Hey Chase! How excited are you to be heading to Germany for the almighty Wacken Open Air Festival, after being crowned South Africa's Metal Battle champions earlier this year?
Chase Beynon: It's been a good couple weeks of organising and sorting our lives out, but today we jump on the plane for Germany, and we are beyond stoked to be heading over to Wacken to fly our SA flag. Things are really starting to sink in, with just a few hours to go, so our nerves are a little unsettled but we are extremely excited and ready for our show.
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| Used with permission from Facing the Gallows. Photo credit: Wayde Flowerday |
You guys will be performing at a sold-out festival alongside the likes of Parkway Drive, Meshuggah, Opeth, and a whole host of fellow Wacken Metal Battle winners from around the globe. Who are you looking forward to seeing?
CB: We have been scouring the line up countless times, constantly checking who we are going to see. But some of our top acts we cannot miss will have to be Parkway Drive, Slayer, Thy Art is Murder, Ice T, Anthrax, Athica, Morpholith, and a whole bunch more!
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| Used with permission from Facing the Gallows. Photo credit: Wayde Flowerday |
As we've mentioned, there are some massive names also performing from a variety of different subgenres. How would you label your music, and who are your biggest influences?
CB: We have actually had this discussion between ourselves over and over, and came to the decision that we are a metal band. We have many different influences, from all band members, but I think one prominent band at the moment that we are all enjoying is Wage War.
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| Used with permission from Facing the Gallows. Photo credit: Wayde Flowerday |
How would you describe your live show to those who will be seeing you at Wacken?
CB: Our live shows are packed with energy, it's really hard to stop moving! And that energy is pure passion!
As a South African band, you will know well how difficult it can be to branch out into the overseas scene. Not only will you be representing South Africa at Wacken, but you also announced last week that you will be joining Jinjer for two of their German shows. How does it feel to be bringing your music and your show to international fans?
CB: It is so surreal! We cannot believe we got this opportunity, massive thank you to Duncan from Turning Tricks Entertainment! We have already been receiving messages of support from people in Germany that will be coming to the shows, our minds are blown already! We can't wait to hang out with everyone!
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| Used with permission from Facing the Gallows. Photo credit: Wayde Flowerday |
What are your dreams for the South African metal scene in the future, and the South African music scene as a whole?
CB: Our dream has always been to try to help open up the doors for the SA music scene, and to try help get our local talent noticed here. We have noticed some really amazing artists in this country that truly deserve a spot on the international stage. Another goal that Gallows has always pushed is to try to open up people's minds in many ways, but rooting back to opening up minds in regard to metal music. It is a thriving diverse culture that definitely isn't all about goat heads and blood.
Visas and travel documents are always a hassle when it comes to travelling. Who in the band has the worst passport photo?
CB: That is easily Reegan! Because he is younger than the rest of us and has the most emo haircut you have ever seen!
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| Used with permission from Facing the Gallows. Photo credit: Wayde Flowerday |
What is the one typically South African snack you will miss the most while you're away? You can't say biltong though!
CB: Sev! All the way!
And now for the Wax & Needle question! If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would you pick?
CB: Queen - A Night at the Opera - on repeat!
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| Used with permission from Facing the Gallows. Photo credit: Wayde Flowerday |
Wax & Needle wishes Facing the Gallows the best of luck in their bid to take home the trophy!
Responses slightly edited for clarity
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