Interview: Zex (Metal Punk)

Tell us about your latest release: the main concept; what fans should expect; what were/are your goals with it:

“Execute” was a struggle in the making. This one represents the band in dark times. The songs follow the same “Uphill Battle” style, yet have more of a raw energy aided by the production.

Did you have a specific sound in mind when you formed the band, or did that grow and evolve as you played together?

We had specific ideas of merging all of these influences together within the realm of punk and metal. basically we wanted to do metal punk if such a thing where to exist in the late 70’s, early 80’s, before the advent of hardcore punk and thrash metal.

How does your writing process normally work out?

Jo write and records all the songs as a demo, then the band learns the songs and re records them in studio. Gretchen writes half of the lyrics.

What are your ambitions and how far do you want to push your band?

Since day one ,we made the band a priority in life and have sacrificed jobs, housing and regular lives in order to tour relentlessly. The idea was to make music beyond hanging out with your friends on weekends. While not treating the music scene as a competition, it certainly is hard to stand out in a sea of bands.

What are your influences/musical references and the impact those same influences had in your sound?

Initially we liked punk stuff like Buzzcocks, The Brats, Screaming Sneakers, The Blood but while we sound nothing like these bands, we also liked the melodies of bands like Helloween, Angel Witch, Accept.

What’s next for you?

A new vinyl album, “execute” released on our own “Zex Records” in collaboration with Plastic Bomb Records, Maniac Attack Records, Grave Street Records, Common People Records and Warhead Punx Records. The CD version is coming out on Grave Street Records. An international co release , really widens the distribution.