New York hardcore veterans ENRAGE return with Equinox, a powerful anthem of resilience. With a heavier sound and fresh energy, they reflect on evolution, their legacy, and what’s next for The Greys.
1.
"Equinox" is described as an anthem of resilience and personal
growth. What inspired you to explore this theme, and does it draw from any
personal experiences?
Well I think personal growth is just something everyone goes through or should,
so we felt it was a more positive theme as opposed to singing about everything
being depressing all the time..lol.
Also we are a band thats been around along time, we had ups and downs,
popularity comes and goes but you just need to keep moving ahead and improving
yourself
2. This track marks a bold step for ENRAGE, incorporating a 7-string guitar
and a drop A tuning. How did this shift in your sound come about, and what was
the writing process like?
Basically we always try and make each of our songs a little different from our
other songs, to some degree. I just happened to buy a 7 string guitar to mess
around with and I really started to like writing riffs on it. At first I felt
it might be too far off from the Enrage "sound" so to speak, but then
we figured it sounds cool lets at least do one track. I think we will work with
the 7 string more in the future.
3. You’ve maintained your hardcore and thrash roots while incorporating
grunge-style riffs in "Equinox." How do you strike a balance between
evolution and staying true to your signature sound?
Its something we dont really think about too much. We all like a variety of
music and styles. For the most part I will write a lot of different riffs and
there are definitely some I like and will use with a side project but I just
know they are not a good fit for Enrage. But if something sounds good we will
give it a go as a band and see how it sounds. Once Jeff starts singing/yelling
it usually starts to sound like an Enrage song..lol
4. Your music has always had a raw, aggressive energy. How does
"Equinox" compare to your earlier releases in terms of intensity and
emotion?
I think its right there with the early catalog of songs, energy and emotion
wise. Pretty much if we start something new and it doesnt hit us in the band
first with a level of intensity and enthusiasm then we toss it or just keep
maybe a riff for some other idea. I think Equinox was written and worked out in
one shot - and we all like it alot
5. "The Greys" is set for release in April 2025. Can you give us
some insight into the album’s overall concept and how "Equinox" fits
within that vision?
The Greys artwork and video are going for a futuristic alien approach. I
just find that an interesting subject and it has great visuals. Also seems to
be a hotter topic than usual right now. That being said the album is by no
means a concept album. Equinox fits in very well, as the majority of the songs
all are dark and heavy musically but lyrically we are actually a positive band
(for the most part) :)
6. You recorded and mixed the new tracks at BIG GOON STUDIOS. What was the
recording experience like, and how did that environment influence the final
sound?
Well Big Goon Studios is my own studio that a do quite a bit of work in. We
also practice here. ...so very comfortable environment for all of us. With
Enrage, first and foremost, we are really good friends, so getting together is
a good relaxing time regardless. The Big Goon name refers to my 100 pound
Weimaraner dog, named London :)
7. ENRAGE has a deep history in the New York hardcore scene, playing
legendary venues like CBGB’s and sharing the stage with icons like Agnostic
Front and Testament. How has the scene evolved since you started, and where do
you see it heading?
For us the scene has been a roller coaster. When we started the scene in
NYC and for us in Staten Island / Brooklyn, I thought was amazing. Shows were
crowded, people really wanted to be there to see new bands and to discover new
music. I feel like that died out for a number of years. To me the scene seems
to be picking up again as the new generation is starting to bring it and are
coming back out . Obviously the ability to stream music changed the scene for
better and for worse.
8. Looking back at your first demo, Burning Within, which was produced by
Josh Silver of Type O Negative, how do you feel ENRAGE has grown musically and
thematically over the years?
I think thematically we are the same. Musically, we have moved more to a metal
sound for sure but in some ways as much as we loved the hardcore scene and
thats where we played, I felt we were always had more of a metal sound
9. Hardcore and thrash have always had a strong connection to social issues and personal struggles. What messages do you hope fans take away from "Equinox" and the upcoming album?
I hope fans like it of course. I think Equinox and the The Greys album on a whole is a heavy mix but has a an underlying theme of reinventing yourself and becoming a better person even though at times everything seems impossible or suffocating...and to keep an eye out for the Greys and UFOs..lol
10. With a legacy spanning over three decades, what keeps you motivated to create and push forward in the metal and hardcore world?
I just love it. Metal and music is what keeps me going. Regardless, I plan on being involved with this music, either with Enrage or continuing mixing and mastering for other band and artists at Big Goon Studios. We are all like minded guys in the band who do this because we love it and like getting together. Clearly not for the money and glory lol.
11. Can fans expect any upcoming live shows or tours in support of The Greys? What’s in store for ENRAGE in 2025?
Yes we are playing locally in April and are starting to get back to practicing a new live set, pulling out some old ones we have not played in years as well the new stuff for sure. So shows are starting to get booked and sorted.
12. Finally, if you could describe "Equinox" in three words, what would they be?
Home At Last :)
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