01/15/2005 Animus and Mike at the Off Broadway
By Micheal
Hakathel
Animus
Saturday, January 15th 2005
Animus Official web site www.animusstl.com
Animus has a triple vocal attack with the two lead vocalists and a surprisingly quick worded drummer occasionally taking over the lead spot as he plays. Their guitar player is a shredder and their bassist has a nice touch with his finger style. The majority of the vocals, performed by their two stand-up vocalists, are pretty much split up evenly and both are capable of a melodic style and a scream style with ease. Animus’ over all style encompasses a wide range of rhythm and vocal styles with lots of lead guitar and groove throughout. They are a nice bunch of guys and kept me laughing through this whole interview. We sat down between bands in the loft at Off Broadway this past Saturday and this is what they had to say.
First, where did the name Animus come from?
Jim was reading though a thesaurus in high school and under animosity was a concept of Carl Young which is animus – what it means to us is animation of emotion.
Where are you guys all from?
We are all from North County and still live there.
When did you guys come together?
We formed Animus in ’99 with the exception of Barnum, who got with us back in April. We had broken up for personal reasons and had been on a two year hiatus. When we got back together and added Barnum (formerly of Mind Sea) on vocals, we all decided that we were just going have fun with this and ride it where ever it takes us. The main agreement though was to just have fun and not take it where we were before - and that was not fun.
How long have you guys been a part of Chunks?
We hooked up with Chunks as soon as we got back together. Our first Chunks show was last June, ‘04.
What do you think of the current St. Louis metal scene?
There are a lot of good bands out there right now. We are all mostly going unnoticed, but Chunks is making it better. There are lots of little clicks of bands and fans that are really cool but we all need to come together to make it stronger. There are a lot of good ideas and good intentions in St. Louis right now though.
- Pause for Aaron to take a leak -
What do you think of our current “pop culture” ie: MTV, radio, ect?
MTV just sucks except for Head Bangers Ball. And what radio? It’s all a big mind control conspiracy and it is all fucked up. Reality TV is the end of the world man. As far as music – tonight’s show, with Prig, Cleevage and Baine, Chunks of Meat, friends, family, beer, good times – this is real music, not that pre-packaged bullshit they try to force-feed us on MTV!
Do you guys have any political views you would like to express?
We all have mixed feelings and emotions when it comes to politics. The bottom line is that it could be better, but then again, it could be worse! There is no sense in bad mouthing politicians, they are all just pawns anyway.
What do you guys do besides music?
Art, work, play pool, masturbate, read about alien abductions, listen to talk radio, drive trucks, and just hang out with family and friends.
Who are a few of your influences?
Pantera, Shadows Fall, Mudvane, this could become a long list!
Do you guys have any demos or albums out and where can you get them?
You can get our 2001 demo from our web site (www.animusstl.com ) or you can just stream it fro the also. We recorded that demo with a friend for a case of Milwaukee’s Beast. We will be heading into the studio real soon to record some new shit though. We can also be contacted there for booking and stuff too.
What are your future plans?
Get in the studio and record our new shit. Keep having fun, yeah, stick with the agreement we made when we got back together. Play bigger venues. Just go with what ever comes our way.
Any last words?
This band is family, and Chunks and all the bands are family too. Anyone who reads this, come out and support local music. It’s just nice to have everyone together, like all the bands and friends tonight. More people need to come out of their “holes” and experience the new shit that is out there. Peace!!!
There is surely more Animus to come in the near future. There is no lack of talent, experience, and just plain ol’ nice guys in this band.
Animus is:
Marty Massey – bass
Jim Freebersyser – guitar
Tim Michler – drums/vocals
Aaron Jackson – vocals
Ryan Barnum - vocals
Thanx for hangin out with me guys!
Mike
Chunks World Local Band Interviews