3 Inches Of Blood: Best Of 2007

12/03/08 1:12pm

by Keith Carman (CHARTattack)

"This was one of my most favourite years being on the planet," beams 3 Inches Of Blood guitarist Shane Clark, discussing the band's 2007. "I thought that just finishing the record (Fire Up The Blades) was a high, but seeing how people really like it is even better."

Receiving nothing but accolades for Fire Up The Blades since its early
summer release, these Vancouver-based metallic beasts are celebrating for many reasons. Not only has their revolving-door of musicians finally settled
on the current roster completed by vocalists Jamie Hooper and Cam Pipes, guitarist Justin Hagberg and bassist Nick Cates, but Clark believes this
internal organization has resulted in their strongest musical offering to date.

"The positive attitude is at an all-time high. Just being able to play and not work construction is the best part of this past year for me, personally. For the band, though, I think most of the album's success is due to the fact that we've finally found a group of like-minded musicians with the same ambitions and interests. You can hear the common goal on Fire Up The Blades. It makes the album more appealing because everything is cohesive."

Listening to Fire Up The Blades, it's not difficult to see why it has dominated campus radio metal charts since its release. A relentless, methodical onslaught of athletic guitar chugging, pounding drums and searing vocals has elevated the band from humorous and kitschy banger novelties to contenders for the thrashin' metallic throne.

"It's my guitar tone," jokes Clark. "Seriously though, we all pulled in common influences to the record. We managed to pull all different kinds of heavy music together in a way even we were happy with. I think it speaks to people because there's something they can all pick out of it — be it a riff or vocal line — that they'll appreciate. I can see the shift live, though. People used to think we were some sort of joke band, but after 30 seconds of our first song, they know better now and the word is spreading."

The success of Fire Up The Blades has led to camaraderie with — and respect from — some of the band's all-time heroes. And no matter how many words of praise, high album chart ranking and sales numbers you stack up in front of a metal geek, Clark says nothing will compare to a pat on the back from your idols.

"(The accolades for the album) led to us playing with Cradle Of Filth, Ozzfest, Lamb Of God and Hatebreed, as well as going to the U.K. a few times. It was pure chaos in front of thousands all summer. We're a live band, so being able to maintain that momentum was a great thing. And for metal fans to be
playing with their favourite bands? We've been living our dream."


Shane Clark of 3 Inches Of Blood's album of the year:

Neurosis Given To The Rising
"I've been following this band for years. Their vibe is amazing
and the catalogue is always evolving. This is the next evolution
of the band."

George Stroumboulopoulos says:
"For a band that's not supposed to be fun with the orc shit and the evil blood-curdling stuff — they're called 3 Inches Of Blood for Christsake — they're fun. It's also one of the best parties you're going to go to."

The following feature is taken from the December 2007 issue of Chart Magazine. To purchase the issue, head on over to the Chart Shop.