Metal Monthly: Thank you for taking time out of what I am sure is a hectic schedule to answer some questions and talk some metal.

WAGS: You’re welcome Deanna. It's always a pleasure to talk shop and let the metal fans know what we're about.

MM: That is what it is all about the fans. So I see that you guys originally formed in 88’ and then disbanded circa ’92, how has it been resurrecting H.A.T.E. after all these years?

WAGS: The last 4 years have been a very trying and tiresome journey, but worth every minute of it! The main concern was not knowing how H.A.T.E. and the music would be received by the listeners. We definitely carry that old school 80's sound and feel, and in 2004 and 2005 that wasn't what was on the scene for that time period. That was a real struggle when playing shows. There is nothing worse than a crowd of 20 somethings watching you with a blank face! They didn't get it at first, but we kept going back venue after venue until they realized what they had been missing all those years, H.A.T.E! 80's music is making a strong resurgence with more and more of the younger generation catching on.

MM: I agree absolutely with that, you do see the younger crowd meshing with the original fan base of many well known 80’s acts. That being said, was it hard having just two of the original members in the lineup? How did you go about finding the current ones?

WAGS: Well, Chuck and myself where really the nucleus of the band from the beginning, so kick starting H.A.T.E. wasn't a challenge. Our drummer, Michael "Hazard" Harris was a given from the beginning. I was familiar with his skills back when he was drumming with another 80's band Real Steel. In 2001 I hooked up with him in another project called Digital Nerve for a 2 year run, and when the H.A.T.E. gig resurfaced, he just flowed on over. Hazard is an integral part of the band. The guy can destroy a drumkit! He also contributes some song arrangements as well as lyrical work. And then there's Curran Murphy. I'm in another project with him named Shatter Messiah, and when we realized that we need another guitarist to fatten up the sound live, I asked Curran if he wanted to step in and do some shows with us which he agreed to do. Now he's full time member. The chemistry between us four was so perfect. Currans background is alot heavier coming from his former bands Nevermore and Annihilator, so he brings an added flavor to the project with his guitar work.

MM: I am familiar with Real Steel and with Annihilator, and your decision definitely works with your sound. Were you worried at all that your original fan base would not accept a lineup change?

WAGS: No, I don't think so. I mean the music hasn't really changed much and their have been many years in between the two. I have received a lot of recent emails from fans back in that period, and nobody has mentioned anything about the line-up.

MM: That’s great, you’re able to really pick up where you left off and not disappoint your fans. I love the fact that you can blend some annihilating guitars riffs with amazing melodic vocals. I think it gives you a style all of your own while touching on the roots of your style. Do you feel that this sort of blend gives you an edge over the more typical heavier bands out there?

WAGS: Not so much an edge over heavier bands, but more of a separation. We offer the metal music fan another avenue to explore. Not that this is something new, it just got misplaced for awhile and we found it. When you pop in our cd "Metal Forever", you’re going to get a variety. Most say that doing that on an album is a bad move when trying to sell yourself to a label, but we're not going to give the fans and public 10 tracks of the same song with a different title.

MM: Variety to me makes the metal album and you definitely have resurfaced that genre of metal. You have been on tour with Nazareth, Overkill and Metal Church, how was it to play with such heavy hitters and obvious influences on your music style?

WAGS: It was one of the highlights of our career and we would love to rip it up with them all again!

MM: I hear you there, those were and still are some amazing bands to see and I am sure to tour with. You released your much anticipated debut CD Metal Forever, a well put together piece of music I might say too. Judging by the reviews it has been getting it is being received well. How do you respond to such statements that it is too long for a metal release?

WAGS: Well first of all, thank you for the kind words Deanna. We put a huge amount of effort into "Metal Forever" without the help or support of a label. We recorded the album at Currans 'Smiley Sound Studio' and it was truely a DIY album from start to finish all the way through distribution. So when we get compliments on it, like yours, it means that much more to all of us. The reviews have been very supportive and a few of them less than that. They like the album overall, they just point out some cosmetic flaws that we knew going into it. Like I said it was a DYI. And as far as the album length goes, we gave the listener more bang for their buck. Why would anyone complain about that? "Metal Forever" was our debut and we had a lot to say.

MM: You are more than welcome, it is refreshing to hear such a great piece of material and a DIY album, even better, stand tall and proud. Now from what I saw on your page you are doing some shows in Ohio and one in Detroit. Are there any plans in the making for doing the states or oversees?

WAGS: A tour has been on the table for awhile now, but making the financial and logistical aspects work out has been an issue. We have a big festival in Texas that we are working on, and overseas we may be performing at a new metal fest in Holland. We also have a verbal invite to perform at the 2009 Headbangers Open Air Festival in Germany.

MM: That is truly awesome to hear! Do you see any difference in the crowds today that you play for as opposed to the ones you played for 17 years ago?

WAGS: Attendance would have to be the big change. Numbers at shows are down for a lot of bands. I would say the economy plays a big part in that. People have limited resources for entertainment and they pick maybe one thing to attend in a month, and a handful of bands will draw those people. The only positive spin to put on that statement is it makes bands work that much harder to deliver a show that is over the top to get the fans in, and get them to come back for another performance.

MM: That’s usually what I hear from many bands, that attendance today is not what it was then, and I do believe that the economy does play a major role in that. Anything else you wish to add to this interview?

WAGS: Pick up a copy of "Metal Forever" and keep a look out for our sophomore release in early summer. It will be very brutal! With any luck H.A.T.E. will secure a label for the new album. Fans of all genres of music need to support their local talent and the unsigned artist along with the major label bands. Remember, todays local club band might be tomorrows national and worldwide arena sensation with fan support!

MM: I will be looking for your album and definitely picking it up. Supporting your local bands is the utmost importance. It’s been a pleasure talking to you, hopefully I will see you around my neck of the woods.

WAGS: It's been great speaking with you Deanna. H.A.T.E. would like to give a big thanks to Metal Monthly, a truely kick ass magazine and their continued support of metal music. Keep it loud, heavy, and metal!

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