credit: Jeremy Saffer
Arizona metallers Incite are gearing up to release their new album Built to Destroy on January 25th, 2019 via Minus the Head Records (pre-order here). Of course it will arrive just in time for their tour with headliners Soulfly as well as the direct support act Kataklysm. We spoke to frontman Richie Cavalera on the group’s latest effort, a few of his favorite albums from 2018, plans for next year, and more.
2019 will mark the ten-year anniversary of your debut full length album, The Slaughter, do you have any plans to celebrate it, perhaps with your upcoming tour with Soulfly?
Damn, I can’t believe it’s been that long, hella old now. But I’m not too sure, with the new album coming out I think we want to focus our set heavy in that direction on that particular tour. Maybe we’ll do a few headline gigs and play the whole album or something. Just fired up to still be able to make killer music.
Your new album, Built To Destroy, will also arrive next year. Looking back before the new lineup formed in 2013, in your opinion, how has the overall sound change from pre and post Up In Hell?
I think we’ve gotten heavier, smarter, and just better as a band in every aspect. You hear solos, the vocals are tough – the bass and drums are absolutely insane on the newer stuff. I love what we did back then, but the hard work, the drive, and the need to be the best is way more apparent with this lineup. We know we can rock with the best of them now.
What should fans expect from the new album?
A much more polished band. We’ve grown a lot as players over the years, and with this I think you hear that. Dru absolutely slays the guitar work on this album with solos on almost every track – and killer solos – not any boring crap. Kirk Windstein of Crowbar rocks on a track and so does Chris Barnes of Six Feet Under. So there’s a lot of vibe. El made the bass heavy and in your face, and drums just destroy, and to me the best I’ve ever sounded, it’s a killer blend of what we do.
What are some of the lyrical themes?
A lot about how fucked up we are as people, to each other, and the world around us. It’s not political – it’s more about taking responsibility and taking life head on! We’re all built to destroy!
What plans do you have for next year?
It’s going to be a rager! Soulfly and Kataklysm to start the year In the US, so that’s going to be cool. Then off to Europe with SepticFlesh and Krisiun to rip some metalheads up. Then back to the states for June and July, then some European festivals. Along with the new album coming out, it’s truly going to be an insane year. We’re hoping to top our record of 118 shows in 1 year, haha.
What are some of your favorite albums from 2018?
I really dug the new At The Gates and High On Fire albums. Two great bands that always put down killer releases, and my favorites for 2018.
What’s your overall thought of family members who are in active bands touring together? We’ve also seen this with Iron Maiden and The Raven Age.
It doesn’t bother me – I’ve been touring for so long now that to me it’s just another raging ass tour. We don’t have the perks others might get or expect. We do shit our way and don’t take anything for free. So it depends what you’re rocking for. I’m here to rock out and carry on the name for hopefully another 25 years!
Can you talk more about the making of the music video “Built to Destroy?”
Yeah, it was killer. We tapped a good friend, Tommy Jones, who is doing a lot of cool stuff for a lot of big bands. We didn’t want a bunch of crap going on. We feel we went too overboard with some of our older videos, so lately we’ve been all about simplifying them and making them about the energy, the heavy, and the vibe of what and who we are as a band. I think the darkness and feel of “Built To Destroy” does that perfectly
How would you summarize 2018?
Insane. Haha, between making an album, the touring, being married, and all the shit a band goes through – there was a lot to deal with. But I love this life and won’t give it up or trade it for anything. It’s fun madness. Keep it heavy and thanks for spreading the word.
