Birthed from the same state as August Burns Red, and other well established artists, This Or The Apocalypse have built their reputation around self recorded material and self booked tours, but signing to Life Force Records has increased their popularity and with album number three being released just a few days ago, something tells me they'll be liked even more.


R13: So, having grown up in a country that is well known for the metal core genre, did you ever feel that there was tough competition with the likes of August Burns Red and Texas In July kicking about on the same streets?
RA:Not really. ABR was around for a long time before us but they were always close friends. Texas in July came after us and also, very good friends. We might be in the same market but its music, if you think it's a competition you're really kidding yourself. We each post about each other all the time. I really think we're a help to one another above all else.

R13:I can imagine Pennsylvania being an ideal place to start out in the metal core genre; do you feel that bands starting out in the US have a slightly higher advantage of getting noticed than those starting out in other countries, such as the UK?
RA:I really have thought about this at length and sometimes wonder what it would be like if we just moved over there. Sometimes I think it'd be an awesome move and then other times I think it'd be a horrible idea. I guess I really just don't know enough about the markets and the way they work.

R13:You're signed to German record label Life Force Records, in terms of support, has it been treating you well?
RA:Yeah. Stefan is a great guy and I like the label.

R13:You released your third studio album 'Dead Years' only yesterday, how different is your sound on this record compared to that on 'Monuments' which was released four years ago?
RA:It's more melodic, more pissed, more diverse. I like it.

R13:Would you ever consider doing a side project?
RA:I'm also in Century on Prosthetic Records... I play guitar in a 90s emo throwback band called Shutup Gorgeous, I make beats for my hip hop project Adjectives... I also produce bands back here. Music is kind of my life. I wouldn't really ever consider not doing a side project. TOTA does a CD every 2 years tops. There are too many days to not be writing more songs.

R13:You played at The New England Metal and Hardcore Festival in 2009, can you share the experience with us? We know drummer Chris Adley from Lamb Of God had some very nice words to say about you guys!
RA:It was funny. Him and a handful of other people came out for us. Afterwards, our friends in Woe of Tyrants were all breathless about it. "Chris Adler just fucking watched you guys." "Who?" "Chris fucking Adler from Lamb of God." Our reaction was somewhere around the lines of "Oh. Really? Haha. He must have been wasted already." Turns out it turned into something. Never know, I guess.

R13:He produced your second full length Haunt What's Left and also had Josh Wilbur work on the project too, what was it like working with them both?
RA:So pro. I love those guys and miss them. They're huge influences on who we are now.

R13:Are there any other artists you would like to collaborate with?
RA:El-P!

R13:Which song inspired you the most to form a band?
RA:Engine No. 9 by Deftones

R13:Have you ever played any of the metal festivals over here such as Blood Stock or other parts of Europe, such as Hell Fest in France?
RA:No. And why? BOOK US ON THESE THINGS, PEOPLE WHO BOOK THESE THINGS.


R13:You're touring throughout October and November, when can we expect to see you over here in the UK?
RA:I have no idea. We want back over there very soon for your delicious fried fishes and affordable pub food.

R13:What do you like/dislike most about playing overseas?
RA:I can walk up to ANYONE and simply say "Hi. My name is Ricky. May I spend time with you?" and they don't look around like they're being fucking pranked. I can dance, alone, and no one looks at me like I might have a mental problem. I can have a conversation with an absolute stranger about shit that I would think twice about discussing with my own father. Americans are very slow to let someone in. They're afraid you're going to try to sell them something or push an agenda on them.