Musician Interview With Zach Slaughter of Skull Fist
October 26, 2018 — We recently chatted with Zach Slaughter frontman of the band Skull Fist about a number of topics. Below is what Zach had to say to us:
Need406: Way of The Road is Skull Fist’s upcoming new album scheduled to drop on October 26, 2018. Where did the band record the album and how long did it take to record it?
Zach: We recorded at vespa studios here in Toronto (Ontario). It's a dop studio. Eric Ratz mixed and Harry Hess mastered it. We recorded all the music in 5 days [Laughs}, we didn't have a huge budget so we had to go fast. We recorded the vocals in my own home studio over the span of a month though since my voice is still healing.
Need406: How many songs did the band have going into the studio and how many of those songs made it onto the album?
Zach: We had ten going in, but nine came out. One of them was just not ready and did not fit the style of the record. We could have made some changes but just said screw it, maybe that song will make it onto the next one? We'll see [Laughs], usually we only write the amount of songs that will end up on the record. This was the first time i think we cut one.
Need406: How did Skull First decide on the title Way of The Road?
Zach: I wanted to call it Stay True originally. But, that was three years ago when I wrecked my voice. After sitting on it for two years I started looking at things differently, realized some stuff, felt like the lyrics and music for the track, Way of the Road seemed to fit better with how I was feeling more recently.
Need406: There’s nine tracks on “Way of The Road” How did Skull Fist decide where each song would be listed on the album?
Zach: Just going by feel I think. From what themes of music or lyrics fit together. I like to make stuff fit together you know? Sometimes, I'll write two songs that are sort of the same feeling I got going on at the time.
Need406: ‘Stay True’, ’No More Running’ and “You Belong To Me’ have had videos made. Will any other songs off The Way of The Road have videos made?
Zach: yeah man. We did a lyric video for Stay true as well, I think we'll make a video for each song to be honest. It's a lot of fun making videos I guess. We'll see. We're releasing another video on the release date for the track "Better late than never".
Need406: Do you think Skull Fist will release a live album in the future?
Zach: Yeah man, definitely. I've always wanted to do this. I feel like we've always sucked live too much to do it haha We've gotten a little better and ditched the booze this time so I think we could do it now. I'd like to do a live version of "Ride On", I love the song but, I think we recorded it just a little too fast, when we play it live we go a tiny bit slower and I think that'd be nice. It's my favorite song to play live.
Need406: You had surgery not too long ago. How did it go and what was overall prognosis of those surgeries?
Zach: I used to drink a lot. Well.. Actually all the time, far too much for my own good. Haha, I also used to smoke a pack of cigarettes a day sooooo. I'm pretty sure I know what happened. I just got too stressed out on our chasing the dream headline Europe tour, I was drinking and smoking real heavy and by the end of the tour I had two cysts in my vocal chords and needed surgeries over the course of two years. Spent some months not even being able to talk, still recovering. Every day buddeh.
Need406: For you personally what does it mean to be a musician?
Zach: Music is the one thing that makes me feel alright, without any questions or doubts. That's really it for me.
Need406: Skull Fist is touring Europe in November (2018). When will we see the band playing shows again in North America?
Zach: Damn, I hope soon. Spring time I think. We will do some USA and Canada gigs again. Finally. Pretty excited about it, I really liked checking out the Grand Canyon! [laughs], Would like to do that again.
Need406: What do you think the future holds for heavy metal as a genre?
Zach: I dont know. I think after all those old bands retire it probably wont be in stadiums anymore. I highly doubt people will catch on to Skull Fist enough for us to play a stadium? But then again. Man, I dont know. I guess some bands needs to come along that can stand up to the monster bands and they can pass on their crowds to the new generation. Don't think that'll happen though. [Laughs].
Need406: Can you describe the Skull Fist concert experience to us using five or less words?
Zach: Seriously unserious sweaty meatheads.
Skull Fist is from Toronto, Ontario. Skull Fist is: Zach Slaughter (Vocals/Guitar), Jonny Nesta (Guitar), Casey Slade (Bass) and JJ Tartaglia (Drums).
Skull Fist Discography:
No Fase Metal (2006)
Heavier Thank Metal (2010)
Head of the Pack (2011)
Chasing The Dream (2014)
Way of the Road (2018)
SKULL FIST LINKS: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE | INSTAGRAM