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Interview: Chris James of Threatpoint

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Threatpoint are a metal band from Scranton, Pennsylvania. Focusing on hooks and a fluid sound to draw listeners in, the band are one of the fastest growing heavy acts in the scene, and Legendary Kids Press was recently able to chat with vocalist Chris James about their music, touring plans and much more. 

Describe your music for those who have never listened to Threatpoint before.

Threatpoint has a unique blend of many styles of rock and metal: thrash, a splash of death metal, old-school power metal and just plain old grinding hard rock. Bottom line is we always focus on a groove for the listener, something that is catchy and head bang-worthy. If you don’t know a band and you hear them for the first time, it’s important to grab the listener with hooks and something quickly memorable.

How did the band come together?

We are basically the result of the demise of three older bands. We all knew each other from playing around the area. We started back in 2012 and are really just getting rolling.

Who would you say were your musical influences growing up, and how would you say they’ve influenced the music you’re making now?

We are different ages, so there are so many different bands and influences floating around. You tend to gravitate to what you are listening to and that keep changing. We are all listening to new bands, as well as going back in time to the greats and classics: Testament, DevilDriver, Lamb Of God, Soilwork, Metallica, Killswitch Engage, Sepultura and Pantera are strong influences to us all.

You released your sophomore album, Careful What You Wish For, back in 2014. How would you say your sound progressed between it and your debut, Dead to Rise?

Dead to Rise was our first stab as a new band. It’s pretty raw and kind [of] all over the place. Careful is more fluid. It is the result of playing out together, knowing each other better, [as well as] knowing what seems to work live. [It’s] definitely more technical than the last.

 It’s just plain old growth as a band. You strive to get better as you go. We don’t want to repeat ourselves, but we also don’t want to lose our signature groove sound. So it’s incorporating new ideas in with the old.

What would you say is your personal favourite track off the release?

The title track is strong. “Devil You Know” is more commercially appealing and “Divide and Conquer” rounds us out pretty [well].

Where do you get the inspiration for your lyrics?

I write all the lyrics. I like to force people to think and ask questions. I write about reality, things that have happened to me or other people around me - situations that arise in our daily lives. I like a positive approach and to show hope to people who listen. It’s important to me, as there is so much negativity around us daily. I’m a spiritual person. I want people to have hope and be victorious in themselves. We all are going to have shitty days, but they will cease and what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger people.

Do you have any touring plans for the summer?

We are really spreading out this year all over the United States. It’s very exciting for us. [There’s] so many places to go, so many new faces to see [and] so many new fans to make.

What’s one thing about someone in the band that fans would be surprised to know?

Our drummer CJ [Krukowski] really is a Gremlin!

Are there any bands you feel your listeners should check out?

We are friends with IKILLYA in NYC. Great guys, killer grooves…

Any last words?

If you’re reading this, check us out on Facebook and reach out and say hi. Give us a “like” and come introduce yourself at a show. We love to hang out with our fans. Bands should remember where they came from and stop all the rockstar bullshit.

Also, check us out at http://threatpointofficial.com/

By Clare Fitzgerald