Michael: Please shed some light on the band’s outset. I think HAVOK is pretty unknown to most of the European Thrash Metal heads.
David: I started the band in early 2004 when I was 15. Originally it was just me and a drummer that I met in high school. We got together to start jamming Metallica songs and decided we needed a lead guitarist because I couldn’t play the solos. (I had only been playing about a year and a half when HAVOK was formed). After posting ads for lead guitarists in music stores, we received a call from Shawn and that was that. We filled in the bass with another classmate from high school. Shawn and I have been in the band since the beginning. We’ve seen some lineup changes with the rhythm section, but we haven’t let that stop us. Our current lineup is the strongest one we’ve ever had, so be prepared to rage when you see us and hear some new shit.

Michael: There are no lyrics and further information with the promo release. What are your lyrics dealing with?
David: Our lyrics cover a bunch off different topics. We have songs that deal with everything from historical events, personal and social issues, celebrities, posers, politics, and death.

Michael: Regarding the band pics you seem to be pretty young guys. What made you playing such old school style?
David: Let’s face it; the best up-tempo metal was made 20 years ago! I just like playing what I would want to hear from another band. I write things that I would listen to, even if I weren’t in HAVOK.

Michael: As there was to read your drummer problem got settled to everyone's satisfaction? With the album release the spot was still vacant…
David: Yes, this is true. When our album came out, we did not have a drummer! Long story short, our old drummer got married and retired from rock n roll. We now have a new drummer and a very solid lineup.

Michael: You’re the first Thrash Metal band signed by Candlelight Records. Advantage or disadvantage?
David: Well, Candlelight did already have Onslaught and Destruction (Michael: that's my fault, I only had the German market in mind), but as far as newer thrash bands; I suppose we were the first ones. I think it’s a great thing for us! Candlelight has a very diverse roster and we’re very happy to be a part of the family. There are some really rad bands on our label, so we feel it’s an honor to be on the same list as some of those other bands

Michael: Regarding the band’s name you weren’t that creative I’d say. There have been many bands over the last 20 years with the same name (partly with “c” instead of “k”). Ain’t you afraid of confusions and mistakes? And, any trouble expected due name rights?
David: We’re actually the first HAVOK to ever register the trademark, so I don’t foresee any legal problems in the future. The main reason we named the band HAVOK was because the logo looked too good!! I am not afraid of any confusion because we will be “thee” HAVOK, so to speak.
(Note NH: There’s currently an active German Death Metal band with the same name and two another ones around…)

Michael: As seen so far Burn got predominantly good reviews. Many journalists compared some parts of the track Path To Nowhere to first album of Metallica. You think so too? Any influence, intention?
David: On Path To Nowhere I can see comparable riffs to old Megadeth and Metallica. There was one riff at the end of the song where I intentionally wanted it to sound like a riff that would be on Kill ‘Em All!

Michael: HAVOK just returned from an US tour. How did things work out?
David: It was the most fun we’ve ever had on a tour. This last tour was nothing but great times and great people. As always in rock n roll, we had some vehicle issues, but other than that, all went well!

Michael: What to expect from a HAVOK show?
David: Expect to see a lot of headbanging! I’d say we sound about the same live, just a lot fucking louder! I think our live show exceeds our recordings, so when we’re coming to a town near you, get your ass to the show!

Michael: What’s the perfect billing for you to go on tour?
David: I would LOVE to tour with Megadeth, Metallica, Slayer, or Arch Enemy.
(Note NH: Then you better hurry; first three ones are supposed of not touring so long anymore ;))

Michael: Any plans to sail over the pond for a European tour? I mean time is favorable, Thrash packages and Thrash bands at festivals this year had raving success…
David: Yes sir! We plan to make it to Europe sometime in 2010.

Michael: Many new Thrash Metal bands spring up these days when the Thrash scene already was declared dead. What you think is the reason for this revival?
David: I think people missed solos and speed. Also, I think people enjoy being able to understand the lyrics in songs! Thrash metal, when done well, is the best kind of music. It’s so aggressive and upbeat, plus, who can deny a great riff and shred?

Michael: Are you friends with other “new” Thrash bands? Is there kind of competitive behavior over there? I mean I guess everybody is keen to make money out of such successful revival…
David: Yeah, we’re friends with a lot of our peers. Of course, we’re competitive, but for the most part, it’s friendly competition. Just like anything else in life, everybody wants to be the best, so naturally, people are going to try and outdo each other. I don’t mind the competition; I think it makes everyone stay at the top of their game.

Michael: How to make a living as “offspring thrashers” (hope, it’s ok to call you this way as a 42 old man) when not on tour or in studio?
David: I’m an Audio engineer, so when I’m not touring, I run sound at live venues and record bands in my studio. Basically, I do all music, all the time.

Michael: Any idea where HAVOK will be at in 10 years?
David: Ten years from now, I hope we’ve got 4 or 5 albums under our belt and have toured with some of our idols. I hope we are known as one of the bands that are still carrying the torch for fast metal. We plan on getting bigger and becoming more successful, so I feel like ten years from now, we will have accomplished everything we wanted.

Michael: Ok, I’m at the end of my questionnaire. Last words are up to you. Thanks a lot for spending time on answering all these questions ;) Cheers!
David: Thank you for having me! To any fan of fast, shredding metal, go pick up Burn! I know you’ll dig it.