Hatchet is an uncompromising thrash metal band out of the Bay Area. Formed in the mid-2000s, the band has released several notable albums, including "Awaiting Evil" (2008), "Dawn of the End" (2013), "Fear Beyond Lunacy" (2015), and "Dying to Exist" (2018).
Having been a dedicated fan for nearly a decade, I've remained captivated by the timeless allure of Hatchet's music. With their masterful blend of classic thrash elements—featuring lightning-fast guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, and vocals that ignite the senses—Hatchet consistently delivers a riveting auditory experience that stands the test of time.
In this exclusive interview featuring Julz Ramos, the frontman, guitarist, and driving force of Hatchet, 121dB delves into the world of thrash metal, the band's evolution, and the challenges of maintaining a musical journey over the years. Julz provides insights into the band's unique sound, their experiences on the European tour, and their upcoming music. From the dynamics of the thrash metal genre to the band's roots in the Bay Area scene, Julz offers an open hearted and candid perspective on the music industry, creativity, and the enduring spirit of thrash metal.
Hello Julz. Thank you for agreeing to the interview. I'm thrilled about the opportunity to have this conversation with you and your bandmates and share it with your fans. For those readers who might not be acquainted with the essence of Hatchet, could you give us a description of your band's style, sound, and the overall vibe you bring to your music?
Thanks for having me. The overall sound and vibe of Hatchet is basically pure, uncompromising bay area thrash metal. Aggressive, yet melodic.
I'm fortunate to have all your albums on vinyl, and the recent re-release of "Awaiting Evil" in that format brought me a great deal of satisfaction. However, before we jump into the main questions, there's a technical query that might appear straightforward but holds significance. Could you please explain why your album "Dying to Exist" is currently not available on the UK version of Spotify?
Well, thank you for the album support! You can probably thank Combat Records or the distributors that they used. I don't even think the label is active anymore. Went away as quick as it resurrected, it seems.
As someone deeply immersed in various Metal genres, I hold a special place for thrash metal in my heart. I vividly recall catching your performance in London back in 2018, and it's incredible to think that five years have swiftly passed. With that in mind, could you offer us some insights into your European tour experience? How did that tour unfold, and did it align with the expectations you had set for it?
Thanks for checking us out! The European tour was something of a bucket list item for the band and myself, especially. We'd been trying to get over there for about 5 years before it happened, and this was the most realistic approach our management received from Raven's camp. We'd always been admirers and long-time fans of Raven, so it was the right time and place, I suppose.
As for expectations, it didn't quite hit the mark of some of the European tour stories I've heard from some of our fellow touring thrashers. But it was an experience I'll never forget, and it was great to see fans at just about every show for us. That was a surprise to me.
Touring can be an arduous yet vital aspect of a band's journey. Could you shed some light on the challenges you've faced in terms of the economics of touring? How do you navigate these challenges while ensuring your music reaches your fans?
You know I could delve into this in a very in-depth way, but for the sake of not seeming totally negative towards it, let's just say I've had my fill. Had you asked me about 5 years ago, I would have given you a very typical answer of "Oh, it's great, so much fun, Can't wait to be back out etc."
What I can say is honestly it's a huge part of why we've been absent from the scene since about 2019. The band has been touring for the better part of a decade right up until the Pandemic essentially. It was a huge part of my life, and I carved out large portions of time, personal career goals, and money for it. It was super important for me to tour on our albums and play live for anyone that wanted to see us. Now in my late 30's I'm still unrecouped for thousands of dollars in all kinds of costs, as I've always been the captain of the ship, so to speak. It really is a labor of love, and while I would still love to tour at times, life responsibilities just outweigh that priority and the up-front expenses now. Had the band been a little more financially set up that way earlier on, we may still be pushing hard for it.
Also, most of the current members have moved farther away in recent years. Not living locally to one another also makes rehearsing and general band creativity a challenge. Some of the other members are also in local bands in their areas gigging out regularly.
Having released your last album in 2018, fans are eagerly anticipating what's next for Hatchet. Can you provide any hints about the direction your music might take in your upcoming releases? I understand that there is an album in the works? Can you share some dates with your fans? Are there any new elements you're excited to incorporate?
The band completed the better part of a 5-song EP which will include 2 cover songs during the pandemic era (2020-22). Unfortunately, I've been the hold-out factor needing to put some finishing touches on my tracks and then pay the remaining studio costs. Musically I would say it's the best representation of the 4 members collectively. This was the first time we all approached with equal writing ideas. While I'm not sure it's what I may write today, at the time, it seemed spot on with the next natural direction from Dying To Exist.
I'm really hoping for a mid to late 2024 release, likely with a track or two released much earlier.
With your band's roots dating back to 2008, how do you perceive the evolution of thrash metal from its heyday in the 1980s to the present day? What aspects of the genre have changed, and what elements do you believe have remained constant?
First album was 2008. The start of the band was actually 2006. That's a loaded question that I feel gets way too much commentary from thrash bands and fans alike. What I will say is the passion and aggression remain the same among true fans. There are people for whom this is a fad or a passing fancy. There's lots of kids I remember just back from our early days who almost disown their thrash look and in some cases even their listening to the music in public places. Like, for them, it was "just a phase."
To everyone else who is a lifer like myself, there is just something that connects us in this music that is somewhat unexplainable. It really can bring out the best in some people.
Many classic thrash bands from the 1980s have found it challenging to capture the same intensity in their music as they did during their prime. What are your insights into this phenomenon? Is the an issue of age? Evolving perspective? I joke with my friends that it is hard to be angry and pissed off at the world when you are a Metallica member and worth a few hundred million dollars. How do you strive to maintain the same level of energy and aggression in your music over the years?
Well, as a musician first and foremost, I can say it is certainly challenging not to repeat yourself or have the tendency to, at least. I personally feel that people's (bands) first batches of songs that get recorded usually they have been writing those riffs their whole lives as they learn their instruments. Like a lot of your early material is riffs or tunes you've hummed in your head or came up with at a very young age and somehow they were catchy or good enough to keep in your mind until you eventually polished them into songs without pressure and with open-ended time. But then when a band has an expectation to write and produce, generally on a 2-3 year cycle. That organic creativity can be hard or even impossible to replicate. Which is why most bands' first albums sound fairly different from later ones or what people will generally consider the band's "classic sound." Slayer is the perfect example of this. Anthrax too.
With some of the older thrash bands retiring (Slayer), and others not longer playing textbook Thrash (Metallica), how do you see newer bands like Hatchet carrying the torch of thrash metal into the future? What qualities do you think are essential for the new era of thrash bands to uphold?
I think staying true to yourself and your natural sound. It may not always be the sound you first create, and it may challenge you in ways as a musician to get creative. But one thing I can't stand is when an established band with fans does a 180 in their sound or look or both etc. It's been done by the greats and some others to varying success but I see that as a popularity-grab move. That's fine if that's what you want, and no shame in that. But be honest about it. and honestly that's not what thrash or metal is all about. So If you truly are a band trying to "carry the flag for thrash," then you do have at least some responsibility to your fans and the genre to keep it at least familiar and within your vein of sound. There's so much you can do with 7 notes and most of us are barely scratching the surface.
Over the years, bands naturally evolve and grow. Can you share some pivotal moments or influences that have shaped Hatchet's musical journey since its inception in 2008? How have these experiences contributed to the development and enrichment of your musical identity?"
Naturally the transition from me going from only a guitarist to Main Vox/Guitar shaped our sound much after the first album. Singing/playing requires some weird timing and dexterity that I didn't naturally have when I first started doing it. Most singer/guitar players can relate, I'm sure. It naturally shaped the way I write riffs when there are singing parts over them. Learning to do less with both or learning when to give and take is huge in adapting to this combo. That's probably the most concrete example I can give.
Also, being a band that has had lots of members throughout the years will shape what you do. It's natural to evolve with other musicians if you collaborate in a productive manner. So having many members definitely shapes you or a band's musical character over time.
Given your connection to the Bay Area scene and the legacy of thrash metal, have you had opportunities to collaborate with or receive mentorship from some of the older, established bands? If not, what do you think could bridge this gap and create more collaborative opportunities within the thrash metal community?
Unfortunately not really or not as much as I would have liked in the band's earlier years. Finding a natural connection with people is probably a good start. I was never really the best with this. Some people I have become personal friends with over the years from tours, but that is very few and far between for me and generally I'll connect on another level outside of the band or touring aspects completely which is why the connection usually sticks. Haha. Weird huh?
The Bay Area has a rich history of influencing the thrash metal genre. How has growing up and being based in this region shaped your sound, your approach to music, and your identity as a band?
It's cool and all but not as much as you'd think. I've always written what generally comes naturally to me.
With the demands of being in a metal band, how do you strike a balance between your musical pursuits and your personal life? Could you describe what a typical day looks like for each of you, beyond the stage and the studio?
Going back to my earlier answer about touring. If you had asked me 5 years ago I would tell you a very different story. Staying relevant is a hard thing to do, and to be honest, it gets harder as you go. When you are trying to do this somewhat full time or have the open-ended notion that you could someday, even if you're not raking in the money or have no intentions to, it somehow becomes your whole life.
I would say what was typical was that everyone generally did most of their instrument playing and practicing at home. When it came time for rehearsing for shows or a tour: We rehearsed a show. When we were in the studio, we were collectively trying to get our best results in the cheapest amount of time. So we were always prepared aside from making changes or playing with things as a band that we wanted to. But we rarely goofed around together or jammed something on the spot on band time.
Apart from your musical endeavors, what are some of your other passions and hobbies? Are there any unexpected interests that might surprise your fans?
I don't think anything that would surprise anyone. I am an Audio Engineer and stagehand for my day jobs, so I'm always around music, venues, or gear and equipment. Although it is refreshing to say I almost never work with Rock or Metal bands. It was always a nice break from that world. Although lately I've had an itch to mix some metal live just to give it a shot.
What non-musical influences or experiences have played a role in shaping your artistic vision and contributing to your songwriting?
Life - and our failing society - (laughs!) Endless metal lyrics there.
Being part of a band goes beyond music; it often involves engaging with the community. Are there any causes, local events, or initiatives that you're personally passionate about and involved in outside of your musical commitments?
Aside from my job always being connected to music and always finding some deep relation to what I do musically, I try not to. I'm a pretty quiet person. I usually keep to myself, and I suppose I like it that way until it's time to be on stage again. Whenever that will be - Ha!
Looking ahead, what are some personal goals or aspirations you'd like to achieve?
Definitely to utilize the internet more effectively as we release more material. While I don't want to solely become an internet band, the vision or touring and playing show stints seems to be more and more difficult. But my itch for writing has been thirstier than ever lately. I'm excited to see what comes on that front.