THE RED CHORD – Interview with Vocalist Guy Kozowyk

Guy Kozowyk of Massachusettss THE RED CHORD is a man of few words. Considering the following interview arrived via email, Kozowyk couldn't use strained vocal cords as an excuse for the brevity of his answers. Perhaps, Guy prefers our readers to experience the music of THE RED CHORD, rather than read about it. His group brings a whirlwind of energy, technically moving between many of the styles that have defined the extreme metal movement over the past decade. Kowzowyk prefers not to categorize the music that has made them the new face of Metal Blade, but if DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, CEPHALIC CARANAGE and LAMB OF GOD got into rumble, readers may get a slight idea about their sound. Read onward and go check these guys out on tour with their slave-driver label mates, GWAR! [icenter:the_red_chord_logo.JPG]

We writers at Metal Centre have to categorize the style portrayed on each album we review. Considering THE RED CHORDs sound incorporates many elements of heavy music, what category would you suggest I tag to your music.

Why not put us in the “good” category.

Some of your music contains aspects of hardcore. Has the hardcore/metalcore scene in Massachusetts rubbed off on your in this regard?

Sure. I like hardcore. The live, fun aspect of hardcore shows definitely contributed to the shaping of our band, especially in the earlier years.

How would you compare Fed Through the Teeth of the Machine to your last album Prey For Eyes or any of your other albums?

Better and newer. Thanks.

You downsized to a four-piece to record Fed Through the Teeth of the Machine. Why did you take this route?

Because of a bad economy. We downsized to stay afloat. Next step is to import cheap Ecuadorian members.

You slip in some experimental elements on Sleepless Nights in the Compound and The Ugliest Truth. What instruments did you use for these tracks and how do these elements enhance these songs?

We used guitar, bass, drums and vocals. Any weird noises were made with someone's mouth.

Reading your bio, you mentioned the lyrics to Fed Through the Teeth of the Machine convey multiple meanings. Did you approach writing the lyrics with this in mind?

Yes.

How does WWE wrestler The Ultimate Warrior fit into your lyrics?

Warrior is a serious guy with many strange facets. He, like me, yells random stuff all the time. He is like a father to me, minus not being around or doing anything fatherly at all. So, he isn't really like a father at all, except that my dad wears war paint and he too shares right wing perspectives on everything, which I'm kinda down with. Why don't you interview the Warrior and ask him how THE RED CHORD fits in with his lyrics?

I saw THE RED CHORD open for GWAR back in 2006. You are currently (or will be) touring with the masked masters of splatter again. Are you friends with GWAR?

No, more like slaves of GWAR, especially if you saw what we were being paid. They let us tag along because we are worth slightly more alive than dead and give us water and coffee as a fee for playing and carrying their armor. They need a shitty band to open up to help them look better.

How do GWARs fans react to THE RED CHORD? Have you gained a lot of new fans from these tours?

We do our best to win them over. They do their best to bum us out. However, little do they know, THE RED CHORD doesn't bum. We will win them whether they want to be won or not.

How are things going with Blackmarket Activities? Tell us about some of your new releases.

Things are good. I've had some great records come out recently. GAZ He is Never Coming BackGaza- comes out Tuesday and is likely the best thing you will ever hear. THE NETWORK, LYE BY MISTAKE and PARIA all had awesome discs this year. Hopefully, I will be able to figure out how to make money in this bad economy so I can keep doing it and not have to work at Best Buy like our old guitar player. I really don't ever want to work at Best Buy.

What can our readers expect to experience at a THE RED CHORD show?

It might be the best experience of your life, but more than likely, you'll be subjected to loud music and berated by a hairy jock. We will yell at you and poke fun of your stupid face and your fat girlfriends lazy eye. But, it's all in the name of a good time and harmless funning around.