Aversions Crown

Aversions Crown entered the heavy metal discussion with 2011’s impressive full-length ‘Servitude’. Continuing with our recent series of Bastardfest interviews, Killyourstereo caught up with Aversions Crown guitarist Chris Cougan to discuss touring, life in the band and plans for the group’s next album.

G’day mate, Kane from Killyourstereo. How’s it going? Hope all is well. Just to get things started could you please state your name, role in the band and your favourite album of 2012 so far?

Hey Kane, I'm Chris and I play guitar. I would have to say my favourite album of 2012 would have to be Make Them Suffer – 'Neverbloom'. There’s nothing better than hearing world class music come from your home country. I’ve also been given a sneak peek at Thy Art is Murder’s new album and all I can say is "Holy F***." The album is a monster and it’s going to blow everyone’s head off.

2011 really set the pace for Aversions Crown with the release of ‘Servitude’. And 2012 has seen the band build on that rise. How are things going with Aversions Crown at the moment?

Things are going well at the moment. We have many exciting plans for the future as far as tours and the next album go. We can’t wait to release some of the new music we have written... in our own opinion, we think it is going to overshadow Servitude by a long shot!

Your next show is with US metallers Impending Doom. That seems like a good fit for you. What are you expecting from that show?

We have all listened to Impending Doom for a couple of years now... they actually had a massive influence on our demo CD, so to be playing a show with them is amazing. The exposure from playing with larger bands is always a bonus as well. We can’t wait to show people that haven’t either seen or heard us before what we can bring.

And, if I’m not mistaken, a new song may be doing the rounds live at the performance. Where is the band currently at in regards to writing?

Writing is going well. We aren’t planning on releasing anything until mid/late next year so we have more than enough time to make sure everything sounds the way we want it to and to not rush anything. The aim at the moment is to try and make something that sounds unique while maintaining the heaviness and the fun, energetic lives shows. We will be playing the new song at Impending Doom and the Bastardfest shows.

And speaking of tours and bands, as you mentioned you’re playing Bastardfest. That’s a big opportunity for exposure. What’s the anticipation like leading into this festival?

We are all actually pretty nervous. A lot of the bands on the bill have been around for a long time and have earned respect from the Australian metal scene. Our sound is obviously slightly different from 70% of the bands playing, so we are wondering how people are going to take us... I guess time will tell.

There seems to be a real solidarity in the heavy music scene at the moment – particularly domestically. It seems there’s a lot of support between musical peers. You appear really appreciative of the help you receive. I remember reading a FB post recently on your page. Can you tell us what it’s like being a band like Aversions Crown in the Australian metal market?

Being on tour, playing in different cities has helped us make friends with a lot of different bands, promoters etc. The Australian metal/hardcore scene is filled with a lot of good people always willing to help out. Everyone is very down to earth... no one seems to have that “rockstar” attitude.

Music can be a 24/7-type gig a lot of the time. It demands a lot of devotion and attention. What does a regular day entail for yourself when you’re not in ‘band’ mode?

I guess I will answer this question on the band's behalf. All of the members in our band have fulltime 9-5 jobs. So when we aren’t touring we are working and trying to fit in as much band time as possible. We try to have a practice once a week and we all play our instruments and write at home. Sometimes it gets hard to manage both, but you have to make sacrifices to do what you love.

Just some easy ones to finish off on,

Highlight of 2012 so far?

All of our time on the road and the amazing people we have met.

Lowlight of 2012?

Molotov Solution calling it quits.

Most under-rated album of 2012?

Aegaeon – 'Dissension' – This band is amazing and deserves a lot more than what they are getting.

Most over-rated album of 2012?

I think it’s more opinion based. I believe if a band is successful and has put in hard work then good on them. Whether people like their music or not is entirely up to them. Each to their own.

European melodic death metal or US bay area thrash?

European melodic death metal

NRL or AFL? And, which team?

NRL – Brisbane Broncos

If you could pick any three bands to tour with, who would they be?

I would’ve loved to have played with Molotov Solution. It would also be good to play with Beneath the Massacre to watch them shred their instruments in real life. The list could go on forever, there are so many amazing bands out there that we would be honoured to play with. At the end of the day though, playing shows with your mates is always an awesome time... so for number three I would have to say any band that we are friends with.

And, any final words for Killyourstereo readers?

A big thank you to anyone that has ever bought our merch, come to a show, or downloaded/purchased our music. Your support means a lot to us and we appreciate it. If you like what we do then spread the word and we will keep on doing it. Support the local music scene!

Thanks Chris, appreciate your time, take care.