Mages Terror has released a wicked new album of crushing old school thrash metal called “Damnation’s Sight” on Invictus Productions. I sent guitar player Australia Reigns some questions to answer:
What event or events led to you wanting to pick up an instrument and why that particular instrument? Who are some of your favourite players?
AR: The onset of Heavy Metal when I was 9 years old intrigued me with the electric guitar from Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and the other obvious Thrash Metal bands of the late 80’s. Some of my favourite players, to name but a few, are Trey Azagthoth, Jake E Lee, Randy Rhoads, Uli Roth, Mick Burke, and Kai Hansen.
Now how did you get into the underground music side of things? Was it something you liked right away or did it take a few listens to get into it? Who are some of your favourite bands?
AR: The underground aspect was a natural progression from the mainstream gateway acts, word of mouth and zines were the main source of the early 90’s onwards into Death Metal and Black Metal stirring in the veins but as always the roots of Heavy Metal remain. It’s an extensive list but always Morbid Angel, Infernal Majesty, Sabbat, Agent Steel, Immolation, Beherit…
Now, everyone except the drummer is in other bands besides Mages Terror. So, did the formation of the band come together now?
AR: The drummer CY plays in Consummation and has appeared on various other band releases either as drummer or guitarist. The formation came after I started creating riffs in 2019, after which I scouted around for musicians as I wanted a local active live unit, as opposed to a recording project, spread out internationally or interstate. These gentlemen have come along for the ride.
Now how soon was the band together before you started writing tunes? Is it easy or a bit difficult to write music so it doesn’t sound like the other bands you are all in?
AR: Everything was written before the formation, in fact, pre-production was laid out for almost everything before the physical jamming began. No, it is not difficult in that aspect as the style is nothing like our other bands, I don’t see the point in doing the same style in multiple acts.
Who came up with the name of the band, Mages Terror, and the logo?
AR: The Curator of Portal created the name based on the term Magister, Mages as in plural if anyone was wondering, the logo was designed by Apex Dread.
How long did it take before you went into the studio to record your debut demo? Thoughts on it these days?
AR: The demo I recorded on my trusty 4-track machine with dodgy cheap mics about 6 months after we started belting these songs, I wanted some rough introduction out there as I knew the album will be superior in dynamic production. I’m proud of that tape, it kills.
How did people react when they heard it?
AR: Overall very positive and the ultra honest word from the Whyalla council was taken onboard.
Now how did you end up hooking up with the great label Invictus Productions, who just released your debut full-length called “Damnation’s Sight”, which is a fantastic release of thrash/black metal?
AR: I’ve known the Invictus Productions camp for years from working with Vomitor and the release of Portal – Swarth for Europe in 2009. Damnations Sight as in plural as many are the Damnations.
I love the release myself. How long did it take for the songs to come together and how long were you in the studio for? Are you pretty happy with the finished product?
AR: Half of the album was written in 2019 and the rest came as subconscious flow very quickly in 2022, the drums took 2 days to record using no click tracks or metronome, and the rest was done sporadically over some weeks, as this is not a live recorded album, we utilize the re-amping method when it comes to guitars etc to get the best and juiciest tones imaginable. Extremely happy with Aphotic’s effort in this recording production.
Have you managed to play many live shows and do you plan on trying to play some or a bunch to support this release?
AR: So far 3 shows have been executed, and we have 2 more locked in coming up. One show is in support of The Rods. The plan was always to be an active live band so indeed there will be shows in support of Damnations Sight.
Now how different do you think the band sounds as compared to the other bands you’re in?
AR: Completely different styles to our other bands, Mages Terror is traditional Metal refined in superior harmonic dynamics, as opposed to the ugliness of the other bands which I also adore. Challenging one’s perception of another pallet of sound while keeping all of your signature style is killer when it’s executed correctly and with style.
For someone who has not heard the band, what would you say the band sounds like?
AR: Ripping evil Thrash Metal heavily influenced by Infernal Majesty and Sabbat for one, it’s pretty basic to the senses, no abstraction, raw darkness.
Please plug any websites or social media pages the band has. Do you have any merchandise for sale?
AR: For merch come and see us play live to see what is available.
We can be found and the usual platforms…
https://www.facebook.com/magesterrorfront/
https://magesterror.bandcamp.com/album/damnations-sight-4
Instagram @magesterror
Where can people pick up this fantastic new release?
AR: Internationally go to Invictus Productions, I’m sure it is being distributed to obvious outlets one would seek, I doubt it would be hard to find.
Horns up for doing this interview. Any last words to wrap it up?
AR: Thanks for the interview and support, Australia Reigns
