Hatchet's Julz Ramos Thrashes Til the End!

Thrash heads Hatchet released their single "Fall From Grace" off their upcoming release "Dawn Of The End" via The End Records. Frontman vocalist and lead guitarist Julz Ramos talks about the new release, the band's plans and headbanging style of choice.

1. Where does a band get a name like Hatchet?

Julz: The name is actually something I came up with. I always thought that the best band names, especially the ones I have come to like in notoriety, are always a one word name. Slayer, Metallica, Testament etc…I thought that sounded kinda cool. A small swift axe (A Hatchet). It sounded very thrash to me. So it stuck.

2. Tell me about the single "Fall From Grace".

Julz: Fall from grace is one of the more interesting tracks on the album. Especially to play. The verse riff has a very ‘start-stop’ feel to it. Lyrically it's about the fall of Lucifer from Heaven. How the ancient story goes about him speaking out again god and thinking he was better, then cast down into what is now Hell.

3. "Dawn of the End" is the title of the album is there a concept behind the title and album itself?

Julz: Basically it’s a very apocalyptic themed album. Very dark and this title just seemed to capture it very well. I have always been a fan of albums that are named after songs and this was definitely a standout track and title. We were originally going to call it World Under Plague, but the song that coincides to that was not as strong of a song, so we went with Dawn of the End.

4. The End Records will be releasing this album, how did this happen?

Julz: This was actually quite a long process for us. We have been working with Marco Barbieri (Salem Rose Music) on shopping our new full length to all the major, indie and garage level labels to see if we can land something that would be a good new home for us. A lot of people passed out right because we have gone through some major lineup changes, label change, and just the state of thrash music in general. We had our work cut out for us and a lot of people were initially interested based on the music and we received a lot of good comments on that alone. The End were one of the first to make an actual offer. It was a fair and simple one. So there ya go…

5. Who produced the album? How has the producer aided the recording process?

Julz: The producer is a guy named Nick Botelho. He recorded, mixed, co-produced and mastered the entire thing. Great guy we have worked with before. His aid was basically lending his very well trained ear on the perfections or lack thereof  in certain areas. A few things were unfinished when we went in to record and he helped from a metal enthusiasts standpoint and gave good direction on some things.

6. How would you describe the overall sound of the new album? How does it compare to "Awaiting Evil"?

Julz: Basically it crushes the fuck out of Awaiting Evil. Much more aggressive, much more polished, much more present as a band. There are more mature riffs and ideas in general. Also the production is WAY better and more with the times.

7. What about the differences how do the two releases differ from one another or so they not?

Julz: Like I said above its just a much more mature effort. But I will say it still has the Hatchet sound as I did write the majority of both albums music. The other members contributions are also greater than on Awaiting Evil. It has helped a lot.

8. Did the band have any definitive goals they were shooting for before the recording process began for this album?

Julz: Yes. We wanted to get on a new label and get more professional representation. We have that now with The End (label) and Salem Rose Music (Management). Both goals are accomplished and we are stepping up to the next plate.

9. Are you using any new instrumentation you've never used in the recording process before?

Julz: Well other than me now doing the vocals and lead guitar no. We have always been a 2 guitar, bass and drum oriented band. The vocal duties are more challenging, but very fun, and I have finally found my voice and direction to go in.

10. When did you start writing for this album? How was the songwriting process different/similar to previous Hatchet albums?

Julz: The first couple songs were actually written shortly after Awaiting Evil. Some things have changed and parts re-arranged, different lyrics but it has been a very long slow process. Ill touch on this more in the next couple questions. It was similar in writing in the sense that I generally formulated most of the riffs and arrangements of the guitar parts before bringing it to the band. This album had a lot more contributions and personal touch of the other members than Awaiting Evil had.

11. "Awaiting Evil" was the debut. Did you feel any pressure to follow it up?

Julz: Pretty much only in a personal sense. Since that album was released we have had a good deal of lineup changes and it got pretty challenging at times. It's good to see it come to fruition after all this time.

12. It's been five years since the release of "Awaiting Evil". Why such a long time period between albums?

Julz: As I mentioned before, we have had a lot of short time members in this band and it stalled the overall momentum of the group. I had to spend a painstaking amount of time re teaching old material to new people who would come in for a tour or just in general. That time could have been spent writing and rehearsing new material, but it had to be done to keep us afloat and be able to still play shows. All in all I'm glad I went through it. The band has never been stronger or had more dedicated members and we all truly get along and its fun again.

13. Can you go into one or two tracks on the new album? If so, can you give us the track title and brief description of how the track sounds and how it came about?

Julz: Signals of Infection- This is definitely one of the stand out tracks. Very straight forward, fast and thrashy with catchy riffs in thought. This song is actually about zombies. Everyone from the film industry to music had been on a zombie kick lately in some way or another. This is basically our stab at it. It’s about the eventual zombie take-over of the human race and the beginning warning signs that the person in the story starts noticing amongst his fellow humans. Very Metal!

Screams of the Night- This song describes a serial killer. Someone tormented in their own mind. I watch a lot of Investigation Discovery, and love watching pieces on serial killers and what drives them to do what it is they do. A lot of them describe feeling tormented within until the urge to kill is irresistible. That’s what this focus’ on. The screams the killer hears in his head at night are his own, compelling him to kill.  

14. You have a handful of shows coming up but what about touring anything in the works?

Julz: Our manager is currently helping us look for a booking agent. Ideally we’d like to get on some key tours to really help spread our name and sound to new fans and audiences. It’s been slow but we are making some head way. It will take time, but we WILL be out soon!

15. Three out of the four band members have long hair, who of the three would win in a headbanging contest?

Julz: I'm pretty sure we all have long hair to some degree. I’d have to say I’d win, because I headbang the most onstage and in my personal time. =)

16. What has been the longest one of you has headbanged for, like 5 minutes straight without stopping?

Julz: I'd probably say at least 2 or 3 minutes every time we play, hahaha! Usually I have to come up for air.

17. How many band t-shirts are in your own personal collection? Do you own any of your own merch?

Julz: Too many to count!!!! I definitely have 1 of each hatchet shirts that we have put into print. Kind of a collection thing in my mind.

18. Who would destroy it in the mosh pit if you had the chance to jump in one?

Julz: Kind of confused by this, but if you're asking what band would make me want to kill it, it would be Overkill. I have yet to see them live and I was recently sick when they came through and I was going to go. I am gonna catch another date though to make up for it at the end of their tour.

19. What type of mosh pit do you prefer, circle pit, wall of death, or the typical mosh pit?

Julz: From a being in one standpoint, definitely typical, everyone shoving, everyone moving, people falling on the floor type. From up on stage….Any kind!

20. The plans for Hatchet for 2013 are what, where, and why?

Julz: The plans are anything we can possibly do within our means!! We’d love to tour and eventually get over to Europe finally! Playing as many shows as we can, and drinking all the way along for the ride!

21. Is that your final answer?

Julz: No. This is!