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Austin, TX-based blackened speed metal powerhouse Sadistic Force, have unleashed a video for “Iron Rite.” The track, coupled with a cover of MOTÖRHEAD’s “I’m So Bad (Baby I Don’t Care)” as its B-side, is set to captivate listeners with its balls-out blackened speed metal assault. SF guitarist/vocalist James Oliver talks us through the background of the band:
What are the origins of the band, how long have you Sadistic Force been playing together?
I started writing songs for the project in December of 2020 and then set about to find a drummer to play on the early EPs/Demos later that month. I played bass as well as guitar on everything prior to the first full length. The current lineup of the band came together this year. We have played three shows together at this point and are working on a collection of new songs that we plan to record soon.
What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe Sadistic Force?
They should expect Balls Out Blackened Speed Metal! The music is fast and dirty and features elements of thrash, black metal, traditional heavy metal, speed metal, and rock n roll.
How did you feel performing your first gig as a band, and how was it?!
It was an amusing bill to be on because we opened for 80s sleaze lords Faster Pussycat. It was at a decent sized venue in Austin with professional sound and setup, which I was happy with. The reaction was good, despite the difference in our sound and vocal style to the other two bands on the bill. Slim Tender from Faster Pussycat was in the crowd checking us out and seemed to be enjoying the set.
What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?
We have five new songs that we plan to record sometime in the next few months. We are also introducing the new songs into our live set. The new direction is heavier and more aggressive, with a stronger black metal influence and more in-your-face rhythm section attack. We look forward to sharing the updated sound with the world and performing the songs for new audiences in new territories.
In terms of a similar audience, which band out there at the minute do you feel Sadistic Force would be best suited to open for?
Hellripper would make the most sense for sure. Other fitting bands include Midnight, Bütcher, Toxic Holocaust, Bewitcher and Demiser.
Excluding yourself, which new band would you like to see break out and become a success?
Hellrot, Electrocutioner, and Nightpröwler
What frustrates you about the music business?
Out of touch/clueless booking agents and promotors, social media bullshit, shameful streaming revenue payouts, Bandcamp being bought by a video game company and pilfering money from our merch sales…
The list is pretty long.
What are your first musical memories? And what was the lightbulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
The most influential bands that made me want to pick up an instrument early on were Motörhead, Black Sabbath, Misfits and 80s Metallica. I started playing guitar in 2002 and am still very excited to learn new things and grow as a guitarist.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
The last gig I went to was to see was Destroyer of Light. I went to see Witch Vomit a week before that.
What current social issue are you particularly passionate about?
My personal opinion is that there needs to be a more equal distribution of wealth and resources amongst the American population, as well as massive reform to our health care system and criminal justice system. Reproductive rights in Texas require massive reform. I think that Texas would be a much better place if the current state and federal leadership had been aborted!
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
The Royal Scam by Steely Dan
Everybody is a fan of something, who or what are you a fan of?
I am a huge fan of violent horror movies, as well as extreme horror and splatterpunk fiction. I read every day and have an ever-growing collection of horror books.
What new music have you been enjoying so far this year?
So far I have been enjoying new music from Hellbutcher, Witchtrap, Morgul Blade, Wraith, Black Mask, Electrocutioner, Devastator, Hulder, Lipoma, White Rune, and Forgotten Tomb
What does 2024 hold for you?
I’ll be attending Maryland Death Fest this year, which I’m very excited about. The band has a three-day east coast run in late August, as well as several other exciting, yet-to-be-announced shows. I am highly focused on the new material and bringing forth a new, more intense, chapter of Sadistic Force.
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
I’m quite active on our Instagram and Facebook platforms. We have a YouTube channel that can be found easily by searching our name. Sending an email to sadisticforceofficial@gmail.com would be the best way to reach me. Our official website is www.sadisticforce.com
Pre-order: https://sadisticforce.bandcamp.com/album/iron-rite
