INTERVIEW TAKEN FROM: http://www.explosioncerebralzine.7vip.net/

Interview with Alex of Enraged:

1- Please start off by introducing Enraged to our readers :
Enraged got started in late 2001, early 2002. We have always been a 3 piece group, so from the very beginning; we have utilized the most out of just 3 members. When we formed, it was Robert Hernandez on drums, Saul Mata on bass, and myself, (Alex), on vocals and guitars. After recording our first cd, South Texas Metal EP, Robert left the band. In 2003, James Hall, climbed on board and replace Robert on drums. We were able to play several shows and write a few songs, but this was short lived since Saul, our bassist decided to depart and start his own band. Before Saul departing, we did manage to record "Retribution Mine", for a South Texas Cd compilation called Chaos Down South, which was released in early 2006 by Lunatic Productions. In the same year, Netz Aviles joined the band and thus made the band complete once again. Currently, we have been working on songs that will be for our 1st full-length cd, tentatively titled "Resurrection".

2- How are your songs, musically and lyrically different from others groups?
Well first of all, we all grew up in the 80's so our foundations and roots lie there. This however has not limited us to overlook the sounds and works of the modern bands. We very much take in all forms of music. As far as writing goes, we start out with riffs we piece together. Once we have a foundation, we structure the melodies of the vocals to fit the parts. If a riff needs changing to get the point more across, then we make the changes. I say melodies, cause at this point in time, we don't have lyrics until the very end. We then present the song to our drummer, James and work on the timing and arrangement. It is not until we are close to recording the song in the studio that I finish the lyrics. We have elements of heavy metal and thrash metal, with controlled aggression and brutality. We basically feel we are the bridge from heavy metal to more extreme metal. We love formulaic song writing with a hint of technicality. We also like to layer our music with haunting melodies. As far as lyrically and musically different; I don't know exactly. We write about personal situations as well as current events. We stay away from the darker side of things. We write more about life situations and the everyday struggle to triumph over the obstacles in life.

3- Which bands would you name the most influential on Enraged, do you read a lot also to write your music?
Like many thrash bands in the early days; I use to read alot of comic books. I also have read the New Testament several times. I would say that this to some extent does reflect on the writing, but predominantly its current events. As far as bands that are influential to Enraged; each member has their favorites, however as a band we enjoy: Fates Warning, Sevendust, Metallica, Slayer, Dry Kill Logic, Iron Maiden, Suicidal Tendencies, Queenshyce, Pantera, System of the Down, Machine Head, and most of the 80's metal.

4- Are you involved in old school metal, what do you think in the reborn of old bands, do you think that they do for feeling or money?
We are not 80s metal by any means, but I think you can hear alot of old school influence in our music. As far as 80's metal making a come back, I think its great, but I always feel that you can't relive the 80s. The 80s music was great for its time; so let it stay that way. It would be great if bands played this music for the feeling, but we you look at some of these bands that are doing it, they are barely in their teens and weren't growing up in the 80s. You got to think about it; the 80s metal goes with a time frame and a lifestyle so I kind of look down upon the bands that are doing it just for the money.

5- Which of your songs do you prefer to play at a live performance?
I really don't have a favorite, but people do respond to some of the songs more than the others. Maybe, the songs "South Texas Dirt", and "Retribution Mine".

6- How would you describe your live performance, with what bands have you played?
Challenging.....because when you are a three piece, its a bit harder to duplicate what people hear on the cd. I think that we have still manage to capture this sound. We pretty much have shared the stage with alot of local bands down here in South Texas. Abyss, Slowgrind, Xova, Dying Embrace, 9Five6, DED, Afterlife, and Fleshgrind out of Chicago Il.

7- Has there been any label interest in Enraged, what will be the next step for Enraged?
In 2003, Status Records out of LA offered us a distribution deal, but we passed up on it since the band was going thru a lineup change. We basically want to finish writing and recording this new cd. It is very hard to work around our different work schedules, but we try and utilize the little time that is given. Once we record "Resurrection", we will print and send it out everywhere. Hopefully we'll caught some labels attention.

8- What do you know of Peru or South America?
Awesome metal supporters. Alot of good band there. We feel, its almost in the same level as Europe. The US is so critical about alot of its own bands. Outside of the country, you tend to find more opened minded people like in Peru and South America. Also, we tend to feel more at home we this type of crowd since 2/3 ers of the band is Hispanic.

9- Do you believe in anything, exist any philosophy behind the band?
No real philosophy. We simply try to write music that we can reflect back 10 or 20 years later and say, "Hell ya; maybe we had something".

10- How will you want to die? Do you think that life exist after death?
I really never thought about that. I guess we really don't choose how to die; we chose how to live. Sometimes the way we chose to live directly influences the way we die. So in essence, I chose to live my life to with no opportunity left unturned. I never want to look back and say, I could have, I should have. Life after death - yes, I believe there is such a thing.

11- Which is your opinion about your President Bush, do you think that is he right?
When President Bush first came to office, I did support most of his decision. It seems as though now a days there has been alot of tuff decisions that he has made that don't seem to alot of peoples liking. War is always a hard thing. I know that lot of times, the US people are very arrogant, but this is because we honestly feel this country offers many great opportunities. The American dream sometimes seems so very close. I think that most of us in the country, including the President have to look at the situation from another countries point of view. Things need to change. I don't want to stir a revolution; but change does need to happen.

12- Any future plans?
For the band; just to finish writing and recording our cd. Then we'll see how things go from there.

13- Any last comments?
Thank you for your time and interest. Those of you that want to check us out, go to www.myspace.com/enragedtx or enraged.lunaticpro.com for the latest updates. Thanks for your support; Long live the South Texas Underground - Mas fuerza para la raza.............