Published: February 6, 2006
Rockum's Gino Alache talks with HIMSA vocalist Johnny Pettibone about Hail Horror, the band's evolution, Seattle's metal scene and life on the road.
Following the release of Hail Horror, Seattle metal outfit HIMSA continued building its reputation as one of the most aggressive and respected names in the American extreme metal scene. Blending thrash metal, melodic death metal and hardcore influences, the band entered 2006 with a new album, extensive touring plans and growing international recognition.
In this exclusive interview, Rockum's Gino Alache speaks with vocalist Johnny Pettibone about the making of Hail Horror, the origins of HIMSA, the band's influences, Seattle's metal scene, touring alongside some of metal's biggest acts and the future that awaited the band in 2006.
Gino Alache: Congratulations on the release of Hail Horror. To begin, how did HIMSA get started?
Johnny Pettibone: A few friends wanted to rip off the Swedes and decided to form a band.
Gino Alache: HIMSA is from Seattle. How would you describe the metal scene there?
Johnny Pettibone: Awesome. If you want to understand Seattle's metal history, check out The Accüsed.
Gino Alache: How old is everyone in the band?
Johnny Pettibone: We're all in our late twenties or early thirties.
Gino Alache: What are your biggest musical influences?
Johnny Pettibone: Cro-Mags, Integrity, Neurosis, Life's Blood and Negative Approach.
Gino Alache: What's the story behind the name HIMSA?
Johnny Pettibone: It means to cause hurt and harm.
Gino Alache: Fans throughout Latin America have been enjoying Hail Horror. It's a fantastic album, and "Wolfchild" is one of my favorite songs. Could you tell us a little about the record?
Johnny Pettibone: Thank you. It's thrash and pissed off. It never lets up and never falls short.
Gino Alache: To me, HIMSA sounds like a modern thrash metal band with strong hardcore influences. How would you describe your music?
Johnny Pettibone: Exactly the way you just did.
Gino Alache: The cover artwork is incredible. Where did it come from?
Johnny Pettibone: Stephen Kasner created it.
Gino Alache: What are your lyrics about?
Johnny Pettibone: Mostly life's eternal punishment and finding inspiration through pain and torment.
Gino Alache: Why did you choose Hail Horror as the album title?
Johnny Pettibone: It represents the overall theme of the record.
Gino Alache: How does this album compare with your previous releases?
Johnny Pettibone: It's faster and has a stronger punk influence.
Gino Alache: How did HIMSA end up signing with Prosthetic Records?
Johnny Pettibone: Lamb of God helped us land the deal with Prosthetic.
Gino Alache: HIMSA has already toured with many major bands. Could you tell us about some of those experiences?
Johnny Pettibone: We've toured with Shadows Fall, As I Lay Dying, Bleeding Through, AFI, Sworn Enemy, Cradle of Filth, Danzig and also headlined our own Dirty Black Summer Tour.
Gino Alache: What are your immediate goals as a band?
Johnny Pettibone: To keep touring, keep shredding and seduce everyone who listens.
Gino Alache: Looking ahead, what does the future hold for HIMSA?
Johnny Pettibone: Exactly what I just said—more touring, more shredding... and being sore.
Gino Alache: Is there anything else you'd like to add for Rockum readers?
Johnny Pettibone: Thanks to everyone who supports us. We do this with you and for you.
Gino Alache: Thank you very much for your time, Johnny.
Johnny Pettibone: Hail Rockum!
