When I put out the ad looking for the BEST unsigned bands out there.. this band blew the doors off the competition. It's 100% what I was looking for. There were well over a hundred submissions on this project.. 4 qualified from my selections, and 4 from Wes.
I'm a thrash metal guy, and this band brings back the memories of first hearing Metallica and Megadeth. But the number one reason why they're the Unsigned Band of the Month for July is simple.. their live show is better than yours. Hands down. That's why we're leading off with this footage, which sealed the deal for me.
https://www.facebook.com/Officialmilitia/videos/485841042103190/?d=null&vh=e
Yes,I know its only 10 seconds, and recorded on a phone.. but it's the stage presence that you want to see when you watch a band do their jobs. Raw energy.
A bomb went off in that building and only a few people know about it.. until now.
Let's get to know MILITIA from the United Kingdom.
Unsigned band of the month interview:
1.) What's the name of your band and where are you located?
We’re called Militia and are based in Hertfordshire, UK.
2.) Where did you all meet and describe to us how you formed your band.
Alfred formed the band in April 2018 and since then, have gone through a lot of line ups. The current line up formed quite quickly actually. Our old second guitar player, Louie, left and Alfred found Brody through a new group of friends. Our old bass player, Dave, left the band. But, asked Ryan, Former bass player of Indistinction, if he would fill the gap. Then we kicked out our last drummer, Jake, and filled the gap with Joe, Former Indistinction frontman.
3.) How did you decide your band name?
The bands name initially was just a “For now” sorta name. Alfred was looking around for band names and at the time was listening to Metal Militia by Metallica, and thought “That’ll do” and the rest is history.
4.) How long have you been a band?
Since 1st April 2018.
5.) Tunings?
Eb tuning for now. But, D standard isn’t 100% out of the question.
6.) Bands you have played with?
We’ve played with tons of bands. No big bands per say. But, we’re currently on tour with UK Thrash band, Helgrind, and UK Melodic metal band, Earthbound.
7.) Major accomplishments?
Currently putting out our first piece of music. The Sacrifice demo tape, containing three songs - Sacrifice - Lies - Dead mans land
8.) Goals?
To make an honest living from doing what we love. But, most importantly, to become a world touring band!
9.) Tell us about your Biggest/ best show?
Well, our biggest show would have to be our debut show at the Hertford Corn Exchange. Had give or take 200 people there. Some parts were a little shaky and it was with the first original line up. But, our best show in terms of one of our cleanest performances would be our second tour date on the 28th of Feb in Club 85.
10.) Any radio airplay?
No. But, we’re hoping to get a fair bit once this demo tape drops!
11.) Any Label interest yet?
We’ve had one label interested. But, unfortunately, due to the deal they were offering. We had to decline.
12. Let's discuss the demographics of your social media accounts.
Where are people listening to you the most based off of your Spotify and YouTube, etc accounts?
Most of our fan base is from around the London area. But, we’re gaining a following all over the UK and starting to build one over in the US.
13.) Any awards like Battle of the Band winner, Band of the Month, etc?
We’ve never really entered any competitions. We’ll hopefully be entering Metal 2 the Masses in 2021 to get a slot at bloodstock open air. But, other than that, Unsigned band of the month is our first!
14.) How are you marketing your band?
Just through social media. We’re hoping to have the demo tape boosted with the help from Wes of Metal coffee PR.
15.) Let's discuss your gear.
Ryan - My gear is a Harley Benton B-450 progressive series.
Brody - Gear: Jackson Pro Series KVT, and JS32 King V. Kirk Hammett Wah. Dual Rec paired with a Marshall 1960A
Joe - I use a Tama rhythm mate 5 piece kit with zultan, zildijan and meinl cymbals. I use a millennium direct drive double bass pedal and Vic Firth Extreme 5A sticks. Remo double coated Tom skins and a 14” Remo dot snare head. I also use a Aquarius Super Kick 2 kick drum head.
Alfred - I use two Jackson X series warriors (Gloss black and Natural) along side my JS32t King V. I run these into my MXR Super badass distortion pedal then into a TC electronic rush booster pedal and then my MXR stereo chorus pedal. This all runs into my 2x12 Marshall blues breaker amp.
16.) Day jobs?
Brody - I work in a pub
Ryan - Unemployed
Joe - I work in a shop
Alfred - I’m a part time guitar and bass Tutor and work part time in a chippy.
17.) Describe your music to us in one sentence.
Intense, raw thrash metal.
18.) Influences?
As a band, Morbid Angel, Megadeth, Metallica, Ghost to name a few. We have a huge variety of influences. But, those are a few of our more Metal favourites.
19.) Can you explain what you want to accomplish on stage???
Simple… Excitement. We want to put on such a great performance that people are always buzzing for the next one. This way, the more gigs we play, the better they get as we go along!
20.) What would your band like to accomplish if you were signed?
We kinda touched on it above. But, we want to be able to tour around the world, release albums and if possible… print our names into the genres history. Only time will tell for all of that though!
https://www.facebook.com/Officialmilitia/
Let's get to the music.. this is the WORLD DEBUT of MILITIA!!!
You can listen here:
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/militia1/sacrifice-2
Just an intense raw in your face 3 song EP from an up and coming band who's only intrest is world dominance through relentless touring..
In closing, I'd like to leave a few more examples of why MILITIA is Unsigned Band of the Month for July..
https://www.facebook.com/Officialmilitia/videos/160797838703538/?d=null&vh=e
https://www.facebook.com/Officialmilitia/videos/238438723892199/?d=null&vh=e
Check out the energy in this one:
https://www.facebook.com/Officialmilitia/videos/2279413028825224/?d=null&vh=e
This reminds me a lot of Megadeth:
https://www.facebook.com/Officialmilitia/videos/438355010340441/?d=null&vh=e
Dead Man's Land:
https://www.facebook.com/Officialmilitia/videos/898240470512660/?d=null&vh=e
For all things MILITIA please follow them here:
https://www.facebook.com/Officialmilitia/videos/1128967587314231/?d=null&vh=e
https://open.spotify.com/artist/01Y72hwHgKnTZGW4QuKHIY?si=N4Cg5RwZREOGzBXmhkiCKw
Great article and they are very very good, their stage presence grips you and watching them is an amazing experience
ReplyDelete