A day away from another New Release Friday, and another Profile for an artist and album you should have queued up! Chicago thrash outfit Misfire are releasing their sophomore full-length, Product Of The Environment, through MNRK Heavy and we’re stoked to get this on your radar this week. James Nicademus (drummer, co-founder) responded to our questions, which you can read below while exploring this album for yourself. Misfire have certainly gone through some changes, but have emerged stronger than ever. You know the drill from here. Oh! And be sure to check your calendar. They’re on the road with Exodus for a little longer. Since I can’t make any of those dates happen myself, you most definitely should. Now get after it!

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How and when did you first get into playing music, or metal more specifically, and how did your band get its start? Any pushback from family/those close to you?

I started playing drums in 5th grade band. Did band through middle school and once I got into high school I decided to start a band. That band was called Diamond Plate and we were active from 2005 – 2015. My parents were a big support system for my music back then and I am forever grateful for them. My mom is actually the person that suggested drums.

How would you describe your band and what you play to someone who is completely in the dark?

We’re heavily rooted in thrash metal but there are different influences all over that give our music a unique sound. Heavy driving riffs and grooves. Lyrics that address personal and social issues. I’ve never been into lyrics that sound like a fantasy novel. This music is the product of who we are and the lyrics are as well.

Is there anything about your upcoming album or about your band that no one will find in any interview or review that you care to divulge?

This is the first album we went through a full pre-production process. We essentially recorded the album at home and got everything together before going into the studio. This is also the first album that we have traveled out of state to record. We spent 10 days in Atlanta recording with John Douglass and Alex Parra. It was an intense process and I think that all really helped the vibe of the record.

Any funny stories from playing shows / tours / festivals, etc?

None that would be appropriate for this interview. Haha Maybe next time.

What do you see as some of the great things happening in and around the metal scene (yours or just in general) and what are some of the worst things happening right now?

Seems like the great thrash bands of our time are still going strong and there are more and more thrash bands coming out of the woodwork. Worst thing? Social media. There is no mystique anymore.

Most folks have passions for a cause or causes that are close to them. What, if any, are some of the most important issues (social/political/humorous/etc.) for you / your band and how do you insert those issues into your music?

Pay attention to the world around you. There is so much going on right now. Being unapologetically yourself and standing up for what you believe in is certainly in there but we’re not going to push a particular political view with our music. We have a couple of songs that are anti-social media and A.I. Take for example the lyric “Keep us together just to tear us apart.” Music has always been therapy for me and the guys. We express this in songs like Day to Day, Living the Dream, We Went Through Hell, Born to Die, Product, and Twist of Fate. These songs discuss anxiety, depression, addiction, relationships, and all of life’s most challenging areas. The music is very aggressive so it’s usually a natural process finding a topic that fits.

Do you have day jobs or hobbies you want to share?

I’m a lighting designer/director. I’m actually doing lights for Exodus on this upcoming tour.

What advice do you have for music critics and outlets out there? How can we all better serve the genre in the eyes of a hard-working musician?

I’m not a music critic so I don’t know. Just tell it how it is. haha

Any specific long term goal(s) in mind?

Besides world domination… a Metallica tour of course haha

When you’re not obsessing over your own material, what are some of your favorite albums to listen to currently?

No obsession here. haha I’m taking an ear break right now from writing. So what am I listening to? Lately a lot of Ozzy, The Cult, Kublai Khan’s newest album, Queen, Machine Head, Opeth’s newest album, Steven Wilson, and Exodus.

What is the near future outlook for you or your band? Any specific events on the horizon that the masses should be aware of?

We are touring with Exodus and Deicide April/May of this year. We will also be adding tour dates for Fall and hope to be in Europe to support this album next year.

Summarize your band in one word.

Fire.

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Many thanks to James and Misfire for the time!

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Product Of The Environment is out on May 2nd through MNRK Heavy. For more information on Misfire, jump over to Facebook or Instagram.