Teaming up with APF Records to release the album, this is another must have release from Desert Storm.
I caught up with Ryan Cole (Guitars) to discuss the making of the album and touring plans amongst other things.
So read on and see what's going down with DESERT STORM
Hi Ryan. Thanks for doing the interview. How are things with you today?
All good thanks!
I know you're currently busy preparing with your forthcoming new album Death Rattle. What can people expect from this album compared to your previous releases.
People can expect to hear lots of big heavy riffs. The album is a natural progression from our last album 'Omens'. It's a bit more progressive then our previous work, with longer and more complex song structures, but still has the Desert Storm sound!
The album is perhaps your darkest and most progressive sound to date. Was that the original plan to release a bold and daring album such as this.
No not really, we didn't really have any plan, I guess we just jammed and this is how the songs turned out.
Was this a hard album to write and record for?
Yeah, 'Death Rattle' was probably the toughest record we ever wrote. With the songs becoming more complex, the whole process became much longer, including the recording. The studio we tracked in is pretty pricey too, so that meant it took much longer to get everything laid down, i think recording alone took about a year before we even got to the mixing stages.
Did the COVID-19 Pandemic and Subsequent lockdowns shape the recording process at all.
Not really to be honest, though it did mean the album got written a bit quicker as the pandemic jeopardised the 'Omens' tour plans and meant we could focus on the writing of 'Death Rattle'.
Desert Storm have became a four piece band since 2020's Omens. Was that a hard transition for the band to get used to.
Technically Chris is still in the band as a writing member, he just doesn't want to tour or play live anymore! It's a shame but we had to respect his wishes. He was missing a lot of shows so we kind of have been playing live as a four piece for a year or so now, so we are used to it. I had to learn quite a lot of his parts and solos though for the new record, so it was quite a lot of work for me...
I still think we sound powerful as a four piece, i just turn up even louder, and Dennett is a brutal bass player whose tone helps fill the loss of the 2nd guitar live.
You're working with APF Records again for your album which is great to see. Was that an easy decision to make and did you have any offers from other labels to release the new album.
Yes, APF has always done right by us, we didn't speak to any others, it was an easy decision for us to make.
You're going on tour soon to promote the new album. What type of set will you be performing on the upcoming European Tour.
Yes, starts Friday in Oxford! We can't wait! We will be playing most of the new record, as well as tracks from our previous albums...pretty much every album apart from 'Forked Tongues' I believe. We don't really play much from the first album anymore.
You've been a band for 16 years now. Did you ever think you would last this long.
I don't know really! We were just busy doing what we do, and then suddenly Boom, it's 16 years later! But we are still having fun, so hopefully it will continue.
What have been your high points and low points during this time.
High points include Bloodstock Festival, Bulldog Bash with Motorhead, Desertfest London & Berlin, touring with Karma To burn, Raging Speedhorn, Hang the Bastard, Honky, we played some killer festivals in Europe and great support slots to Skindred, Corrosion of Conformity, Weedeater, Nashville Pussy, Orange Goblin, Crowbar, Red Fang.
Some low points for example was missing a show in Nottingham on the Nashville pussy tour due to traffic, getting ripped off by a manager, were just a couple of things that spring to mind.
Desert Storm have been a majorly important part of the UK Sludge/Stoner Metal scene. What do you think of today's UK Scene and the great bands starting to emerge.
Yeah it's just getting stronger and stronger, so many fantastic bands.
Do you have any other musical projects that folks can check out or any exciting releases coming in the future. (I know that Ryan and Elliott have WALL and The Grand Mal)
Our bassist Matthew also plays in Battalions, great band, check them out.
Thanks for doing the interview. Before you go, do you have any words of wisdom for your fans currently out there
Not really words of wisdom, but I just want to say thanks for all the support, and see you at a show soon! Buy the new record!
Words by Steve Howe and Ryan Cole
Thanks to Simon at For The Lost for arranging this interview and thanks to Ryan for doing the interview.
Death Rattle is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl/Cassette via APF Records.
Links
