The raging violence of Hirax

interview with Katon W. Depena by Dave Wolff of Autoeroticasphyxium Zine exclusively for BRUTALISM.com, October 2006

HIRAX is currently in Santa Ana, California's Shiva Industries Studio recording a new full length. Can you tell us about the new material you've written and how the recording sessions are going?
It’s going great. The only set back is that we didn’t have enough time to record enough songs for a full length... so “Assassins of War” is going to be an EP. Right around 20 minutes long. 5 new songs. Track titles are “Lucifer’s Infierno,” “City of the Dead,” “Invasion,” “Assassins of War,” and the epic track “Summon the Death Dealers.” Which will be the segwey song to our next album...a little bit of a concept if you know what I’m saying. This EP is to hold everybody over until the new full length will come out. The reasons being that we have been touring so much we haven’t had enough time to write and record all the new songs. We have plenty of ideas... just not enough time. We have to keep touring because the demand is there for us. We don’t want to let our fans down... they are so supportive! They are the reason that we are able to continue doing what we do. The touring is also what keeps selling the albums.

What is the title of the new album and where did the inspiration for naming it come from?
“Assassins of War” is the title of the CD. The idea came about from soldiers who fight wars. In some ways they are assassins. Although patriotic, they kill in the name of their countries. Obviously the war that is being fought right now by the U.S.A. has influenced us. Unlike most metal bands we choose to say something about a war which we don’t agree with.

The band currently has a new lineup; lead guitarist Lance Harrison, bassist Steve Harrison and drummer Fabricio Ravelli; joining lead guitarist Glenn Rogers and vocalist Katon W. De Pena. How were the new members chosen before you went to work on the new album?
It’s a pleasure to work/play with the Harrison brothers – Lance and Steve were friends of mine long before they joined the band. Steve is an incredible bass player... much in the style of Jaco Pastorius, Steve Harris and Cliff Burton. I know that the fans are going to love his bass work! His brother Lance, the other lead guitarist for HIRAX used to be our guitar tech. He fits into the band naturally because he has been a part of us for awhile. He knows what we are all about and how to play our style of metal. Last but not least, Fabricio Ravelli, relocated from Brazil. He contacted us, auditioned for the band, shortly after we began getting on the road, playing concert dates, and recording. The line up is working out quite nicely.

Your label Black Devil Records is releasing ’Summon The Death Dealers’ and ’Crown Of Thorns,’ on a limited edition vinyl single. How much interest in the new album do you believe this will generate?
Actually... Black Devil Records/Deep Six Records will be releasing the vinyl version of all 5 songs as a 12” vinyl EP. Played at 45 rpm. For the hardcore record collectors.

’Lucifer's Infierno’ and ’City of the Dead’ will be released on a compilation called Speed Kills... Again, from Punk Core Records subsidiary Heavy Artillery. What led to Heavy Artillery choosing these songs? Can you name some of the other bands set to appear on this compilation?
Heavy Artillery approached us to be on the compilation and we were honored to do it. We have total control over the songs so we figured we would give them some of our heaviest tracks to date. The other bands are Merciless Death, Warbringer, Enforcer, Violator, Avengers of Blood, Meltdown.

You mentioned that Punk Core, who supports many promising bands like The Casualties and Lower Class Brats, started Heavy Artillery to support thrash metal bands. How many thrash bands have been signed to this label since it began?
I believe they have about 5 new acts. This compilation ‘Speed Kills Again’ is being released to kick start the label. I think it’s a great way for the fans of thrash metal and this new company to make an impression on the music world. I know that this CD is going to kick EVERYONE’S ass.

After a performance in Mexico, HIRAX is scheduled to begin their debut U.S. tour in Philadelphia, PA on November 10th. Is the band looking forward to touring the country for the first time?
HELL YES we are looking forward to touring the country!! After playing Mexico we are ready for ANYTHING! The shows across the border were unbelievable. We are getting ready for the East Coast Tour, U.S.A. It’s taken a little while for this to come together... but now it’s finally happening. It’s a brutal, short tour... 10 concerts in 10 days. No sleep! Just a LOT of THRASH METAL!! We are REALLY FIRED UP to see and meet all the headbangers! This is the beginning of A LOT of east coast visits for us. After we release the next CD, we will return for a larger scale tour... which will take us to a lot of other cities across the United States as well as Europe and South America 2007.

In what cities are you most looking forward to performing? Will you preview the new album on this tour?
I am looking forward to playing ALL OF THE CITIES!! But I do have some sentimental favorites. Brooklyn/Rochester - New York always kicks ass! Boston, MA – one of the loudest places we have every played. The fans there love to yell and sing!! We have already heard that Allentown, PA has sold a large amounts of advance tickets! There seems to be quite a buzz about this tour.

Glenn Rogers recently received an endorsement from Jackson Guitars. How did this come about and how do you think the endorsement will help get recognition for the band?
Both of our guitar players use their guitars. Glenn has always been interested in the Jackson style of guitars. I think that it was just the right timing that he got the endorsement. It helps us sound wise... and Jackson will endorse HIRAX with advertisements. Because of our heavy tour schedule we will be promoting them also.

Are there any other plans HIRAX has for the future that you would like to mention?
Releasing more albums and longer tours. We won’t just be traveling across the U.S.A. but to a lot of other countries!! We have quite a heavy work load for the next few years!! Keep an eye out for us! WE WILL BE INVADING A TOWN NEAR YOU SOON!!!!
For more information, tour dates, merchandise, photos, etc. contact us by email or visit the site.

Upcoming Tourdates USA

East Coast Leg
11/10/06 Fri. The Barbary, Philadelphia, PA (all ages 21+ w/I.D. TO DRINK)
11/11/06 Sat. North Six, Brooklyn, NY (all ages 21+ w/I.D. TO DRINK)
11/12/06 Sun. Middle East Downstairs, Boston, MA (18 and up 21+ w/I.D. TO DRINK))
11/13/06 Mon. Championship, Lemoyne, PA (all ages)
11/14/06 Tue. Montage Music, Rochester, NY (all ages 21+ w/I.D. TO DRINK)
11/15/06 Wed. Jigsaw Saloon, Cleveland, OH (21 and up)
11/16/06 Thu. 230 Oak, Providence, RI (all ages)
11/17/06 Fri. The Sterling Hotel, Allentown, PA (all ages 21+ w/I.D. TO DRINK)
11/18/06 Sat. The Ottobar, Baltimore, MD (all ages 21+ w/I.D. TO DRINK)
11/19/06 Sun. El 'N'Gee New London, CT (all ages 21+ w/I.D. TO DRINK)

West Coast Leg
12/09/06 Sat. Trilogy Theater, Victorville, CA (all ages)
12/15/06 Fri. Annie’s Social Club, San Francisco, CA (21 and up)
12/16/06 Sat. Safari Sam’s, Hollywood, CA (all ages 21+ w/I.D. TO DRINK)