Ozzfest 2006 :: The Red Chord back in action!
This announcement hit the internet March/2006, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS band, THE RED CHORD would be joining Ozzfest-2006 and sharing the second stage alongside such amazing bands as headliner, Zakk Wylde-led BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, and such high-decibel bands as ATREYU, UNEARTH, BLEEDING THROUGH, NORMA JEAN, A LIFE ONCE LOST, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, FULL BLOWN CHAOS, WALLS OF JERICHO, ALL THAT REMAINS, BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME and BAD ACID TRIP!
And what good timing after a couple unfortunate breakdowns with their new vehicle, that lead to a few missed shows with Black Dahlia Murder, Agony Scene & Throwdown. Then stuck in Pennsylvania for over a week till the problem got rectified.
But, The Red Chord is back in action, and nothing will stop them! As they prepare for Ozzfest-2006, working on adding shows in Brockton, MA, Springfield, MA & possibly New Hampshire pre-Ozzfest.
The Red Chord is a grind-hardcore band from the north shores area of Massachusetts. The band has been citied as one of the most influenced crossover bands of the hardcore, grind and metal genres. Their 1st release, Fused Together In Revolving Doors moved aprox 25K CD’s worldwide, signing then with Metal Blade Records Inc in 2004.
Soon after, The Red Chord found drummer, Brad Fickeisen and complete with Guy Kozowyk – vocals, Mike McKenzie (Gunface) - guitar/vocals, Greg Weeks – bass, Jonny Fay – guitar the band has been making huge waves among music critics & fans. Including tours like The Underground, The New England hardcore & Metal Fest and, NOW OZZFEST- 2006!
AAM: Forming only five years ago, how does it feel to be part of OZZFEST 2006?
Gunface (Mike McKenzie) - guitars: It's incredible. Ozzfest is the biggest metal tour around and we are all ridiculously excited to be part of it!
AAM: Gearing up for Ozzfest, what can your fans expect to hear, any new material?
Gunface: Not just yet. We've been writing a lot of new material lately, but nothing is ready to perform yet. Hopefully we'll have something new ready shortly after Ozzfest.
AAM: Besides a lot of hard work and dedication, what else goes into making and keeping a band successful?
Gunface: I think the most important thing is to stay in the minds of the fans. The music industry is inundated with bands nowadays, and it's easy for people to forget about you if you're not out there playing as often as possible. But you don't want to over saturate an area either. There is a delicate balance that is hard to find.
AAM: Besides your drummer- Brad Fickeisen has there been any other changes in your line up since you formed?
Gunface: Quite a few actually. Besides Brad, there have been four other drummers. Jon Fay, our current guitar player, replaced Kevin Rampelberg last summer. Greg Weeks is our fourth bass player. And Guy Kozowyk and myself have been in the band since the beginning.
AAM: What do you expect the crowd’s reaction will be to your brand of intense grind metal at Ozzfest; do you expect any breakdowns or major problems now that you will be touring on a bus opposed to a van?
Gunface: I hope that it translates well in a larger venue. I think that some kids will see it as a nice change of pace from some of the more melodic bands. This year's Ozzfest has a nice mix of styles, keeping things interesting. Also, having a bus this summer will be a nice break from worrying about our vehicle.
AAM: On a lighter note, are there any pranks you plan on playing on fellow second stage bands on Ozzfest this summer?
Gunface: Maybe I'll fill someone's bunk with cottage cheese and hair.
AAM: Your live performance at Ozzfest, will it differ in anyway from other live performances?
Gunface: I'd like to think it will be as out of control and energetic as possible. We keep it wolf, onstage and off.
AAM: How will being on Ozzfest help you grow in the future?
Gunface: It will let us play in front of a ton of people that we normally don't play to. I'm really excited about the fact that a large percentage of the audience will have never even heard of us.
AAM: Are there any bands you are looking forward to seeing on Ozzfest?
Gunface: A Life Once Lost, Between The Buried and Me, Full Blown Chaos, Strapping Young Lad, Dragonforce.
AAM thanks the Red Chord for taking their time to interview with us. Now back in action, is there anything you would like to add to this interview?
Congrats to the Red Chord, many bands/artist only dream, wishing they were in your shoes!
See you at Ozzfest 2006!! Saturday, July 8th
Hyundai Pavilion- San Bernardino, Ca.
www.theredchord.com
www.metalblade.com
Story and interview by Debra Stocker
