Project Description
Interview with
BEN DRENNAN
from
LETHAL VENDETTA
(4th May 2018)
Interviewer – Kelsey Hentschel
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There comes a moment when you just know the timing is just right. The next level is in sight and then it all comes together, you can sense that your moment is now: and that is the case with LETHAL VENDETTA.
LETHAL VENDETTA hail from Sydney Australia and they are ready to stamp their authority on the Metal scene. LETHAL VENDETTA come armed with the ultimate artillery: A precise and highly effective blend of Thrash, Groove and Traditional Metal which pays homage to the great Metal titans that have come before them.
Kelsey Hentschel caught up with Ben Drennan recently for an update.
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Your debut album ‘No Prisoners No Mercy’ had just been released, how does it feel to finally have this out?
It feels amazing for it to be out! It has been a long ride and a lot of hard work, it now feels we have a weight taken off our shoulders.
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How long was the writing & recording process for this album?
We have been gigging quite regularly on the local Sydney circuit over the last two years so this has given us time to really hone the songs in the live scene. Ben (guitarist) had the bulk of the song structures down, with Brent (singer) laying down the lyrics and vocal melodies. The songs evolved with the other guys adding their input and influence over time.
We recording everything in the old school analogue style, no click track. We had everyone playing together in the one room playing the songs from start to finish, we the guitar cabs, bass cab isolated in separate rooms. We recorded it this way as we have an energetic live show, and we wanted to capture that same energy we have on stage on the album.
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How and when did Lethal Vendetta form? Were you guys already friends?
It did start as friends jamming initially, but as the band became more focused and driven we did search for more professional/seasoned musicians and thus the current lineup formed.
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Where does the name Lethal Vendetta come from?
The name just came about when we were just having some drinks one night, so we decided it would be a good strong name to have.
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You have a old school metal vibe to your music with a bit of a new school element. Is this a conscious effort? Or a natural progression to your sound?
We never set out with any conscious effort to try and be a particular style or limit ourselves to any particular style. Certain influences probably came out on subconscious level but we have always let the songs evolve without any confines or restrictions.
All of us have different influences that range from the brutality of Slayer, to the melodic sounds of Blind guardian. We just wanted to play and see how it progressed, the progression came naturally over time. We did want to have diversity within the album to keep people guessing on what would come next.
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In your opinion what sets Lethal Vendetta apart from other metal bands?
A mixture of styles, in thrash, groove and traditional metal. Clean vocals that you can sing along to with catchy choruses but still packing a serious punch in terms of heaviness with the guitars and drums.
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What is the inspiration behind ‘Deserve to Die’? What themes are explored?
Brent (Singer) got the idea for the lyrics by watching the movie ‘A Time to Kill,’ with Samuel L Jackson. The story is about a father, whose daughter was abused and the father taking revenge on the people that hurt his daughter. The lyrics are dark and traumatic, though Brent believes that anybody could relate to this as they would do the same thing if it happened to them.
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How did you come to be opening for Destruction?
We applied for it and we got it!
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The band Killrazer is also supporting Destruction. Have you worked with wither bands before?
We have known the boys from Killrazer for a long time and we have played with them many times, It was an absolute honour to not only to support Destruction, but to share that stage with our mates from Killrazer.
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What can fans expect from your live show?
Fans can expect a lot of energy and intensity in our live show. All of us have a major passion for what we do, and this shows on stage. We want to make the crowd remember us when they wake up in the morning, so they will come to our next show.
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You’ve got a few shows coming up over May & June. Is there any shows in particular that you’re really gassed for?
We are gassed by all of these shows, but being a part of Metal United World Wide (May 5th) in our native Sydney is a real pleasure, this particular show is also our official album launch. The iconic Legions of Steel Festival in Melbourne, and the Metal of Honour 200 show in Brisbane, this one in particular is a special show as they are celebrating 200 Metal of Honour events.
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What has been your most memorable career highlight to date?
Supporting Destruction, hands down!
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What is something you would like to achieve career-wise that you haven’t done yet?
Touring Europe would be a huge achievement, being a part of the European festival circuit (Hellfest, Wacken) would also be a goal for us.
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If you could play any venue in the world, where would it be and why?
Playing at Hellfest or Wacken, all of our favourite bands have played these festivals and it would be just an amazing experience to play along side them.
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If someone has never listened to your music before, what’s one track you’d suggest they start with?
It would have to depend on their taste, if they like fast and thrash, we’d suggest Liars Dice, or Salute to the Gods. But if you they were looking for something more melodic and groove, we’d suggest, Battle Warcry, or Deserve to Die.
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Tracklisting:
1. LIARS DICE (4:24)
2. ERASING HATE (4:42)
3. NO PRISONERS NO MERCY (4:01)
4. DESERVE TO DIE (4:25)
5. PLAINS OF SERENITY (5:31)
6. SALUTE TO THE GODS (3:55)
7. BATTLE WARCRY (5:00)
8. FINAL CONFLICT (4:47)
9. RACE IS ONLY A NAME (6:04)
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Purchase here – iTUNES
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Catch
Lethal Vendetta
at the Following Venues:
Saturday, 5th May, Sydney
(Bald Faced Stag)
Official Sydney Album launch as part of “Metal United Worldwide”
Saturday, 12th May, Newcastle
(The Vault)
Saturday, 14th July, Wollongong
(Venue TBA)
Saturday, 2nd June, Melbourne
(Max Watts)
Melbourne album launch as part of “Legions Of Steel Festival”
Saturday, 9th June, Brisbane
(The Backroom)
“Metal of Honor 200” show, Brisbane Album Launch
Saturday, 23rd June, Sydney
(Bald Faced Stag)
Saturday, 7th July, Sydney
(The Bridge)
Metalstorm Festival
Saturday, 22nd September, Wagga Wagga,
(Bass Bar)
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LETHAL VENDETTA are:
Brent Logan (Vocals)
Ben Drennan (Rhythm Guitar)
Liam Donelan (Lead Guitar)
Jay Burnham (Bass)
Morris Markovic (Drums)
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Social Media:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | Website
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