Terror: Sitting On The Verge Of Violence

Since its explosive inception in the latter half of the 20th Century, hardcore has been so much more than just big riffs and mosh calls. The community of the genre and the collective spirit is a vital vein in this form of heavy music, something that Los Angeles natives TERROR know all to well. For two decades, the band have been at the forefront of the scene and their positive mental attitude and hard-hitting riffs have struck a chord with many who live and bleed hardcore. Now, as the band sit on the precipice of releasing Pain Into Power, the charismatic Scott Vogel tells Distorted Sound that their new offering is somewhat more darker than what we are used to.

“You are fully correct,” he answers when we propose the question that Pain Into Power is arguably the darkest record of the band’s catalogue. “TERROR tries to spin the darkness of the world into something positive when we can, but right now it’s very hard. There are a few hints of the light in this world shining though, but we are living in dark times and there was no way around the insanity. I think On The Verge Of Violence or Prepare For The Worst have the lyrics I would suggest people to read to sum up this record’s thoughts on that.”

Arriving four years after 2018’s Total Retaliation, Pain Into Power blows the hinges off the door and positions the band in good stead as we fully embrace the post-pandemic age. With the band’s tenacity to release music running almost like clockwork, the gap between records is in fact, the longest in their career, something that Scott had not even thought about. “It seems time really stood still and years are blurred. I haven’t even thought once until you asked about the actual time in between these two records. But the downtime did give us time to not rush and all thoughts or deadlines were non-existent. Also, the state of the world fuelled the angst and aggression.”

Weighing in at just 18 minutes, Pain Into Power is a shock and awe blast of unrelenting hardcore from a band that lives and breathes it. The riffs hit hard, the beatdowns are relentless and Vogel commands the carnage with the charisma one is accustomed to. In an age of instant gratification, where instant reward and click bites from TikTok or Spotify are the norm, for Scott, he states that with this record, nothing could be considered filler” he says when we ask about whether instant gratification or honing down to the more visceral elements of the TERROR sound were direct influences on their mindset. “I think both thoughts crossed our minds. Honestly, we just wanted this thing to be brutal and intense from start to finish, with absolutely nothing letting up. And especially nothing at all that could be considered filler.”

For the majority of their career, the personnel of TERROR has largely been consistent as time and time again they deliver bouts of slick hardcore fury. For Pain Into Power though, the band welcome back a familiar face as original guitarist Todd Jones, known now for his work with powerviolence outfit NAILS. For Scott, reuniting with his former comrade is nothing short out a match made in heaven. “Todd is amazing. In many ways, he’s always been a friend and ally to TERROR when he exited. With the band and Todd‘s life being paused by the lockdown, it opened for this particular situation with many of us, including Todd, being in LA and needing a way to create music in the midst of insanity. It worked out pretty perfectly, to be honest.”

With the band celebrating their significant milestone of two decades as a band, for Scott and co., it’s very much business as usual at this point. With their reputation solidified through their fierce live presence and reliable studio output, it feels like there is nothing left to prove for the band. But, as they poise to release their eight full-length, for Scott, his persisting priority is to continue to craft music that is as honest as it is vital to the hardcore spirit. “I don’t really think of things in terms of achievement with TERROR. We just want to keep putting out music that is honest and moves people, and is true to who we are and what hardcore means to us. To travel some more and explore the world, see friends, meet new ones, and continue to live against the grain.”

As we close on our time with Scott, attention turns to the future. Despite the turbulence in international touring felt from the hangover of COVID-19, TERROR are buoyed and ready to enter the ring for another bout. After a wicked supporting run to KNOCKED LOOSE‘s UK run earlier this year (“it was great to do that again– much needed for TERROR), we’ll be welcoming the band to our shores this summer as they grace the stage at this year’s mouthwatering Outbreak Festival. For a festival catered for the very essence of hardcore, Scott states these type of festivals are essential to the scene. “I love a good fest– always have. They are a great way to bring the scene together and for kids to travel and explore other’s scenes and cities. Bands often get a chance to play to new faces and the friendship hangs can be great, for sure.”

One thing is for sure, join the company of TERROR and you’ll be sat on the verge of violence.

Pain Into Power is out now via End Hits Records.

Like TERROR on Facebook.