Band of the Day: Madzilla

Thank ****ing **** it’s Friday. Partly because, well, Friday. Partly because we get to tell you about another great band…

Simple things first – where are you guys from?

We’re based in Las Vegas. Madzilla is: David Cabezas (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Daniel Gortaire (Bass/Background Vocals), David Oliveri (Guitar/Background Vocals) and Robert Wiggin (Drums).

If you like what we do, consider joining us on Patreon for as little as £1 per month!

How did you meet?

Madzilla started as a project David C had a few years ago, when an unfortunate car accident, in which David lost a great childhood friend, lead to the creation of the band’s earliest single “Judgment Day”, a song dedicated to the final moments of life, and the loss of a loved one.

Having a few songs written, David felt the need to get this ideas and feelings heard, which is what made him start recruiting band members. We all actually met when the Madzilla auditions took place.

How long have you been playing as a band?

The band officially launched in 2018, but we started with Chad Saylor in bass, who quit the band in 2019. Daniel joined the band last year, so the current full line up has been playing together for a little over a year.

Tell us about the new video.

Being a Las Vegas based band, we are of course surrounded by the desert. We thought it was fitting to have our video shoot out there, where it feels like home. The video features our latest single “The Last Goodbye”. “The Last Goodbye” describes the frustration that arises when trapped in one’s own world. The inability to see the light when surrounded by it, fixating on the bad, will completely erase all the good. When every night carries the same pain, “The Last Goodbye” represents giving in to this limitless sorrow.

Another interesting thing about it, is that the video features Australian vocalist Natalie Brown, who is a magnificent performer! Don’t miss out, check it out below!

Before you get sick of being asked… where does the band name come from?

“Madzilla” is a metaphoric representation of the dark side of human nature. It represents the need to rule, and the unstoppable search for power that can take over a person’s mind. “Madzilla” itself is an insane version of the fictional monster “Godzilla”. “Godzilla” is a wild animal , therefore he hunts and kills for survival. “Madzilla” on the other hand enjoys blood and destruction, and kills and destroys for its own rise to power.

What are your influences?

David C: Band wise Metallica, Megadeth, Pantera, and Zakk Wylde

Daniel: Metallica, Rammstein, Sepultura, Kiss, and Rob Zombie.

David O: Iron Maiden, Steve Vai, and Guthrie Govan.

Robert: Kiss, Iron Maiden, and Overkill. But drummer-wise Eric Carr, Tommy Aldridge, and Nick Mensa.

Describe your music. What makes you unique?

Our style can best be described as melodic thrash metal. It’s a mix of classic thrash metal, reminiscent of the likes of Megadeth, Metallica, Overkill, and Slayer, mixed with more melodic elements found mostly on heavy metal bands such as Iron Maiden.

We play fast and heavy, but we are also very melodic.

Do you have any particular lyrical themes?

Our lyrics, in a metaphorical way, talk about real life issues and experiences. We play how we feel, and we hope we can help you feel, and enjoy as well!

What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?

We’re very energetic. Robert has a vast touring experience, so he’s very comfortable onstage. He’s known for “unleashing the dragon”, which makes him very fun to watch. Everyone in the band has experience touring, and playing live shows so we mostly enjoy it when we’re onstage, which of course makes us go all out every time, haha.

Mostly, what you can expect at a Madzilla show is a lot of energy, and you’ll have a good time!

What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?

David C: I once fell off the stage because I got to dizzy from head banging!

Robert: On the final night of a tour alongside Alice in Chains, during our last song the Alice in Chains guys came and removed one piece of my drum set at a time until all I had was a seat and snare. Back then most tours had an “End of the Tour Hijinks” on the last night of the tour.

David O: Before our set, I’m usually backstage warming up. This one time, as I was warming up my guitar strap broke, this is minutes before going onstage! So I undid my boot laces and made myself a strap!

Daniel: Last February, we toured alongside Soulfly. So I finally got to meet Max Cavalera, life long dream of mine. One afternoon, after sound check, as I’m coming out of the bathroom, of course not leaving the nicest smell behind, and I see Max Cavalera going in! I really wanted to say something, but everything I could think of felt so uncomfortable.

What kit do you use / guitars do you play / etc.?

David C: I play an LTD MH-350FM, and an Ibanez S7420 S Series 7 String. I also use from TC Electronic a “Hall of Fame” reverb pedal, and a “Flashback” delay pedal. I play with a Line 6 Spider IV amp.

Daniel: I use a Fender Jazz Bass and a Fender Precision Bass.

David O: I use a Schecter SLS Evil Twin Explorer and an Epiphone Les Paul Night Fall, into a Fractal Axe FXs 3.

Robert: I use a custom kit that was personally built for me. But I also have a Premier kit that I use onstage and on videos as well.

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What are your plans for the next 12 months?

Getting back on the road as soon as the Covid-19 situation is resolved. But also, we are always working on new music, and new videos, so stay tuned!

If you were second on a three-band bill, which band would you love to be supporting and which band would you choose to open for you? A chance to plug someone you’ve toured with, or a mate’s band we’ve not heard of before!

We’d love to support Megadeth.

There’s a local band here in Las Vegas called Cirka Sik, if you have a chance go check out their stuff. They’re great, we’d love to share the bill with them at some point.

Madzilla: official | facebook | instagram | youtube

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