HateFX understands that playing a show is different than putting on a show. The metal band incorporates layers of sound sequences, lights and stage setups to bring the live show to another level. There's even a guy in the band whose job is props and special effects.
The band -- vocalist Gabriel Almazan, guitarist Glen Alvelais, drummer Dan Sablan and bassist Jaymz DeBase -- releases their new album, "Under Destruction," with a show 8 p.m. Saturday at The Starline, 831 E. Fern Ave. There is an $8 cover at the door. Local bands Serpent and Seraph and Grooveyard open. We caught up with Almazan in advance of the show.
Where does HateFX fit on the spectrum of metal?
Good question ... we have a blend of heavy, thrash and speed metal with some avant-garde elements.
What is the current state of heavy metal in U.S.? Has the day of loud, aggressive rock passed?
Definitely not! If anything, people still dig the heavy, thrash style, i.e., metal in different forms. We see a lot of the new generations exploring the different shades of metal because there are elements and influences clearly present across many of the sub-genres. Metal fans are very loyal and can navigate through trends.
Tell us about the new album.
"Under Destruction" depicts a new HateFX, with our most solid lineup to date. We took extra time to make sure all details were reviewed and treated each song as an individual project. There was a lot of time dedicated to making the album sound as close to our live sound as possible, while experimenting with different textures and sonic layers.
We have important collaborations in this recording: We worked with Fresno's master violinist Patrick Contreras on one song. Amanda from Spirit Descending is on another one with keyboards and Anton Reisenegger (Lockup/Criminal) did title track backing vocals.
The new lineup includes Glen Alvelais from the band Testament. How did he end up playing with you guys?
We opened up for one of Glen's bands and stayed in contact. I asked Glen if he wanted to participate in the new album with a guitar solo/lead. As he was working through it, he asked how we were going to pull this off live. We were going to look for a lead guitarist. Glen said he would like to be present at the release party to play the song (which is part of "Under Destruction"), and I went and met with him and asked him if he wanted to join ... and the rest is history.
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