Almost ten years on, Australian death metallers Psycroptic are showing no signs of slowing down. Forming in Hobart in 1999, Psycroptic featuring Joe Haley (Guitars), Cameron Grant (Bass), Matthew Chalk (Vocals), and David Haley (Drums), spent the first few months together writing their own ravishing brand of death metal material which would later end up on the bands debut album 'The Isle of Disenchantment' which was released in the summer of 2001. Since those days the band has gone on to tour throughout Australia and New Zealand and have joined legendary heavy metal bands for sell-out tours across Europe. The bands latest album 'Symbols of Failure' released in 2006 put Psycroptic on the metal world map. The band received praise from death metal fans from beyond and critics raved about the musicianship, song writing, and production on what is undoubtedly the bands best album to date! Psycroptic drummer David Haley is one man with his hands full... full of metal! No one could ever question Dave's commitment and dedication to Drumming and Australian heavy metal! Besides his kick ass work with Psycroptic Dave is also belting away for Australian metallers The Amenta, Ruins, and Blood Duster and he recently recorded drums for Dubai-based death metallers Nervecell's brand new album 'Preaching Venom'. Psycroptic are gearing up to release there still 'untitled' new album and will be on the bill playing at this years Metalstock festival which will be held in Sydney on March 22 - 23. I recently caught up with Dave to discuss his work with Nervecell, the brand new Psycroptic album, offering drum lessons to fans, Metalstock and much more. The time has come to begin our 'Carnival of Vulgarity' with Psycroptic drummer Dave Haley! Metal Fanatix: Hey Dave, How's things goin' mate? Dave Haley: Good thanks...busy, but good. Metal Fanatix: Dude, firstly I want to thank you for taking the time out to chat today! I know you are super busy! Lets jump right into talking about the new Psycroptic album! Have you set a title yet? Dave Haley: Not as yet, we have a couple in mind, but nothing set in stone yet. We'll leave it to the last minute i reckon. Metal Fanatix: Now I believe you will enter the studio in March to record the new album! What different factors surrounded writing the material for nine tracks which have been chosen for the new album? Dave Haley: We wrote it a little differently, to get a different vibe. Joe handled most of the writing, including song structures...which usually I have a bigger part in. It has led to a different sound, which is cool. Metal Fanatix: How much involvement did you have in selecting the tunes which made the final cut on the new album? Dave Haley: We include all the material we write. I never could understand the approach of writing twenty songs then picking the nine or ten best. Just write ten good songs to start with! Metal Fanatix: When you do enter the studio next month, will you approach recording this album in a different way to ‘Symbols of Failure’? Dave Haley: Yeah, we have more time booked for actually getting good sounds before the tape is rolling. I'm also using an amazing new Yamaha kit, which sounds great… so I’m pretty excited. Metal Fanatix: Have you settled on a producer yet, if so who? Dave Haley: We will produce it, but we have a big name mixing and mastering it. That will be revealed in time. Metal Fanatix: What equipment will you be using this time, when you head into the studio? Dave Haley: I’ll be using a Yamaha Absolute kit, Paiste cymbals, Axis pedals and Aquarian heads. I use Pro-mark sticks as well. Joe uses ESP guitars and Cam uses Musicman basses. Peppo uses whatever he is given. Metal Fanatix: Mate there is no doubt you are a super busy guy! Besides your work with Psycroptic you are also drumming for the Amenta and you are also working with Nervecell when do you find the time to sleep dude!
Metal Fanatix: Tell us about your involvement with Nervecell, how did you end up doing the drum tracks for the new album ‘Preaching Venom’? Dave Haley: Rami contacted me and asked me to play on the album. We worked a few details out and a couple of months later I was in the studio. It was quite a fun album to do, and took two days to get down. Metal Fanatix: Mate I want to speak to you about life on the road? Will you be heading out on tour with Nervecell or are you strictly limited to studio and session work with them? Dave Haley: We haven’t talked about that at all. I'm not at all opposed the idea, but it hasn’t come up. Psycroptic are going to be very busy this year, so it would have to work around that if it was to happen. Metal Fanatix: A few months back I seen you live with The Amenta and really enjoyed the set, and in the past I have always enjoyed your live work with Psycroptic. There is no doubt that you are an amazing drummer! Do you do anything specific to warm up and prepare for a show, besides a beer or ten [laughs] Dave Haley: Thanks a lot. I try to warm up for about 40mins to an hour...just doing singles with my hands and feet, gradually getting faster. I try to stretch out a lot before playing too. I never drink before I play [laughs], I just cant do it! Metal Fanatix: Since the release of ‘Symbols of Failure’, Psycroptic have really taken not only Australia but the world by storm. You have had the pleasure of touring with so many amazing metal bands. Who have you enjoyed touring with the most? Dave Haley: Each tour we have done has been great. The last European tour we did with Deicide was really cool, but they have all been awesome. Metal Fanatix: Can you share a funny story from that tour? Dave Haley: There were too many funny ones. It was the gangsta tour... Metal Fanatix: Next month as you mentioned the new Psycroptic album is set to be released and you will also take part in this year’s Metalstock festival! Will there be much new material thrown into the set? Dave Haley: Haven’t even thought about the set just yet...but I would say we'll air one or two new ones. Metal Fanatix: How did you guys become involved with METALSTOCK? Dave Haley: The Soundworks crew are good friends of mine, they asked us to play and we jumped at it. Simple as that. Metal Fanatix: You have played festivals around the world. Do you prefer on large festival bills to get your name out to more potential fans or would you rather play your own headlining shows? Dave Haley: I prefer smaller shows to be honest. Massive festivals can be overwhelming. Metalstock will be the perfect size. Metal Fanatix: Besides Metalstock, do you guys have any other shows coming up that you can share with us? Dave Haley: Yep, we have 2 Tasmanian shows before Metalstock, and we'll be going to New Zealand in May. Metal Fanatix: What has been the best show of your life so far? Dave Haley: That’s a hard one. I know the show where I played my best show. It was a small club in Germany on the Deicide tour. As far as the best one in general, I don’t really know about that. Metal Fanatix: Have you ever had any problems with customs? Dave Haley: Going into the UK is always a prick. There customs are shit...even if you have the right documentation you still get hassled.
Dave Haley: I was a mess of nerves...Cant really recall what we played, probably a 12 bar blues thing in school. I used to suffer really badly from nerves. Metal Fanatix: As we have discussed, you have billed with many of metals greatest bands. Who is the one band you would love to hit the road with? Dave Haley: That’s a tough one. Someone like Slayer would be a dream, but highly unlikely. Touring with Morbid Angel would be excellent, due to their history. Metal Fanatix: You have worked with many different musicians, who have you learnt the most from? Dave Haley: Musically, I would say my brother Joe, as he has exceptional knowledge. In terms of drums, getting lessons from players such as Grant Collins really helped me improve. Metal Fanatix: With the new album getting released soon and new shows ready to be announced can we expect to see any of the shows filmed for a possible DVD release? Dave Haley: To be honest, I haven’t thought about it. It would be a cool idea if we could find the right people to work with. Metal Fanatix: Mate, what is your opinion on downloading and file sharing. Do you think it hurts and artist like yourself? Or do you see it as a great way to get your music out to so many more people around the world? Dave Haley: It is a double-edged sword. On one hand it’s great to get your music out there, but on the other hand it really hurts bands. The new generation of music fans believes they have the right to download your music. If that’s the case, how about I come around to your work and steal some of your stuff! It’s the same thing. Because it’s not tangible, people don’t think twice about taking music. Metal Fanatix: Dave, I want to go back into your past for a moment and give the fans a chance to learn more about the real you! Tell us about your first musical experiences! Dave Haley: In grade Seven, the music teacher needed a class drummer. She got five of us together, and played a 'straight 8'. Who ever picked it up the fastest was the drummer. I picked it up quickest, so by default I was the drummer. It’s all her fault. Metal Fanatix: [Laughs] What have your parents thought about the music you played? Dave Haley: Super supportive. They don’t like the style, but they do everything to support. They are very understanding Metal Fanatix: If you could be a comic book hero who would you be and why? Dave Haley: [laughs], Flash of course. Then I could get a bit faster. Or the Invisible Man for obvious reasons. Metal Fanatix: [Laughs] We all want that one I think! Who have you been surprised to learn is a fan of you work? Dave Haley: Everyone. I'm honored that anyone actually gives a shit. I don’t take it for granted...everyone is good at something, and most people don’t get recognition, so it’s a privilege to be able to. Metal Fanatix: Tell us, which record/song would define Dave Haley to a complete stranger? Dave Haley: I would say the ‘Symbols of Failure’ album would… until the new Psycroptic Cd’s released. I think Psycroptic is the best representation of my musical style/preferences. Metal Fanatix: What is the one album that changed your life? Dave Haley: Once I got ‘Ride the Lightning’ by Metallica when I was a kid, there was no turning back...so I would say that one.
Dave Haley: I honestly cannot remember...the first pub gig I went to was a Puppyfat / Nation Blue gig at the Doghouse Hotel in Hobart when I was fifteen...snuck in to that! Metal Fanatix: [Laughs] Has there ever been a point in your career when you thought it was all over? Dave Haley: Well, I don’t look at it as a career...it’s just something I do. So, no, I've never thought that. Drums and music are part of my life, so its not a career. It’s not my primary income supply, so its not work as far as I'm concerned. Metal Fanatix: Dude, let’s talk drums! As a drummer I grew up influenced by rockers such as Eric Carr, Tommy Lee, Charlie Benante, and Igor Cavalera. Who inspired you to get behind the kit? Dave Haley: Lars of course. Then I got into players like Vinnie Paul and Igor...and gradually more and more players as I stated getting more into the music. Nowadays I listen to heaps of different players to get a wide variety of influences in my style. Metal Fanatix: As you were saying in Grade seven your drumming experiences started! Did you always want to be a drummer? Dave Haley: Not really. But once I was into it, I started to love it, and wanted to explore it more. I always wanted to play guitar actually. Metal Fanatix: Tell us about the first drum kit you ever owned! Dave Haley: It was a 1960's Pearl Maxwin, blue silver covering. If I still had it, it would probably be worth a bit now. Metal Fanatix: If you were to stop playing tomorrow, what would you be doing? Dave Haley: Not much I don’t think, as I would have to have something serious happen to stop play. I don’t know, as its just part of my daily routine Metal Fanatix: Mate, over the years you’ve been surrounded by many great drummers, who has given you the most valuable drumming advice and what was it? Dave Haley: Grant Collins said to me “never change anything, just add to it”. That struck the biggest cord with me. Other players such as Derek Roddy [Hate Eternal] and George Kollias [Nile] have given me great advice as well. Metal Fanatix: These days, especially when it comes to the more extreme forms of metal, all the drummers seem to be trying to out do each other on who can play the fastest, what’s the best advice you can give drummers these days who are trying to come up with there own unique styles? Dave Haley: Focus on precision, not speed. Take from everyone you hear and incorporate it into what you already do. Each person will have an individual approach to putting new ideas into their playing, so copying someone else’s ideas will lead to your own fresh ideas. Metal Fanatix: Over time, I know you’ve been approached by many fans and asked if you teach drumming. Is that an avenue you are looking into much more these days and if so what is the best way for people to contact you for more information about lessons? Dave Haley: Yeah, I teach in the Melbourne area. I can also teach while on tour if people get in touch in advance. The best way is to email me at psycroptic@hotmail.com Metal Fanatix: Are there any plans in the future to set up clinics around Australia? Dave Haley: Not really...George Kollias really wants me to do some with him next time he comes out, as he is a good friend...but I have no plans to do any as yet. Maybe in the future, we'll see.
Dave Haley: That I make a fortune out of the band. That’s pretty funny. Metal Fanatix: There is no doubt that the metal scene here in Australia is alive and well. Besides Psycroptic and The Amenta what other killer Aussie bands should we be on the lookout for? Dave Haley: Ruins, Aphodic Dawn, Intense Hammer Rage, Zero Degrees freedom, The Occularis Infernum just to name a few. There are some really great bands of all styles in Australia at the moment. Metal Fanatix: Dude, I agree with ya there! Lastly mate, what is the one band you never want to hear again and why? Dave Haley: Don’t really know about one band in general, but I can do without any of that commercial pop/rock/R&B garbage. It’s the same song being played by thousands of artists. Metal Fanatix: Dave, thanx again mate for taking the time out today to do the interview. It’s been a true pleasure! Do you have any last words for our readers? Dave Haley: Thanks very much. To the readers, cheers for reading right to the end! To keep up with all the latest news on Psycroptic and Dave’s other projects head to the following websites: http://www.psycroptic.com - Official Psycroptic Site http://www.myspace.com/psycroptic - Psycroptic Myspace Site http://www.myspace.com/insideout666ints - Inside Out 666 © Cameron Edney February, August 2008 Not to be re-printed in any form without written permission. |
