Albums of Purgatory Interview Vehement

Albums of Purgatory: Firstly, how would you describe the Vehement sound.

Vehement: Ultraistic Progressively Aggressive, Beer Drinkn', Weight Liftn', Music for
Xtreme People.

AoP: the band has a collective 40 years experience. Which bands does that include?

 

Vehement: Well basically, BNO has been performing, recording and paving the way for Extreme Metal Music here in Chicago for numerous bands since 1986 including, the original "Zyklon-B," and "Johnny Vomit." Mike has been performing and recording since around 1989 and has a degree in Music Composition/Guitar Wizardry. Along with currently being a music/guitar teacher and doing several projects of his own, Mike jammed with a
Chicago based death-thrash metal band called, "Halifax Gibbot." JC has been performing and recording since 1988, and has a degree in sound engineering/business management.  JC has worked on several studio projects of his own along with Luxa/Pan Productions, Cellar Records, and loads of other bands.

AoP: What are the proudest moments of your career so far?

Vehement: Each little moment seems to have it's place in the VEHEMENT scheme. This all leads to the constant evolution of total pride and total control. If you have to say one specific moment, it would be playing for a television show here in Chicago at a local production studio for screaming, raging VEHEMENT fans!

AoP: What started the band back in 88?

Vehement: Ambition, Drive, Motivation, you get the picture. It's just the dedication to the instruments you play and the music you live to write. Perseverance pays off in the end, and VEHEMENT has been around long enough to know that eventually you will develop into something solid.

AoP: Who are the bands influences?

Vehement: If you talk about all the way throughout history and from the beginning of music, we would have to say everything from Bach and Liszt to Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Iron Maiden, Pink Floyd, ELP and Rush to Slayer, Death, Motorhead, Master and loads of other bands.

AoP: How did it feel to finally release the full length album in 99?

Vehement: Very Cool! Not only did we have our CD in major retail stores in the USA, but it was available Worldwide on the Internet at www.vehement.tv. Our goals were set and the plan was in place to help meet those goals. It was a great opportunity to get our music out there to so many VEHEMENT fans around the world!

AoP: What are your favourite tracks off Unbalanced for Mankind?

Vehement: We like them all the best! But, to pick out a few we would have to say Allergicide, Forever Lost, and Intergalactic Landmarks are fun to play.

AoP: What has been your favourite place to play so far

Vehement: Chicago has the most raging VEHEMENT fans! But, other than that Detroit, MI. and Florida were some cool shows.

AoP: Do you have any touring planned for the future and if so where do you look forward to
playing?

Vehement: More of the USA and of course Mexico, Europe, and Australia.

AoP: How is "Naturally Heavy" coming along?

Vehement: F'N Heavy! We got some "new" tunes with more creativity, more progressively aggressive sounds, it's going to be a killer!

AoP: What is your favourite all time song?

Vehement: Tarkus, ELP

AoP: What would be your dream Metal line-up

Vehement: Ian Gillan-VOX, Keith Emerson-KEYS, Steve Vai-GUITARS, Chuck Schuldiner-GUITARS, Geezer Butler-BASS, Gene Hoglan-DRUMS.

AoP: Do you have any funny stories you can share with us?

Vehement: We could but they would probably ban us in only 15 countries!

AoP: Finally, what does the future hold for Vehement?

Vehement: Getting out the sounds and ideas that we have, and turning them into arrangements that are bigger than the biggest thing you can think of. Also, coming to your town, city, country, or neighborhood and putting on a show that you would never forget.

AoP: Thank you for your time and good luck

Vehement: Thanks again for the interview, be sure to check out www.vehement.tv for all VEHEMENT updates and late but ever-breaking news!