Generation Kill – MKUltra

By starrymag | July 8, 2022

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) We are referred to as a “New York Thrash band” and let’s be real, that’s not wrong. [laughs] But there are elements of other styles and different moods to this band. There is an undeniable NY/HC influence. Songs like “Opiate of the Misinformed Masses” and “There’s No Hope” bring something very different to the table from songs like “Never Relent.”

We switch gears a lot, the new album has highs, lows, groove and speed. We put a lot into it. I pushed myself for this one, I know we all did. To be honest… I’d be interested in how you would describe our sound!

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) Drummers that influenced me: Neil Peart (Rush), John Bonham (Led Zeppelin), Mickey Dee (King Diamond) of course, Dave Lombardo (Slayer), Louie Beato (carnivore), Tom Hunting (Exodus), Tim “Herb” Alexander (Primus), Danny Schuler (Biohazard), Pete Sandoval (Morbid Angel) and Terry Bozio (Frank Zappa). Also, bands like Sick of it All, Clutch, Quicksand, Cromags, DRI, GWAR (Jizmak!) [RIP Dave]

I’m sure we all have a wide range of influences, but what brings us together is our common love of making this music with this band. The freedom to play whatever comes out, knowing the other guys are gonna do their part and it always ends up coming out even better than I expected.

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Dogs of War.” How did you connect with John Joseph of Cromags to be a part of the song?

A) So, I believe [Rob] Dukes ran into him somewhere and they were talking. John mentioned he would guest on a song. So, we wrote this song with the working title “The John Joseph Song.” Fast forward and I’m in the car with Michael Alago, who is a dear friend of both us and John. John calls him, they’re on the phone right next to me and I say, “Hey! Tell John I’m psyched to hear him on the new Gkill song.” John says, “I’m gonna be on a new Gkill song? Fuck yea!” I laughed because we had this “John Joseph Song” in the works for a while. We sent him the track and he was psyched to get in and track it. We got him into “All Stars Studios” in Hoboken NJ (Laz Pina from ILL NIÑO’s place). When John started doing his thing, a pit nearly erupted in the control room! 😂

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) For one thing, the opening riff is pummeling! Like I said, it was almost windmills and floor punches in the control room when John started tracking. Then, Dukes’ lyrics hammer their point home. The video is full of imagery illustrating the point as well.

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) We have done stuff a lot different for this record. It was lock down pandemic time. Some of us live in different parts of the country. I got demos from Jay Velez, took them in and tracked drums. [Jason] Trenczer tracked his parts, Max [Velez] would add his bass tracks, we’d get a rough mix and send it to Dukes – with the exception of the songs “MKultra” and “Mold of Clay” – those Trenczer, Max and I wrote in the jam room. Then tracked them, off to Dukes they went for him to work. Dukes reads a lot, a lot of his lyrics are inspired by books or documentaries he’s seen.

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) The word “production” is a very ambiguous word! I am involved. Everyone plays a part.

Q) What are some themes you explore on your new album MKUltra?

A) The whole album has a direction. It’s not exactly a concept record but it’s close. From the first track, it’s inspired by Vlad the Impaler, a vicious violent dictator who murdered for fun. “MKUltra” is about the government program where they did mind control experiments on prisoners to create sleeper assassins. “Evil Eye” is the story “The Tell- Tale Heart” by Edgar Allen Poe, reimagined. We just released the video for it created by Wacy Jahn, the video also tied the story to “MKultra.” The Poe story, as it turns out, was what the government used to program our protagonist. So, when he’s triggered, we go into his head through his eye to find the story unfolding there. “Into the Black” – the aliens are here snatching people for whatever purposes. “Dogs of War is more of the government taking over and moving is all like pawns to get their ends met by whatever means they can. “Opiate” illustrates just how much our phones are playing in this whole mess. With “Rat King,” the end is happening, and the rats are taking over.  “Mold of Clay – MKUltra 2” is about Charles Manson who was one of those experimented on by the government when he was in prison and, as we all know, he became a cult leader/murderer. “Life of Sin” is a slip off to a story of a serial killer. “La fin Du Mond,” as the title indicates, is about the end of the world.

Q) What tracks on the album challenged you the most creatively and which stand out as personal favorites and why?

A) “Opiate” of the misinformed masses was fun challenge for me. It’s not a speedy physically demanding song, but Dukes told me, “Think Stewart Copeland (The Police),” so I did. There’s is a lot of texture in that song and it’s def one of my favorites. “MKultra” was a fun challenge speed wise. One of my other favorites is the closer “La Fin Du Mond.” Ronnie King added eerie beautiful piano parts and its contrast between fast tight verses and these big wide-open chorus’ really stood out for me.

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from checking out MKUltra?

A) I hope they listen and get wound up the way I do. It’s hard to drive slowly while you’re listening to this album!

I hope people get that there is a lot of honesty here when they listen to it. This band – these songs are written because this is what we like. This is what we want to play, and this is what came out. There is integrity in that to me.

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) I loved playing in Montana. The crowd was nuts, the city (ok it’s more of a town) was beautiful and the food was great!

We played Tunja, Colombia and that was amazing. They LOVE metal there! People who don’t speak English singing along to your songs is a trip.

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) I personally would love to have Phill Anselmo or Robb Flynn on a track.

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

A) Ok, I looked in my Spotify recents and here’s what and why:

Exodus: I’m learning a couple songs for the upcoming Generation Kill/Dead by Wednesday tour (don’t ask me which songs it’s a surprise)
E-town Concrete: I fuckin love that band.
King 810: Raw powerful stuff. Love this band. I got to do a run touring with them. David is a great writer and JP is an amazing drummer.
ILL Niño: They are bros and I love their new stuff. Marcos, the new singer, is such a strong addition!

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) Social media is a great way for us to point those who like what we do, directly toward it. We can share updates and inside, behind the scenes pictures and videos. It allows easy communication with fans in faraway lands. I’ve spoken to people in Ireland, Prague, Australia, all over. It’s great to get instant feedback on the new album! It’s pretty amazing when you think about it.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) Big thanks! We are really grateful for all the support, and we can’t wait to see you at the shows!

 

 

 

All Questions Answered By Drummer Rob Youells