2002.04.02 Grinder Webzine Eric Interview
In 2002.04.02, the brasilian webzine Grinder did this interview with Eric Forrest:
Odd as this should be, one day the metal world was shocked by some amazing news coming from the Voivod camp: Eric Forrest was not a part of the band anymore! Plus, he was sueing the band, because of an accident ocurred almost two years earlier!
No rumour stuff, this was the real deal. Voivod with Eric Forrest was no longer a reality. News came quickly, though: Eric Forrest formed a new band, together with his old-time friends Dan Lauzon (G, drum programming, ex-Entropy) and Bryan Donahue (G, ex-Homicide), named after his unnoficial Voivod moniker (Away, Piggy, Snake, anyone?), E-FORCE, and released a quality home-made demo-tape, only for merchandise purpose. Good news: Voivod fans (and metal fans, for that matter…) can rejoice. Now they have two great bands to praise.
We at Grinder had the pleasure to contact E-Force himself, via e-mail, to clear some misunderstandings ’bout his departure from the ‘Vod, plus comment on his new band…
Check this out.
GRINDER: Eric, as obvious as it shall be, there are many Voivod fans here in Brazil who would like to know how was your departure from the band. Did you ever think of quitting the biz?
ERIC FORREST: Back in March 2001, we had a band meeting and I was told that the band was over. Period. We were suppossed to release 12 songs on Century Media, however it doesn’t seem to be happening. It was an honor and priveledge to be a part of Voivod. I lived and learned a lot from those guys. So, I bassically just took my gear and continued writing songs. After a few months passed, I had a feeling that they would begin again with Snake, but, that’s Rock and roll, man. There are some questions that I have myself, but, that’s the way it goes; I guess in fact it was my idea to get Snake on stage (montreal), back in ’99 when we toured with Neurosis. So, I wish them all the best, we are not enemies; I still talk to Away regarding a few things, but that’s about it. As far as quitting the music biz… I can’t get enough!!! I’ll never quit playing and touring; it’s just too much of a fucking party!!!!
GRINDER: How was E-Force formed?
ERIC FORREST: I’ve known Dan (Entropy) and Bryan (Homicide) for a long time; we just started writing songs and created some cool stuff. These guys are very cool people, and some of our styles and influences are similar. So, it’s generating a very cool sound. I feel very fortunate that, as beer drinking friends, we are dedicated towards the band, and going forward with the creation.
GRINDER: E-Force has clear influences from newer Voivod (with Eric singing), as well as influences from industrial/metal bands (Ministry, Nine Inch Nails) and thrash metal. What are the influences from the band members?
ERIC FORREST: I’d just like to say first off that I believe the Nine Inch Nails and Ministry influences are strong due to the drum programming as well as perhaps the guitar synth stuff. Our newer songs are darker and heavier, it is rehearsed with a real drummer and sounds killer!!! We plan on mixing the drum programs with live drums for a new sound. The 3 of us are writing songs together, some parts more than others, but, it is done as a team!!! A band!!! So far, so good….
GRINDER: Eric, do you think that being an ex-member from Voivod will help promote the band? Of course you’re not gonna use it as “merchandise”, but the connection is obvious…
ERIC FORREST: Yes, the connection may be obvious, but I don’t see it as a bad thing. I intend to create some more songs with this band that are going to please the Voivod fans of the Negatron/ Phobos sound. Borivoj, formerly of Metal Maniacs, now at www.blabbermouth.net, gave us a good review regarding the new material. Really, I don’t think that it’s going to hurt that I was the singer/ bassist of the almighty Voivod; I will be very honored when Voivod fans come to the shows and hear the new tunes!!!
GRINDER: Next November (n.e.: interview ran through October, 2001) you will be entering a studio, to record some new songs. Are there any projects of recording a CD? Any record company in contact with you?
ERIC FORREST: Yes, absolutely. We are recording a solid 4/5 song demo in November for shopping purposes. We’d like to solidify a recording deal this year or next, so we can put out a real recording, with a real sound! We are in contact with a few labels presently, however, I don’t want to comment on any names, etc, right now.
GRINDER: As good as the reviews go, they always mention the drum-programming fact. It has also been said that you are looking for a drummer. Have you found one?
ERIC FORREST: We have Louis Levesque (Genetic Control) doing the tracks, he’s a friend of the band, so we’ll see what happens after the recording. So far, so good…
GRINDER: Eric, by looking at the Forum from Voivod’s Official Home Page, one topic refers to E-Force, with even links to the demo songs. You also thank the band, management and the webmaster for the support. It seems you don’t have any bad feelings ’bout Voivod. Do you keep in contact with them?
ERIC FORREST: I mention thanks because of a lot of reasons and wish them well. I see them around, and we chat, but that’s about it. I would like to say that I am not sueing Voivod, I am involved with an insurance related matter with management.
GRINDER: Are you playing live gigs already? How’s been the crowd reaction to the band?
ERIC FORREST: No not yet, but, early next year it will be happening!!
GRINDER: Finally, we from Grinder would like to thank you, we really appreciate your attention, and we’d like you to leave a message for your fans.
ERIC FORREST: I’d like to thank all the Voivod fans that liked my work with the band!! Hopefully, you can hear the new EForce material soon enough, and would love to play in South America one day soon!!! You can drop me a line at eforce13@hotmail.com. Take care and all the best!!!
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