In this interview, Daniel Lucas of Thrasherwolf discusses the band's origins, thrash metal influences, lineup changes, and the London underground scene. He also looks back at We Are Revolution, talks about the evolution of the band's songwriting on Inside the Sickened Mind, and shares some details about their upcoming third album.
Asmoth: How did Thrasherwolf come together, and what was the initial idea behind the band?
Daniel Lucas: Thrasherwolf came about after I realised how much I loved thrash metal and how bands with wolf in the title tned to do somewhat well so the two seemed to fit. I was learning guitar by writing my own stuff and it was actually pretty good so I didn't want to waste the songs at all, I wanted to put them out there. Hence after many awful original names given by the members of the band at the time, I came up with Thrash Wolf, which didn't sound quite right, hence Thrasherwolf was born.
Asmoth: What were the main bands and influences that shaped Thrasherwolf’s sound when you started?
Daniel Lucas: There were many legendary acts that inspired Thrasherwolf over the years and it stems from the bringing the best from the best that thrash metal has to offer and putting it under one roof. Kreator, Metallica, slayer and Coroner are among them.
Asmoth: The band has experienced several lineup changes over the years. How has this affected the way you write and play music?
Daniel Lucas: The lineup changes have positively impacted the band and it's musical evolution, especially for it's live performances. The sound along with the performance quality constantly improves and the experience as a whole makes it the best lineup we have ever had.
Asmoth: Thrasherwolf is based in London. How would you describe the current underground metal and thrash scene there?
Daniel Lucas: The current metal scene in the London is extremely strong, with tonnes of venues, tonnes of bands and the London Metal Coalition all coming together to create a cohesive and vibrant community.
Asmoth: Looking back at We Are Revolution, what does this album represent for Thrasherwolf today?
Daniel Lucas: It represents the first stepping stone, the start of the Thrasherwolf journey. We look back at the album now and fondly remember how we felt when we made it...well I say we, I mean I because I'm the only one in the band still from the days of the first albums release. I can see the evolution we have taken, the improvement as time went on and the way we may change in the future.
Asmoth: What changed in your songwriting between We Are Revolution and Inside the Sickened Mind?
Daniel Lucas: The subject matter for sure, the theme of revolution took a back seat and the theme of mental extremes became something I could have used to explore. The songs became more conditioned, the style becomes more precise and the recording of quality was so much better this time around.
Asmoth: Your lyrics often deal with darker themes such as violence, destruction and the human mind. What inspires you when writing your lyrics?
Daniel Lucas: Just the world around me, tonnes of stuff all around us happen every day that no one talks about, I feel that's something metal does in comparison to other genres is talk about themes no other genre dares to touch. Doesn't mean we are in the league with the subject matters, doesn't mean we all worship satan, someone in life is always born to tell the darker story no one wants to hear and that someone is metal music.
Asmoth: After Inside the Sickened Mind and your recent releases, what are your plans and ambitions for the next chapter of Thrasherwolf?
Daniel Lucas: We are currently working on our third album having had a run of festivals to play such as Bloodstock and Beermageddon. Currently in the demo stage but we are confident in the material and the strength of the songs. We also have other festivals coming up such as Thrashchester playing Onslaught and Call of The Wilds fest.
