Sparky talked to Mick Barr from Brutal Australian Death Metallers Monoliytyh about their upcoming European Tour with Anal Vomit.
Metal-Roos: Gday Mick , is Europe ready for their Imminent Demise with your tour?
Mick: Hello Sparky, Id say that’s a big yes!! We are in full swing with rehearsals for this tour in late October. Europe for us is really where our style of deathmetal is at home. The songs are brutal old school deathmetal overall, but contain elements of melody, twin guitar solos, groove breakdowns etc. Its not about re inventing the wheel for us , but we do have our own vibe in the genre which is important to our sound, and the fans of heavy music alike.
Metal-Roos: Monoliyth and Anal Vomit on the same bill is going to Crack some necks. How many dates and countries do you plan to conquer?
Mick: It sure will, we can’t wait to hook up with those guys and hit the road. There are around 20 dates that we play, starting on the 28th of Oct in Holland. Our tour see’s up hitting some other countries, including Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, plus a host of others that has us finishing in Romania.
Metal-Roos: How will they handle Some brutal Australian death metal?
Mick: I think it will be received really well, you can’t fool European metal fans, haha they’ll let you know real fast if you’re not working hard enough!
Metal-Roos: Got a new drummer helping out, too?! Is he any good?
Mick: Yes, we have a new drummer who is working hard for this tour as we speak. Dale has a great style with a solid, brutal approach to extreme drumming. So that is perfect for us as a band. We can’t wait to hit the road with the new lineup.
Metal-Roos: Why do you think Australian death metal is do unique? Is it the isolation and toughness? Or….
Mick: I don’t think its the isolation so much as its probably the huge amount of musicians here, that are fans of heavy music from all over the world. With so many styles of metal to listen to from the early 80’s right up until now with new variations, there’s never been a lack of influences or creative inspiration.
Metal-Roos: The inspirations behind your music? Especially on Foreplay Aftermath?
Mick: My inspirations primarily come from old school 80’s and 90’s metal. For me you just can’t beat it for straight-up aggressive music and killer hooks. “Foreplay” actually came together in one rehearsal back in the mid-2000s, before we knew it the song was done … if only it was always that easy hey.
Metal-Roos: What is pure extreme metal and why is it so important?
Mick: It’s the language of “metal music” nations. That right there is an amazing thing, where all fans /musicians who are dedicated to the style are connected, worldwide for a common cause. I mean how can so many people be wrong ?? Right!!
Metal-Roos: Must it always be brutal and uncompromising?
Mick: No not at all, personally I think that all the different elements in metal music actually make it more unique. Like you’ll hear classical, jazz, blues, fusion … lots of different styles of music in metal, that so many killer bands have blown people’s minds with.
Metal-Roos: The bands that made it great. And their influence on you?
Mick: Wow there are so many bands out there, but some of my favourite ones are Death, Suffocation, Kreator, and Deeds of flesh, to name a few. Chuck RIP had, has and always will be a big influence on me with music and songwriting. I still remember hearing “Human” for the first time when it was just released … man what a game changer that album was.
Metal-Roos: And to those who don’t understand it?
Mick: I know a lot of people who don’t like metal for one reason or another, or simply just haven’t listened to it. It doesn’t bother me really, but deep down I feel like they are missing something special!
Metal-Roos: Will you convert the locals with your sexy stubby coolers and get a chance to sample some of the fine European beverages?
Mick: Haha …most certainly, we can’t wait to get over to Europe !! Lots of great times ahead.
Metal-Roos: Place you are most looking forward to playing and the band you will be playing with?
Mick: I’m really looking forward to playing in Holland with Grave and Anal Vomit, I hear its not far from Angus Young’s house in Aalten, might call in for a cup of tea while we are there Haha.
Metal-Roos: Final thoughts?
Mick: Super excited about seeing all the amazing metal folk in the country’s were playing in, this October- November, come and check out some shows and don’t forget your earplugs.
