Angels on the battlefield | Instrumental metal and “A walking plague”

Inspired by the book “World War Z”, Angels on the battlefield, an instrumental metal band, released “A walking plague”. Trying to express things in music, that they could not find the words to, and talking about their biggest influence.

Where did it all start for you guys ? How did you meet?

AOTB: It all started on Long Island, NY.  JD and Frank came to know each other through playing in the local circuit together; there was a bit of camaraderie and familiarity in place before the project began.  Eventually, their initial bands broke up, and JD (already knowing how awesome he was on bass) reached out to Frank for a collaboration.  They enjoyed the chemistry between them, and eventually had a few other people join the line up to fill in drums and a second guitar. After a short time, the decision was made to move the band from Long Island to Los Angeles, which is where Carlos came in!   Carlos moved from Florida, after finishing up school.  When he had arrived in LA he was itching for a new project, and discovered AOTB through the internet.  He liked what he saw and heard, and on a whim, he reached out with an email.  JD met up with Carlos, they jammed a bit, and ended up the ranks!

Do you still remember the very first record (LP, EP, Single, Tape, etc. … ) you ever bought?

JD: The very first CD that I purchased myself was “Diary of a Madman” by Ozzy Osbourne.
Frank: Very first CD I bought was Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses from Slipknot.
Carlos: I remember when I had first heard about Nirvana.  I went to a record store and saw their album Nevermind, which was on sale. I begged my mom to buy it for me, and after digesting the whole CD (several times in a row) I was hooked to music for life. Hearing all the power that was penetrating my ears led me to want more, I had found a “new drug.”

Why the choice for instrumental Metal?

AOTB: Heavy Metal, in general, allows for a lot of freedom for it’s artists to bend the rules of the genre.  Removing what people expect from the vocal element by taking it out completely maintains that spirit of the genre.  It also allows listeners to build their own story, their own images, and relate their own feelings to any of our songs, without us telling them “This is how the song should make you feel”, or “This is what the song is about.”  It’s a cool feeling when a bunch of people can connect over a single five minute song, yet have completely different ideas on what it means. 

What would you guys like to accomplish in music? What’s the ambition?

JD: Ever since I was fourteen, music has been a way for me to express things that I could never quite find the words for.  I think my ultimate goal is to express that not all ideas are limited to expression through language.  A person can share a feeling with one guitar note and have ten time more effectiveness than someone else using an entire novel to convey the same feeling.
Frank: I just want to write some good tunes and have people enjoy listening to them.
Carlos: I personally cannot find something more satisfying than seeing a group of people dancing along with your music at a live performance. Seeing them enjoying your music makes you want to do more, give them more, make them happy.

Tell us about a bit about “A Walking Plague”? Where did the inspiration come from? What’s it about?

AOTB: It was actually inspired by the book “World War Z,” by Max Brooks.  There is a scene in the book where the zombie outbreak is just about to hit it’s climax in the United States with the military making a stand in the city of Yonkers.  They are quickly overrun by the undead, and they are totally slaughtered.  Needless to say, the scene is very brutal and intense and left a pretty strong impression.

“Walking plague” gives me a feeling like “The Walking Dead” .. you guys huge fans, or just a coincidence?

AOTB: We are all pretty big fans of The Walking Dead!  Every now and then we like to Tweet while the show is on, so check out our website (AOTBband.com) for our Twitter link and talk with us while we watch the show!  Also… R.I.P. Rick’s beard… 🙁

What would you like people to remember you by, after a set?

AOTB: We want people to remember that they had a great time with us.  The best shows are always the ones where the crowd participates like another member of the band.  We want everyone to remember how excited they were, and we want them still humming along with us when they go to sleep that night.

If you guys could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

JD: I have not seen enough of the world to give you an exact place, yet!  Though, I would probably choose someplace that has all four seasons.  One thing that I have missed since moving to Los Angeles is snow in the winter.
Frank: The lost city of Atlantis.
Carlos: I do not think I have a personal preference. The more places I go the happier I am. I would like to be like a nomad and just go anywhere and call everywhere home. I guess, though, I am happy here in L.A.. I just got here and I am really enjoying it.

Who is the biggest influence on you guys, as a person?

JD: My biggest influence, ever since I discovered the guitar, has been Randy Rhoads.
Frank: I have a whole bunch of influences but I think some of the biggest are Alex Webster, Robert DeLeo and Cliff Burton.
Carlos: For me, there are two main influences. Jason Becker and Dave Grohl.

Name something you’re bad at, but love to do!

JD: I love playing multiplayer shooter video games.  My girlfriend slaughters me in Halo every time we play.  Sometimes, I think she starts feeling bad that I suck and she lets me get a kill or two in, but then her competitive nature comes back with a vengeance and I lose 57 to 3. 
Frank: I’m a terrible singer, but when I’m alone in my car, I’ll sure try!
Carlos: I suck at playing Tennis, but at least I exercise picking the Tennis balls up.

Which song is your personal favorite?

JD: We have a song called “The Veil” that I like playing because it has a bunch of different parts, and everyone in the band gets to show off a bit.  It’s very fun.
Frank: I would say “A Walking Plague,” it’s fun to play.
Carlos: I’d have to say my favorite song to play is “Beauty in a Body Bag.”

There are of course, worldwide, a lot of music venues and festivals. Which one, would be a dream come true?

JD: Wacken.  In my mind, this is the definition of “Epic Metal Festival.”
Frank: I would really like to play either at Knotfest or at Soundwave Festival in Australia.
Carlos: As many as we can, but especially, the Reading Festival.

What can we expect from you guys in the near future?

AOTB: We are currently working on a bunch of things, and we are always brainstorming for the future.  We always keep our website (AOTBband.com) up to date with news and info, as well as our social media pages (links are on the website!), so make sure to check it out and follow us!

How do you guys spend your free time? If you have any 🙂

JD: I’m a pretty big nerd, so when I have a decent chunk of time, I like to sit and read (I’m currently in the middle of The Wheel of Time series). Other than that, I love playing guitar, seeing live music, and when I have the chance I like to travel!
Frank: Unfortunately, free time is not something I have a lot of but when I do I practice my martial arts, or relax and play some video games
Carlos: All I do in my free time (Besides spending time with my wife) is just study music and compose a lot.

What is your top 3 on your bucket list? (10 things to do before I die)

JD: Play the ancient theater in Ephesus, visit Ireland, and expand my cooking skills beyond making eggs.
Frank: I want to go sky diving, I want to cage dive with sharks, and I want to try Fugu fish.
Carlos: Sell out a venue, inspire people to create good music (that’s like a long term ongoing goal), and explore every corner of the world!

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