Ben Bruce, Lead Guitarist for Asking Alexandria - UK's Hottest Metal Exports
I recently had a chance to talk with Ben Bruce from Asking Alexandria, one of metal's hottest new bands. Asking Alexandria's Reckless & Relentless hit #9 on the Billboard Top 200 and the band is currently at work on an as-yet-untitled release due out in November.
Asking Alexandria is currently appearing on Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, tickets and tour dates can be found at RockstarMayhemFest.com.
Asking Alexandria is a band well-connected to their musical roots, often classified by their incorporation of elements from some of metal's heavier sub-genres, there is an undeniable association within their music to the roots of glam and hard rock. They encapsulate everything that screamed "rockstar" in previous eras, from the music to the attitude Asking Alexandria is one part Slade, one part Rolling Stones, with more than a little punch-to-the-face metalcore binding it all into one updated, pile-driving, kickass package.
ASKING ALEXANDRIA Interview Ben Bruce
So... you guys are getting acclimatized?
Exactly. I'm outside right now in like... a jumper, and trousers, and a scarf, and a beanie. Just trying to get used to that heat.
Is this your first time doing Mayhem Festival?
It is. First time. A little bit nervous, but excited. There's, you know, Slipknot headlining... that's awesome.
But you've done a lot of major festivals...
Oh yeah. All around the world. Last summer we spent our summer on Warped tour which I'm assuming is fairly similar to Mayhem. It's a Kevin Lyman festival, you know so...
Yeah. And he's also the co-producer of Mayhem Festival. You guys have not been around that long. 2009. You've got your second album, you're working on your third one, right?
Yeah.
Asking Alexandria - Through Sin + Self-Destruction
The bands that you meet on Vans, you guys tour a lot with them. You guys all seem to have a very close-knit relationship. I was wondering, when you're doing a big festival like Mayhem Fest, you've got these major bands... You've got Slipknot, Slayer, Motorhead, Anthrax on the tour with you this year. So in a way you're playing for an already established audience. Basically, you're trying to convert them into fans, right?
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