The English thrashmetal banb ABADDEN is the latest member of the Rising Records flock, this young band recently managed to win the annual Metal Hammer band competition. The first prize was studio time with the renowned producer Mark Daghorn (Cradle of Filth / Orange Goblin) and a mastering session by Daniel Abel (Sworn Amongst /  Sarah Jezabel Diva). ABADDEN managed to nail a deal with Rising Records and they recently released their debut album ‘Sentenced To Death’ through the English label. Just like every newcomer, ABADDEN is portrayed as the next best thing from the UK in the promo flyer but I must say, this band delivers solid old-school thrash along the lines of the older works of bands such as Kreator, Destruction, Exodus, Anthrax and Testament.

In order to get to know this band a little better we tracked down drummer James Bell to answer some questions. Here you can read what he had to say to the readers of Metal-Experience.com

Could you start this interview off with a short introduction of the band and an explanation of the origins of the band’s name?

James: The original band name was ‘Abaddon’ but when the guys realized that there was already a band with the same name, it was changed to ‘Abadden’.  Abaddon in Hebrew means ‘Destruction’ so we decided to use the meaning behind Abadden as well. The band started back in 2007 with four guys that wanted to play in a band and write some music. There have been a few line-up changes in the past but since 2009 the band finally has all the members that have really made Abadden what it is now.

How did you launch into writing material for your debut album ‘Sentenced To Death’ and how much time did you spend on the songs?

James: The songs on ‘Sentenced to Death’ are a group of songs which have been written over the time the band has been together. There are some old songs on there and some brand new ones that we wrote before going into the studio. When it comes to writing a new song we don’t set ourselves a time limit of when it has to be finished by. Some songs are written faster than others. We make sure that we put all the time and effort into making the song the best it can be.

Which approach did you choose to create this album?

James: We wanted to record the speed, sound and atmosphere that we feel we create live. We believe 'Sentenced to Death' does exactly that. We also wanted to be able to have everything on the album that we could definitely pull off on stage. Some bands want to sound like a studio live where as Abadden would like a live and raw feel in the studio. 

Did ideas come easily so that you just had to write them down or was it more of a careful composing thing?

James: Some ideas came a lot quicker and easier than others. We never rush the writing process. We spend as much time as we need to on writing material. We feel as a band that if you do rush, you could end up making a mediocre song instead of writing a great song.

What were the goals you had in mind when you started to record ‘Sentenced To Death’, any elements you definitely wanted to include on the album?

James: I think with the album compared to our E.P, we went into the studio with open minds and carrying nothing more than our gear and songs. The element that we wanted this time round was to capture our guitar tone and sound that comes with Abadden.

How can we imagine you work on new songs, what's the typical writing process like for Abadden?

James: An idea is brought forward by one of the guys and we basically work on it from there.

Could you please describe the implications of the title ‘Sentenced to Death’, what does it stand for and is there a special meaning behind it?

James: There are a lot of bad things that happen in society. People being beaten up or even murdered for their personal possessions. Some are even getting attacked for no reason! People can’t go to the shop anymore without worrying that they’re going to be the next person that gets attacked by someone that has nothing better to do with their life than make other people’s lives a misery. ‘Sentenced to Death’ is a message for people everywhere to say that we shouldn’t have put up with things like this. We need to fight back because it’s just going to continue to get worse.

About the lyrics, where do you get your inspiration from and can you tell me something more about them?

James: The inspiration for lyrics can come from anywhere such as movies, TV shows, the news or just general things that happen in everyday life.

How important is it to you that people pay attention to the lyrics apart from listening to the music?

James: I think it’s pretty important that people pay attention to the lyrics as well as the music. Whilst you’re listening to the music you’re also hearing a story being told at the same time. Some people may even be able to relate themselves to the story being told which can mean a lot.

Can you give us a little background info on the songs on the album; is there a story behind them?

James: Each song on the album has its own story. There isn’t an overall concept.

What is the utmost important ingredient for a song according to you?

James: Adding new ideas and twists to songs that catch people off guard. Things they don’t expect to hear.

How can we imagine you work on new songs, what's the typical writing process like for Abadden?

James: An idea is brought forward by one of the guys. We jam with the idea. Over time it evolves into a song. Then the lyrics are written once the music is finished.

How did the recording process proceed and how much time did you spend in the studio?

James: The recording went great! We recorded with Mark Daghorn at Rising Records studios. We spent 3 weeks in the studio.  

How would you describe this album to someone that has never listened to the band?

James: To someone that loves their thrash that hasn't heard us yet, this album has old school mixed with the new. You have your fast, your slow, your groove, your melody and of course your catchy head banging breaks. I can confidently say that I guarantee that all thrash fans will not be able resist tapping their feet, nodding their heads or even out right head banging to our songs. There is something within the album for everyone!

Which element of the CD are you most proud of?

James: I am most proud of our front man Dan Pool for his vocal work. He did such a good job in the studio and I believe it's the sound of his bottomless screams that make Abadden unique.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and the kinds of things that motivate you in your writing, your poetry, and your lyrics? What are you personally into?

James: Anything and everything influences us into writing material. We are open to all kinds of inspiration from anywhere.

Could you respond to the following terms in just one word or sentence:

Thrash : For Life, Never Let It Die.

Underground : The New Mainstream

Internet : Mans greatest creation.....along with the right hand!

Religion : No Such thing!

Politics : A Big Sack for all the BULLSHIT that it is!

The Netherlands : Future Gig/Festival Location

Great Brittan: The MILF of ABADDEN!

What have been the highlights and low points throughout your career?

James: The highlights would be everything from bringing together the final line-up, to this very interview. The band has achieved so much in a short space of time and we are continuing to grow. Honestly, we've yet to have a 'low' as a unit because we think we're a strong team who are willing to work hard.

What is your opinion on the thrash scene these days? Is there anything missing in the scene? What makes Abadden different from the other modern Thrash Metal bands out there?

James: We can't really tell if there is anything missing. All we know is that we are Young, Full of Energy, Ambitious and WE'RE HUNGRY!

Which goals did you have when the band started out and how do those goals stand now?

James: When I joined to complete the line-up, the Goal was to practice hard and to play hard as much as possible. For a whole year that is what we did. The Goals haven’t changed, they have only grown just like the band. The goals will keep growing just as we intend to!

Are there any particular bands who’ve been a big influence on your song writing, metal or otherwise?

For me Trivium influenced me to want to play in a metal band.
 

Bill: Rory Gallagher influenced him to want to play lead guitar on a big level!! Also Al Pitrelli when he was in Megadeth.

Dan: Max Cavalera & Dave Mustaine influenced him to want to play Thrash Metal and be a front man.

John: Going to local shows and watching other bands play from the age of 15 influenced him to want to do what they were doing.

How would you describe your own music?

James: Fast, Aggressive and Fresh!  Sentenced to Death!

What can we expect from Abadden in the near future? Any touring plans?

James: We want to play everywhere and anywhere we can go!

Where do you see the band going within the next couple of years, and where do you see the band’s musical direction going for the next album?

James: From Here, the band can only really go upwards, like I said, we're four guys with open minds that are hungry and will take on anything that is thrown our way. We are only just entering the process of new material, so only expect better!

Any last statement?

James: Up the volume and down the beers!

Thanks for your time,

Eugene Straver

Members:

Dan Pool - Vocals, Guitar

James Bell - Drums

Billy Robinson - Guitar

John Blunt – Bass

Former Members:

Patrick O'Connor - Vocals, Guitar

Don Pearson - Drums 

Albums:

(2010) - Sentenced To Death

(2007) - My Misery (EP)