Anterior Feature Interview    By Annette Simmonds

The music scene can be an unforgiving environment for a metal band. You have to work until your heavy metal balls rust and drop off. Welsh stalwarts Anterior have learned all too well the price that must be paid for such an opportunity. ‘Being in a touring band puts a lot of strain on each member at some point,’ says vocalist Luke Davis. ‘It’s not just the time that you’re away; it’s the amount of rehearsing, writing and press, etc. Juggling a relationship and a social life can be a real struggle. I’ve personally had massive arguments with my girlfriend and family over the amount of time and effort that is dedicated to Anterior. It’s what you have to do if you want to make an impression in the metal world.’

Luke and his band mates have had to work hard and tour solidly in an effort to get their name recognised on the great metal circuit. ‘Since 2009, we’ve played the best shows of our careers to date’, Luke enthuses. ‘It’s always a toss up between playing big stages with large crowds whilst supporting someone, or playing smaller packed-out clubs on your own. I’d go for the latter. There’s a lot more interaction that way and that’s what fuels a band.’ Does this plethora of good vibes make it easier on the band to be away from home for so long? ‘It’s definitely easier. I think you’re on such a rush on your first tour, whilst the novelty is still strong. Then after a year of sleeping on your gear in the back of a transit, or on a floor in someone’s house, and balancing your relationships around a working band it becomes hard going.

  Only a seasoned grafter could give such sobering insight. The fact is that only sacrifice gains rewards, something Luke is well aware of. ‘There’s so many amazing bands out there who are willing to put the hard work in, if you don’t keep up you’ll sink and waste all the effort.’ Hence all the touring. Is this the reason for the large gap between previous album ‘This Age Of Silence’ and new album ‘Echoes Of The Fallen’? ‘The gap was something we never wanted,’ Luke says. ‘The reason was the lack of a permanent line-up. being in a band can be real bastard and not many people realise just what goes in to it all; we lost a few members to this realisation. The romantic idea of joining a signed band and instantly turning in to a rockstar is quickly crushed when you experience the hard work behind the scenes.’
 
Despite the difficulties, Luke and his cohorts remain proud to be a part of such a strong and resilient scene and their Native Wales. ‘I think its because Wales is so small that national pride is bred in to everyone here, and its always great to do your bit to bring some attention to your country. Wales isn’t generally celebrated for its metal, but there are so many absolutely outstanding bands here that some people only need to scratch past The Lostprophets and they can uncover some really world class talent. Check out Omerta, All To Ruin, Intensive Square just to name a few.’

So what does Mr. Davies think of new record, ‘Echoes Of The Fallen’? ‘I think it’s a lot more grown up. ‘Echoes…’ still keeps all the eccentricities that make Anterior what it is, but wrapped up in a slightly neater package. I think the outstanding work of our producer, Scott Atkins, left mark on the sound of the album, too.’

What of Anterior’s future, then? Three years ago in an interview with Soundshock, guitarist Steven Nixon revealed his dream of playing with Shirley Bassey. Any plans to fulfil his wish? ‘We ain’t quite at the level of prestige to throw down with the Bassey just yet. It’s Japan next, then a headline UK tour and we’re currently in talks to get to the US next year. If it’s three years until we next speak I’d at least hope that we’ve toured the US and Europe again and fingers crossed possibly have gangbanged Shirley Bassey. Fuck yeah!’
 

Feature written by Annette Simmonds for Soundshock.