photo : Mlle Lazurite
18th August, 2023
With Psycroptic being known as one of Australia’s most successful and revered tech death bands, what was the inspiration to start Domination Campaign?
Domination Campaign was something I had been toying around with for years, writing songs, but never actually had the time to do anything serious with. When touring stopped due to Covid, I found I had more time than ever and thought putting the album together properly and getting it recorded was a good way to keep my creativity flowing.
What are some of your favourite moments on Psycroptic’s Divine Council?
All of it! Haha. I really love everything about this album, Joe Haley did such an amazing job with all the compositions on the album that I find it hard to pick favourites.
Where do you get inspiration from for your lyrics?
Most of my lyrics are inspired from what’s going on in the world, and my take on the direction and failings of mankind at the current time.
How would you describe the difference between Psycroptic and Domination Campaign’s sounds?
Well, Psycroptic is very technical with a lot of flashy musicianship, whereas the idea for Domination Campaign was to be the polar opposite, haha! I just wanted to do big, simple, dumb, heavy riffs. Nothing fancy or ground-breaking, just good old fashioned death metal.
Why heavy music? What is it about this style and sound that attracts you to it?
I love everything about the genre. I love the ferocity, the speed, the darkness, and the imagery that goes with it. I feel having such an extreme art form in my life keeps me casual in all other aspects of my life.
How did you first discover, and get into metal?
It was the usual story really – my older brother and his friends giving me tapes of Pantera, Sepultura, Cannibal Corpse, and all that sort of stuff when I was really young and I just got hooked on it instantly! Next thing I knew, I’d practically devoted my whole life to the genre.
Who were/are your music heroes? Who inspired you to want to be a metal vocalist?
I’ve always loved the classic death metal vocalists – Dave Vincent, Max Cavalera, John Tardy, Chuck Shuldiner, Karl Willets, and Matti Karki. I always loved the way the old school dudes just sounded like angry men and really unhinged, rather than trying to sound inhuman and polished in their delivery.
Do you play any instruments?
Yeah, I’ve played guitar for about 30 years now. I go through stages where l play a lot and am really productive, but when we are busy with Psycroptic I might not pick it up for 3 months.
How did you learn to growl/ scream/ yell?
Pretty much just fucking around with my mates as a teenager until I sort of figured the basics out, and like anything else I just refined it over time until what it is now.
Were your parents supportive of your choice to be in a band?
Most definitely! My parents were great with it. They allowed me and my friends to jam death metal constantly in their back room when I was in high school. My Dad usually still comes to any of our hometown shows to watch.
How often do you get to practice as a band?
Not as often as I would like! We’re spread out over the world so we only get to practice usually for 2 days before we start a tour. We play to a click track live so we can all practice on our own at home regularly so when we get in the room together it usually comes together pretty quickly.
How are your bands songs conceived? Music then lyrics, jamming ideas at practice, etc…?
Joe pretty much writes all the riffs and structures for the songs on guitar and then sends demos of them out to me and Dave. We then build our parts on top of that. When we get into the studio and actually start recording, the songs change a bit as people get new ideas though.
What artists, old or new, are you listening to currently?
I still listen to a lot of the old classics. Incantation has been on high rotation again, at the moment after I saw them live a few weeks back. Archgoat is one I’ve been listening to a lot lately. A band I discovered a while ago also that I’ve been listening to non-stop is Sulphur Aeon.
photo : Mlle Lazurite
What have been some of your most memorable shows?
There’s been so many good ones it’s hard to put the finger on it. One really stand-out show was Party.San Open Air back in about 2009, I think. It was our first big open-air festival and I think we played to about 15k people. I think it was the show that made me think “shit, we might be able to go somewhere with this band”.
Best touring experiences?
I think our first European tour back in 2004 was definitely one of my favourites. We were out with Dismember for 5 weeks on a tour bus playing every night. It was really one of those living the dream moments for me and where this whole journey with Psycroptic began for me.
Favourite country to tour, and why?
Couldn’t really say to be honest. All the major markets have their pros and cons, to be honest.
Who is your bucket list artist to tour with?
Hypocrisy. They’ve always been a band I have loved so much. They’ve got such a diverse back catalogue and everything they’ve done is amazing
How do you warm up your voice before performing?
When I was younger it was about 5 beers and 2 cigarettes. Now I’m a lot older I realised that doesn’t work, and I had to start doing the steam treatment and singing scales for about 20-40mins, and then I’m good to go.
Who do you believe are some of the best vocalists in the Australian metal scene, and the international metal scene?
Rob from Black Lava is sick! And the dude from Golgothan Remains is also incredible.
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Not really, warming up is about it. I’m usually stuck in the merch desk before we go on.
What’s the last show you saw that you weren’t playing at?
Incantation, and it was awesome! I’d been wanting to see them since I was about 12 years old.
What do you do for work when you aren’t playing in bands?
I own a small house painting business which keeps me flat out when I’m not touring.
Is it hard juggling being in a band and having a day job?
It’s not too bad as I’m self employed.
Which songs do you enjoy the most to play live?
I think ‘Euphorinasia’ is my fave live. It’s just got a real thumping groove to it that really gets the crowd moving.
Your art is amazing. When did you start drawing? Were you into art at school?
Cheers! Art is actually kind of new to me. I started about 5 years ago, and just taught myself through online courses and tutorials.
What tools do you use to create your artwork?
All my art is digital and drawn on Photoshop. Not be mistaken for this AI rubbish that’s going around either.
What do you do in your free time? Any other hobbies outside of music and art?
I’m really big into running, and I’ve recently started playing indoor soccer. I like to keep fit, helps me perform live better too.
What new bands should people check out that deserve some recognition?
Black Lava, and Snorlax, both sick Australian bands
Thoughts on U18 venues/gigs?
I like them, gives the next generation an opportunity to experience live gigs and also underage bands can jump onboard with shows as support so that they can get live experience
Cats – lovable family members or Satan’s spawn?
Satan’s spawn 100% – I’m a dog owner
What does the rest of 2023 have in store for Jason Peppiatt?
Hopefully starting writing, and some more live shows!
photo : Mlle Lazurite
Jason Peppiatt : @jasonpsycroptic
Psycroptic : @psycroptic_official