Misguided Aggression Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

1. (Ben D) We are currently licking our wounds from our recent voyage of the Canadian East Coast. We have a few shows coming up including the Southern Ontario Metal Festival August 26-28th down in Port Burwell along with Cancer Bats, Baptized in Blood, Dead & Divine, Threat Signal and a ton more! We are hoping to start working on some tunes we have had on the back burner for a little while as well.

2. How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the new album?

2. (Ben D) I think as a whole our sound definitely is aggressive. We have honed in a little more towards the direction we want to go musically, combining groove, thrash, and many other elements into a sound we are all proud of. This band's goal is to continually evolve our sound, while sticking to what is true to us, and I think that shines through on this album.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

3. (Rob D) Individually the lyrics of each song stand of its own merit, and collectively they tell a tale of the world we have inherited. They range from a more intimate thought process of realizing the world is not quite the way it has been painted, to more informative lyrics about the key roles public relations play within many forms of media. Division is constantly being preached throughout much of the world, quite often where they claim to believe in unity. There is a common ground on which we can all stand, regardless of class or creed, and there we can live without fear of any misguided aggression. Everyone has the ability to change the world, even if it is in the tiniest way, if they pick up that first stone and choose to take action.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

4. (Ben D) The term "Misguided Aggression" can be interpreted in many ways, to many it can be described as an attitude or a way of thinking, to some it is a term associated with "terrorism" and war, to others it's just a sweet name for a metal band, and we wouldn't have it any other way.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

 5. (Rob D) Every concert comes with its own share of unique experiences. Our home town of Woodstock has definitely been extremely supportive, raising their horns and moshing as crazy as ever -- always a blast there. In all the provinces we have played, there is at least one concert the band walks away from feeling exhilarated. There has been many an awesome time, for many different reasons.

Although the majority of the lyrics touch serious notes, we always party when we play. It’s all about the head banging, the stomping and the adrenaline. All around a fun time for everyone involved.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?

6. (Rob D) We have just recently returned from our “Unshaved and Unbathed” tour through Canada’s east coast spreading the word of our new album “Flood the Common Ground” which went exceptionally well. We are playing around Ontario constantly, and hoping to visit the United States and western Canada within the near future.

7. Are there any side projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?

7. (Rob D) All the members of the band thoroughly enjoy and appreciate music, and are always willing to jam it out with other musicians to broaden our horizons. However, there are no side projects as Misguided Aggression is on all of our primary agendas.

8. On a worldwide level how has your music been recieved by extreme metal fans?

8. (Rob D) We would love to travel the world to find out, as it has always been a dream of ours. Everywhere we have played where metal heads roam has been exceptional though. People who appreciate heavy groovy metal are always digging  it just as much as we are.

9. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?

9. (Ben D) Musical direction is one of those things, that in order to keep true to ourselves, is best to go with the flow. For one to "decide" a musical direction, hinders one's creativity. We have always jammed organically as a group to create our music, and we will likely always write this way, but no matter what we do you can bet it will be angry as hell.

10. What aare some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

10. (Rob D) The musical genres that have influenced all of us vary greatly from metal to jazz, from classical to hip hop, and the list goes on. A creditable influence from Meshuggah has been hard to escape from for all of us, as it has been with many other current metal bands. However, it is not the core of what we are, as we all have different tastes outside of metal which effect how each of us writes. Nowadays I listen to an unhealthy amount of Koji Kondo, the Bloody Beetroots and array of metal bands.
    (Ben D) We all have many different musical influences, personally I have been influenced musically by hundreds of bands over the years, but some of my largest influences would be Lamb Of God (guitar-work especially) Meshuggah, In Flames, older Avenged Sevenfold, Pantera, Nile and tons more. I have also been listened to a lot of stoner rock bands lately, Clutch and Fu Manchu to name a couple.

 11. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

11. (Rob D) Outside of music, I usually spend my time devouring books for their knowledge and wisdom -- primarily dystopian. Kurt Vonnegut is my favourite author among others, such as, Yevgeny Zamyatin, George Orwell, Aldous Huxley, Isaac Asimov and Orson Scott Card.
    (Ben D) Music is an enormous part of my life, I teach guitar as well as work at a musical instrument store, so it's almost always there. But in my spare time asides from that I play a lot of video games, and enjoy the occasional round of golf.

  12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?12. (Rob D) We have always enjoyed writing and playing music for people everywhere. We hope to be at a venue near you, and you can help us know where to go next by visiting our facebook, myspace or website!