Interview with TOTAL MANIAC - FILTHY DOGS OF METAL

08 Sep

!!!METAL MANIACS FROM BALTIMORE, USA!!!

We had a conversation with Vaughn “v beat” Volkman (Drums). Enjoy!

Welcome to the FILTHY DOGS OF METAL Webzine.

Tell us a few things about TOTAL MANIAC (Members, Starting Year etc).
TOTAL MANIAC IS:
Diamond Dustin
Ben Martin
Nick Etson
Mike Brown
Vaughn “v beat” Volkman.
The band formed in 2017 as a four piece with a different drummer. Over the pandemic (2021) Vaughn and Mike joined the band to complete the sound.

You have recently released your album ''Total Maniac''. What is the feedback from your audience as well as from the press?

Feedback from the album so far has been great , I think my favorite line someone said so far was “ presenting itself as an unstoppable steamroller that has come to blow our minds and make us like it” that was from science of. Noise magazine in Barcelona Spain.

Label or DIY and why?

Our record will be coming out on cassette through audacious madness records from Pittsburgh pa.

Do you prefer Vinyl, Tape, CD or Digital Format and why is that?

We prefer vinyl but right now it’s impossible to get them pressed unless you are a top major musician like billie eilish or some shit.

Your music style is Speed Metal with Punk elements. Which are your main influences (Favourite Artists / Bands etc.)

I’d say our main influences come from Thin Lizzy , Motörhead , and Metallica. Drumming is definitely influenced by Sepultura / Slayer/ Doom.

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?

I think one thing we would sacrifice would be quitting our jobs to do this full time.

Describe your ideal live show as a performance Band. Have you already experienced that?

Ideal live performance is literally just everyone nailing their parts.

Which attributes, do you think, that a new MetalPunk Band should have in order to gain identity and be unique?

I think the main thing about making it as a new metal punk band is the music itself , the art , and the way you present the band. It’s been done a lot but you can still throw in your own flair.

Do you believe that Digital Platforms help the new MetalPunk Bands? Which, do you think, is the ideal way for a Band to promote its work?

Yes , I think digital platforms unfortunately are the only way to promote new work. People are drifting away from hard releases and stick to just Spotify Apple Music etc…

Tell us a few things about the New Underground Metal Scene in Baltimore, Maryland (Bands, Fanzines, Webzines, Metal Clubs etc.)

As far as metal goes in Baltimore it’s pretty dyer right now. A lot of artsy bands and a lot of beat down hardcore bands. Hoping to see some new thrash band come out. Desolus from dc is a great new thrash band.