ANNOTATIONS OF AN AUTOPSY - Sam Dawkins

Metalzone.gr: First of all I would like you to give us a brief bio of the band.
\r\nSam AOAA: AOAA began has a project in 2006 between Steve Regan, Jamie Sweeney and ex drummer Dan Smith, which quickly drew legions of fans all over the world, mainly through the use of Myspace. We found ourselves approached by many record labels wanting to sign us, only to choose UK label Siege of Amida, releasing our first album Before The Throne of Infection, thus rocketting us to the top of the UK underground metal scene. 3 Years on, with Europe and US tours under our belt, signing to major metal label Nuclear Blast and new album The Reign of Darkness ready to hit early 2010, we feel things have only began for us.
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\r\nMetalzone.gr: What has the feedback for ‘Before The Throne Of Infection” been?
\r\nSam AOAA: It’s been incredible to be honest. The reviews have all been great and  live the songs are all so well received, I don’t think any of us expected it to be as successful as it was.
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\r\nMetalzone.gr: Tell me a few things about your upcoming release II: The Reign Of Darkness
\r\nSam AOAA: The album hits the world on the 22th January 2010, and it’s something all of us are immensely proud of. It was recorded at Foel Studios (Napalm Death, Electric Wizard) last summer and mixed by the legendary Erik Rutan (Morbid Angel, Hate Eternal) and is most likely the heaviest thing you’ll ever hear!
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\r\nMetalzone.gr: What differences will there be in your sound in your upcoming material?
\r\nSam AOAA: I guess you’ll have to wait till you hear it! But also theres a lot more ideas injected into this album due to a few member changes, basically its heavier, it’s faster and a lot more ferocious.
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\r\nMetalzone.gr: You have already announced a tour with Suffocation. Where can we catch you live? Have you booked any festival appearances yet?
\r\nSam AOAA: We’ll be touring a lot next year to promote the new album so it’s very likely we’ll be decimating Greece very soon. We are also lined up for a lot of festivals next year so make sure you keep a look out!
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\r\nMetalzone.gr: 2009 brought you a deal with "Nuclear Blast Records”. How did that feel, and how has it been so far?
\r\nSam AOAA: Amazing. I’ve listened to a lot of NB bands growing up so to be on the same label as them is awesome. We’re very happy working with Nuclear Blast.
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\r\nMetalzone.gr: You have had extensive touring over ever since you were formed – do you feel this has been helpful into gaining experience? In what ways has it influenced you?
\r\nSam AOAA: Oh most definitely, but we just love playing live shows. And it’s what keeps this band alive. And you learn a lot on tour from the people around you, it certainly opens your eyes to lots of things.
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\r\nMetalzone.gr: What themes you like to write about and how do you get inspired?
\r\nSam AOAA: The main theme of the album is what would the world be like if religion was to suddenly disperse and hell was aloud to roam wild. Steve really tested himself  with the lyrical side of thing
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\r\nMetalzone.gr: What music do you listen to? Do you get influenced by it?
\r\nSam AOAA: Metal all the way for me, mainly Pantera, Slipknot, Testament, Lamb of God, Chimaira, In Flames, Bloodbath and Behemoth would what I would class as a big influence.
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\r\nMetalzone.gr: Where do you see yourselves in 5 years time? What aspirations do you hold for the future?
\r\nSam AOAA: Just to get better as a band, to play more and more shows and to keep writing better and better songs!
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