Smash Corps

INTERVIEW WITH THRASH ATTACK MAGAZINE

Smash Corps one of the best Underground Power Groove Thrash with a great old school sound acts in the U.S. these days,you guys fucking rock & can fuck anyones mind with your sick heavy music,tell us a brief history of the band & some details about your personal lifes?

SC:We got together a couple years ago as a recording project and as we were writing the songs we thought the material was good. We engineered this recording with equiptment we had no clue how to use so it took us a while. Then we decided to post it on the net to get some feedback. It was overwhelmingly positive. We decided to go forward with it.

Personal details we all work for a living. Try to see shows or perform Fridays or Saturdays. We practice on Sundays. How personal did you wanna get? *chuckle*

TA:Are you guys recently on tour,I just saw 3 damn shows on your calendar section & that fucking pisses me off to see a great unique band like yours without a full calendar,are promoters blind these days,explain?

SC:The music industry is in an uproar. The internet has thrown a wrench in the whole way they have done things so now they are scrambling. We are promoting ourselves and we have more gigs in the works. If we're not working at our jobs we are working on gigs, merchandising, mailings etc. Are they blind well...no but people are afraid to stick their necks out to someone new to the scene. They want guarentees that you can pack a place. The only things you can guarentee are taxes and death. We're not asking to headline we will open and pay our dues like anyone else.

TA:Any plans of doing a complete U.S. tour very soon to infect Metal maniacs across the States with your colossal music or not,people need to witness it live damn it?

SC:Dude seriously you rock. We are building brick by brick trying to get our name out. However right now we don't have a big enough base nor do we have the capital to support ourselves on a tour. We have to work and until we build this so that it is self supporting we play when we can and we are always looking for gigs.

TA:Are there plans of visiting other country's this year to perform several shows like for example Canada,Mexico,Spain,Brazil or other country's where your type of music is very followed?

SC:We would love to play our music everywhere all the time until the capital rolls our hands are financially tied.

TA:Tell us about your influences in & out of music,we know you talk about war,hate,fights,etc.,what else influences you guys besides all that?

SC:Our influences are our own life experiences. We speak what we feel, and what we feel is a result of our individual upbringings. If you have dealt with a lot of shit in your life it would be fake to shit sunshine and daisies to your fans.

TA:You guys recently released a kick ass one of a kind album entitled "Premeditated" which to me is something fresh & something the damn Thrash scene needed,it's been years since I last heard such a heavy kick ass album,tell us more?

SC:The album was written with the intent to write good songs at the expense of individual accolades. We wanted every song to be able to stand on it's own regardless of how difficult any one musical part was. As long as the end result was heavy music that people could understand on their first listen.

TA:Are you guys working on new material maybe for a future release this year or in the near future,if so what can our readers & your fans expect from it?

SC:When we wrote premeditated we had 18 songs for that disc. due to the fact that we recorded and engineered this ourselves without any knowledge of how to do it well it took much longer and we had already recorded the disc not to our liking. So had we put the 18 songs on we probably would still be putting finishing touches on the recording. We wanted to get it out to see what the response would be. Besides the 18 songs we also have at least another 18 6 which are played in our live set currently. So material for the next recording...actually the next 2 recordings is ready. Now we are looking to get a record dealand actually work with a professional sound engineer and not have to go through that recording shit ourselves again. If need be we will do that but we are crossing our fingers right now.

TA:This band is the type of band that needs to be featured in festivals like Ozzfest to get more exposure,you guys are awesome & remind me of a lot of great acts like Pantera,Corrosion Of Conformity & the early Thrash era of Biohazard,how can you guys describe your style of music in your own words?

SC:We feel you coined it perfect when you yourself called it power groove/thrash. Although the fans will be able to see we have a lot more styles that we will be incorporating into our new material.

TA:Are you guys searching for a Record label these days,I'm sure that Record labels like Century Media,Nuclear Blast & the likes will love to have a tremendous act like yours in their family,also tell us about the promotion & support you guys are getting across the world in Magazines,radio stations & other types of media & of course on Myspace?

SC:We have sent to Many and no one has gotten back to us. I wish you owned a record company. We submitted to Century and Nuclear back in March and still we wait. You would think what you hear they would hear. Who knows. We will keep trying. We will keep playing until they can't ignore us anymore.

TA:2007 was a cool year for Smash Corps but 2008 started off the hook with constant shows,you have a sick album that will change the way people see this type of music,you won the attention of hundreds of Heavy music fanatics all over the world,etc.,whats left to prove for this great Power groove Thrash band in the rest of the year & in the near future?

SC:That we're the real deal. We are better live then on the recording. That we will be heard. We will not be denied. This is what we do. We would like to see the multi metal genre's united and we are willing to show them how...

TA:KEEP IN CONTACT & SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT US IN BULLETINS WHEN YOU CAN,HAILS FROM PUERTO RICO lml ;).

SC:Thanks for the time and all the kick ass rad compliments. You have some swag coming your way my friend.

~EDDIE

www. myspace. com/thrashattackmagazine

EMMANUEL

- Thrash Attack Magazine

INTERVIEW WITH ROCK YOUR YELLOW PAGES

RYYP 1:
*What's the name of your band? What's the origin of that name? Have you changed the band's name before?

SC:Smash Corps. We were throwing names around for 3 months and suddenly Ed blurted out Smash Corps and there you have it. No change of name.

RYYP 2:
*Please list the website or myspace site you would like to provide to fans or persons in order to find you.

SC:www. myspace. com/smashcorps

RYYP 3:
*What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?

SC:Power Groove/Thrash. Major influences Black Sabbath, AC/DC, Metallica, Slayer, Pantera. There are many genre's each of us listen to. I could give you a list a mile long for each individual person. You retain what you listen to and we are definately all firmly rooted in rock/metal.

RYYP 4:
*How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?

SC: We've know eachother from the local music scene for years and years. Like I stated we all have the same basic music roots so we traveled in different circles that all led us to cross paths.

RYYP 5:
*When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?

SC:We got together a couple years ago as a recording project and as we were writing the songs we thought the material was good. We engineered this recording with equiptment we had no clue how to use so it took us a while. Then we decided to post it on the net to get some feedback. It was overwhelmingly positive. We decided to go forward with it.

RYYP 6:
*Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?

SC:No label yet we are out there we just started submitting to labels and we are gigging and waiting. Yes BMI and a few others.

RYYP 7:
*What can you tell me about your instruments? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever's available? What made you choose the instruments you have now? Was it cost or was it a style/model/brand/color preference?

SC:Smash Corps uses, Fernandes Guitars/Bass, Westbury Guitars, BC Rich guitars, PRS, Amps are PV, Mesa Boogie and Marshall, drums are Sonar, cymbals are Zildjan, and Paste.

Our individual sound preferences are what lead us to our instruments, And I just have to say the BC Rich has some killer body styles.

RYYP 8:
*Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?

SC:We've performed a few places our favorite is Doug's and our least favorite is Champs. We have several gigs coming up. This month we are doing a benefit gig at Otto's in DeKalb for the NIU shooting victims. Next month is WONC Underground Fury which is a college radio station. We are being filmed by Buzz TV in July. We have a spot on Project Independent and will be playing at the colluseum in September. We have a couple more gigs in the works as well as competeing to get into Lollapalooza.

RYYP 9:
*Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?

SC: Songs performed most frequently are Greed, Under the Bus, The Machine. Yes we play one cover which is Whiplash by Metallica. The playlist varies we like to keep it fresh we have lots of music to expose to the world.

RYYP 10:
*Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?

SC: writing is a group effort. Topics: Addiction, Hate, Anger, Life in general and not the life those fat bastards in Washington are living.

RYYP 11:
*Could you briefly describe the music-making process?

SC:For this project guitar parts were created first. Presented to the vocalist where then the chorus and verses were arranged and then drums and solos were then brought in.

RYYP 12:
*What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?

SC: Definately a set time as everyone has to work for a living. So if you're reading this and you like our stuff and you own a record label ...ummm SIGN US.

RYYP 13:
*How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?

SC: With repetition comes familiarity and then each individuals style comes out.

RYYP 14:
*What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

SC:The biggest challenge was learning how to use the recording equiptment. Yeah we overcame it otherwise there would be no Premeditated.

RYYP 15:
*What's your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?

SC: We would like our music to be self supporting. What musician doesn't want to be able to play full time for a living and at least be comfortable.

RYYP 16:
*What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?

SC:Stick to what you believe in.

RYYP 17:
*How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?

SC: Sure we do. CDbaby. com/smashcorps. Or send us a note to myspace and we can hook you up. Come to one of our gigs ~we're always handing out swag.

RYYP 18:
*Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?

SC:Sue and she won't let us say anymore. She has threatend my life.

RYYP 19:
*Any last words?

SC: Thanks for finding us and interviewing us. Send us your address and we'll hook you up with some of our Corps swag.

Thank You!

- Rock Your Yellow Pages

This is one of those cd’s I listened to a few times before digesting it. I must admit I kinda cringed when the first song ‘Greed” came on and the vocals were delivered with a metal/rap style ,complete with screaming background voc’s to make the point, but listening a few times the lyrics sink in and I find myself moving the head back and forth, drumming on my lap, all good signs. Over all Premeditated pay due homage to old school metal when it comes to the guitar work and over all musicianship. I hear elements of Anthrax, Accept, Metal Church in those riffs. Vocals are delivered by Tim Smith like the guy has been chewing on nails, another good sign. Be Somebody, Under the Bus, Climb all chug right along full forces attack till we reach track 5 ,6 and 7. This is where the Cd makes the jump from pretty good to flippin great! I cant quite put a finger on why The machine, Enemy and Vicious Circle grab me like they do but they do. Any one of these songs can hang with the big boys and challenge them to step up or step off.

I have a feeling these guys really shine live.The guitar work of Kevin Nelson and Ed Brongiel takes the lead role in this metal go round as does Tims vocals. This band has got a solid ass rhythm section but whomever engineered the recording buried it. I wanna hear those drums and bass!!!

20 something will dig this cd because of it new school elements, old ass farts like me will dig it because it jams and frankly its perfect for practicing the devil horn fist pump too. Finally a CD me and my 22 year old son! can both listen too and agree on.

Vicious Circle is going on my ever expanding play list, classic ass tune in the making!
To check them out for yourselves or buy the cd go to www. myspce. com/smashcorps
- Michael Rys of globalpunkreview.com

Edge of Nothing, Low of the Low, and Smash Corps
March 22nd, Doug’s 333 Indian Trail Aurora, IL


Rrrrrrrrrrrawr, I was ready for a bit of metal mischief Saturday night and guess what? I found it! I really had no doubts as I have heard one of the bands rehearse prior to this gig. So here I am, The Duped, all innocent, halo gleaming off the neon beer signs, and wings inconspicuously hidden under the old canvas pea coat. When out of nowhere there is a bar wench! Like my very own fairy godmother of mercy asking me "what’s your poison?” Yes even an angel like myself will succumb to the magical elixir of alcohol. With a pass of the credit card and a hearty tip saying “run a tab” I sat down to be amazed, bewitched and inspired into that hopped up monkey on crack, horns throwin’ head snappin’ adrenaline rush I have loved for many many years! I must say I wasn't disappointed.

The Venue: Doug’s is intimate yet large enough to support over 150 people comfortably. Tables and chairs for us old heads to rest our growing larger bottoms, yet can be easily moved out of the way for a bit of skanking/mosh fun for those youngins. A few small yet important criticisms that need to be addressed for your upcoming bands sake as well as bringing in the fans. This will take you from a good venue to a great venue. I saw the lighting that needed to be installed (on the floor stage left), get it done. Your boys onstage need the lights to play. Secondly your sound guy. You need to pay someone who knows what they are doing and is on sight. The man that was there constantly left his post and was extremely limited in his sound board knowledge. One last thing, get the monitors onstage fixed. This venue could easily become a premier venue for big hitters just trying to surprise their fans. The bar area is closed off for patrons who are out to shoot pool and consume those tasty barley and hops concoctions (yes, there are the mixed drinks and shots that warm the tummy and fuzz the brain properly). Decent venue more than reasonable cover charge (which I would double) make for a good viewing and listening experience.

NOW on with the show…

First act Edge of nothing out of Aurora Illinois. Young, new to the music scene it was my privilege to see their sophomore show. I was pleasantly surprised how tight they were despite the conditions they were working under. They never gave up and plugged right on through a full set. To me that speaks volumes for these musicians. There was nothing so dreadful that experience and watching and listening to other bands won’t iron out for them. I will also add a few constructive criticisms. Please do not think for one moment I did not appreciate your effort, I enjoyed watching your new experience and for sharing it with the rest of the crowd. I know you are working on lyrics for some of your songs, however the singer needs to bring a little more confidence and stage presence to the audience. Belt those lyrics out. Get Angry and let us know it. You had more confidence on your covers than your own songs. Work on that. Project your words and mean them. Make us feel it~bitch slap me with vocal venom! Even though you were vocally more sure with RATM: Killing In The Name Of and Chevelle: Seeing Red my favorite song was one of YOUR originals - POWER HOUR. That song once tweaked is going to be a crowd fav! Also you need backup vocals on Killing In The Name Of and give us some of the patented Zach grrrrrrrrrrrowl. Keep it up boys and practice practice, gig, gig! Great effort guys and it always good to support the acts you opened for. I noticed you stayed and so did the others. This viewer gives you two snaps and the horns!


For 5 drunk guys that hate their jobs and like to play fucking crazy they accomplished that and more! Hailing out of Chitown we had Low of the Low. Crunchy, tight , Hardcore! You had me from the opener. You get double bonus points from this writer for using the word FUCK in the opening song. You know the music is going to be an in your face ride from hell when you spit that word in my face. Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrawr! Let’s get right to the band. You boys are tighter then the Virgin Mary before she lost that Cherry. Some Technical guitar work and fast beats kept this woman on the edge of her seat. Your vocalist is a keeper with that sizzling fried crunch peppered with some southern sounding Scott Weiland resonance. My fav was Never Amount to Anything. Extremely solid, made me wanna get right up and pogo and I don’t pogo anymore. There was some funky bass going on and into some skankalicious punk skippin fun. I would definitely pay to see you guys again and hopefully I will get to another show soon and enjoy it without having to concentrate on writing. Extremely professional and definitely heavy hitters! Thanks for keepin’ it REAL!!!!

Last but surely not least is Aurora’s own Smash Corps! In my personal opinion they are on their way to bigger and better. Professional Accomplished, Inspiring, Heavy fucking Metal up your ass rockin’ good damned time. These guys even threw in a couple surprises for Duped as well as their audience. Technically they are a complete package. I can identify many sounds while being taken on a blistering time warp of various genres of metal finishing with some old school Whiplash thrash. I can not tell you how tight these guys are as it may come off as pediphilapidating (You know the ugly third grader definition of virgin). See I told ya’ seriously everything was just on. How do you describe tight solid perfection with a singer that displays so much passion that it inspires you to pledge your allegiance to the Corps. Smash Corps that is. There is anger, rage and aggression that inspires you to move and when you’re done you are stress free. It’s like ultimate fighting music style! This is no bullshit better than the CD music. A must see for any metal fan. I came, I saw, and was thoroughly thrashed, bashed - this bitch was trashed - by the end of the evening.

Let THE angelic Duped sum it all up for you. Heavy, Heavy HEAVY! Heavy music, Heavy brawd, HEAVY FUCKING ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION. Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about. I was ready to sell my soul for rock’n’roll, but come to find out I had already done just that. What’s amusing is how a coat hanger and glitter can be mistaken for a halo ; ) Peace and Fried Chicken Grease til next time this is Dupedu2 bringin’ the horns and supporting local music…..HUAH!
- globalpunkreview.com

"Smash Corps from the US and in specific from Illinois and Through their album “Premeditated” their origin becomes obvious. “Premeditated” is an album that features eight compositions between groovy parts like White Zombie and straighter up-tempo parts close to early Testament albums."
-"The vocals also are close to Testament’s Chuck Billy, the period he sounded like James Hetfield. Of course bands like Sacred Reich couldn’t be out of Smash Corps Influences, so here we have a multidimensional album but “the American way” - Lampros Tennes

"In General Smash Corps is a good mixture of Heavy / Thrash metal and all of you that you are font of this scene; you should give them a chance. Despite the fact that the first track sounds like Beastie Boys, the album is getting better, track-by-track."
- part3, Lampros Tennes - Lampros Tennes

"IF YOU FUCKING DIG THE AMAZING SOUNDS OF PANTERA , METALLICA , BIOHAZARD,THEN LOOK NO FURTHER , SMASH CORPS IS YOUR NEW FAVORITE POWER GROOVE THRASH BAND,NO ONE CAN FUCK WITH THESE DUDES,THEY ARE INSANE. BE SURE TO ADD THEM TO YOUR PAGE,BUY THEIR KICK ASS,ONE OF A KIND DEBUT ALBUMS "PREMEDITATED"" - - thrash attack mag.

For all you metalheads looking for some soul-stomping thunder, Smash Corps' Premeditated might be the album. They play a walloping metal style that might be generously described as Iron Maiden and latter-day Metallica fronted by Slayer's Tom Araya. From the brutal assault of "Greed" to the hard-driving riffs and wicked growls in "Climb," Smash Corps live up to their name. (www.myspace.com/smashcorps)
– Patrick Conlan


can be seen in The August Edition Page 44 with photo
- Illinois Entertainer