Fear the Dawn's Mark Phegley said on Feb. 3 in an exclusive interview with NY Concert Examiner Eric Holden that the band will be opening for the legendary hardcore punk quartet Shai Hulud on Feb. 13 in Amityville.
The show will be held at Revolution Bar and Music Hall, located at 140 Merrick Rd. in Amityville. Doors will open at 6 p.m., and tickets are $15. Also on the bill is Silent Grey, No Face and Cryptodira.
The show serves as Shai Hulud's official release party for their forthcoming record, "Reach Beyond the Sun."
Phegley generously took out a few minutes from his busy training and touring schedule to weigh in on some of the most controversial topics involving the Long Island metal scene. Here's what he had to say:
Q. Many Long Island venues that used to host hardcore and metal shows have closed down in recent years. The region saw top-notch venues like The Downtown, The Crazy Donkey and The Vanderbilt shut down over the past decade, along with smaller-scale VFW halls. What are you thoughts on the state of the Long Island music scene?
Phegley: The scene definitely has less stature than years prior, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It forces bands to work harder to create their own scene, a fate Fear the Dawn embraces with open arms. Struggle makes the reward sweeter.
Q. That seems like a smart approach to take. How about the national metal scene? Is it as strong as in years past?
Phegley: The national metal scene is a constant rollercoaster. Bands come and go, but the true artists persevere. Currently it seems to be thriving and making heads bang across the globe.
Q. Speaking of the national music scene, do you think Fear the Dawn will eventually embark upon a national tour?
Phegley: A national tour is our ultimate goal but our blood is shed in all venues near or far.
Q. Hah awesome. So for metal fans who aren't familiar with your music, how would you describe Fear the Dawn's sound?
Phegley: More often than not we are compared to bands like Pantera, Killswitch Engage, and All That Remains. These Comparisons are spot on because we have all been influenced by them and bands alike. We are a melodic metalcore quintet that melds old school values with new school power.
Q. Are you working on any new songs or albums?
Phegley: We have a new album due out next fall. It showcases our strongest attributes and some our most honest writing to date. Our current album "Solace in Ruins" continues to generate a huge buzz, which allows us to tear this island up show after show.
Q. Besides the Shai Hulud show, do you have any other performances lined up?
Phegley: Our next gig is at Revolution in Amityville on Feb. 13, in direct support of Shai Hulud. We're also sharing the stage with Paul Di'Anno of Iron Maiden sometime this summer. Remembering shows past, we've shared the stage with such greats as Fear Factory, Biohazard, Agnostic Front, Ill Nino and Joey Belladonna of Anthrax. We also have tour plans in the works.
Q. How did Fear the Dawn get started?
Phegley: FTD, like many, is the bastard child of previous projects centered around vocalist Sean P and master shredder Tom M. It's been a never ending series of trial and error, but all the hard work led to us being one of the most committed and talented band of misfits to grace Long Island.
Q. Where can people check out your music?
Phegley: We have three albums on iTunes, a Facebook fan page and an official website at www.fearthedawn.com.
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