Pic courtesy of: Nocturnal Fear "We consider every modest achievement a steppingstone. Every step is worth every drop of blood and sweat."

HK: With the release of your latest album “Code of Violence,” what kind of feedback have you been getting from long time fans and new listeners alike? Has it all been positive?
Aggressor: We’re pleased to be represented by Moribund Records. They’re giving us great exposure and promotion. In the short time since its release in July, we’ve already had a lot of people and outlets getting their hands on our material. We’ve had many good words from long time fans and new ones alike.

HK: Why did you settle on the name “Nocturnal Fear”? Were there other options before the band was formed? And how did you earn your colorful aliases?
Aggressor: We considered some ideas for our name but nothing really stuck until “Nocturnal Fear.” Soon after our formation in 2000, we readily adopted the moniker and put together our first logo. Our name has always represented a relevant time and its values that still hold true in our music to this day.

HK: What does “Code of Violence” have that your two previous albums “Sterilize and Exterminate” and “Fog of War” lacked?
Aggressor: I'll spare you the generic response of simply stating “this is our best release to date.” There was a more cohesive drive during the writing process of these songs and while recording them in the studio. Slavehunter and I were able to concentrate and write in a more positive and productive environment than in the past. The addition of Necromodeus in 2007 completed this bond, and by the time we recorded, the band, along with engineer Tony Hamera, had a strong and common desire to record an exceptional album.

HK: How much work did your new album take? Did balancing the writing and recording jeopardize your schedules?
Aggressor: Our schedules have always been based around our band. We don't consider it work—it’s our life—so sacrifices are made for the sake of writing, performing and recording. About half of the material for “Code of Violence” was already written by the time our prior album “Fog Of War” was released in late 2005. We finished up most of the songs by the end of 2006 and spent the following year or so doing shows, revamping our line-up and putting finishing touches on the new songs. We then recorded “Code Of Violence” in early 2008.

HK: A lot of people mention the band in the same breath as Kreator, Sodom and early Slayer. Has the compliment ever worn thin? Or are you constantly appreciative of such recognition?
Aggressor: We’re big fans of all three, especially of their early work. So we appreciate being thought of along with them. At the same time, we’re a multi-dimensional outfit and don’t attempt to emulate anyone. We would never feel content simply rehashing what has already been done. In fact, during the writing process, we often go out of our way to push the envelope and avoid sounding too much like anything that influences us. We prefer that the music speaks for itself rather than editorial comparisons and when listening with an objective ear, I think people hear this.

HK: Is the band's outlook on the music business so clear that after a few more albums, Nocturnal Fear will be calling it a day? Or are you in this for the long haul?
Aggressor: Well, I've always despised trends and have never based my goals on what the “business” may dictate. We have a life long commitment to Thrash Metal and have always kept to it regardless of the genre’s “popularity.” People have a misconception that the music business decides what people want to hear—but it’s the musicians and their fans (and their conviction) that ultimately lays the path for the music “industry.” As far as the long haul, all members of our band have been a fan of metal and performing it for over 20 years and have no intention of letting up. So yes, we're definitely in this for the long haul!

	Pic courtesy of: Nocturnal Fear "We would never feel content simply rehashing what has already been done. In fact, during the writing process, we often go out of our way to push the envelope and avoid sounding too much like anything that influences us"

HK: I'm assuming you all grew up during the glory days of Thrash. What are some of the fondest times that you recall from that period in your lives?
Aggressor: Off the top of my head I'd say . . .
$8.00 shows with three great national acts on the bill.
Playing in bars so hot and full of people, the walls were sweating!
Performing on the same stage as the bands we admired, no matter how small the venue.

HK: When did your musical taste transform each of you into musicians? And how many other bands have you been involved in prior to Nocturnal Fear?
Aggressor: Music played a huge role in my upbringing and it’s a common trait that has inspired us all to pick up our instruments at an early age. Each of us have been in a couple of bands prior to Nocturnal Fear and crossing paths along the way. However, we now consider our band to be family and life.

HK: War seems to be the band's favorite theme. Do you consider yourselves military or weapon enthusiasts? Do you own any guns?
Aggressor: The members of Nocturnal Fear do stock a “confidential” light weapon armament. Enthusiasts? Shit, we practically obsess about weapons and military tactics and technology.

HK: Being members of a Thrash Metal band, are your own political views reflected in your lyrics?
Aggressor: Our lyrics mainly center on war, conflict, and destruction. You know, the good stuff--reality!

HK: Care to name the places you play gigs in? How big are the crowds on a good night? Does a lot of moshing take place?
Aggressor: We play in shithole bars, basements, arenas, and halls-- anywhere true fans want to bang their heads. Generally speaking, if you want to mosh, then mosh. If they say you can’t, mosh more and tear shit up! I could say the best gigs we’ve played are the one’s that had the largest crowds or when we’ve played with the biggest name headliners. But honestly, some of our best shows have been in front of just 40 or 50 committed fans that are there through thick and thin and have metal pumping through their veins.

HK: Is touring in Germany a dream for you guys? What are your chances of ever playing to audiences there? On its flipside, what kind of shit did you ever have to deal with in the live setting? Has the band ever gotten lost backstage?
Aggressor: Europe, we can't wait. It's something we've always wanted to do. The worst thing we've encountered with any show is a promoter or venue owner that doesn't give a shit about the bands, only their bottom line.

HK: Like most other people in bands, have you worked shitty jobs before? Or do the members of the band have stable careers outside their musical pursuits?
Aggressor: Music is our career. We don’t consider financial gain or popularity as being a success. Our crap jobs are only the vehicles that allow us to sustain a living, to do what we want, which is making music.

HK: Given what Nocturnal Fear has achieved so far, has it all been worth it?
Aggressor: We consider every modest achievement a steppingstone. Every step is worth every drop of blood and sweat.

HK: Thank you for this interview. For my last question, what last words would you like to utter before you die?
Aggressor: Death is not negative—It is positively necessary.