Interviews: WoR

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Groove Metal band, WoR, from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

Bobby: The bands’ name was already WoR when I joined and it just worked out like that

Ben: WoR was something that we thought would be cool because it was a play on words for the world war. We kind of made it our own and it’s just kind of stuck since then.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Bobby: It’s fun, exciting, and raw! I’m a fan of all genres really but this one sticks out to me more

Ben: I don’t really think we consciously chose to play this genre. This is just sort of what happens when the 5 of us get into a room and start jamming. The fact that we all are big-time metalheads and fans of metal also probably played a role in that. The heavier the better.

Phil: Metal is life. I was looking for a band that would challenge my playing ability and creative spirit. I’ve definitely found that band!

David: I want to play this genre because it is the most extreme form of music and really pushes my guitar playing to the limit.

Hunter: Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden inspired me in my Youth. I love this style of Music.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Bobby: We did not, that’s just how the universe works

Ben: We didn’t really know each other prior to the band forming. I got to know everyone in different ways. I met Bobby through a mutual friend, found Phil on via a craigslist ad, saw David play live a few times with another band in the North Carolina metal scene, and met Hunter through my gym at the time.

Phil: They found me on Craigslist and invited me to their practice shed. Ben and I actually went to the same university, but a few years apart. He may have thrown me out of a bar once.

David: No, I actually met everyone in the band when I went and saw them live at one of their early shows. We got along real well instantly and the rest is sort of history.

Hunter: No

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Bobby: Tool

Ben: That’s really tough because there isn’t just one band that influences me. If I had to pick one right now it would probably be Machine Head because they do so many different things well ranging from groovy stuff, to thrash, to nu-metal, to some of the most melodic passages I’ve ever heard. I like the variety of influences there.

Phil: My safe answer is The Devil Wears Prada

David: It’s so hard to choose one because there are so many great bands but I would say my favorite band is Tool

Hunter: Black Sabbath

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Bobby: Anything that I feel needs to be discussed or acknowledged. We are all products of our environment and I think that is something we all should be aware of

Ben: I’m a riff writer and I focus mainly on writing the music whereas Bobby writes most of the lyrics. Inspiration can come from a variety of places. There really isn’t any rhyme or reason to how I get inspired. Sometimes I’ll just be messing around and write the coolest riff ever. Or there will be a week where I’m super creative and able to write several songs. On the other side of the spectrum, there are also sometimes periods where I struggle and suffer from some writer's block but it’s all part of the process.

Phil: I’m inspired by riffs and melodies that give you that “light bulb” or “holy sh**” moment. Carefully crafting each song with the guys is inspiring because they’re insanely motivated.

David: Everything going on in life at the moment.

Hunter: Life itself. 6. Where was your last gig?

Bobby: The Lincoln Theatre on Jan, 3rd

Ben: Our last show was in Raleigh, North Carolina at the Lincoln Theatre. We actually filmed our music video for the song VI King’s that night.

Phil: The Lincoln Theatre was truly amazing.

David: The Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh NC

Hunter: At the Lincoln Theatre in North Carolina.

7. Where would you like to play? 

Bobby: Anywhere that will allow us to play

Ben: I grew up in Zurich, Switzerland so it would be really cool to go over there one day soon and throw down with my fellow country people.

Phil: Right now, literally anywhere. But Scandinavia would be fun

David: Wacken Open Air Festival

Hunter: Madison Square Garden in NYC

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Bobby: Killswitch engage and lamb of god

Ben: Megadeth. I grew up a die-hard Megadeth fan. I’ve probably seen them in concert more than any other band and Dave Mustaine is a freaking legend. That would be amazing for sure.

Phil: Taylor Swift

David: Amon Amarth

Hunter: Iron Maiden

9. Whom not? 

Bobby: Amateurs... I’ve learned my lesson

Ben: I don’t really have a list of people who I don’t want to share the stage with. Ask me again in a few years and we will see.

Phil: Britney Spears

David: There are no bands I can think of not to feature, I'm always open-minded to play with any bands out there

Hunter: Madonna

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Bobby: I still get a little nervous before performing, in the past, it used to be pretty bad but I found out that sometimes you just have to put yourself out there and you’ll be surprised what you’re actually capable of.

Ben: I never really suffered from stage fright. I used to play division 1 college football at Nc State University where we would play to a minimum of 65,000 people every Saturday in addition to being broadcast on national television. Preparation is what helps me keep my nerves calm. So the same thing generally goes for the band. Rehearsing extensively prior to shows or tours helps us get super well prepared and then we don’t really have anything to worry about. I always get excited about going on stage.

Phil: If you aren’t nervous before your first big shows, you might have overlooked something in your preparation. We’re always doing merch setup, excessive lights, and banners, in addition to our gear, so there isn’t a dull moment. Nerves are just a part of the experience for me.

David: I used to be frightened before going on stage years ago. Now I try not to think about the music, I just think of whatever makes me happy, take as many deep breaths as I can and say to myself you got this and everything will be alright.

Hunter: Not since I was just starting out playing live.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Bobby: Tool, Lamb of God, Pantera, Killswitch Engage, As I Lay Dying, Mudvayne, The Roots, Disturbed, Korn, August Burns Red

Ben: The Big 4 thrash bands (Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, and I’ll add Testament and Exodus in there with them), Pantera, Lamb of God, Sepultura, Gojira, Machine Head, The Haunted, At the Gates, Arch Enemy, Carcass, Morbid Angel, Obituary, Black Label Society, Eluveitie, In Flames, Meshuggah, Nevermore, Cannibal Corpse….the list could go on forever! Those are just a few.  

Phil: Thrice, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rancid, Lamb of God

David: Metallica, Tool, Queen, Pink Floyd, Rush, Disturbed, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Slipknot, At The Gates, Arch Enemy, Gojira, Slayer, Testament

Hunter: Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Metallica (First 4 Albums), Slayer, Sepultura, Testament, Kreator, Pantera, Van Halen, Morbid Angel, Megadeth, and Overkill. 

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Bobby: A piece of my hair

Ben: I’ve lost count. But it’s all good. Our fans are awesome!

Phil: To be in their band that just played!

David: I haven’t been asked anything weird from any of the fans

Hunter: My phone number

13. What do you think of your fans?

Bobby: I love my WoRheads, the best fanbase out there for sure

Ben: Our fans, the WoRheads, are amazing. They go crazy at our shows and it’s super entertaining to watch them lose their minds every night when we play. I can’t wait until we can play shows again after COVID. It’s going to get insane. 

Phil: Our fans are like family to us. We miss them terribly!

David: I think the fans are amazing in every way because without there love and support we wouldn’t be here

Hunter: Fans are what makes it all worth it!

14. What do you think of our site?

Bobby: Very informative, gives everyone insight and a closer look at their favorite band or artists

Ben: It’s very cool. Helping spread metal to the masses. That’s what it’s all about.

Phil: It’s amazing because you introduced me to AlienCore

David: I seriously love the website

Hunter: It’s awesome.

15. Something to add?

Bobby: stay cool, stay safe and buy our album “Prisoners” on August 7th

Ben: Yeah check out our album Prisoners when it comes out August 7th worldwide and stay up to date with all things WoR at www.WoRband.com

Phil: A metal podcast would be awesome where you feature and review tracks if you don’t have that already.

David: So far nothing I can think of

Hunter: Nothing to add that I can think of.