Blastmasters
Wywiad przeprowadził Wouter Roemers
After being the founding member of two of Florida's most important new school brutal death metal bands – Diabolic and Unholy Ghost, respectively – Aantar Lee Coates has raised Blastmasters. Although the obvious similarities there are quite some differences that are hidden just below the surface. Leaving nothing to the imagination shortly after its inception a three track demo surfaced which made Blastmasters' intentions crystal clear. This isn't another prestigious project raised by members in veteran death metal bands, but a living, breathing unit that has one goal only: pushing extremity to new levels while retaining their unique level of familiarity. After sending a few e-mails up and down to the Blastmasters headquarters, drummer and founding member Aantar Lee Coates happily answered the questions we presented to him underneath. 
Blastmasters was formed on June 27, 2004 and the first demo has already been recorded and made available for download on your official website. Can you tell us something about the formation of the band and how the "Promo 2004" came to be?
Aantar: Blastmasters was something that I had in mind for a long time because I always knew Unholy Ghost could never tour Europe, Canada or South America. First I had to clean up XXX Studios and get it ready for the change. (after the show in California my old band trashed my studio) That really made me determined to put Blastmasters together. I remember Trey Azagthoth telling me that I would have to stay focused and not to let anyone hold me back. To this day he's a big influence on me and what I'm all about.
The name is a recurrent theme through out your body of work, not only was it your artist moniker. You also choose to name your particular drumming style that way. In what way does the band name "Blastmasters" tie in with your previous efforts?
Aantar: After being in the world's most evil bands it was time for a change. I chose the name Blastmasters because the fans that supported me for years will relate to the name and know that they are getting true Florida death metal! My nickname ‘Blastmaster' is different than the name Blastmasters. I like to think of it as a fresh start.
In what way does the collaboration with RJ and Jesse differ from your previous bands?
Aantar: R.J. lets me play his guitar and show him my ideas. If he has a drum idea I tell him to play it. I think that's fair. The way I wrote with the other bands was different because I had to show them on keyboards because they worried their guitars would get dirty. R.J. is very technical with his rhythm style so it's a challenge to first understand what he's doing then put the drums to his ideas. He's still getting used to working with my style of drumming. R.J. is always ready to jam. I wasn't used to working with someone so wanting to jam. He was calling me everyday! I really had to step up to the plate and push myself because I didn't want to waste away. Just because I had a record in the stores released back in April didn't mean anything. I set a deadline to have 3 songs completed and recorded by September 2004.
RJ's style is said to be of a highly technical level. To what extent will this become a trademark for the band? Will we hear these great technical interludes in future material or will the straightforward blasting death metal which we have come to expect from you the prevailing rule?
Aantar: R.J. has the technical magic that is refreshing and challenging. I think his style will progress and everyone will hear that "Twisted Metal" will be the album to get. Jessie has the range to do black - or death metal vocals so I'm really happy with him. I still can't believe these guys have never played in a death metal band! All they needed was a
drummer without elbow problems. The straightforward blasting style is cool, it's time for a change but without compromising the evil and eerie riffs.
Once again you chose to work with Juan "Punchy" Gonzalez for the "Promo 2004". He had earlier assisted you in both Diabolic and Unholy Ghost. Will you continue to work with him in the future and what is his impact on the band as a working unit?
Aantar: Yes, we will keep on working with Punchy. He has experience and knows his job as an engineer and producer. His impact on this band has been huge because this it the first death metal band these guys have ever been in. I don't think Jessie and R.J. thought the demo would be so easy to record and release. Punchy will help produce Blastmasters' "Twisted Metal" in 2005.
Recently Jerry Mortellaro (Unholy Ghost) joined Blastmasters, if I'm not mistaken. Won't his commitment to Unholy Ghost eventually interfere with the workings of Blastmasters?
Aantar: Jerry has the right to work with any band he wants (with Olympic Records consent, of course) He said he wants to jam in other bands, no matter what. He also has his own band Avanteguard. Jerry can jam 3 nights a week. We already have 1 song written with Jerry and he's taking the time to learn the demo songs. Bottom line: Jerry wants to tour in other countries and he knows Blastmasters will be ready when the time comes. Jerry and I remain good friends despite the shit we've gone through. He's writing hi-tech riffs and his style will help shape our new album "Twisted Metal".
Rumours have been floating around concerning your departure and/or booting from Unholy Ghost. A press statement by the band read that "elbow problems" forced you to stand down from the band, in a recent interview with Evilution Magazine, however, you stated the opposite: that "Blastmasters" is the living proof that you are perfectly alright. Why did you leave Unholy Ghost? Artistic differences? No touring possibilities, internal differences? Enlighten us.
Aantar: I was sick of them complaining about everything. One day it's the record label, next day it's my drumming, next day their girlfriends hated me, next day they show up to practice drunk and try to tell me how to play drums. It was a lot of stupid shit that had nothing to do with music. I didn't need to keep hearing their egos when I was the only one in the band that toured Europe. I have more records out than all of them. I didn't need them any longer. So, after Kelly and I got into another fight I told him to pack his shit and get the fuck out of my studio. He was always saying how much more brutal his band Pessimist was. All he ever talked about was how he was moving Pessimist down to Florida. I remember when I was In Horror Of Horrors in Maryland, Kelly played guitars for one show then I moved to Tampa. 2 years later Diabolic was on the Cannibal Corpse, God Dethroned, Hate Eternal tour. I didn't take shit from people with his problems.
Diabolic has only performed live with their current drummer Gaël Barthélémy on one occasion. In the same interview you mentioned that Brian Malone (Diabolic) had given you a phone call. Has anything come from that? Diabolic has split up in the meantime – is he interested in doing any future projects with you?
Aantar: Brian didn't leave a message when he called so I don't know what he was thinking. After he decided not to work with me after 6 years I don't think that we will ever work together again. I wish him the best - he's a killer guitar player and what happened in the past was really fucked up. I like to remember the best times and sacrifice.
Returning back to Blastmasters. Work is currently underway on your full length debut "Twisted Metal". What can we expect from the record – will it be down the same lines of the promo or should we foresee some unexpected twists in the sound?
Aantar: There will be a twist in the song structure .... not predictable and the riffs will be more brutal than ever.
With the impressive resumé that you have, which label can be expected to release the upcoming Blastmasters album? Are there any particularities known around this or is it safe to assume Century Media will release it – due to the Unholy Ghost tie-in?
Aantar: Olympic want to see Blastmasters progress. Playing live is a big part of what they want to see. We have to be patient, they have other bands that have priority over us. I don't want to change labels after working with them. It will be worth the wait even if they push "Twisted Metal" back to 2006. I've been offered other deals but it's not the same as being on a major label like Olympic/Century Media. It took many years to get on a good label and the last thing I want is to fuck it up
Blastmasters intend to go live in early 2005. As far as tours go, will you tour the US only or are Europe and other continents also on the want-list?
Aantar: This Blastmasters line-up can tour anywhere. We are all about getting the music to the fans live! That was the downfall about being in Unholy Ghost. Now I'm free from that situation and look forward to playing live again anywhere I want to when the time comes.
Okay, thanks a lot for answering these questions. The last words are yours. Cheers!
Thanks for the interview - you rule!!!!!!!!!
Site: www.blastmasters1.com
Info/booking: aantar@blastmasters1.com
