Indestructible Noise Command Don’t ‘Combine Pop with Metal or Techno’ — Video Exclusive
Indestructible Noise Command never broke out of the East Coast thrash underground during their first run in the '80s. Nonetheless, the group went on to influence a legion of musicians who grew up listening to 'Razorback' and 'The Visitor,' I.N.C.'s first two albums. In the years since their early '90s break up, the band's brand of forward-thinking thrash has found its way into the hands of a younger generation of metal fans.
It was announced in 2010 that I.N.C. would be reforming and working on new material. 'Bleed the Line,' the combo's new EP, just hit digital outlets and finds the band in fighting form. Last time we chatted with I.N.C. guitarist Erik Barath we hadn't heard any new material yet, so we wanted to catch up with him again and talk about 'Bleed the Line.' As a bonus, he's given Noisecreep an exclusive video filmed during the recording sessions for their upcoming full-length release, 'Heaven Sent, Hellbound.' The record is being produced by Fredrik Nordström (At the Gates, In Flames, Opeth) and is set to release in the states on May 24th, 2011.
Noisecreep: What did you do while you were away from the band? Did you keep up with the metal scene during that time?
Erik Barath: We were all still were very much active with music, just not all together as one unit. And yes, I am and always will be a hardcore metal fan. There are still lots of great metal groups out there, but there are some new styles I just don't get. It seems [like] some want to combine pop with metal or techno with metal.
I don't want to sound like a purist, because I am not, but there are just some things that don't go together. It's kind of like mixing peanut butter and goose s--- together [laughter].
Watch this exclusive video of I.N.C. in the studio
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What sparked the idea to reunite Indestructible Noise Command?
I always said that the only way I would resurrect I.N.C. was if we did something really historic, something special and newsworthy. Twenty three years between albums is pretty historic and once we starting putting the songs together, we knew this would be something very special.
The kind of music I.N.C. performs seems like it could be physically taxing. Was it tough to get your chops back?
It was a little tough at first because I hadn't done thrash in a while so my picking technique was a little rusty. But it [only] took like a week to get sharp again. We all had to work out our rustiness a bit. Dennis took a few months to get his voice into shape, [since] he had not sung like this in a couple years. As for our live show, which was always famous for craziness, we are all gym rats, working out 5 times a week, jogging and all that s---. We are ready.
In terms of influence -- how much did the old stuff you listened to inform the new I.N.C. material? Or did you look to newer bands to get you fired up?
I have a pretty healthy diet of metal, both old and new. But to be honest metal doesn't influence me as much as it used to. I really love The Killers. I like the way every song is totally different from the last. It may not be metal but it is structured brilliantly and keeps the listener surprised. I would say they played the biggest influence in the writing of this record as far as structure is concerned. The new album is heavy as hell but expect the unexpected.
Watch the video for 'God Loves Violence'
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