Vancouver blackened thrashers HALLUX have released their self-titled album, with current plans of touring later this year,with othershows happening in and around their terrain. The band goes into further detail about their music choice, influences, namesake,and so much more, it's hard to keep up!
1. For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
We're a Vancouver based thrash band with a stripped down and direct approach inspired by early extreme metal with modern sensibility and a relentless delivery.
2. In February you had released your first album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?
It's the classic 3 piece thrash band kind of record, straight to the point and raw. The aim was for it to be as close as possible to the live sound and we went into it with that mentality. This record captures the essence of the band and what we're about.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you explore with the music?
The lyrics are mainly anti-authoritarian, denouncing religion, police, and government. The terminal state of humanity and existential despair, they are expressions of criticism and disdain.
4. Can you tell us a little bit more about the cover artwork?
The concept for the album artwork was a reverse inquisition. It was illustrated by Craig Moston and it depicts an inversion of power where priests are being tortured by heretics. Let's call it our idea of utopia.
5. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name "Hallux"?
Hallux represents the dark side of humanity. People are perpetually attempting to transcend, whether spiritually or intellectually, forgetting existence begins and ends within this realm. It is Latin for "big toe", the part of us that remains buried in the mud and the shit as we fail to overcome our human condition.
6. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
The best shows are the ones where we get to be close to the audience for a more intimate experience. The DIY shows, the shows we play on the floor, the illegal backwoods festivals. These are the most fun as the separation between musician and audience doesn't exist and everyone is part of the same experience. Our performances are relentless, playing song after song without needless banter or gimmicks. In your face, no bullshit thrash.
7. Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
We are planning a Western Canada tour for the fall, and in the meantime continue playing around BC and some local shows.
8. Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
Not actively looking for a label as we've had a DIY philosophy thus far, but if the right opportunities arose we would be open to working with an independent label.
9. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black, death and thrash metal?
BrecMadak from the YouTube said the album was lame but, other than that, we haven't been bashed much on the internet so we like to think it hasn't been bad. We've had a good amount of plays in places like Portugal, Sweden, and Germany so we hope to make it out there at some point in the future.
10. What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?Mike plays in Unroot, a Black Metal band with members from WTCHDR and Koma, and they are actively writing and playing shows. Miles also plays in Riftwalker, a band he started when he was 17 and released their first full length in 2016. They are also planning a Canadian tour for this summer. And Ian's second project is called Chaos Still, a 2-piece instrumental band with Tom Hudson from Ornament & Crime.
11. Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
We are very focused on maintaining the same path and evolving within the stylistic parameters of what we do. Experimentation happens within the writing process, but we're not interested in straying too far from the roots of thrash.
12. What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Aside from the classics like Celtic Frost and Motorhead, we are influenced by different styles of music both within and outside of Metal. Bands that are currently in heavy rotation are Satan's Wrath, Power Trip, Toxic Holocaust, and Vektor to name a few. We like the bands that are reigniting the attitude and delivery of how extreme metal used to be.
13. What are some of your non musical interests?
Heresy, beer, and weed.
14. Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Reject authority - Reject salvation.
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