Interviews : Paindivision (Stu Marshall) – 27/11/2008

Formally known as ’20grams’, Sydney’s Paindivision are quickly skyrocketing to the top with their no-bullshit brand of heavy metal already already placing them as the support act for several big international tours, as well as their own Japanese tour. Now, the band have released their second album, ‘One Path’, and I had the opportunity for a quick Q&A with the founding member and former Dungeon guitarist, Stu Marshall.

G’day, cheers for taking the time to do this interview with MetalObsession.net . First of all, can you introduce yourself and the band.

Sure, My name is Stu marshall, Guitarist for the band Paindivision.

You’ve just recently released your second album, ‘One Path’, how has the reception been? From the reviews and comments I’ve read, it seems to be almost unanimously positive.

So far the reception has been great from the reviews and fans. We were pushing toward a more brutal sound than the debut, I guess after it was all finished we sat back and felt we had really hit on something that had a unique flavour. The reviews have been quite a shock as well because when your self producing it’s hard to be totally objective. It’s nice to have people dig it, especially the critics.

What’s the inspiration behind the Japanese intro track, and can you give us a rundown on what it says?

Sure, It’s a declaration of honor and the final battle statement of a samurai as he heads into battle, alone and into certain death. The album itself has the translation of what is said , but in essence it’s a defiant
statement against the odds. The inspiriation goes back to when I was a kid I was really into Japanese Samurai history and had a chance to head over there to really see what it was all about. The Japanese tour last year confirmed a certain affinity with the Japanese people.

You’re popularity has grown fairly quickly, already having supported a few big international acts and touring Japan. Did you expect for it all to happen so quickly?

We have been busy!, I am not sure I expected it to have built as much but at the same time really glad that the response so far has been so encouraging. I guess it can appear to have happened quickly, the band has been non stop working since 2005, either recording, touring or local playing.

How was it supporting Zakk Wylde and Helloween on their Australian tours?

In one word just “amazing”. Both shows had their own highlights and playing with bands like that really pushes us even harder. We were very lucky to have been offered the gigs.

I remember reading something about a DVD release relating to your Japanese tour, is that still in the works?

Yes, we have so much footage from the last three years and the poor video editor is compiling it all now. The hope was to release it mid 08, now it looks like an 09 release. There’s some footage from the club shows on youtube now that we threw together but some of the road footage is priceless. Our management needed to apologies to a few of the hotels later on…

Do you have any big touring plans in support of the new album?

Locally we will be touring from February across the east coast and country area’s. We are working on a mid year return to Japan and negotiating an offer to head to the states as the internet radio stations have added
Paindivision to their playlists, so far we haven’t released in the states but the demand really seems to be strong there.

Paindivision have a very ‘no bullshit’, down to earth image. Do you think this is an important attitude to have in the metal scene?

Firstly thanks!, I guess it’s just us, doing what we do and not really concerned about EMO trends or stuff like that. I think the attitude that works is honesty in the image and the music. It is what it is.

Who are some of your biggest influences as musician?

From a purely musical stance it’s both the old school like WASP, Megadeth, Priest and Slayer with some more recent influences kicking in like Pantera, Lamb of God, Hate Eternal and Dimmu Borgir

What have been the standout albums of ’08 for you?

The new Testament is just crushing, I like the most recent Mortal Sin album I think it’s a brutal return to form, The new Slipknot really impressed me as it’s chock full of shred, I was able to interview those guys recently for Guitarist Australia Magazine, just crazy guys.

What other Australian bands would you recommend you’re fans?

The list is seriously long! Aussie metal has never been so fkn killer:- Psycroptic, The Amenta, Vanishing Point, Mortal Sin, LORD, Dreadnaught and I guess Frankenbok as well, but the talent list in this country right now could easily kick ass at Wacken.

Any last words for the readers?

Please visit our Myspace. We really try to offer tonnes of free downloads and videos for people. We have a special merch offer this week that is worth checking out and all emails are personally responded to.
Thanks and thrash!

www.myspace.com/paindivision
www.paindivision.com