Besegra's Interview

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ATP

For the record, who's answering the interview?

BESEGRA

Trevor Gehl & Max Warwick

ATP

What is your band's name? How did you come up with that name?

BESEGRA

Besegra A previous line-up had decided on this name,including only Zach out of all the current members. It means "to conquer" or "to defeat" in Swedish. Although we are not from Sweden nor do have Swedish lineage, I believe the point was not to limit possibilities to English. There are too many languages to dismiss any possible name from being THE name, you know?

ATP

So who's in the band and what instruments do you each play?

BESEGRA

The band roster is as follows: Max Warwick on vocals, Trevor Gehl and Zach Rouse on guitar, Cory Hauley on Bass, and Brennan Ferrar on drums. Previous members include Andrew Aitchison on drums, and Andy Dmytryshyn on Bass (among other less notable members).

ATP

How would you describe your sound. What makes you unique?

BESEGRA

Though our sound is distinct, we don't limit ourselves to being a "thrash metal" band or a "death metal band". Our recently released debut album, "Infortunium", does demonstrate our personal style of traditional thrash and death metal influences while also having a modern edge of several other influences from each of us. There is also a strong influence of Classical and Jazz music present in our style.
The next album we're working on, a full length concept album, actually has expanded in many other directions. Including, power metal, progressive metal, folk metal, tech-death, and others. And though these may seem broad and not cohesive, we believe we do a very good job of blending styles into something that's new, and sounds good.

ATP

What bands have influenced each of you?

BESEGRA

Max: Everything from old school thrash influences of Death, Megadeth, Metallica, Testament, Exodus... To modern age death and progressive influences of Opeth, Gojira, Symphony X, Devin Townsend, The Faceless...
Trev: Black Sabbath, Megadeth, Opeth, Symphony X, Devin Townsend/Strapping Young Lad, The Faceless, Obscura, Necrophagist, Pink Floyd, Iron Maiden, Manowar, anything from Ron Jarzombek, Paul Gilbert, Marty Friedmann, Ynqwie Malmsteen, Victor Wooten and Fredrick Thordendal, most Baroque era classical music like Bach, Vivaldi, Paganini, Beethoven, and also a bit of Jazz, Miles Davis, Pat Metheny, Dizzy Gillespie, Les Paul; I've taken influence from ALL of these artists over the years, plus more I can't rattle off the top of my head or don't really listen to anymore.
We each have some personalized tastes, but luckily for us (especially listening to tunes on the road) we all share the same broad taste in music.

ATP

How experienced are you on the stage, a virgin or whore?

BESEGRA

I suppose you could say we're whores at this point. We've played for years in a local setting, everywhere within a 3-4 hour radius of here (Brantford, Ontario). We've also just recently finished our first tour, stretching out as far as Quebec City.

ATP

How would you describe your shows?

BESEGRA

We become very different people. Our usual relaxed, silly demeanor flips a switch and becomes a real assault of positive energies. Along with an interesting array of songs, We interact heavily with our crowd and feed off of each others' energy. It's not uncommon to have pure barbaric, warcry showdowns with members of the audience during our set...

ATP

Tell us about your favorite show and why?

BESEGRA

There are a couple worth noting. But one to focus on would probably be our show in Quebec City. Our second show out of province and the first show that I (Max Warwick) ran on my own out of province. French being the first language for most people in the city, it was an extrememly interesting experience. And very cool once we got to perform and receive positive reactions!

ATP

Tell us about your worst show and why?

BESEGRA

Probably the Oshawa show on the same tour. We've played shows where there's nobody there. But this show was packed, and then all the other bands left and their friends. Us and touring mates in Bulwark performed just for each other really... It's just much more hurtful when you see such a promising turnout dissipate. And, I believe it speaks largely for some of the issues in the local metal scene. Support all the bands! Especially if you're in a band yourself, don't leave every night right after you're done!

ATP

Tell Us About Your Dream Show, who you'd like to play with and where?

BESEGRA

I think the obvious choice is to play the Wacken Festival in Germany. Headlining with Opeth, Children of Bodom, maybe some Amon Amarth and At The Gates... That would be wicked.I think a common goal in the band is to play Europe, for me (Trev), any show in Europe would be my dream show.

ATP

Do you have a street team and how can you join?

BESEGRA

We do not have a street team. But we are going through many new developments and that may become one of them.

ATP

Do you have a record label and if not are you looking for one?

BESEGRA

We are currently under Darktower Records.

ATP

What are your plans for the future, in a year, 5 years?

BESEGRA

A year from now we hope to be closing in on the release of our next album. Five years from now we hope to be touring Europe!

ATP

Finally, do have any words on what Arm The Pit means to you?

BESEGRA

Arm The Pit is another cornerstone in keeping music alive! Fans and musicians alike have to come together and make this scene not only stronger, but a more professional atmosphere. Give credit where credit is due, and allow hard work to speak for itself. I think Arm The Pit is a great part of this!