die in agony or lose our loved ones in this end-time scenario. Pop culture is full of these kinds of tales and we're attracted to it, but do we learn from these stories we enjoy hearing or watching?

What does the future look like as far as live shows in support of the new LP?

We have a schedule of about 20 shows for this anniversary year, which is a lot for us. We really enjoy playing live and that's what it is about. All these planned gigs will take place in Germany, but last year we did our first international tour and played shows in the UK. That was a great experience, and I hope we can repeat it and even tour other countries.

What are you most proud of when you think about "The Paradox"?

I am absolutely proud of how we as a band developed. Songwriting-wise and also sound-wise. Also, I am convinced my vocals sound the best they ever have. We worked our asses off and the ten tracks show how versatile Eradicator is, as is also our vision of thrash metal!

Everyone has a different idea as to what constitutes genuine thrash metal. For me, it's attitude and not necessarily speed or dynamics. What's been the most important aspect of recording thrash metal to you?

For me, the joy in playing is a very important aspect alongside the authenticity a band embodies and yes, this is what the term attitude means to me. There is no need for costumes or masks in thrash metal. If we hit the stage, it is just the four of us with our raw sound having a great time with the audience. Performing our music is the spirit of Eradicator, and it motivates us and drives us forward! It is not easy to capture that feeling and band dynamics when you record an album, but "The Paradox" really sounds honest and gives a very good idea as to how much fun we have performing these tracks!

Do you have a message for your fans?

Thank you all for taking the time and risking a deep dive into "The Paradox". We hope you enjoy the album and keep thrash metal alive!

A special thank you to Seba, Eradicator and Metalville Records.

The militant makeup that is Front hailing from Finland have returned with their latest strategic strike in the form of "Antichrist Militia". A true embodiment of the sonic warscape that is black/death/thrash metal, most supporters of the format will appreciate upon first listen. Squadmates Von Bastard (guitars & backing vocals) and Kaosbringer (vocals) took some time way from the machine-gun turrets to share their thoughts on "Antichrist Militia" and some problematic things surrounding the medium known as black/death metal.

Alex

How did the members meet and what events led to the formation of FRONT?

Von Bastard: Back in 2013 or 2014 I begun writing new songs for Sacrilegious Impalement and soon realized that this is a start of something new and these songs should be done under different moniker. At the same period Kaosbringer was filling in for Wrathprayer as the live vocalist for SI and I asked him if he'd want to join this new band I am putting together. His mindset towards the vision for FRONT was close to mine. He's also a bank of knowledge for war history and I think his vocal sound and range fits perfectly to FRONT so it was easy. It was only natural to ask Revenant for the drums, we'd been working years together in SI and the collaboration is unbeatable. Just take listen to our guitar & drum interaction. He almost every time get's it right away what I am after with the drum arrangements. Later on when we started to play live, we recruited Meister F for the bass. Now the band fires with all cylinders.

How has the series of world events affected Finland and primarily FRONT?

Kaosbringer: Well we couldn't rehearse for couple months due to lockdown. That's about it.

How has the band been spending time given the current call for social separation?

Von Bastard: Well, I am a pretty isolate loving person anyway so this virus isn't that much affecting my everyday life. It's been only better as I can go to the center of the city, or shops without many idiots jumping around. When the band is not active, I've been writing even more music.

Kaosbringer: This social distancing has suited me well. Shops are less crowded and easier attend to. Not that much of bar person anymore either.

Please explain the ideologies or main philosophy propelling the music on "Antichrist Militia".

Von Bastard: For the musical parts it's made for self-accelerating, to wake up the demons inside you, to whip your ass. To charge you up before the battle.

Kaosbringer: Cleansing yourself. Annihilating weakness. Weed out the old, sick and weak. Start fresh and build yourself up stronger! "Conquer the unconquerable"

What is the main message you wish to communicate with those who support or are new to the band, with the new EP?

Von Bastard: There's no message for you. You like it or don't, we do this primarily as our own channel to release the hatred within our souls. But also for pleasure. We respect highly the like minded people who have found FRONT worthy. Cheers to all! Stay strong, legion FRONT!

Kaosbringer: As Von Bastard said, we do this for ourselves mainly. I would say that there is also a call for one to unleash the beast inside, though. Don't sleep in the fire!

It's been 4 years since the release of "Iron Overkill"; hence, the band has grown considerably. In what way/s does "Antichrist Militia" differ from "Iron Overkill" thematically and musically?

Von Bastard: Musically it's a perfect continuation to "Iron Overkill", they go very well hand in hand. Only this is again a clear step up. "Antichrist Militia" was recorded in 2018, so there was only two years between the recordings. 'Mouths of War' was actually the first track written for FRONT back in 2014, could be even 2013.

Kaosbringer: Lyrically it is a very much continuation to IO as well.

What does the artwork on the EP represent or try to express from the band's perspective?

Von Bastard: It's a promise of what to expect from the record. It's the landscape of the first song.

Who created that violent cover art?

Von Bastard: I came up with the idea when I was creating the first track of the record. I made a rough draft art to visualize the idea better. Then I send it to J.Hitam who finished the art perfectly with his own style.

What is the recording lineup for "Antichrist Militia"?

Von Bastard: Von Bastard: guitars & backing vocals, Kaosbringer vocals, Meister F bass & backing vocals, Revenant drums & backing vocals. It was recorded, engineered, produced, mixed by the band members. We hired outside help only for the mastering.

With the members being involved in so many other bands, was it difficult organizing the recording of "Antichrist Militia"?

Von Bastard: No. I hope it will continue that way. Lot's of the magic captured on the record can only be obtained by putting serious devotion towards the songs and recordings.

What was the mood like heading into and during the recording process of the EP?

Von Bastard: The collective mood was very energetic, focused like a laser beam. You could almost bite the testosterone oozing in the air at our recording studio. We had many setbacks during the whole process, but nothing couldn't prevent this beast to be unleashed.

Kaosbringer: One word: Attack!!!

Would you say the band was successful in channeling those energies on "Antichrist Militia"?

Von Bastard: Yes. No more words needed.

What song/s do you like most off the EP and why?

Von Bastard: I like everyone of them. Otherwise they'd not be on the record. There are various different things on every song of them and I think it is only a good thing. You can tell immediately which is which song without guessing, or checking the booklet every second.

Kaosbringer: To me 'Mouths of War' has a special place. I really love the whole album but the idea to make a song like this had been a "dream" for me many years (the marriage of heaviness and the use of those samples). That song is HEAVY and full of doom it also paints perfectly a picture of the madness that was World War II.

Is the EP a warm-up for a new full-length anytime soon?

Von Bastard: Full-length is in works. We might release another EP before it..

It seems that with the progression of time metal as a whole is becoming a safe-space, steadily removing its uncensored frame. What are your thoughts on this?

Von Bastard: Fuck safe-spaces, fuck censorship! Grown up people should have the right to choose what is good for them and what is not. We have a recent experience of this our own. We had an online stream of a song from our new record and the very owner of the zine took it down very quickly. We, and the journal who made the streaming, never got any further explanation but that we are a "sketchy" looking band. They couldn't pin-point anything what was so dangerous in our band. With this they took parenting of every and each one of you in their hands, they chose on behalf of you that it's better for you to not listen to us. They tell you that we are bad for you. This is the world of "extremely extreme" metal zine today. He can put his "sketchy" parenting in his pipe and smoke it.

What are your thoughts on mixing politics in black/death metal?

Von Bastard: Not for everyone. But especially in black metal. Core and foundation of black metal is about Satan & satanism, otherwise it just simply isn't black metal, period. Today there are parasite people in "black metal" bands just for the music, gigs and all the secondary things, not because of ideology. Must be because these people think with delusion that it is their "politically correct" right for each and everyone to be in black metal band, hah! If these people should have any backbone, they should with honest call their music pseudo black metal, or something, but not black metal.

What are some of the things you hate the most in extreme metal?

Von Bastard: I don't know. Labeling perhaps. Some people categorize for example Stratovarius as extreme metal. I don't want to be in a same category with them. But this is more a fault of the idiotic people who do these categorizings, not bands nor extreme metals fault.

Kaosbringer: "Extreme". People generally don't have a fukken clue what that is nowadays!!!

Thank you for allowing MetalBite the time to conduct this interrogation. We hope all goes well for Antichrist Militia. Any words for the warmongers worldwide?

Von Bastard: Thank you! Just take a listen and give an honest chance for this record, that's all we ask. Don't monger for war, be the war!

Kaosbringer: Support your local death dealer and get Antichrist Militia!