Black Sabbath, Sepultura, Slayer, Metallica and Machine Head are all masters of legendary metal. They're considered pioneers of the metal and hardcore genres, and are listed as defining influences for drummer Ben Dussault of Throwdown.
Dussault reflects back on his earlier days and claims that Master of Puppets destroyed him when he was younger.
"I remember listening to Vulgar Display of Power (Pantera) when I was 14 years old playing video games with my friends and we would go crazy," he said. The influences for each of the four band members are different, while they share the same love for the hardcore sounds of metal.
It was this passion that brought Dussault, Matt Mentley, Dave Peters and Mark Choiniere together.
"We all came from different schools of music but we're also hardcore fans of heavy music."
Throwdown started in 1997.
Dave Peters was the original guitarist for Throwdown and made the switch to the vocal reigns in 2002.
Dussault commented on the band's change of sound on their new album, Venom and Tears, concluding that it was the uncontrollable product of their day in, day out grind.
"Vendetta was written two years ago so (Venom and Tears) is going to sound different. We've been traveling for two years and playing for two years so the change is not going to be deliberate, but natural," he said. "You're going to change with more practice and more experience. You might get older, fatter, taller or skinnier but it just happens."
For their newest album, the band worked with Andrew Murdock. On Vendetta, the band had a mere two months to write and record, as opposed to Venom and Tears, in which they were granted nearly eight months of luxury work with their tracks.
"We had more time to do it. Ran into some problems but we worked them out. It was more relaxed and natural, and we got to do things the way we wanted," he said. "Working with Mudrock was really cool. Got on each other's nerves sometimes, but it's just normal when you're living in a small space for so long."
With the release of their latest in the beginning of August, Throwdown has been working hard at a relentless touring schedule. They are currently on the road with Arch Enemy and Machine Head.
"Playing with Machine Head is amazing, I mean, they are awesome. They are ridiculous, super nice dudes, real low-key and great musicians," he said. "When I was 16 or 17 I bought the cassette of Burn My Eyes and completely killed it. I mean, I played that thing 'til the tape started to come out of the cassette."
Throwdown will be making a stop in Buffalo next week. When asked whether or not the band has ever been to Buffalo, Dussault responded with a resounding "yes."
"Been to Buffalo many times, love it, we love playing anywhere. I mean, I grew up in Montreal not too far away so it's nice to get back and feel the northern vibe."
And aside from Buffalo, what does the future hold for Throwdown?
"Just the road, writing new stuff, playing current stuff and playing older stuff. Getting sweatier, grumpier and better with time," he said.
"We will continue playing as long as we can and until we can't do it anymore."
Throwdown will perform at the Evolution Entertainment Complex in Cheektowaga with Arch Enemy and Machine Head on Thursday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $19.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
