The UK metal band Bolt Thrower exists for more than ten years now, so it is time to ask Gavin Ward, one of the founders and one of the two original members that are still in Bolt Thrower, a few questions. This interview was done during their February 1999 European tour.

After the release of "For Victory" in 1994 things went pretty bad for BT. Two members left the band and replacements were found by Martin "Kiddie" Kearns and Martin van Drunen. Unfortunately, these two didn't stay long. Can you give some comments on this period?

Gavin: Well, when we were on the For Victory tour in the USA everything went wrong. We had to arrange everything ourselves because Earache did not give us any support. Actually, I think they even did not know we were touring at that time. The people stayed away due to bad promotion and at that time Karl suddenly decided he wanted to go back to the UK because he was not committed to the band for 100% anymore. Furthermore, he wanted to go back to college again (He got his degree now...). Concerning Andy Whale, our drummer at that time, we had the feeling that his drum capacities weren't increasing. We also felt that was not interested in the band and touring anymore so we gave him the sack. We then looked for some new blood and most of all enthusiastic band members. We got Kiddie for the drumming but in the end it didn't work out. We gave everything he wanted and his bed was spread. A very good drumkit and lots of support but somehow it didn't give BT the right impulse. To be honest, at that time our first c hoice was Alex, our present drummer but he was only 16 years old. So after 3 years when Alex was 18/19 we asked him to come after Kiddie was sacked. Martin van Drunen is another story. We were not sure if he was the right person. He played two tours in Germany and Holland with us, which was a strange experience. On stage he spoke German or Dutch and it felt like he was an alien to us. Then he got problems with his hair. It started falling out and at some places it grew back again. For him this was a reason not to go on stage although some festivalgigs already had been planned. Because he wasn't loyal to the band we had to replace him. Fortunately, Dave Ingram, a good friend of ours and the singer of Benediction at that time, helped us out on the Zwickau festival, which worked out pretty well.

In the mean time the band switched from Earache to Metal Blade. What was the reason for this?

Gavin: This was a logical step for us. The situation had been bad for BT for 5 years already. We had almost no budget for promotion or extended touring, partially caused by the director of Earache, Digby Pearson. He gave all the money to Napalm Death (the band Earache started with) and his favorite Carcass. Furthermore, Morbid Angel, which was the first American band he signed also was one of his passions. Actually, we already had contact with Metal Blade at the time of "For Victory", the only problem was that we had a contract and couldn't leave Earache ourselves. We had to wait 'till Earache decided they didn't want to go on with us any longer. In the end, this happened. Don't you think it is strange that your label doesn't know you're touring in the USA? We had to arrange everything ourselves, and the problems with the USA tour was the reason for Earache to get rid of us... fortunately.

There are also some problems with the recent BT compilation "Who dares wins" Earache recently released. Can you comment on that?

Gavin: Well, the singles Spearhead and Cenotaph already had been removed from their catalogue and now suddenly they decided to put the material on the compilation. We thought the compilation would be a greatest hits album, something like "The best of BT". We think it is not fair for the fans that already got the singles... There were also some problems with the title they originally choose. I don't think the last words have been said about this album. Maybe we will have to go to court to settle everything, we'll see...

After three difficult years a new album was recorded in 1998. Surprisingly, Karl was back on the nest. How come?

Gavin: After Karl had left the band the relation had bettered, compared to when he was in the band. Things worked out pretty well between us so we decided to ask him straight away to do the vocals on "Mercenary". And he accepted the offer... Karl used to do the lyrics but now Barry had worked out most of the lyrics of the songs already, and I did some co-writing. But for the concept of the album it didn't matter. War is again the main theme.

What is you opinion about the new album? And is there a difference in production compared to the previous albums?

Gavin: It's definitely a typical BT album again: never-ending power chords in combination with the guitar riffs by Baz (Barry Thompson). We really energized ourselves for this album. It is all naturally what comes out. Concerning the production, the main difference is the amount of money involved. Colin Richardson asked 3000 guilders per track whereas Ewan Davies did the whole album for this. We are very pleased with the collaboration with Ewan. It all worked out. Besides, it was Ewan who suggested to ask Dave to replace Karl after he left. The problem with Karl was that you never knew what he was going to do. Karl felt there were other things in life he wanted to do. That's his decision.

Will Dave stay with the band? He just left Benediction because he couldn't commit himself for 100% to that band anymore...

Gavin: At this point he will stay.

If you think back at the early days of BT and see what you have achieved nowadays, what are you feelings then?

Gavin: It's like a dream...the new album sells well, the promotion is excellent, and most important, it is really a pleasure to play. We have everything under control and no complaints. The people at Metal Blade have arranged everything the way it should be. We are very pleased with that.

If you could turn back time would you have done things different?

Gavin: No, the good times were good enough, and the bad times made the good times even better! We learned from the bad times. We always gave a positive twist to them.

What is the best thing that ever happened in the lifetime of BT?

Gavin: Bolt Thrower itself...

What is the ultimate BT album?

Gavin: It hasn't come yet. We are always looking for better.

Finally, some words. Please choose one and give a short comment. First: Earache or Vinyl Solution?

Gavin: None of these: they are both nothing

Slayer, Candlemass or The Stranglers?

Gavin: Slayer, although I also like Candlemass

Pestilence, Gorefest or Asphyx?

Gavin: Pestilence: the other two bands are nothing

Benediction or Napalm Death?

Gavin: Without thinking: Benediction

Spearhead, Cenotaph or Powder Burns?

Gavin: This is a difficult one. I like all these songs. I think I would prefer Spearhead because of the extra long version we play on stage

Germany or The Netherlands?

Gavin: In both countries the atmosphere and crowd are OK when we are on stage... but for touring I would prefer Germany, for living I would definitely choose your country.

Future or Past?

Gavin: The future with the past

And the last one: Games or Reality?

Gavin: Either of the two...I used to play all kinds of games. At the moment I'm into a reality war game: paintball. That's pretty exciting.

With thanks to the people of Metal Blade, especially Nina and Andreas for their cooperation.

Written by Jorrit vd Berg, courtesy of W3M3 February 1999