The Agonist May 12, 2009

Posted by Shannon Phillips at May 12, 2009 12:57 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 3 ) | TrackBack

Are you in need of some new summer music that isn't lame? Allow me to introduce you to The Agonist—a Canadian female-fronted metal band on Century Media. Like their label-mates Earth Crisis, Agonist vocalist Alissa isn't shy when it comes to talking about her choice to be vegan or a female in the metal community. Check out our the interview our friends at peta2 Germany did with Alissa below!

The Agonist has a strong political and social stance, would you say that social issues and animal rights are subjects that are important to kids in the metal scene?
I'm not sure how important these issues are to our fans, but they are VERY important to me. There are definitely some metal and hardcore fans that are very socially aware and politically conscious, and I think they appreciate my lyrics and campaign stances. For the fans who don't care so much about these things, at least they can enjoy our music.

How would you describe the position of women in metal music these days?
I would say we are a minority, but so are vegans and straight-edgers—so I'm used to it. I think we have an uphill battle but the potential for even more impact than a male metal musician.

How long have you been vegan, and what motivated you to go vegan?
I have been vegan for about 10 years, and I have been vegetarian since birth. I think veganism was a natural step-forward for me, since I wanted to do more about protecting animals.

How do you react when people approach you with certain prejudices about veganism (i.e., that it's not a healthy lifestyle, that people "need meat and dairy products", etc.)? I usually laugh, because if that were true, I wouldn't be alive right now! I have never eaten meat in my life. I think, that like with any prejudice, proper education on the matter will dissolve it. I have gained so much by being vegan.

Have you ever written a song inspired by issues related to animal rights?
I would say 90% of my songs are related to this issue. It is what I'm most passionate about and therefore what I write about the most.

What is your advice to people who consider going vegan but do not know how to make the switch?
Just do your research and you will see how rewarding and easy it is. Take it one step at a time, and do it for the right reasons rather than making a hard switch and risking reverting after a while. The planet will thank you!

Have you ever seen any videos that have shown cruelty to animals? How did you feel seeing how animals are treated?
I have seen documented video footage of this, but I usually have to look away. Anyone that blindly eats meat or uses animal products should be forced to witness what they are supporting, I think. I have read a lot of information on the subject, and I am well educated in the field, but I just really have a hard time watching it. It will literally make me cry for days.

Many cosmetics lines have stopped testing on animals. What is you favourite cruelty-free make-up?I use lots of different companies, but mostly Manic Panic and Revlon. It's about time cosmetic companies stop testing, there is no need for it.

Do you have any final words for your fans and peta2 supporters?
Thanks—and hope to see many new vegans and vegetarians in the future!

*****

If you want to check out The Agonist, be sure to pick up Lullabies for the Dormant Mind—and keep an eye on their MySpace page for upcoming tour dates!

peta2 Loves Metal! Do You? February 24, 2009

Posted by Shannon Phillips at February 24, 2009 3:03 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 4 ) | TrackBack

In my opinion, there really isn't anything more awesome than a badass metal band that isn't afraid to speak up for animals—and Lamb of God is a perfect example of this! Bass player John Campbell once told us that if he could say anything to KFC CEO David Novak, he would tell him that he hoped his money made him comfortable in Hell, because if there is any justice, he would suffer. If that wasn't awesome enough, Drummer Chris Adler has been a vegetarian for years, and he once starred in a "Vegetarian Testimonial" PSA for us. Check it out below!

John and Chris are living proof that you won't lose any tough metal cred if you speak out for animals. That said, if you buy anything today other than delicious vegan food, I am highly suggesting that you go to your local music store and pick up Lamb of God's new album, Wrath, which comes out today! The band is also going on tour in support of Wrath, so check out the tour dates on their MySpace page and see if they're bringing "true American metal" to a city near you!

What show are you going to?



PS: If you like metal—check out our features with Shadows Fall, Killswitch Engage, As I Lay Dying, Converge, and most recently, Trivium!

Rise of Caligula Interview March 3, 2008

Posted by Pulin Modi at March 3, 2008 8:40 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBack

When George, the vocalist for a metal band called Rise of Caligula, dropped us a line to work together, I checked out his band's MySpace page. And let me tell you, I was into the sound they have. It's heavy, catchy, and with a vegan vocalist, why would you not at least check it out? It's so metal. It's so good! And looking at George's photo below, I bet you have no idea what you're in for with his vocal style! Here's a quick interview he sat down to do with us, so give it a read. And if you're into metal or hardcore, check out his band!

What's your name and what do you do in the band?
My name is George and I handle all the vocal and lyric responsibilities in the band.

Have you guys toured much?
Yes, we love touring! We've done a few tours over the last couple of years, including ones with Fate, Molotov Solution, Myotonia, and Katsumoto. We're always looking to hit the road though, and will soon. That's a promise!

How would you describe your sound and influences?
We draw numerous influences from a huge variety of bands. I think lately we've really had our ears turned to classic forms of grind, black metal, and post-rock though. I would describe our sound as very grind and hardcore influenced metal.

What would be your ideal show lineup to be on?
Wow... that one is ever-changing. There are a million bands I would love to share the stage with. I think right now though, if I could have the perfect lineup, we'd be playing with Converge, Pig Destroyer, Phobia, Mono, Sigur Ros, Darkest Hour, and Radiohead. Best show of all time! We'd open of course.

How long have you been vegan and into animal rights and how did you get interested?
I first began to have an interest in animal rights during a stint of homelessness that occured in my life. Initially, it was anarcho teachings that really exposed me to all sorts of alternative lifestyles. After getting into that, the largest influence into a vegan life was a girlfriend I had at the time who had been vegan for years. I can really attribute all of my early learning to her. To be honest, without her, I don't think I'd be where I'm at today. It was a great experience in my life.

Do you have any favorite foods?
Anything in a tortilla, pretty much. I'm awfully plain, it's the sad truth.

What do the other band members have to say about your veganism?
Ha, they didn't know what to think of it at first. I don't even think they thought I was being serious or could continue that life, but eventually it grew on them. They've all been vegetarian now for months, so I think my impact was well made!

Where can people learn more about your band and check out some music?
Go straight to MySpace.com/RiseofCaligula. You can get all our updates and available music there. So check it!

Any other questions you wished I would have asked?
I think you guys pretty much summed it up. It was great! I'd like to give a photo credit for my personal photo to MySpace.com/mboydphoto. She's an amazing photographer, check her out!! And a huge thanks to peta2, you guys are beyond cool. Everyone take it easy!

Thanks to George. If you're in a band and looking to spread the word about animal rights, add peta2's MySpace into your top friends, post some banners on your page, and be in touch if you want some literature, stickers, and petitions to get out during your shows. Of course, anyone on the Street Team should do the same, too! Cool deal?

-Pulin

Shadows Fall's Road to Redemption Video Game August 1, 2007

Posted by Nicole at August 1, 2007 4:07 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 0 ) | TrackBack

My very favorite dreadlock wielding/vegetarian/metal singer-extraordinaire, Brian Fair and the rest of Shadows Fall have been busy, busy boys. Not only did their latest album, Threads of Life, drop earlier this year, but they've been touring machines in support of it. The guys are currently out on this year's Sounds of the Underground, which wraps up in mid-August. But have no fear—they're not done there. Be sure to check out their fall tour dates to find out when they'll be in a town near you.

To highlight the fact that they're road warriors, the band has created a Road to Redemption game on their website, with the person earning the most points by the end of the summer, winning a free copy of Guitar Hero II. In case any of you are totally out of the loop...Shadows Fall's The Light that Blinds is featured in the coveted "bonus section" of the game.

So hop on the Shadows Fall tour bus, travel the roads, and help the guys pick up the tour essentials, like gear and merch. But watch out and do your best to stay clear of certain somethings that are out to get you, ala the band's management team and the creepy "rootman". Don't know what I'm talking about, well I guess you'll have to check out the game to find out, now won't you?!

Hope all is lovely.

nicole

**currently listening to: The Movielife's Forty Hour Train Back To Penn**