By Michael Engle.

 

This Time It's War: Preparing for Onslaught

Alley Katz was alive with the sound of brutality on Nov. 8, 2009 when local metal band This Time It's War headlined a show including touring bands Periphery, Mutiny Within, and This Or The Apocalypse. In a thriving Richmond metal scene, This Time It's War is expanding the genre to create a new and interesting blend of metal.

A New Age 

This Time It's War is making heads turn with its blend of off kilter riffs and breakdowns. "We make it groovy and something to get down with," said guitarist Alan Simpson, "We listen to a lot of different stuff, not just metal." The band's influences range dramatically; citing bands from Circa Survive and Incubus to Dream Theatre and Tool. "Our lyrics are inspired by real world events that most people close their eyes to," said vocalist Scott Quigley, "We all contribute to the writing process in someway."

Origins

Drummer John Gammon and guitarist Justin Lawson began playing music together when they were in middle school. By 2007, This Time It's War had become fully realized and added Simpson and Quigley as well as bassist Jeff Jennings. The band's name was inspired by chanted lyrics from the disbanded Richmond metal band Cassius.

The Past

The band has shared the stage with bands such as Lamb of God and Darkest Hour and completed three U.S. tours. "Because of these guys, I got to see the West Coast for the first time," said Quigley, "It was really exciting." The band has only had one release entitled the Faded Grey EP in 2005, but their newest effort is just on the horizon.

The Future

This Time It's War is working on a new full length album that is set to be released in early 2010. The untitled record is being recorded by Chis Dowhen at Planet Red recording studio in Richmond's Southside.  Unmixed versions of a few of their songs have been posted on their MySpace to let fans get a taste of how the new album will sound. "Social networking is pretty much free advertising for your band and has shaped the [music] industry," said Quigley, "That's why we posted the songs." The band is focusing solely on completing the album before undertaking another tour. "We're ready to break out nationally after the record comes out," said Lawson.

Links:

AlleykatzRVA.com

MySpace.com/Periphery

MySpace.com/MutinyWithin

MySpace.com/ThisOrTheApocalypse

 

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