Larne band Apache Gunship unleash their unique brand of thrash metal

A NEW heavy metal band has exploded onto the Larne music scene with the release of their hard-hitting debut single, Unleash.

Apache Gunship is a four-piece thrash metal band, who came together to address what they saw as a gap in the market in Northern Ireland – that of a top-notch metal band infused with progressive qualities.

Predominantly influenced by the big four (Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax) and other 80s heavy weights such as Testament and Exodus, the foursome also have a vested interest in all things progressive and like to incorporate this into their music to give them a unique sound.

And the new single showcases this combination of sounds perfectly, with brutally heavy guitar riffs and drum beats conjuring up images of an attack helicopter on a strafing run – making the band’s slogan (“The gunship is coming. Don’t run, you’ll just die tired) seem all the more apt.

However, this is blended with slower, more melodic verses, that still somehow retain a dark undercurrent.

Apache Gunship is made of up bassist Jamie Mills, guitarist Aaron Gowdy, singer Warren Boyd and drummer Scott Ross, who have all been in various heavy metal bands in recent years.

Since forming Apache Gunship six months ago, the Larne metallers have been working tirelessly on their material and are now focused on making a name for themselves by performing as widely as possible and promoting the band on social networking sites.

Former Larne Grammar School pupil Jamie told the Times: “We have our first gig lined up for August 17 at Ma Kelly’s in Ballymoney, and are hoping to perform in Larne for the first time in September. The plan is to release a single every month for the next six months or so, and then have our debut album out sometime next year.”

The 26-year-old revealed that the band’s name had started out as something of a joke between him and fellow band mate Aaron.

“Aaron and I had been in another band together prior to this and we always joked about forming another band as a side-project, which we dubbed Apache Gunship.

“But when that band broke up, we decided to pursue that idea and here we are,” Jamie added.

“While all four of us take queues from the big 80s thrash bands, we would describe ourselves as progressive thrash metal, a genre which we feel is sorely lacking in Northern’s Ireland’s music scene.

“There are plenty of great metal bands out there, but our progressive tendencies help us stand out from the crowd. An example of this is us steering towards more melodic vocals.

“At the moment we just want to get ourselves out there and let people hear our music. Or of they can’t make it to one of our gigs, they can check out some of our tracks online.

“Ultimately, we would love to be performing at a major festival within the next five years or so, but in the meantime we are looking forward to playing at as many venues as possible.

“There is a thriving metal scene in Northern Ireland right now and we are very excited to be a part of that,” Jamie concluded.

To find out more about Apache Gunship or listen to some of their tracks, visit www.facebook.com/apachegunship

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