Only formed one year ago, Scottish hardcore mob War Charge played their first mainland European show yesterday with Cold World and Blindside. We’re proud to present this tour, which promotes the band’s self-titled 7″ that is out today via Spook Records and Demons Run Amok Records. On the boat to The Netherlands guitarist Chris Lavender sat down to answer some of our questions, for you to get to know the band a little better. Once arrived, they got a warm welcome from our photographer Dasha Veselovskaya who captured some fun moments with guys.

Please introduce yourself and your band, and include a brief description of your music.

We’re War Charge from Scotland. We play fast, modern hardcore. Richmond vibes.

You’re about to head down on a first, two-week tour through Europe. Can you describe the feeling that this is becoming reality very soon?

As I type this I’m on the boat to Europe! The feeling is all a bit surreal. Two of us (Robbie, Chris) have never toured before, never mind in Europe! The rest are all well seasoned and I’m sure they are just as excited as I am.

Any specific reason you’re mainly focusing on eastern European countries?

Our guitarist Luke is from Poland and has been touring Europe since he was 16. In that time he has built up a lot of contacts across Europe and they were very helpful in making this a reality.

“Reality Check: make the most of it…?” What are your expectations of this tour, and the 7″ you’re putting out later this month? Where do you see yourselves a year from now?

We are very excited about the release of the 7”. Twelve months ago we were just forming, no decision on a band name, two songs and thee different band members. So twelve months on from now I’d like to keep the band members stable! But also see us continuing to visit Europe (Ideally; all the countries we’re not getting a chance to visit this time), or even going to the US or Japan!

You’re releasing the self-titled EP via Demons Run Amok Records and Spook Records on April 13th. Where, and with who did you record and how did you draw the attention of both labels?

We recorded with Tom Mitchell and Clearwater Studios in Perth as many of our friends recommended them. Our previous drummer Artur had a very similar background to Luke and had a large list of contacts. He sent the rough mixes out to a few of them and it quickly caught the attention of Edward Goodlife (Goodlife Records). From there, Spook Records and Demons Run Amok helped us produce the CD and 7” vinyl.

Besides playing music and trying to make this band happen, what are you all doing for a living?

We each do something different. Four of us have full time jobs in varying roles and positions. We’re fortunate our employers are as flexible as they can be to help us work with the band.

Name five influential records that have defined your music taste through the years.

Comeback Kid – Wake the Dead (Chris)
No Warning – Ill Blood (Robbie)
Lost Prophets – The Fake Sound of Progress (Dave)
Avenged Sevenfold – Waking the Fallen (Gary)
Youth of Today – Can’t Close My Eyes (Luke)

What’s your definition of hardcore?

Unity, acceptance and a way to express yourself free from judgement.

You mentioned a split to me before… What all are your plans for the rest of 2012?

We’re making plans to get a split with several bands, both in the UK and Europe. Ideally, to be back in the studio by the end of 2012 to work on the next record.

Anything you’d like to add?

We’ve come so far in so little time, and we’re looking forward to seeing a lot of faces, old and new on tour and hope you enjoy the shows!

Words by Tim van Reyswoud
Photos by Dasha Veselovskaya