The Secret Kick Of VANSTORM

Hailing from suburban Sydney in early 2007 comes the sonic juggernaut that is the mighty VANSTORM. From their humble beginnings as a band formed out of Sydney’s JMC Academy, the self-proclaimed “Kings Of The Night” have endured many hurdles and finally, found a sound and a line up that is sure to guarantee them every success in the ever-growing popularity of the electro-core movement.

Recently, VANSTORM hosted their first gig at Trash nightclub showcasing their newest member and established guitarist, Dan Simone, as well as an entourage of new songs that screamed raw emotion and brutality. The reception the band received was beyond overwhelming.

VANSTORM’S members include vocalist Joey Blakk, Matt Cole on drums, James Parr-Whalley and Dan Simone taking up guitar duties, Alan Torres on bass and resident synth/keys man, Xander Cage.

The style of music that VANSTORM has adopted can only be described as an aural assault that encapsulates a mix involving the brutality of deathcore and undeniably catchy electro. Amazingly, this genre-bending style has been taken by storm with bands such as Asking Alexandria, Attack Attack and Australia’s House Vs Hurricane finding huge success.

The band has released a limited amount of their EP “Spring Time In Venice” to the public containing four tracks of catchy brutality that is sure to please even the sceptical. With songs such as Secret Kick Of Death and The Bi-Curious Case Of Benjamin Balls, and a live show that has been described as “a kung fu film in a video arcade store”, VANSTORM are proving they have all the necessities to show Sydney, Australia and eventually the world what they can do.

I interviewed the boys recently to get an idea of their perception of the band and where they are headed:

How did Vanstorm get started?

 Joey: We were two kids who wanted to play hardcore and drink everyday who met another bunch of dudes who love drinking and playing metal.

Dan: They took me in off the street and wouldn’t let me leave.

How did you come up with the name Vanstorm? What’s the idea behind it?

 Joey: A stolen name from a great man!

Matt: It was Joey’s idea. It’s a play on words using the name of one of our old teachers.

Who are your three biggest influences when writing music?

Joey: Definitely The Black Dahlia Murder, I Killed The Prom Queen and The Amity Affliction

Matt: Amongst others. I think we take a lot from The Devil Wears Prada.

James: And Protest The Hero!

Do you have a plan to get signed by a label and if so, who would you like to be signed by?

Joey: My plan is to be so pimp people are afraid of me and have to sign me! But I would love to be signed to Equal Vision.

Matt: Haha pretty much anyone who will give us money to play tunes and drink beers!

Your EP “Spring Time In Venice” was just released to the public. What was the process of getting everything ready to go into the studio?

Joey: It was a long process of recording in Jimmy’s room. Its more of a demo really to show how brutal and awesome we are! A lot of recording, long hours and plenty of gin and tonics!

James: I wrote most of the riffs and brought them into rehearsal where we worked on the structure of the songs, tightened them up and added vocals. From there we went back and re-recorded the polished versions of the songs. The mixing process was actually very rushed as we only had a few days before the recording and mixing deadline.

When do you plan on recording your first LP?

Joey: We hope by the end of 2010 we’ll have some epic stuff ready to record.

What was your favourite part of recording the EP?

Joey: Gang vocals are always fun. A bunch of sweaty dudes in a small room screaming into the night. Awesome.

Dan: The difference in melodic vocals. I blew my voice and couldn’t do all of them so watching the other boys have a go at melodics was fun.

Are you happy with the result?

Dan: Hell Yeah! Its fucking sick!

Matt: It is but there are a few things I would do differently next time.

Joey: Yeah I agree. No one is ever really 100% happy when it comes to recording. At this stage its all about the live show for us.

Your about to embark on your first interstate tour. Who would you love to tour with in the future?

Joey: Amity Affliction, House Vs Hurricane. Anyone who loves to party and play heavy music!

Matt: Yeah Amity and Azlock would be great.

Dan: Fuck it… Metallica bitches!

The fusion of metal and electronica is relatively new on the scene. How would you describe your style to someone who has never heard of you?

Joey: Crazy kung fu monkeys and ninjas fighting in a video arcade store with heavy music and synth!

Matt: Like a pissed off bear walking into a dance club and throwing down hardcore style on the dance floor!

What’s your most established song?

Joey: They’re all awesome but we all love Secret Kick Of Death

What are you most proud of?

Joey: Just getting to play lots of shows with my best mates and having an excuse not to have an office job!

Where do you see Vanstorm in 5 years?

Joey: Hopefully on tour or in the studio… Or  the dole or a mental institution haha!

Dan: Rockin’ the fuck out!

Matt: Id love to be playing overseas. Maybe Japan!

Vanstorm will be performing two special shows in QLD this weekend:

• Friday the 20th Nov at The Transcontinental Hotel, 486 George Street Brisbane /w Militia, Dollarosa and Venice Mobster. Tickets $10/Doors open 8pm.
• Saturday the 21st Nov at Koala Tavern, Lot 7 Moreton Bay Rd, Capalba w/ Militia, Madisonfoxx, The Riot and Crimson Odyssey. FREE/Doors open 7pm

In addition to this the band have booked a slot at Hot Damn in Sydney on January 14th.

For more information and to hear selected tracks, head to www.myspace.com/vanstormrock or search “Vanstorm” on Facebook.