With a career spanning close to two decades and a discography six records deep, Melbourne’s DREADNAUGHT have used experience and longevity as a means of refining and diversifying their sound, while harnessing a respected name and determined fanbase in the Australian metal community. Speaking to drummer Matt Racovalis in the lead up to the release of their latest self-titled album, it quickly becomes apparent that the band are more unified than ever and committed to asserting their status as a driving force in the local scene.
Matt, who joined Dreadnaught in 2008 and was closely involved in the recording process of the band’s latest work, found adjusting to drumming duties in Dreadnaught to be a natural and seamless process and he attributes this to the general “good vibe in the band” as well as the comfortable and inclusive working relationship of the members. “There’s not one person that doesn’t have an influence,” he tells me, adding that each member is “open minded” and respectful of “what other people are bringing to the table.”
Matt is also quick to point out that the forthcoming record is the band’s most vital and accomplished statement yet. “It’s without a doubt the best album that the band’s produced to date” and a significant “leap forward for Dreadnaught,” he indicates in anticipation of its release.
This conviction seems to closely reflect Matt’s experience of the band’s writing and recording process. Dreadnaught is the “most flexible band” he’s been involved with and the productive manner in which the band makes use of the skills and input of each individual creates an environment where contributions are varied and “the best sounding idea wins.”
Supporting Matt’s observations, there is an unrelenting urgency to be heard in the band’s new work. Drawing as always on the dextrous craftsmanship and hook-based focus of classic thrash influences, lead single The Push also effectively channels the fiery energy, crashing volume levels and probing sense of adventure found in more celebrated acts in today’s metal landscape. In addition to generating enthusiasm amongst the old guard of Dreadnaught fans, the new record is likely to find its way into the listening rotation of a whole new audience, attracted to the dynamic flavours and possibilities of metal in 2009.
Next up on the agenda for Matt and Dreadnaught is the task of reacquainting themselves with audiences nationwide and bringing the chemistry of their new dynamic to life on stage. This is a challenge that Matt is extremely optimistic about.
Conscious of playing to both old and newer fans, the band plans to integrate “all the favourites” with at least five tracks off the new album in their set. With shows already scheduled for Melbourne and Canberra and an infectious enthusiasm in the Dreadnaught camp to triumphantly announce their return, future performances should find the band at the height of their powers.
Dreadnaught’s self-titled album will be released on the band’s MySpace page aon May 1, and they’ll no doubt thrash the hell out of The Basement in Canberra on Saturday 9 May, with support from Kill For Satan, Spoil and Johnny Roadkill. Tix through Moshtix.
