After leaving their Aussie fans hanging for new music for over two years, Massachusetts hardcore-punk outfit A Wilhelm Scream are quenching fans' thirst with an eight-show nationwide tour this May, and even talk of a new release.
The five-piece punk group may be growing up and settling down with their families, but judging by their busy calendars, continuous songwriting and untamed enthusiasm, they're certainly showing no signs of slowing down.
Featuring vocalist Nuno Pereira, guitarists Trevor Reilly and Mike Supina, bassist Brian J. Robinson and drummer Nicholas Pasquale Angelini, the band are returning to Australia for a massive roadtrip and are even making a few smaller stops.
It’s only been a year since their last visit, but guitarist and backing vocalist Mike Supina says that coming down under is always a highlight for the band. "The crowds are probably some of the most energetic crowds that I've ever played in front of. They’re very passionate about music and it feels like they're so appreciative that you're there to play for them,” he says.
Founding members Nuno and Trevor began the melodic, hardcore group back in 1996 and have continued to build the band’s fan base and standing in the punk genre. Now with wives and kids to go back to, Mike says it can get tough balancing family life and band life. “The thing that sets us aside is that we just keep going no matter what. Times get very difficult, no doubt for all of us: Nuno's got a three-year-old now and he's married, the other guitarist is married now as well. We definitely slow down to spend time with our families, because it's super important to do so.”
When writing, the band takes inspiration not only from their diverse upbringings but the music that’s being created around them, Mike says. Even more so, the guys are frequently influenced by the bands they tour with. “We find inspiration in whatever music comes out that we're stoked about; it can be anything, we all listen to so much different stuff.
"We've had the pleasure of being able to play with Pennywise quite a few times on tour, and they're such good people. It's insane how good they are and how nice and kind they are… that is inspiring to be around. It makes you love what you do."
This time around, Australian fans won't be hearing anything new from A Wilhelm Scream, as the band have yet to officially set a new album in motion. Their latest release was almost three years ago, with their sixth album ‘Partycrasher’.
Though after a short break at home prior to their Australian tour, the boys are hoping to release a little something for fans before the end of the year. “We're getting on our feet now because we haven't been together in a while, being back in our respective areas with our families. Though we're working to put out a couple of songs… we’ll just get together and start writing, that will definitely be the priority,” Mike explains.
AWS fans can still expect a dynamic show when the band arrives in Australia. “We want audiences to not to take themselves too seriously and just have a good time, because we're there to have a good time with them,” Mike says.
A Wilhelm Scream Tour Dates
Thu 19 May - Rosemount Hotel (Perth)Fri 20 May - Crowbar (Brisbane)
Sat 21 May - Factory Floor (Sydney)
Sun 22 May - Rad Bar (Woollongong)
Wed 25 May - The Basement (Canberra)
Thu 26 May - The Reverence Hotel (Melbourne)
Fri 27 May - Uni Bar (Adelaide)
Sat 28 May - Brisbane Hotel (Hobart)
