Much celebrated Wollongong band Segression are about to release their sixth studio album “Painted In Blood” and I was lucky enough to interview front man and bassist Chris Rand:
Q – The new album is a definite step up from the previous releases, you guys have completely dropt the nu-metal influence for a more straight forward traditional heavy metal sound. what lead to the change?A – Thank you, we have always wanted to play more aggressively and have always tried to learn and develop as a band. This lineup of Segression is definitely geared towards the style that we have on this album and painted in blood is a blueprint for our future directionQ – Are there any songs or moments on the album that you would consider the your highlights or favourite parts that you are particularly proud of?A – Personally I am such a big fan of the other guys in the band that I could listen to them play all day everyday so I guess I can’t really pick out any thing in particular to be honest. I do feel that all the parts within the songs and the songs as a whole flow well throughout.Q – A friend of mine is a Tattooist and shes a huge fan of Dr Rev so I’m familiar with his work, how did you get hooked up with him to do the album cover?A – My father is a tattooist of over 40 years and I too have been working with him over 20 years. I first met Rev many years ago and also a fan of his work…we started communicating years ago and when I approached him about this his enthusiasm was overwhelming. I would like us to continue together like Iron Maiden and Metallica did with their artists. Like Rev said to me recently everything fit with this album like a key in a lockQ – There’s a massive gap between 2002’s self titled and 2011’s “Never dead” what was the reason for the huge hiatus?A – Life. Building a studio and rehearsal space, relearning instruments, getting physically fitter and family time, alternate music projects. We were still active in developing Segression by pulling things apart and rebuilding it. This was just done privately instead of being constantly in the public eye. I also enjoyed spending more time with my own wife and daughters.Q – What are plans moving forward from here national/international tour?A – We will firstly do the east coast later this year in November with Sydney and Brisbane shows being with Prong. Melbourne will be special playing on Sonic Forge festival. 2015 will be planned then based on how/where painted in blood is received but we would love to get to some new places.Q – Chris was a huge part of the Metal Down Under documentary, mainly focused on for your international touring. How has it been to represent Aussie Metal on a global scale? Do you feel you been given enough opportunity to show the world what the Australian scene has to offer?A – I’ve never considered myself to be that much of a representative of Aussie Metal and was very humbled to be included in the DVD. I’m very grateful when someone just takes time to listen to my music and anything more than that tends to overwhelm me. There is such a wealth of great Australian bands and that has been the case over a long time period. With the internet the world has become smaller so the opportunities to show the world Australia’s talent have definitely grownQ – Anyone left out there you wish to tour with that you haven’t got to yet?A – I would love to be a part of an all Australian Metal festival that would not only okay down here but overseasQ – Finally what advice would you give an local band just starting out on how to get the attention of try and make it internationally?A – Practice practice and more practice and just when you start to think your good realise there’s probably a 13 year old kid that kicks your arse on you tube. The only way to get international recognition is persistence and perseverance.
“Painted In Blood” is available October 10th
