The retro wave of thrash metal has been a trend in the metal music scene in recent years.  Obviously, there are many bands who want to ride that wave to success, but few bands are able to get off the ground before they even begin.  One band who has managed to find some success is Denver’s HAVOK.  Since signing to Candlelight Records prior to their 2009 release Burn, the quartet has been relentless in honing their live act.  Now, with a new album in Time is Up, HAVOK will have more time to enhance their touring reputation, as they are currently on tour with Forbidden.  Recently, Metal Psalter caught up with lead vocalist/guitarist David Sanchez on one of their stops on the current tour to talk all things HAVOK.

Peter: Since most people are still trying to figure out who you guys are, would you mind saying a few things about yourselves?

David Sanchez: Well, we started in 2004 and are a quartet from Denver, CO.  The band consists of me, David Sanchez, on vocals and guitar, Jesse de los Santos on bass and backing vocals, Pete Webber on drums, and Reece Scruggs on lead guitar and backing vocals.

Peter: What are some of your influences?

David Sanchez: The good stuff.  Biggest influences? I’d probably say bands like Metallica, Slayer, Testament, Iron Maiden, but we take influence from everything such as funk, classic rock, classical music, etc.  There’s a lot of things we take ideas from.

Peter: Currently, HAVOK has a new album out in Time is Up.  Would you mind saying a few things about the album?

David Sanchez: I produced it in my house, it was mixed by Pete Ruccho, who also does Revocation’s stuff, and mastered by James Murphy.  The artwork was done by Halsey Swain.

Peter: The cover art, you mean?

David Sanchez: Yes, and she also did the inside art.

Peter: From that album, a video was made for “Covering Fire.”  What are some things you can say about the video?

David Sanchez: We shot it in Tyler, TX on a tree farm and there’s a lot of shit that blows up and other cool stuff. (laughs) It was really windy and hot, but the video came out well.

Peter: Currently, HAVOK is on tour with Forbidden, and before that, were on tour with Malevolent Creation.  What are some differences between the two tours for HAVOK personally?

David Sanchez: Well, this tour (Forbidden) is more thrash, I guess.  The Malevolent Creation tour was a more eclectic bill with bands of different styles, but this one has an old school, heavy metal feel to it, which is more up our alley.

Peter: This is your fourth or fifth time through Kansas City in about a year and a half…

David Sanchez: (laughs) Yeah, probably.  We come through here a lot, being that we’re based out of Denver.  Usually, we begin or end tours here, so we come through Kansas a lot.

Peter: This tour being the exception…

David Sanchez: Yeah, this tour ends in San Diego on July 2, so we’re almost done.

Peter: I know I’m going to get in trouble with a fellow scribe of mine…

David Sanchez: Okay. (laughs)

Peter: For stealing his bit, but recommend a book for the readers and why you chose it.

David Sanchez: A book?  I don’t read much. (pauses) You know what, actually, the last book that I’ve been reading recently is called “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Songwriting,” and I think a lot of guys in bands need to pick that up because there’s too many bands and not enough songwriting. (laughs)

Peter: Is there anything else that you would want to add?

David Sanchez: Pick up the new album, come see us on the road some time, we’ll be touring all year, so do that.

Havok's David Sanchez

Interviewer: Peter

June 30, 2011

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TO THE TOP

(Click on Photo to Enlarge)

Formed:  2004
Denver, Colorado  USA
Label: Candlelight Records
Genre: Thrash Metal

Check out Peter's review of Time is Up here

CURRENT LINE-UP:

David Sanchez:  Lead Vocals &
                               Rhythm Guitar
Reece Scruggs:  Lead Guitars &
                                Backing Vocals
Jesse De Los Santos:  Bass &
                                   Backing Vocals
Pete Webber:  Drums

DISCOGRAPHY:

Thrash Can Demo (2005)
Pwn 'em all EP (2007)
Burn (2009)
Time Is Up (2011)

PHOTOS BY PETER SANTELLAN

(Click on Photos to Enlarge)