Trenchfoot Interview

TRENCHFOOT has proven to be the single most important band in the Detroit metal underground today, as evidenced on their highly notable skull-crusher "Bleeding For The Sake Of Bleeding." Recently, The Gauntlet caught up with Noel Thomas, the band's vocalist, for a chat about the story behind the band as they set their sights on national domination.

The Gauntlet: Tell me about how the band got together, what circumstances led to the formation of Trenchfoot?

Noel Thomas: We were all just kids in high school and fed up with the day to day goofing off. Justin and Danny our original drummer were jamming on and off and I was interested and we just started quick and wrote songs and jumped right into playing shows. This was in the fall of 98.

The Gauntlet: At the time the band first formed, did you have an idea of the direction that you wanted the band's music to take?

Noel Thomas: Honestly we were just beginning. I mean we all played a bit here and there but for the most part we more as a band then as single musicians. From that point we just pushed ourselves and each other to get better and better. We started righting and all being into the heavy influence we wrote as heavy as we could. We were into system of a down and Metallica....the hardcore came later.

The Gauntlet: At what point did you realize that Trenchfoot had the ability to take things to a professional level musically?

Noel Thomas: There was a time when we were writing songs and scrapping them as fast as we could. We knew we wanted to do it but still had the teenage "big time" point of view.....wow we have a lot of friends and they like our stuff. We continued to work and went through our first drummer Dan and our next Sam. We were jet set to get our CD out at the time and god or someone graced us with Jay and ever since we have been busting and working harder then ever. That is how when we knew we wanted to keep going and work as hard as it takes.

The Gauntlet: Why did you decide to begin incorporating hardcore sounds into your music?

Noel Thomas: It just grew on us. I mean we don't think we are a hardcore band full steam but there is definitely a major influence. I guess you could say it comes down to the attitude or standing up for something you believe in for me. As for the other guys, I think they just love sick break downs.

The Gauntlet: How do you describe a Trenchfoot live performance?

Noel Thomas: For me scary, for the other guys a work out, for the crowd a great show. We put more than we have into our show. I mean along with the type of music you got to bring the A game on stage. Guitars are flying and spinning all around and I don't really try to stay out of the way so I am constantly getting hit. I guess it is part of the gig. We just love to connect eye to eye with the kids that come out and see them and feed off of them.

The Gauntlet: Which metal musicians have most inspired you as a vocalist?

Noel Thomas: It all goes back to my boy Zack DeLaRocha from Rage Against the Machine he was what really turned me on. Other influences are Mark Hunter (Chimaira) and Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed). Now I am influenced by a great many people trying to grasp a wide range of vocal styles. Wish me luck.

The Gauntlet: What is the main thing that you are seeking to get across to people with your music as an artist?

Noel Thomas: For me it is two things. Open your eyes and see that you can just go out there and let loose. Who cares if you don't dance like that other kid just dance baby. Do things you are into and not what others want you to. Second. There are a lot of things out there worth fighting for, stay true to what you believe.

The Gauntlet: Is there any specific message that you intend to deliver with your lyrics?

Noel Thomas: I come with a few ideas. Like I said, stay true to yourself. When you let that slip you start to realize you don't even know who you are any more. If there is something you believe in stand up for it. Don't be a by stander or a follower, be a leader and make something happen. One more thing, There is a lot of hate out there that won't be changed. As long as you shed some light then the world can be a better place.

The Gauntlet: Tell us about recording Bleeding For The Sake Of Bleeding, what did it take for you to make this record?

Noel Thomas: It took a lot of long nights. We went in the studio only a month after picking up Jay our drummer. We would basically waste away inside of this hot stuffy room in this huge noisy building and crack the whip. At that time we were fully ready to cut a record but had to find a drummer. Jay was on point and we finished up the writing and got into the studio. It went rather smooth once we got in. It was our first time being in the studio when someone actually helped and cared about what he was putting out (Mike Hasty, Walls of Jericho) We really hit it off with Mike and the whole thing was just a really good time.

The Gauntlet: What was the hardest part about making the CD?

Noel Thomas: I think the hardest part was the rushing to get ready. We were in a bad spot and just wanted to move along with it. Once we got in we were all very encouraging toward each other. Coaching and pushing each other to do the best we can every time.

The Gauntlet: Is there closeness between the members of the group?

Noel Thomas: Most definitely. We are like brothers. The four of us minus Jay grew up together so we are extremely close. I mean I remember the first time I snuck away from my house in pre school when I rode my big wheel to Justin's house (guitar) When Jay came in of course we gave a little guff but that was a test to see if he could fit into the family and he passed. We are lucky at this point to be doing this with most of the original members from the same city and the same school; you don't see that to often.

The Gauntlet: Do you feel that this relationship between the band members is the catalyst that makes it all happen then?

Noel Thomas: Honestly yes, I do. I think we read off of each other well. Granted we are not the very best musicians but it is our chemistry that makes us. We are always saying the same things and calling the same shots during writing and that is just a good sign.

The Gauntlet: To what do you attribute the intensity behind the sonority of the band?

Noel Thomas: We just love heavy intense music and honestly don't feel right dialing it down. We like to give our all and I guess you could say it come out intense as it should. We have a sign at all times on the wall that reads "make it mean"

The Gauntlet: What is the goal of the band in 2006?

Noel Thomas: Our goal for '06 is to spread like wild fire. We want to do a lot more shows and just get our name out there. We plan on hitting key areas on mainly the east coast and revisiting them often. We try to meet as many people as possible but there is always someone you miss. We also plan on cutting a few new songs and possibly doing a split CD with another band just to get some new stuff out there.

The Gauntlet: What is the one thing that you would like metal fans to know about Trenchfoot?

Noel Thomas: We just want everyone to know that we want to be your friends and have a good time. We are in this for two reasons. The love of music and to meet people. We are not scary we are just regular guys that like to rock out and have a good time. Come talk to us we'll have a laugh.