DIE YOUNG: Still No Illusions

By capitalchaostv on November 5, 2016 • ( 0 )

Texas hardcore veterans Die Young have been making noise since their formation in 2002. Hailing from the Longhorn State, they’ve weathered more than just sonic storms—having been banned from Canada twice and denied entrance into Romania. Through it all, they’ve managed to drop ten releases, ranging from full-length albums to 7-inch splits with bands like Invade and Generations.

Now, with a new full-length record, No Illusions, released on Good Fight Entertainment, the storm no longer awaits—it’s here.

Photo by Rob Wallace at reelnegative.com

Mean Gene Gaona: Introduce yourself.

Daniel:
I’m Daniel. I sing on stage, but off-stage I’m usually the riff-writer and rhythm guitarist when we’re in the studio.

How did you get started in music?

I started getting into music around 4th or 5th grade—radio bands like The Offspring, Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, and Alice in Chains really lit the spark for me. I got my first guitar, a Peavey Predator, on my 11th birthday.

From there, it escalated to heavier stuff—Metallica, Megadeth, Pantera, Slayer, White Zombie, and eventually bands like Sepultura and Machine Head. I mostly learned Metallica songs at first. It wasn’t until about 8 years later that I started singing, but my roots were always on guitar.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

As a kid, definitely Metallica—they shaped my playing. At first, it was the solos that drew me in, but as I matured, I realized how strong their rhythm work was.

Vocally, I draw a lot from 90s metallic hardcore: Earth Crisis, Catharsis, Ringworm, All Out War. They’ve got that distorted, growling style that’s still more accessible than full-on death metal.
Also, shoutout to Tomas Lindberg of Disfear and At the Gates—pure inspiration.

Oddly enough, Bad Religion is a major influence too, even though we sound nothing like them.

How would you describe Die Young’s sound?

We’re rooted in 90s hardcore—think Earth Crisis meets Sick of it All. There’s a solid blend of metal, thrash, and punk. You’ll hear classic metal nods to bands like Slayer and Metallica, but with a modern hardcore edge.

**Talk about the new album, No Illusions. What was the writing process like?**

Lyrically, the album is very personal. The title track was inspired by a former guitarist of ours who passed away from a drug overdose around the time we released Chosen Path in 2014. That tragedy stirred a lot of existential themes in me—questions about why we live, why we suffer, and the tension between nihilism and purpose.

The first half of the album deals with social and political critiques, while the latter half is more introspective and emotional. But really, those two worlds aren’t separate—the political is personal. Both shape our perception of reality.

Musically, I wrote most of the riffs and song structures, but Mike and I worked together to bring the songs to life.

What’s the metal scene like in Texas?

I’m more involved in the hardcore scene, to be honest. Mike could probably speak better to the Texas metal scene specifically.

What’s the best and worst part of touring?

Best: Being on stage, doing what you love. Also, seeing beautiful places and being a food tourist with your friends.

Worst: At 34, it’s harder to be away from home—my wife, my pets—and to stay on track with eating and working out. Touring takes a toll, so I try to balance the good with the sacrifices.

First show you ever attended?

The Offspring on the Smash tour in 1994. I was 12. Quicksand and No Use for a Name opened. My friend’s dad knew some of the King’s X guys and got us backstage. I remember eating chips with Walter Schreifels—not even realizing back then how legendary he was in the hardcore scene. Still have a signed copy of Ignition from that night.

Desert island: three albums?

Loreena McKennitt – Live at the Alhambra
Perfect for ambient, mystical desert vibes.
Chuck Ragan – Feast or Famine (or Gold Country)
Great feel-good soundtrack for simple living.
Crowbar – Broken Glass
Best metal album for lifting heavy shit with palm trees as pull-up bars.

Dream tour: you and two bands. Who’s on the bill?

Earth Crisis and Sick of it All—the two bands that got me into hardcore in the first place.

Where can fans catch you next?

Catch Die Young tomorrow night, November 6, in Austin, TX at Sound on Sound Festival, alongside Carcass, Baroness, and Young Thug.