Interviews: Electrocutioner

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

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Was it planned, or did it just happen organically?

I wanted something with a -tor at the end like 'Annihilator,' 'Solicitor,' etc... so I told my bassist Electrocutor... he immediately said, "Why not Electrocutioner?" and that was that! There's a Batman villain called Electrocutioner, but we had no idea about that.

2. Why did you choose to play this genre?

Because we love thrash metal and we love playing fast and fuckin' mean!

3. Did you know each other before forming the band?

Rich, the bassist, and I have known each other since middle school or something like that. We were kind of the only dudes with long hair in our high school, so we've been playing music and drinking together forever. Our drummer Tyler, was recommended to us from Extinction AD, a big New York thrash band, after our original drummer quit while recording our first album. We hit it off with him right away... we've been playing music and drinking together ever since haha!

4. What is each band member's favorite band?

Tyler = Judas Priest

Mark = Whiplash

Rich = Children of Bodom/Razor

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

It's funny we are called 'Electrocutioner' because when I'm in the zone, I feel like I have electricity in my veins and riffs need to come out. The only thing that inspires me to write riffs is the idea of creating some evil-sounding, razor-sharp riffs. I usually aim for something that Slayer would have played on "Show No Mercy," Whiplash, or some early Megadeth riffs. I always start with the sound... I never write based on lyrics or an idea in mind first.

6. Where was your last gig?

El Bunker Del Diablo in Queens, New York, with Void from Louisiana, Stone Nobles from Rhode Island, and Moriondor from New York. The Bunker is a newer club that's underground and very labyrinthine, like a bunker... no windows and low ceilings. It has a real raw, and dark vibe about it.

7. Where would you like to perform in the future?

Our personal goal is to play Hells Heroes in Texas... I've been there like four times. I love that fest, but I want to see some more fast fuckin' thrash by hungry up-and-comers like us on some early spots. South American metalheads are insane, so playing down there would be a dream... otherwise, Los Angeles, Texas, the UK, and Germany.

8. Which artist or band would you like to collaborate with?

I would love to just pick the brains of the thrash metal legends because I'm always chasing something with the old school spirit. I would love to have Tony Portaro of Whiplash or Bobby Blitz of Overkill produce a track. I also think it would be sick to collaborate with New York thrash legends from Anthrax, Nuclear Assault, and  Demolition Hammer... we are very proud to keep the torch of New York thrash metal alive, so to link up with any of those legends would mean the world.

9. Is there anyone you wouldn’t want to collaborate with?

Pizza thrash bands... I can't stand how cartoony and comedic it is. That's just my taste; it's not for me. I think it's a real poison on the thrash metal. We've played shows with a bunch of pizza thrash shows, and I'm happy to be friendly and respectful, it's nothing personal, but I wish the style would just fade away.

10. Have any of you ever experienced stage fright? Do you have any tips for beginners on overcoming it?

Never. I think playing a show is the funnest thing in the world, so to me it's like opening Christmas presents. If I had a tip, I'd say to remember that you are making people pay to see you, and people worked hard for that money. It's your responsibility to give them everything you got... drink some beers and go berserk! 

11. Which bands have influenced you the most?

Personally, Whiplash, Exorcist, and Megadeth are probably my biggest influences. 

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

Probably cocaine or something like that haha! We only drink, though... no drugs!

13. What do you think of your fans?

That's a good question! I purposefully have tried to never use the word 'fan' in my life. I look at the people who enjoy our music as people on the battlefield with us... We're all on the same team, and we're all here for thrash. At a local show, it's basically a party with friends for us. Anyone who listens to a song or grabs some merch is highly appreciated by us... We couldn't do it without them.

14. What do you think of our site?

I dig it! I like how you guys have all the subgenres listed with detailed descriptions... I never knew there was such a thing called 'Star Wars Metal' ha!

15. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Listen to new bands and new music all the time! Don't just listen to the same shit all day. Find some new bands you love and get them in your blood! Thrash till death!