Interview With Ryan Shutler of Lazarus A.D.

Interview with Ryan Shutler of Lazarus A.D.
September 2009

By: Craig Sternberg

SDM: The Onslaught was originally released in 2007 and got re released this year. Does this mean you guys have a lot of material written for a new album or have you focused primarily on the songs off the Onslaught?

Ryan: Right now our main focus is promoting “the onslaught”. We all felt this album has a lot of life to it and didn’t want it to never get its time in the spotlight. Currently we have a lot of new material written, I would say we have at least half the new record written completed. While on tour we test out the new songs to see what the crowd response is going to be on the new material. Not to mention it gets old playing the same songs over and over. I’ve always liked to keep it fresh. 

SDM: Do you think Thrash Metal as a whole has made a significant comeback in the past few years? What do you think about it?

Ryan: Yes, Thrash Metal has made a comeback and it’s great to see it getting the exposure it deserves. Right now Thrash is back in fashion and just like all the other different genres before it will have its moment in the sun until the next wave of music takes its place. I’ve always have been a fan of Thrash Metal and will continue to be a fan even when it’s not the cool thing to be.

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SDM: How do you stand out from other thrash bands considering thrash metal has had a long history?

Ryan: We try to separate ourselves from the rest of the pack by being true to ourselves. We sure as fuck don’t want to be labeled a retro thrash band. Sure we take our influences from the bands who paved the way back in the 80’s. And we add our own flavor to the music trying to give it a kick in the ass. In the end it’s about writing killer songs and we try to do just that.

SDM: Who were your main influences when it came to drumming?

Ryan: Growing up I would have to say my dad started me of with Neil Pert. As I got older, I started to find my own way. My first big influences would have to be Mike Portnoy, Gene Holgan, and Dave Lombardo. I can keep adding to the list cuz there are so many people who have influenced me as a drummer.

SDM: What other drummers in extreme metal do you admire?

Ryan: I would have to say admire all the other motherfuckers in the world like me who have the balls to play extreme metal. I mean let’s be honest it’s not like metal music gets the credit it deserves. We are like the red headed step child of the music industry. Every time they think its dead it always finds a way to rise…

SDM: What was it like touring with Testament?

Ryan: Touring with Testament was a dream come true. I grew up listening to those guys and getting a chance to share the stage with the band was a great opportunity. They are great guys and definitely know how to party. I would have to say so far that was the highlight of my short career…

SDM: What can we expect from Lazarus A.D. in the near future?

Ryan: You can expect a whole lot of touring this fall and winter. We love being on the road, we enjoy partying with all the great people who come to the shows. I would also say to keep an eye out for a few new videos we have in the works. And as always you can expect to hear a whole lot in your face metal….