We had a quick Q&A with Guillermo Izquierdo, the vocalist and guitarist from Spanish thrash metallers Angelus Apatrida. You can keep up to date with all the happenings with the band, including their upcoming Australian tour HERE.
The Band
How did the band first come to exist?
We got together in the rehearsal place we had when we were kids. On one hand, two of my brothers had a heavy metal band, and then David, Victor and me were playing in another band in the same place, so we basically joined both bands together and then Angelus Apatrida (AA) was born. It was a vivid moment for metal in our small hometown. We all liked the same music and that was rare, and we all had more or less the same age, so it started natural. Like most of the bands start as kids I guess.
Is there an interesting story behind the name?
It’s a mix of Spanish and Latin. It basically means “Angels without homeland,” because that’s pretty much the way we feel. Home is where the heart is, and we are used to travelling a lot and find ourselves comfortable in unexpected places, surrounded by nice people we didn’t know hours before. We don’t believe in flags or borders.
What’s your most recent release?
Our latest album is the fifth of our career and it’s called, Hidden Evolution (Century Media, 2015). It charted #2 in Spain, which was pretty massive. We recorded it in Moita, Portugal, together with producer Daniel Cardoso and we feel very proud about it because same as with other previous albums it means a step forward. We don’t wanna repeat ourselves, for us it’s important to grow and develop our sound and our songwriting skills and we feel we showcase that in this record; from the fastest and heaviest material we have to the most melodic one, or even the longest song we ever wrote, Hidden Evolution, with loads of different parts and changes. It’s a result of everything we learned in the last years, and all the different music we listen to. Hard to put into a specific genre I believe.
What’s the one must have item on the rider?
Beer! Tons of beer and clean towels!
What do you think is the hardest aspect of being in a touring band?
Missing friends and family. The exhaustion because of not being able to rest properly. The food, in some cases or the lack of cold beers sometimes!
What’s on the cards in the next few months for the band?
We have been pretty active since Hidden Evolution came out last year. So far we have done three European tours, one all over Latin America, which ran in 12 countries there, one Asian tour with 25 dates in China, Japan, Taiwan and now this final leg in Australia. Right after this we will get back to Europe to some festivals there and some club shows in Spain. We will then mostly call it quits to start working our asses off for a new album.
The Music
Any band, album, or song that you personally credit as a major influence?
Iron Maiden and Pantera will be probably our major influences since we were kids. Then other bands came, all together in a small period of time, but these two are the biggest ones.
Most prized music related item you own?
My arsenal of Jackson RR guitars! And my vinyl collection.
Last album you picked up?
Adele’s 25 😀
What album is currently on high rotation?
Mostly Iron Maiden’s Somewhere In Time or Seventh Son, but actually when touring in our van I like to listen to random funk, disco or rap music.
What do you think of online music sharing?
I think it’s a new gear everybody must use, especially if you want to let people from all around the world listen to your music. For the business… well, everybody knows what happens with the business. We try to update our way of working together with Century Media in order to be up to date in the music business and use all the gears we have to share our music with all possible people.
The Man
Who are your non-musical influences?
I love Star Wars, playing video games, drinking craft beer and eating Spanish food and wine!
What are some of your pet peeves?
I got a lot! In particular I hate people eating with an open mouth or making disgusting sounds 😀
When you’re not with the band, what are you usually found doing?
Mostly I’m going out with friends, socialising, staying at home playing video games or just doing nothing.
AFL or NRL?
I love football! But Soccer 😀 I’m sorry I don’t know much about Australian Football but I love to watch some matches when they show them on Spanish TV. I must say, it is way more cool than Rugby or American Football!
The Final Say:
Thanks for your time and see you all in the end of May in Brisbane (26th), Sydney (27th) and Melbourne (28th)!!
Tickets available HERE
