VIO-LENCE

PHIL DEMMEL

The legendary Bay area thrash band Vio-lence was one of the most succesful bands that came in the second wave of thrash in the late eighties. Vio-Lence debuted in 1988 with Eternal Nightmare and it was an instant classic. Their followup Oppressing the Masses was also a huge hit. But the band changed their sound a bit on their third album Nothing to Gain. The band disbanded soon thereafter because thrash metal was a dying art form. Vio-Lence reformed to play 2001's Thrash of the Titans where they delivered perhaps the best performance of all old school bands. now with original guitarist Troy Fua back to replace Robb Flynn who formed Machine Head. I've spoken with Vio-lence's guitarist Phil Demmel. Who also plays in bands like Technocracy and Torque.

First of all I'm wondering when are your new album going to be released?

Well we got four songs written. We are going to do an EP it's only going to be five songs. It should be out by the summer.

Will there be any big tours, supporting your new album?

No I don't think we are going to be touring for the album. A bunch of the guys in the band that are older. They got a lot of kids and a lot of responsibilities. I don't think we are going to be able to take this on the road. We had fun doing one-offs and stuff but that's as far as we can really take it.

Rumours about a re-release of Eternal Nightmare has been going around, will it be re-released?

Yes, We bought the rights from Mayhem Records and we are going to be re-releasing it over the summer through Contra Costa County . (CCC Records) Look forward to it over the summer.

Eternal Nightmare

How was it to play at "Thrash of the titans"?

It was amazing, It was a great group of bands getting together to play for a couple of cool guys. Sorry to hear of Chucks (Schuldiner of Death) passing. But it was a great long day with great bands, it was amazing.

When and why did Vio-lence decide to reunite as a band?

It was basically on Thrash of the Titans. We got together for that. Everybody was into the thrash, so we decided to headline a few shows. And we kept playing and a little tour came up. We where just having a blast.

Has anything changed during the years away from Vio-lence?

No, everything is pretty much the same actually. I don't think that anything has changed other than the fact that it's harder for us to play this stuff. haha, But we got used to it.

What has the Vio-lence-members been up to all these years?

Sean has been working as a construction worker. Perry has been busy with a few local bands F-bomb and in a band called Freeload. Dino played with me in Torque and Troy hasn't played since the last time we played in Vio-lence and that was in 1986.

What do you think of the thrash metal scene today?, especially when all the bands seems to reunite again.

I think it's cool. Everyone has an excuse to get together and play and have a good time, and that's what it's all about.

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

Yeah, Have a good time, and write for yourself, be yourself. Always just write for yourself.

Do you have any funny metal-story to tell?

No, we keep the stories under wrap. haha, that's about it.

Any last words to our readers ?

I appreciate the time and all the support we get for Vio-lence. keep it heavy! thanks

By/Ruthless

(08-04-2003)