Long Island rockers Frequency Overload bring a taste of the 80s metal scene to these pages, with their track The Pain Factor reminding me greatly of the thrash metal that became so popular in that era. It’s a banging tune and I can’t wait to hear what they come up with next time around!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a new track titled The Pain Factor. What can you tell us about the song?
Okay, so this song will be released on our upcoming debut album, FATE ANTHROPIC. The song, is dark and triumphant, as it discusses self mutilation and freedom. This and 2 other songs from the album were finished, mastered and done because it was supposed to be a demo. Then our US radio marketing pal, Munsey Ricci (Skateboard Marketing Ltd), pointed out that many grass roots, college, and notable radio stations are ‘album format’. What that means is that those stations won’t play a demo… and so it snowballed into a full length album. Now it is 9 originals and 1 cover song for a full 10 songs.
How has the reception to The Pain Factor been so far, and where can it be purchased?
The reception of The Pain Factor has been far beyond our expectations. People, in an attempt to label us, have made comparisons to thrash, crossover, Saxon meets Megadeth, and even melodothrash… whatever that means. I just hope people love it. It can’t be purchased until the album is released, and then it will be in available in CD and download forms. But people can go to www.frequencyoverload.com and join the mailing list to stay in the know.
You’ve got a new album coming out soon, titled FATE ANTHROPIC. What can you tell us about the record and when will it be released?
Our debut album FATE ANTHROPIC will be released soon in spring 2024! It is currently in the mastering phase. The album was recorded in parts. We recorded 5 drum tracks at Vudu Studio, and 3 drum tracks at Fat Bottom Studio. We then used those tracks to record bass, guitar, and vocals at The Nest Studio under the watchful eye and mentoring of Joey Zampella,(aka Joey Z of Life Of Agony).
The additional 2 bonus tracks were recorded and mixed at Fat Bottom Studio, and are being mastered at the Nest by Joey.
Do you have any more singles planned in the near future?
We are holding back on releasing the track that Skateboard Marketing Ltd loves the best. However we did have another lyric video made! Hell, you want to know about another single? Put this in your pipe and smoke it! LOVE AND BULLETS.
Your music has a definitive metal sound. What/who are you most influenced by when making music? What have you been listening to recently?
We are a metal band, for sure. We are influenced by everything we have heard, in all genres. I think that’s why we have been appealing to so many people. Lately we did a band field trip to see Jinjer, Sick Of It All, Prong, and of course Life Of Agony.
Regular rotation? Primus, Slipknot, Lamb Of God, Megadeth, Pantera, smooth jazz, Carnivore, Tool, System Of A Down… you name it, we don’t judge… we listen.
What is the writing and recording process like for you?
It has been music first, and then lyrics. But many songs have just been created at rehearsal… with vocal patterns… recorded on a phone… and then arranged and lyrics written later. What has surprised us all is the jelling and ease which FREQUENCY OVERLOAD, has experienced. Not only has the creation and writing process been effortless, but our relationship and brotherhood as well.
You’re based in Long Island. What is the local music scene like?
The music scene on Long Island has a long history of great metal bands. The scene is alive and well, but venues are few and far between. Most venues of a medium to large size and have a constant rotation of tribute acts. And they don’t have original acts open… they have tribute acts open. Now when they do have a national roll through that needs local support, the ‘pay to play’ is extreme and its a political nightmare of who knows who or who can kiss the most ass. Its for this reason I started the Facebook group, The Long Island Metal Alliance, and Grand Pappi Decibel Booking and Promotion. The sad part is that people go and listen to music they have heard a million times played by people is costumes.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up over the next few months?
We have a great show coming up in April. It will be Grand Pappi Decibels first promotion. Not a big place and local to us, but its where our friends, families, and fans can come down and have a great time. We will be serving our own FREQUENCY OVERLOAD IPA that night, brewed for us by a local brewery, and a bunch of other fun stuff.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
We do not have any tour dates set up outside the US at this time. We feel the true test will be the release and response to the full length album. That’s where the rubber meets the road. We will present our full length FATE ANTHROPIC to the world and wait for a reply.
Any last words for the fans?
A last word for the fans that we have, and new ones we make! Go to the website! Join the email list and jump on the freak train! A big and special thanks to our wives, families, friends, and supporters! A big thanks to all the Long Island bands we play with as well! And of course Joey Zampella at The Nest Studio, and Munsey Ricci of Skateboard Marketing LTD.