Shane Pennicott

AM : You're not newcomers on the metal scene, but in Europe you were quite unknown though, so how can you explain that now you're coming to assault Europe ?

Shane : Yea, we've been doing this for 12 years now, and it's been an awesome ride, this for us, is the greatest achievement we could have ever achieved, With South Africa being 'discounted' from the world, it's a great opportunity for us to get our music out to the world, and show what South African Metal is all about. Europe is the place we want to be, musically, most of the bands we love come from Europe, and to us, Europe is the Heavy Metal Capital of the world. When we played the Black stage at Wacken open air in 2000 it, open our eyes to see what great metal supports Europe has and I hope that Europe enjoys our brand of Heavy Metal.

AM : Can you please tell us about your musical evolution since your foundation in 1992 ?

Shane : As every musician (I think) would say, that over time they grow as musicians, and as a band they grow as a unit. I think this is what we have evolved in to, A band with better musicians and a better unit. Also I thing we've settle on our style, and that style might be comprised of many different styles, but I guess in a way it becomes it's own style. In the beginning, we were young, and learning, but now I feel more confident of the talents and ability of this band. Older and wiser, if you will.

AM : The name of the band, "Agro", feels a bit strange, why did you choose this, what does it mean ? I believe it's not related to agriculture ;)

Shane : Yea, Nothing to do with agriculture, haha, we are not farmersJ. Agro is kinda English slang for Aggression, We thought it was a nice short name straight to the point, and it's cool because being an 'A' band, we normal at the top of the alphabetic lists… hahaha. So in short, Agro = Aggression.

AM : Your metal is difficult to attach to a category, it's a mix of hardcore, alternative rock, thrash, prog, a mix of melodies and agression, I say in my review that you have a harsch carapace with delicate heart inside… how would you describe it ?

Shane : I think a lot has to do with our location, We get influences that I think are different than say, someone from France would have. Also being "away" from the world, we have a lot of musical influences streaming in from Europe to America. Each with its own brand or style. We do not try to "sound like" or "copy" anyone, I normally write what I feel, and what fits the best for the song, if that part has turns out to be "black Swedish folk mushroom metal J", then so be it, it's just what's right for the song at the time. Also we are huge metal fans, from Darkane to Megadeth, we are not to concerned about genres, the way I see it, it's all under the ever developing umbrella of Heavy Metal.

AM : Were did you record the album "Ritual 6" and how was the recording session…

Shane : The Recording session, funny enough, was one of the easier ones for myself. I think we were more focused and just got down to the business at hand. We did a little more preproduction than any of the other albums, say pre-programming the click tracks, recording demo versions, so studio was rather quick this time around. Our 4th album took us like a year to record. Also I feel that we had more vision on this album, and all knew what we wanted out of it. In addition, I think that every member in this band is proud of the outcome.

AM : What are Agro's lyrics dealing about ?

Shane : Most of our lyrics are about self experiences, I think it's rather silly when some individuals sing about nothing they know about. On Ritual, the lyrics I'd say are more autobiographical. Also coming from a "violent" country, one sometimes finds that anger creeping into the lyrics. So in a nutshell, most of the lyrics are from personal experience that we've experienced.

AM : Do you plan to do gigs or tours in Europe (in Belgium ?) in a near future, and if yes, with which bands ?

Shane : Yea, absol-fucken-lutely !!!, Not sure where or when but defiantly, We had one planned with Dew Scented and Reckless Tide, but seeing that the album release was postponed til the 13th of October, All parties involved thought it would be better to finalise this after the release. But rest assured we will be there, even if we fly ourselves over, Hopefully earlyish next year.

AM : Our last, ritual question : ask yourself a question, and answer ?

Shane : Uhm, this is tricky, let me think, If I were a beer, what beer would I be, A BIG ONE!

Shane : Yea, absol-fucken-lutely !!!, Not sure where or when but defiantly, We had one planned with Dew Scented and Reckless Tide, but seeing that the album release was postponed til the 13th of October, All parties involved thought it would be better to finalise this after the release. But rest assured we will be there, even if we fly ourselves over, Hopefully earlyish next year.

AM : Thanks for your time and for the great new album !

Shane : Thanks Eric for the opportunity, and hopefully meet up with you one day when we are over there. Also thanks for the upcoming review. YOU ROCK! Heavy Metal is the Law.