ULTIMATUM

ROBERT GUTIERREZ & SCOTT WATERS

Ultimatum is a christian thrash metal band. They have been around since 1992 and they have released three albums since then. Symphonic Extremities in 1995, Puppet of Destruction in 1998 and The Mechanics of Perilous Times in 2000. They started to play thrash metal when most other bands stopped and they've kept the flag of thrash metal waving during a time when most people stopped caring about thrash. I've spoken to guitarist Robert Gutierrez and vocalist Scott Waters.

In your opinion, Is it harder to get attention when coming from a place like New Mexico then perhaps the Bay Area of San Francisco?

Robert - That all depends on the place or venue. However I believe that we are more poular outside of NM. We have had a better response in California. Weve played there a few times and we get better crowds there. Here in Albuquerque were getting more poular now probably because were doing more gigs now.

You are a christian thrash band, that is not so usual, at least not here in Europe, any thoughts about that, whats the advantages and disadvantages to being a christian metal band?

Robert - Some of the disadvantages is that we may not get enough quality secular shows because some may think that were either not good enough or just don't want to hear what we have to say in our music. Conviction goes a long way. We also may not get a big record deal because of our Christianity. The Advantages are better because we can play at both Christian and secular events. I also feel that we have better control over our music than if we were just a secular band. And as a band we can get along a lot better as well as solve problems more effectively.

I also believe that being a Christian Metal Band sets us apart from most of the other bands trying to make it here. Were the only Christian Metal band here in Albuquerque that does gigs with secular bands and that turns a lot of heads. It also opens up for very interesting conversation even opportunaties to witness. Lastly we dont have problems with drugs or booze.

Puppets of Destruction (1998)

When people discuss Ultimatum with me, they seems to think that Ultimatum's vocalist is Steve 'Zetro' Souza of Exodus (or at least a Zetro-clone), how do you feel about that resemblence?

Robert - I feel that it is a positive thing Scott does resemble those guys but he still has a unique voice that isn't heard much in Christian Metal. It was never intentional for him to sound that way it's just the way he sings.

What bands are you influenced by?

Robert - I have a pletora of favorites but a select few would be Van Halen for his guitar playing, Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Deliverance, Dio, Iced Earth to name a few.

Scott- there are so many bands that I could list. I am a HUGE metal fan and a big CD collector. However, I will say that Mortification, Sardonyx, Stryper, Vengeance Rising and Deliverance were some of my biggest influences as far as Ultimatum is concerned. If you are interested, check out my personal web site for more, www.nolifetilmetal.com

What do you think of the thrash metal scene today?

Scott-I think it will never again be what it was in the 80's and early 90's, especially in the U.S. I have read that the metal scene is still kicking in Germany. Bands like Hammerfall and Helloween are actually charting there. However, here in the U.S. the trends seem to change with the weather. Grunge, rapcore, ska, pop-punk, alternative, nu-metal, etc. etc. etc.

They come and go so quickly...probably because they are all terrible. (LOL!!!) Anyhow, we have never cared for the trends. We played metal in when grunge was popular, we're still playing metal now. That's what we like and that's who we are. Neck snapping, fist pumping, head banging heavy metal!

What's the highlight of your career?

Robert - The highlight of my carrer has not happend yet. However two most memorabe moments would be playing at the Stryper Expo in Azuza CA and also playing at the Christan Metal Mardi Gra in CA.

The Mechanics of Perilous Times (2000)

Any good advice for youngsters that want to start a band?

Robert - Be tight and know your stuff! Don't be sloppy and learn how to play your instruments.There are a lot of bands starting so being uniq and set appart is very important to be noticed.

Scott - Don't be to eager to jump into some record contract. Make sure you have someone outside the band, like a lawyer look it over first. We have been burned way to many times. If you are getting into a Christian band, make sure you are in it for the right reasons. Make sure you really, truly have a calling. If not, you can get discouraged very easily.

Any last words to our readers?

Scott - Thanks for the interview. We appreciate the support and exposure.

God Bless!

By/ Ruthless

(27-02-2003)