Devastator is made up of five old-school, dedicated Metalheads who play Metal the way we would like to hear it played. Unfortunately, there are only a handful of Metal bands void of that plastic, mechanical sound so prominent in the today’s “Metal” scene. This is our only goal, to play Metal the way it should be played, the way it was played in the 80’s.

Why did you choose this kind of name for the band? What is its meaning?

The name was chosen by founder member and lead guitarist, Adrian. He chose that name because if fit the lyrics, which were about death, destruction, and total devastation. He also wanted a name that sounded old school and represented perfectly the aim and ideals of the band.

Have you ever played live? If yes, where? If no, why? Do you think playing live helps the band? Any memorable gigs so far?

We have performed live numerous times in the swamps of South Florida, where we live, and a few times in Texas. Early on, we played with local bands and opened for bigger bands like Kreator and Deicide. However, these local shows attract mainly hardcore/nu-”metal”, gorilla-dancing, mosh-pit posers. Therefore, for the last few years we have been organizing our own local shows, which take place at our rehearsal space, namely Forest of N’Gai. The entrance fee is beer; no posers allowed! Although the Forest of N’Gai shows only comprise of 20-30 Metalheads, these true, old-school, leather-denim-spike-wearing Metalheads come to bang their brains out, not dance around like tribal monkeys! That is what we play for. Texas, on the other hand, has a larger, true Metal base, and we always look forward to playing there.

Do you think the Internet helps or ruins the music industry? What is your opinion on filesharing of mp3s, making the whole album available for download? Does this help the band or what?

We do not make a living out of our music, nor do we intend to. We play Metal for the sake of Metal, not for fame or money. Therefore, we don’t really care if someone downloads our album, or shares it using file-sharing software. In the late 80’s/early 90’s, I would copy and trade tapes at shows, or by mail; this is no different than what people are doing today via the Internet, only that it’s in digital form. This is how good Metal has always spread. Most record companies will only sign bands that sell — but most of the greatest Metal albums never sell well at first! Therefore, the Internet is good for Metal, but bad for bands and labels that exist only to make money. With that said, I personally prefer to buy a vinyl, cd, or tape (in that order!), than to download an mp3. To me, and most old-school Metalheads I believe, the artwork, layout, etc., along with the music of course, is part of it! Owning five mp3 files in a folder labeled “Mortuary Drape - Into the Drape” is NOT the same as owning the original CD released on Decapitated Records!!!

What kind of label you think suits good in your band? There’s a lot of labels, just like everybody else crowding each other. Do you think there is a tough competition out there?

Any label that can release our albums within a couple months, and can distribute it well, suits our band. We have never hesitated in writing new material. By the time an album is out, we are usually already rehearsing the next 7-8 songs before going into the studio. For example, “Conjuring Evil” was only released a couple months ago, and we are already going into the studio next month to record our next album, entitled “The Summoning of Yog Sothoth”. At the current time we very pleased with our current label, Old Cemetery Records.

Who are your favorite and influential bands? How do you make your own music by staying away not to copy their work?

We are primarily influenced by the classic, and not-so-classic, 80’s Heavy/Speed/Thrash/Black/Death Metal bands, ranging from Kat to Possessed. We are also influenced by the Mediterranean/South American sound found in bands like Zemial and Sarcofago. Although we do our best to sound original, our primary goal is to play the kind of Metal we enjoy listening to.

In your area, is it cheaper or accessible for any band to decently record an album or a demo in a studio? How much would it cost to do an album?

Average studios charge around $40 per hour. We record most of our material, and mix all of it ourselves, at our own studio, Typhon Studio.

What brand of equipment do you use? Do you want to be an endorsee someday? If yes, what instrument/brand would that be?

We use Ibanez and old Charvel guitars, Marshall heads, Ibanez cabinets, and Boss pedals… Pretty much anything that sounds good. We are not dedicated to any brand, etc. Boss makes some good pedals, Ibanez makes some other good ones too — if it sounds good, and we can afford it, we’ll use it. Good music sounds good whether it’s coming through a Marshall or a homemade amp.

Any recent releases / merchandise available for sale? How can anyone get them?

Our latest release, “Conjuring Evil”, is available through Old Cemetery Records (www.oldcemetery.tk), our website (www.morbidforce.com), Typhon Productions (www.typhonprod.com), among many distros and labels. New shirts and other merchandise is also available at the same locations. For South Florida Metalheads, our merchandise is also available at Metal Music Distribution (823 E Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33334 or www.metalmusicdistribution.com).

Anything else to add? The last space is yours…

Hails to you, and all others, who have supported Devastator thus far! We will be playing at the legendary Sacrifice of the Nazarene Child IX festival, with many great bands, on Saturday June 21st, in San Antonio Texas. All true Metalheads are invited — BANG YOUR HEADS FOR LUCIFER!!! BEAR WITH PRIDE THE DEVIL’S MARK!!!

BAND CONTACT
www.morbidforce.com