Interview with BASTARD CROSS
!!!BLACKENED BLASPHEMY FROM THE USA!!!
We had a conversation with Heathen Chevalier (Vocals, Guitar). Enjoy!
Welcome to the FILTHY DOGS OF METAL Webzine.
Tell us a few things about BASTARD CROSS (Members, Starting Year etc).
Bastard Cröss formed in February of 2021, though we didn't actually figure out a name until this summer! Our members go by Blasphemous Axe (Vocals, Guitar), Heathen Chevalier (Vocals, Guitar), Beheader of Priests (Bass), and Infernal Bastard (Drums).
You are going to release your EP ''Bastard Cross''. Tell us a few things about this project.
Our self-titled E.P is a small taste of the sounds we wanna explore, from loud and aggressive to filthy and blasphemous. Not each song sounds too alike and you can definitely hear the multiple influences going on.
Label or DIY and why?
We're going D.I.Y digitally and on cassette. Our own Heathen Chevalier runs a D.I.Y style label called Unchained Tapes and is releasing the tape through the label. We eventually want to expand out and find a bigger label in the future, to release on other formats, like CD and vinyl.
Do you prefer Vinyl, Tape, CD or Digital Format and why is that?
We all prefer vinyl but will get our hands on any format that's available from the bands we love to support.
Your music style is Black/Speed Metal. Which are your main influences (Favourite Artists / Bands etc.)
Our biggest influences for this project are Morbid Saint, Aura Noir, Midnight and Venom. Definitely lots of filthy and aggressive stuff.
Which things, do you think, a Band should sacrifice in order to succeed? Have you ever sacrificed anything in your life for a better future of your Band?
We think time, mental health and employment needs to be sacrificed to get anywhere in music. Especially mental health.
Describe your ideal live show as a performance Band. Have you already experienced that?
Our ideal experience is entirely based on how enthusiastic our crowd is. Doesn't matter if it's a basement, as long as the fans are throwing down for us.
Which attributes, do you think, that a new Black/Speed Metal Band should have in order to gain identity and be unique?
Definitely to be more unique the music has to explore more territories and influences and especially nail down their imagery. But there's been some bands who stick to a formula that still find success, so just knowing what you want musically is definitely most important for any band.
Do you believe that Digital Platforms help the new Black/Speed Metal Bands? Which, do you think, is the ideal way for a Band to promote its work?
Yes! We think the best way to get music out is through Bandcamp and YouTube. To promote our music, social media and building our networks is the best way to gain more listeners. Can't get anywhere if you don't know anyone.
Tell us a few things about the New Underground Metal Scene in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Bands, Fanzines, Webzines, Metal Clubs etc.)
Philadelphia has had a past of combining metal and punk to create a unique crossover style. Some similar bands we dig here are Devil Master, Zorn, Plague Dogs and Alment!
Do you know anything about the Hellenic Metal Scene?
No, but we're definitely open to learning about more scenes!
What are your future plans?
We're looking to do a 7" split eventually with the right band and a few small tours.
Thank you very much for your time & Keep up the good work! The closure is yours.
Buy our shit, drink a beer and crank it to eleven!
By Steve the Filthy Dog.
BASTARD CROSS CONTACT:
https://www.facebook.com/bastardcrossphl
https://bastardcross.bandcamp.com/album/bastard-cr-ss
https://www.instagram.com/bastardcrossphl/