They say beware the Ides of March...so maybe you should beware
Sarah Jane Abernathy...Spring 2012 Hella Hawtie likes her metal intense!
1. What are your three favorite bands?
My #1 favorite band of all time is High on Fire. Their live shows are ear deafening and mind blowing. Their studio albums are consistently badass. They own any venue they play and their fan base is only growing. I once heard a interview where they were asked what "genre" of metal they played. They responded: "We play fuckin metal. That's it." I have huge respect for their talent and commitment. And, after having the album cover for Blessed Black Wings tattooed on my back, I think it's fair to say I'm a rabid High on Fire fan.
The next two bands are always changing because I try to keep my music collection fresh. Currently, my 2nd favorite band is Dark Castle, a doom metal 2 piece from Florida. They are one of the few doom bands that doesn't sound like Black Sabbath. They mix a lot of industrial sounds, instrumental pieces, and strange and haunting Hungarian and Japanese scales in their songs. Their guitarist and vocalist, Stevie Floyd, does all their artwork and her vocal sound is as mean and powerful as any male vocalist I've ever heard. Check out their new album Surrender to all Life Beyond Form. It’s phenomenal.
My third favorite band is going to be a black metal band. It's hard to pick just one, but I choose Gorgoroth. They blend the traditional harsh vocals and stark sound of black metal with classical guitar work that showcases the musicianship of their founding member, Infernus. They are a true black metal band with a clear Satanic agenda. Gorgoroth has been through line up changes, copyright battles, members serving time in prison, being dropped from labels and more. Through it all, Gorgoroth and founding member Infernus have prevailed. I would love to go to Norway someday and see them play live at an underground club.
2. What is the first concert you remember attending?
I saw Judas Priest on the Defenders of the Faith Tour when I was 12. When Rob Halford came out on his Harley and started ripping “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming,” I was sold on metal forever. We were just kids, and the heshers in front of us handed us a joint as a joke. I remember being totally scared and overwhelmed, but the show was life changing for me. I imagine I would have turned into a huge, boring yuppie if not for Judas Priest in the 80’s.
3. What are your thoughts on the music scene?
I think the metal/thrash scene is growing. I’m not one of the youngsters running wild in the pit anymore, so I pay more attention to what is actually happening now. I see audiences getting bigger everywhere and more diversity in the crowds. I think it’s a sign of the times that everyone is just sick of it all and needs this brutal outlet to release their frustration. Still, I will always be drawn to the underground element. Most of my focus is going to shows at smaller, more personal venues. 2011 was an incredible year for that for me. Seeing High on Fire at Brookdale Lodge, the Melvins at the Blank Club and Neurosis at Great American Music Hall were just a few shows where I felt incredibly lucky to be up close and personal with my favorite bands.
4. What is the next show or few shows you plan on attending?
I’m for sure hitting up the Psychosomatic show on March 23rd at the Blue Lamp in Sacramento. I’m a huge fan of thrash metal and these guys are the best. I can’t wait see to their new line up and hear them tear it up live. It’s going to be a killer show!
Relapse of PSYCHOSOMATIC w/ Cheapskate, Beerlords, Solanum
I’m also really looking forward to seeing Meshuggah and Baroness at the Filmore in May!
5. If you could meet any musician and ask a question, who would it be and what would you ask?
I’m not exactly a deep thinker on stuff like this, but I guess I might ask Chris Cornel why he covered a Whitney Houston song after her death? He’s such an amazing artist and he’s done so much good work. Even the cover is good, but I still gotta wonder what he’s thinking???
