Compound Benefit Write-Up


A big thanks to Ron Gonzales for this interview.


Thursday, October 23, 2008

Requiem feeds the masses with music, food drive

AlbuquerqueJournal: Requiem feeds the masses with music, food
AUTHOR: Ron Gonzales

For four cans of food, Albuquerque metal heads can gain entry into tonight's Music for Life Festival, which features loads of local talent including longtime metal-mongers Requiem Mass.

All food donated goes to help feed the hungry, but attendees who tote their four cans of peas and string beans along also will serve to feed the hunger of the bands performing, namely Requiem Mass, which after 12 years of existence is seeking a sort of re-entry into the Albuquerque metal consciousness.

"We've been kind of hiding away, writing songs for the new album," Requiem Mass drummer Dax Lujan told the Journal. "(Festival organizer) Joe (Hernandez) gave us a call and asked us if we wanted to do it, and with such a good cause, we were all over it."

Lujan said the show comes at a good time; members of Requiem Mass have found a different sort of songwriting energy, from favorite metal bands like Chimaira, Soilwork and Devildriver, and the result has been a newfound power in songs such as "Tore Away," from the band's forthcoming release, "The Cure."

"We listen to those bands and say, 'That's where we need to be,' " Lujan said. "With the sheer power of all of that new stuff, we realize we can push this band into that direction."

As fierce as "Tore Away" is, it's no wonder that its creation came about from a band member's personal life challenge.

Singer/guitarist Cody Mintle watched as a family member battled a now-in-remission form of cancer, and moments of worry and anger on his part inspired the title of the new album, as well as the overall musical vibe.

"That whole ordeal gave him good inspiration, to see firsthand how somebody goes through that kind of situation," Lujan said. "I think writing these songs is an excellent outlet for him to get rid of everything that had built up."

"The Cure" is slated for a late Winter/early Spring release, according to Lujan, which in the meantime leaves the band to once again test the live waters of Albuquerque.

Lujan said tonight's bill, which also features Victimas, End to End, Mechanism of Eve and the Aventine Hill, gives his band the ability to reach some fans it might not get the opportunity to otherwise.

"We've been jamming with Victimas and End to End for years and we love playing with new bands," he said. "We get to kind of switch fanbases, which is a great opportunity for everybody."

Music for Life Festival
With Requiem Mass, Amicus and others
WHEN: 7 tonight
WHERE: The Compound, 3206 San Mateo NE, just north of Candelaria
HOW MUCH: Admission for the all-ages show is free with four cans of food