Interview with Afterlife at Hammerfest

Afterlife – the Hard Rock bad from Scotland, are due to release their new E.P. ‘Masters Of Reality’ on 31st March 2014, via Off Yer Rocka Recordings.

Their most recent studio album ‘OMEGA‘ was recorded during the summer of 2013 at a secluded studio overlooking Loch Fyne in Scotland and features 11 tracks. The E.P features the lead single from ‘OMEGA’ plus three brand new tracks – ‘300‘ (2014 Remix), ‘Never Fade’ (Live & Acoustic) and ‘The Answer‘ (2012 Demo).

We caught up with the band after their performance at Hammerfest 2014.

How did you find Hammerfest?

“Hammerfest was tremendous! Usually when you’re opening a stage on a festival, it’s hard to guess how many of the hung-over masses might make it out to see you play, but luckily we got a hefty crowd and worked our asses off to get a solid response, and when that happens, we enjoy it so much more!”

What do you think about the Hammerfest experience?

“It’s interesting, totally different from any other festival out there. Being able to have all the action so close together certainly makes for a more social festival experience.”

You just released your new EP ‘Masters of Reality’…

“Yeah! It’s out right now on Off Yer Rocka recordings and features our new single ‘Masters of Reality’ from our Debut album ‘Omega‘, which is also out on the same label, as well some special exclusive tracks.”

How would you describe ‘OMEGA‘?

 “We wanted to create a bit of a balanced record . . . something everyone could get their teeth into, all the while exploring our footing as a force for songwriting. So there’s a definite growth there. There’s heavy riffs, there’s some speedy moments and some chilled-out somber stuff too.”

How was the recording process?

“It was kind of compartmentalized in many ways. Once the bulk of the music was written for the album, we recorded the drums and guitars all in one chunk up The Cottage Recording studios up in the hills in Scotland. Then I (Pete) tracked vocals at home as did everyone else with overdubs/solos and the like. A plentiful supply of whisky and 80’s action movies helped speed the process along for sure!”

You toured with Thin Lizzy! That must have been an amazing time. Who else would you like to tour with, if given the chance?

“It was a fantastic honour to get thrown on the same bill as those guys so early in our career. They were great guys who were very kind to us. Hopefully the gods of rock looked kindly on our performance.”

“We’d love to tour alongside those that influence us, but also band together with those of a similar style. DOWN, Killswitch Engage, Alice in Chains, Black Stone Cherry, Sevendust. A band’s gotta dream big y’know!!?”

You are out on tour with Bonafide next week! What can we expect from this tour?

“We put nothing but our best into our live performances because its just so much damn fun to play live!”

Will we see any more UK appearances of Afterlife this year?

“Nothing confirmed that we can say yet, but we’re hoping to plough right into England and get touring properly soon to as many places as we can and spread the word.”