A Dirty Dozen with MIKE REYES of SANGRE – September 2019

According to a recent press release: “Southern California based Metal Band SANGRE has released the official music video for “Death March,” off of their upcoming album, Mas Fuerte Que La Muerte (Stronger Than Death), due out 12/13/2019. Shot at Fuel Music Studios in Fullerton, CA, the video for “Death March” features the band members experiencing different types of stresses from overdue bills, depression, work related issues, eviction, alcohol abuse, and suicidal thoughts. SANGRE have long since made their mark on California’s Metal Scene & beyond. With over 15 years on the musical frontlines this band has come to learn that longevity requires the commitment, unmatched work ethic, creative energy, and unshakable determination that is central to their ethos.” We get guitarist Mike to discuss new music, influences, and much more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets the band put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

It’s been a few years since our last release, Atonement EP and this release started coming together very quickly about a year ago with the current lineup. It was definitely welcomed after a few member changes then the current lineup honing down and setting a goal. There’s a lot to listen to on this album. Definitely an album you don’t want to listen to or judge after one song. Henry’s got some amazing lyrical content that comes off clear and makes you think. Josh, Sergio and I have really worked to complement each other’s parts. In fact, I’m still discovering Sergio’s sick bass lines and Josh’s drums too. We do have a little trilogy going on with three of the songs that were written together; some lyrically and some musically. Hopefully fans can catch that and understand the flow.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

What got me into music was the intensity I felt from songs and how they had an ability to make me feel alive. I realized I wanted to be a musician in my teenage years when I wanted to play guitar and make songs that made people feel the way I did.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

Oh man, too many to name! I’m going to forget something here so I will say any show where the performers put on a high energy show or performance. When I feel the energy in a song, I often think about how to harness it for my own style.

4. Who would be your main five musical influences?

Metallica, Sepultura/Soulfly, Suicidal Tendencies, Gojira, and Lamb of God.

5. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

I think I’d call in Sen Dog or Ice-T for a collaboration. Their real-life lyrics and style I think fit what Sangre is all about!

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

We just call it Metal. If people want to subgenre it or take it apart that’s cool too. There’s a ton of influences between the four of us that we can’t just say “we’re gonna write a thrash album”. Our influences are packed in this album. For cringing, as far as fans go any interpretation is always welcomed. Though, when I hear a reviewer use the term “speed metal” to describe us, I begin to question their expertise in the metal genre.

7. What’s the best thing about being a musician?

Being able to express yourself and then turning around and sharing that with the world.

8. When the band are all hanging out together, who cooks; who gets the drinks in; and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

When we are on tour, usually there’s no cooking. We do try to eat as healthy as possible. Not very many health friendly options off the highways. However, if we can’t decide I’m stopping us at a Golden Corral. Drinks? Probably me – I am the devourer of drink tickets and tabs. Even got a few cut off for the band. Sorry not sorry. Acoustic guitars? Not for us! We are usually imitating other artists’ voices singing random songs.

9. When was the last time you were star struck and who was it?

Last time I was stars struck was when I met Troy Sanders of Mastodon at a taco party. I asked to take a pic with him, and he said no. He then came over and kissed my cheek. I think I turned into a popsicle. I’m like “Troy kissed me! What happens now, are we dating?”

10. If you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream job?

My dream job growing up was to be a doctor, but then I’d have to dream about being a musician.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over”, even if it didn’t change your current situation?

As the guitar player in Sangre, I think I would take more chances with writing and trusting my own abilities to create songs. In the past I was always a little more afraid of pushing my boundaries like it might not be metal enough or might be too heavy for us. Learning to let go of that now.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

I think I’d go back to the sessions for the Slipknot self-titled album from 1999. Just to be a fly on the wall to witness every piece of that album being put together in the studio from the drums to guitars, samples and vocals. I think it would be more intense than that album already was when it came out. The album definitely sums up my teenage years.

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Category: Interviews