12th April, 2023

Your last release, “Hell Will Come For Us All”, was released while the pandemic was still affecting a bands ability to tour properly. Were you able to get any shows in to support the album?

The last show we were able to play was March 12th 2020 which was before the album was released. Due to all sorts of setbacks we haven’t been able to tour it yet, but it will happen!

How was the album received by the metal community? 

It’s always hard to get a true feel of how an album was received until you play it live. I feel like crowd reactions to live performances is the only feedback that really matters, but we received a lot of great press and we were stoked with the response despite not being able to tour it yet. 

How would you personally describe Aversions crown’s sound?

I feel like it’s essentially deathcore, with classic death metal elements. 

Is the band line-up from the album still the same in 2023?

The core of the band is the same. 

Why heavy music? What is it about this style and sound that attracts you to it?

I’ve always been attracted to the energy. The fans of heavy music are usually more genuine than a lot of other genres and I’ve made a lot of good mates from being a metalhead. 

How did you first discover and get into metal?

From hearing Metallica, the greatest band in the world.  

Who were/ are your music heroes? Who inspired you to want to play metal?

Bands such as Metallica, Slayer, Darkest Hour, Henry’s Anger. 

photo : Martin Csermak

Was there a defining moment that made you decide to play an instrument?

I’d always played an instrument since I was young. I started on piano, then trumpet, French horn, clarinet. Once I started listening to metal I became interested in guitar to try learn some riffs. 

How did you learn to play your chosen instrument? Formal lessons, self-taught, online? 

Started off self taught from guitar magazines and tab books. Had lessons and studied music down the track. 

Were your parents supportive of your choice to play an instrument, and play in a band?

They were, and still are, super supportive and I’m forever grateful!

How often do you get to practice as a band?

We’ve always been a band that just practices hard when we have something coming up, touring, recording etc.

Do you write/ record your own music at all?

Outside the band I just demo thrash songs that will probably never be used for anything haha! 

Your favourite tracks to jam to that aren’t yours?

All sorts of stuff. Love hearing a song then sitting down to learn it. Recently been jamming to some Decapitated. 

photo : Jake Owens

How often do you practice?

I should practice more. I usually just enjoy playing along to songs, I practice hard when I have specific things to work towards. When I’ve got shows coming up I’ll spend a lot of time running the songs. 

How are your songs conceived?

Chris Cougan writes the majority of the music for the band, even some of the lyrics. Usually he will demo songs at home then send them around for us to check out and we’ll pick the best ones and tidy them up before adding vocals. 

What artists, old or new, are you listening to currently?

Carnosus, Majesties, Thron, Private Function, Price of Life, and Night Demon. 

How often do you get to tour with Aversions Crown?

Not enough at the moment, hopefully some tour announcements soon!

What have been some of your most memorable shows to date?

Summer Breeze festival, Brutal Assault festival are always two that stand out. 

How did the Dracula’s gig come about? 

I originally started as an understudy and would fill in occasionally. Then a full time guitarist position came up and I was fortunate to be offered the gig. 

Is it hard to juggle work and a touring schedule? Are your employers ok with you taking leave to tour?

I think having good, honest communication is key. We haven’t had much on with tours since I’ve been at my current job so hopefully I’ll be able to juggle both once we hit the road again. 

Worst touring experience?

Probably just being sick and not having a chance to rest and recover. 

What’s the last show you saw that you weren’t playing at?

Knotfest. Highlights were, for me, Parkway Drive, Megadeth, In Flames, and Malevolence. 

What do you do in your free time? Hobbies outside of music?

Like doing sport and trying to keep active. I watch a fair bit of rugby league and get to a few games when I can. 

Favourite holiday destination?

Thailand. Went to Phuket this year and it was amazing. 

Specifically, what gear do you play?

I’ve been working with Jackson Guitars for a few years now so I play their guitars exclusively; they make awesome instruments. I’ve got a couple of 8 strings I play with Aversions Crown, and I’ve got a couple of 6 string and 7 string guitars I play at Draculas. As for amps, I’ve been playing through a Kemper for quite a while. Super versatile, easy to use, reliable, and perfect to travel with. No pedals needed, I just use a footswitch to change between tones. 

I play Elixir strings, usually the Optiweb. I get different gauges depending on which guitar, and what gig it’s for. 

What’s your opinion on multiscale frets?

I find them really good for playing riffs and leads, they can be a bit of a stretch for some chords. But I think they help hold tuning and intonation on the lower tunings with the 8 string etc. 

Your thoughts on cats – lovable family members or Satan’s spawn?

Haha I love all animals. I’ve never owned a cat though. 

Who’s your bucket list artist to tour with?

Parkway Drive

Who designs your artwork for releases, shirts, tour posters? Do you dabble in the design aspect yourselves?

We’ve had some different artists for all of our stuff. It’s good to mix it up and work with different talented people. Jayden does a bit of designing stuff, he’s a tattoo artist and he’s good at all of that. 

What companies do you use to produce your merch? 

Merch Warfare in Australia!

What does 2023 have in store for Mick Jeffery and Aversions Crown?

New Aversions Crown music being released, hopefully some solid touring again. In the meantime, I’ll be performing 5 nights a week at Dracula’s on the Gold Coast!

photo : Mlle Lazurite

Mick Jeffery : @mickjeffery

Aversions Crown : @aversions_crown