Interviews: Bastard Skull

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Thrash Metal band Bastard Skull, 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? Did you plan it or came out like that?

Entire band: In the beginning, we decided to hold off on a band name and let it happen organically after a few rehearsals. At that point, we were throwing a few words and names around, but nothing seemed to fit. We wanted a name that embodied the aggression, speed, and rawness of our music. In addition, we wanted a name that resonated with the lyrics and unrest of the times. John mentioned Bastard Skull, and we all looked at one another in silent agreement—yeah, that’s it. It resonated with the music, lyrics, and the times. We are Bastard Skull!

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Entire band: We’ve always played Thrash and heavy music. John with his previous band, Annunaki, a thrash-death metal mix, and John and me in Blood Feast. We grew up around the birth of thrash, hardcore, and crossover.

Tom: I was there at the beginning of the Thrash movement. I saw Metallica early in 1983 before they recorded their first album. I knew then that was the music I wanted to play.

John: I was born and bred on classing Metal, Thrash, and soon after the birth of Death Metal. I was in the mix when it happened, buying records, tape trading, and turning my friends on to some great stuff. I remember when I got Kreator’s Endless Pain. I was playing it for the neighborhood while walking from one friend’s house to the next—That radio was huge: twelve D batteries, and it had an alarm! Haha! -- When those great albums came out: Metallica, Megadeth, Destruction, Kreator, Slayer, Venom, Mercyful Fate, Raven, etc. I was hooked, it was the next phase for me from Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Rainbow, Sabbath, who I absolutely love. -- I enjoy playing what I love listening to. I still spin my vinyl from the 80s, wear the shirts, and represent with patches and pins on my jacket. It’s in my blood.

George: I was that outlier. I played in a rock band with John called Dusk, while he would introduce elements of Metal, I wasn’t well-versed in Metal, especially the bands I've been listening to now. I enjoyed the challenge and saw my playing improve in bursts. Now I love playing and listening to Thrash, Death Metal, and aggressive Metal overall.

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

Tom: I played with John in Blood Feast. He was in the band before me, and while in Blood Feast, he asked me to join the band and sing. Who knew this would happen a decade later? I met George (Bassist) and Mark (drummer) when we formed Bastard Skull.

John: I met Tom when he replaced the bassist in Blood Feast. This was about a year or so after Kevin, the original drummer of Blood Feast, and I decided to resurrect the band, mid to late 2000s—Kevin and I were still in Annunaki. I’ve been playing with George since 1991/92. We were in an aggressive rock/punk band that was doing well in New York City throughout the 90s. Years later, we would form a rock band (Dusk) and record an album. It was natural that I would include him—I knew he could do it and would kill it! Mark, I knew from the local band circuit. I saw him play in the 80’s with Sneak Attack. Years later, living in the same town, we knew of each other but hadn’t actually met—until I ran into him in the studio and asked if he would be interested.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

John: Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Destruction, Sodom, Death, Mercyful Fate, Kreator, Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer. I could go on and on. I have a huge collection of vinyl and CDs. While my favorites remain, the list can change depending on my mood. I love metal! I love ripping guitar!

Tom: If I have to give you one band, it would be SLAYER!!!! I have so many favorites, but in a nutshell, they would be the one.

John: S-l-a-y-e-r! George, Joe (our roadie), and I just saw them in Hershey, PA. Killer show and set! Also, RIP Hanneman—killer player, writer, and That Les Paul! 

George: Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Ozzy, Slayer, Mercyful Fate, King Diamond, Obituary, Metal Church, Dying Fetus, Cattle Decapitation, and many more.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Tom: I am inspired by everything that I see and hear, everything that affects me! There is so much unrest! I am, surprisingly, cranking out a lot of content—not being a lyricist for very long, I've actually got bandmates who want to hear what I have to say. It’s nice.

John: I am inspired by my love for raw ripping guitar, the bands I listen to, and the guys in the band. Once we began playing together, I was inspired to write. It was great to play fast, aggressive Metal again. It had been a while since I was in Annunaki—I got the fire! Bastard Skull inspired me. I couldn’t wait to play guitar and create. The band influenced me, and we influenced one another.

6. Where was your last gig?

Entire band: Our last show was Dingbatz (NJ) with Attacker. It was a packed night. We had a killer set! The energy was intense, and we can’t wait to get back out there, especially now that the album is out, EP following on 11.24.25.

7. Where would you like to act?

Entire band: We would like to play throughout the world. We look forward to festivals and introducing people to our music and show—the energy is intense! We want to get on tours as well.

Tom: There are so many festivals around the world. As long as we can get to them and have a successful show, we are willing.

John: Agreed! I’ll close with: We look forward to thrashing it up and hanging with fellow metalheads.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Band: There are so many bands that we would like to play with, as a wish list, we would love to play with the bands that we enjoy listening to, some of our biggest influences: Overkill, Mercyful Fate, Destruction, Kreator, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest. It would be like winning the lottery! Actually, we want to play with any and all bands, new and seasoned, especially those who share our love and enjoyment for the music and the Metal community.

Tom: Whoever is still out there playing and flying the Metal flag. All of my influences, hopefully!

John: It’s impossible to narrow down a list. In general, we look forward to traveling, performing, and building community throughout the world.

9. Whom not? 

Entire band: Hmmm. How do you answer this one? We’ll play with anybody. Whether they like Metal or not, maybe we’ll convert them! Exposure is good, and today, many people are fans of music and not always a particular genre.

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

John: In the beginning, yes, but I still get that same hyped feeling when I get on stage. It’s anxiety and excitement, but positive. It becomes energy and drives my performance. In the end, I just want to perform the best I can.

Tom: Transitioning from bass to full-time singer, yes! There was stage fright. Now I’m behind a microphone and not a bass. The lyrics, introducing the songs, and leading the crowd into a frenzy require a different approach than playing bass. I’m doing a good job, and it’s only going to get better. My approach—how to beat stage fright: make sure you know what you need to know, get up there and just tear into it, let your feelings guide you, but make sure you know what you need to know!

George: Yes! It’s natural, but I turn it around. It motivates me. I’m having a great time!

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

John: Mercyful Fate, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Megadeth, Kreator, Slayer, etc. Hmm, Zeppelin, Rainbow, Saxon, Riot, Angel Witch—definitely Angel Witch—Raven, Destruction, Sodom. etc. Again, I could go on and on—Stratovarius, Conception, Helloween, Gamma Ray, etc. I can go on! It depends on my mood. There are times I wake up thinking (insert band here). Today it was Tygers of Pan Tang with John Sykes. The other day, it was Behemoth who pulled me through a tough time. Everything I like becomes an influence.

Tom: In no particular order: Slayer, Iron Maiden, Motörhead, Metallica, Sex Pistols, Ramones, Overkill, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest...I can go on and on. It's impossible to name all my influences in a sentence, but this is a good start. 

George: My influences are Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Ozzy, Slayer, Mercyful Fate, King Diamond, Obituary, Metal Church, Dying Fetus, and Cattle Decapitation. There are so many other influences. It depends on my mood, so the list can change.

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

John: I’ve had a female fan—a few over the years—request that I sign her chest. This happened recently at our show at Dingbatz (NJ).

George: I was on stage, this was in the 90s, in my previous band with John, we were nearing the end of a song. I was getting into the music and walked too close to the edge, then right off the stage. I fell, but somehow I didn't miss a note. I kept on playing, but I was sore the next day.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Entire band: Our fans are amazing and growing every day. Their energy is amazing—the pit, fists, and horns in the air, and singing the lyrics! It’s just amazing! We also enjoy hanging out with them. Truly amazing people! We appreciate each and every one of them!

14. What do you think of our site? 

Entire band: The site is killer! There are so many bands out there, and you’ve helped fans—and us—by spreading the word!

John: I love the \m/ pointer, also, your interviews with bands that I’m not too familiar with, whether they’re new, seasoned, or new with seasoned players. Breathing the Core is a great resource for fans of Metal. Thank you for supporting us—We appreciate it!

15. Something to add?

Keep up the great work, Breathing the Core, and Play it Loud!