SEIZURE is a Thrash Metal band with elements from old-school Death and Black Metal hailing from the Northern part of third world hell Philippines, Bulacan. Here’s a brief discussion with their guitar player, James Darryl Esguerra. – Interviewed by Atandistorted (28/01/2021)
Thrashing Hail! Introduce us the band history and lineups?
Hails! We are a Death Thrash band from Bulacan, Philippines. Seizure was initially formed during September of 2019. We played our first gig on November of 2019 performing 2 original songs and covering Sepultura’s Troops of Doom. 2nd gig is performed at Mass Hypnosia’s 10th anniversary show, we performed the same songs plus Sodom’s Tired and Red. Entering 2020, plans are not yet finalized on what to do since I am quite busy with Mass Hypnosia. But like everyone, I too was stuck in home during the early parts of the quarantine. I wrote the song “Dangers of Apathy” and “The Omnipresent Threat” on February and we jammed it quite a few times. While I’m stuck at home, I was able to write several songs during the duration of the quarantine and quickly introduced the rest of the songs to the other members of Seizure. 6 songs was recorded for our first EP entitled “Searing Flames of Chaos” released on July 29, 2020 on CD and around August on Cassette. As the lockdown worsens, I was able to write the rest of the songs on the album with lyrical assistance from Dom and JB. Lineup is considered of me on lead rhythm guitars and studio recording on drums and JB Caparas on lead guitars, Dom Estrella on bass and vocals and Chester Ramos on drums.
How do you define your music and sound? Any major influences?
Our sound is a mixture various extreme metal genres. Mainly Thrash Metal, Death Metal and a hint of Black Metal. Major influences are Sepultura, Sodom, Kreator, Sacrifice, Metallica, Megadeth, Dark Angel and Sadus.
Explain more about your EP “Searing Flames of Chaos” 2020?
The title came from a quote from Shaft from the 1997 classic playstation game “Castlevania: Symphony of the Night”, it is composed of 3 original songs and 3 covers from Sodom (Tired and Red) , Sepultura (Troops of Doom) and a black thrash version Paint it Black by The Rolling Stones. It is self released on CD format on July 29, 2020. Cassette version is released on August 2020 by Metal Choice Cut Records from Bicol, Philippines. Self produced and DIY recording only in our house. Mixed and mastered by yours truly.
Now please talk everything about new single ‘Complex Thought Consciousness’ and the upcoming debut full-length album “Convulsive Perseverance”?
Complex Thought Consciousness is about human emotion and interaction, it is a reflection and a struggle within your own mind. It is a culmination of what haunts you based on your own past actions. It basically states that your biggest enemy is yourself but at the same time you are yourself’s most reliable ally as well.
“Convulsive Perseverance” is already out and has been released on Pro-Cassette format last December 2020 by Warmaster Records from Malaysia. A CD format is due sometime this year and hopefully on Vinyl as well. It consists of 10 original songs that has aggressive riffs, break neck speed drum parts, guitar solo trade-offs and an in your face vocals that will pierce through your ears!
Any thoughts on “Grotesquely Disfigured” Split-Tape with Malaysia’s ERECTUS?
I was approached by Taz Taj of Sarawak Metal Regime and also the guitar player for Larrong (Malaysia), he offered us a split cassette release with a familiar band as well, I have heard of Erectus before but I haven’t seen them live, but knew them from some of our Malaysian friends. I’ve personally heard their songs and have to say I am impressed on how intricate their riffs are but are still catchy. As a fan of Melodic Death Metal myself, Erectus is a great band!
Eternal thanks! Last messages for the readers?
Thank you very much for this interview as well brother! To all the readers out there continue supporting Reveal Fanzine and watch out for Seizure future releases. We will enter recording soon as several songs for the sophomore album has already been finished. Hails!!!
