Canada has always been producing great bands and Aggression, formed in 1984, has a past history in the Canadian Underground Metal scene, and they are also undoubtedly one of the most legendary Thrash Metal bands. The band signed to semi-legendary Banzai Records and released their debut album "The Full Treatment" in 1987. The album was very successful and many gigs were sold out as a result. It's been said that members from Metallica, Slayer, Exodus, Destruction, all wanted to see and meet Aggression when they were in Canada. Sadly, Aggression's run ended in 1989 due to some bad choices some of the members made. Many years later, in 2014 no less, with a changed mentality and renewed strength, the band returned and is continuing on a good path, giving good music a second chance! Here an interview with guitarist Dave Watson, who tells us a little about the band's return and being part of the band since the last 10 years.

INTERVIEW

OBNUBIL: Hello Dave! Glad to be able to ask you some questions! First of all, how did you first get into playing guitar, and what inspired you to pursue Thrash Metal specifically? Which top 3 bands and guitarists have had the biggest influence on your playing style and musical approach?

DAVE: I first started music in grade 8 in high school playing bass and drums in band class. I moved to guitar around 4 years later at the age of 17. I was part of a garage band and a friend of mine showed me the song "One Big Rush" by Joe Satriani and I was just blown away. I had never heard a guitar played like that before and I thought "I need to learn how to do that!". His playing really captivated me and inspired me to switch instruments to guitar. Definitely Joe Satriani has had the biggest influence on me as a guitarist. Iron Maiden and Dave Murray/Adrian Smith. Megadeth and Dave Mustaine/Marty Friedman. Special mention to Jani liimatainen on the first 4 Sonata Arctica albums as well were very Influential to me.

OBNUBIL: Knowing that you like Joe Satriani, I can mention that I share a special affection for his music, especially his album “The Extremist”. He is known for his virtuosic playing and unique tone. Have you ever tried to learn any of his techniques or exercises from his instructional materials?

DAVE: I never learned from his instructional materials per se, however, I spent countless hours in my bedroom trying to learn his songs by playing along to them.

OBNUBIL: Right now, what musical projects are you involved in? Do you also have any solo projects?

DAVE: Currently I am only involved with Aggression. No solo material.

OBNUBIL: After many years of hiatus and a brief reunion in 2005 from the late 80, the band Aggression reformed and resurrected in 2014, the year in which you began to be part of the band. In the past the band has had many problems, how has the return and the reception from former fans been?

DAVE: Right from the beginning in 2014 the response has been amazing from the fans. Denis ‘Sasquatch’ Barthe reformed the band in part due to the fans and promoters constantly asking him to have Aggression play shows and tours again. The 80’s fans have been very passionate about our music, both old material and new.

OBNUBIL: The band released their latest album titled “Frozen Aggressor” in December 2023. Can you walk us through your songwriting process? How do you usually come up with riffs and solos? How do you keep your sound fresh and innovative while staying true to thrash metal roots?

DAVE: The songwriting process is a real collaborative effort. Every member is welcomed and encouraged to bring new material to the group and from there we analyze and pick the best riffs, lyrics etc. and try to build upon it. Denis has such an extensive back catalogue of ideas and riffs and even full songs that it’s never too difficult to come up with new material. As far as solos, personally I tend to improvise most of mine. I have more recently been sitting down and writing out a few here and there such as “Circus of Deception” on the new "Frozen Aggressors" album. I always liked the spontaneity of improvising because sometimes you come up with things you never could have thought of.

OBNUBIL: After the release of the last album, you have already given a few concerts and you have also toured together with Death to All and Cryptopsy. What has been your most memorable live performance from your last recent gigs, and why?

DAVE: The most memorable for me were the two shows we played in Berkely California. The crowd was unbelievable. From our first song to the last song from Death to All they were moshing, circle pits, crowd surfing, stage diving. Incredible energy and passion for the music which was amazing to be a part of. Huge thanks to Death To All and Cryptopsy for being so amazing and welcoming to us in Aggression. It was a real honor and privilege to tour with them.

OBNUBIL: The band played two different sets, an old set “The 80's - Forgotten Skeleton/Full Treatment/First Demo” and a new set “The present: From Hell With Hate/Frozen Aggressor”. How do you perceive the public between one set and the other? What set do you enjoy playing the most?

DAVE: I feel the reception between the two is very similar. It’s all high energy thrash metal in the end. As far as my personal favorite set to play, that is an impossible question haha. As a musician you always like to play new material that you are passionate about. At the same time, I am a huge fan of the speed and intensity of Aggression’s older catalogue so I will say I love to play both equally.

OBNUBIL: Aggression are true Thrash legends with 40 years of history (although there has been a big break in between), will there be any big anniversary tour to commemorate such an important date? What can fans expect from the band in the coming months or years?

DAVE: 40 years is a very momentous occasion for sure. There has been discussion around this issue, however, I am not at liberty to say at this point. There may be an announcement in the future so stay tuned! In the immediate future we will be focused on writing new material and always open to new shows or tours that may present themselves.

OBNUBIL: How do you think the Thrash Metal scene has evolved since the band's early days? How do you see the thrash metal scene in Montreal and globally today? Are there any up-and-coming bands or artists you think we should watch out for?

DAVE: As I missed the early 80’s scene (I was born in 1985) I can’t really compare the scene from then to now. I do feel that thrash metal is very strong these days. Lots of great bands are in the scene, and even the older thrash bands are putting out great new music. Death Angel is one of my personal favorites continually putting out great thrash and of course Megadeth. One new band I was recently introduced to and very impressed with is Hellripper from Scottland. The thrash scene is very much alive and well.

OBNUBIL: We're talking about the 80s, a time of a lot of sex, drugs and Rock and Roll, although unless you played in Mötley Crüe, probably more drugs than sex. Did this also affect the band in their old era? How do you see the current era and the world of metal in relation to this concept? Do you think it has changed completely or do you see that some are still living that life?

DAVE: As Denis has told me that lifestyle did affect Aggression in the old days. It brought about the dissolution of the band unfortunately due to various substances and questionable choices. I do feel that there has been a general shift away from this type of “rockstar” lifestyle in general. I haven’t personally witnessed too much of the debauchery that the scene used to be known for. There will always be some who choose to live that lifestyle, but I think these days it is more rare to see.

OBNUBIL: What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced in your music career?

DAVE: The biggest challenge was finding the right group of people to perform and create with. It’s easy to find musicians. It’s not easy to find the ‘right’ musicians. These days the biggest challenges, especially post-pandemic, are purely financial. With the economy, inflation, extra fees and costs are everywhere. It makes it very challenging for any band of any level to operate.

OBNUBIL: Are there any new genres or styles of music you’re interested in exploring in the future? Are there any particular directions or experiments you want to pursue?

DAVE: I am a fan of many different genres. I was raised by my dad on The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Guess Who, Steely Dan, all that great classic rock. I love blues, funk, rock, and some progressive stuff as well. For now, I don’t see myself playing anything but Thrash and Heavy Metal. It’s just what I love most.

OBNUBIL: Are there any specific goals or milestones you hope to achieve as a guitarist? What kind of legacy do you hope to leave in the music world?

DAVE: I was never too concerned with milestones or accolades as a musician. I grew up in a small town, Squamish B.C., and never even thought I would find a band to begin with. I never imagined that one day I would be with an iconic band like Aggression touring the world so I have already surpassed my hopes and expectations you could say. I just hope that whoever listens to my music can find some enjoyment, bang their heads and feel good.

OBNUBIL: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not making music? Are there any hobbies or interests that fans might be surprised to learn about?

DAVE: When I’m not making music, I spend my time at home with my girlfriend Keini and my two cats. I enjoy sports, video games and some might be surprised to know I love to play chess!

OBNUBIL: One movie, one song, your favorite place on earth.

DAVE: This is Spinal Tap. It varies from time to time but recently "December Flower" by In Flames (love that solo!) Home.

OBNUBIL: It has been a pleasure talking to you and getting to know you a little more! Thank you so much for taking your time answering the questions! Is there anything that you would like to say to the readers and to your fans?

DAVE: Thank you so much for having me, it has been my pleasure! I would just like to give a huge thank you to all the fans for your support! It means the world to us, and we hope to see all of you very soon!

Interview done July 2024. Promo photos taken by Simon Photo based in Vancouver, BC.