Prior to their performance at HRH Metal, I had the opportunity to catch up with Internal Conflict to see what the guys had been up to in the past two years and also their thoughts on why the festival had sold out for a second year in a row.
You’re playing at HRH today, are you looking forward to it?
Absolutely. We’re playing the second stage which is really good and should be good fun. We saw Gojira play on that stage a few years ago so it’s awesome to be playing on there.
It’s been 2 years since we last spoke. What have you guys been up to?
We released a new EP last year which we are still pushing at the moment and we’re playing a few songs off that. We’ve got a new drummer who used to play in Beholder as well and are in the process of writing some new music. We start recording next month so we’re full steam ahead on everything. We’ve got a really good writing dynamic in the band now and we can’t wait to release some new stuff.
This is the second year the festival has sold out. Can you think of any reasons why?
Obviously having Decapitated playing is a big draw and some of the other bands that are playing we’d say. There’s a good UK scene which is playing and being taken seriously which is really great to see. A lot of those guys are veterans as well and people are taking them seriously now which is great. Some of the bands playing here might be headlining Bloodstock in 10 year time.
It can be really expensive and tough, but a lot of good things are happening and the profile of everyone is raising up. The scene is not dead, which people like to say, but is rebuilding stronger than ever. A lot of bands help each other out and are mates now as well. In the past there were some people one-upping each other but now everyone is a lot more friendly with one another and is really cool.
What gear are you using today?
We’ve recently started using Line 6 Helix’s which have been really good for our stringy players. Our guitarist uses an LTD explorer which is kind of [James] Hetfield in style. Our drummer has a DW collectors series with a Roland TM2 brain to power the triggers and ambient pad. He’s been one of longest endorsers of Dream Cymbals who have been really good to him throughout all his years with them.
What is one thing you wish someone told you before you started?
There’s a few things: Wear ear plugs is a big one, it’s going to be expensive, embrace a Travelodge shower, look after your backs and spine and finally, warm-up.
Tea or Coffee?
Depends on the time of day. Coffee is good but tea is a good thing to start your day with.
