EMQ’s with Torrential Thrill
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with Australian Hard Rockers, Torrential Thrill. Huge thanks to their Lead guitarist, Steve Morrell, for taking part.
What is your name, what do you play, and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
Steve Morrell, I am the lead guitarist, songwriter and all-round nice guy at Torrential Thrill. I used to play in a band before TT which came to an abrupt messy end. My brother, (our drummer) was in my ear to start something again after a long hiatus, so I reached out to the vocalist of that first band, Chris Malcher. TT was formed.
How did you come up with your band name?
Originally, we were just a 3-piece messing around on a Tuesday night. Originally from South Africa, and my dad with still a staunch local accent, we used to joke (taking off his accent) that we were having a “Tuesday night Thrill”. Eventually the ethos of the band became – have a crack, put some music out there and see what the best might possibly be able to achieve. What could be the best Thrill to come out of the project? The Torrential Thrill.
What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?
We’re Aussies. Honestly. The metal scene is half decent. Knotfest sold out all 3 states. But rock is dead, and the underground scene is more about checking out some fancy hipster with an out-of-tune guitar than they are about the music. Radio Stations in Australia have been doing their best to kill rock ‘n’ roll in this country for years. They don’t even play Airbourne!
What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)
State of Disaster is our 3rd studio album. Released on April 1, 2023.
Who have been your greatest influences?
Depends, who in the band you talk to. I range from Dimebag Darrell to Marie Fredriksson. I got guitar lessons from a physics teacher who was one of the most unconventional people you’d ever meet. I’m past the whole idol phase of life, if you listen to the record you can probably tell I’m a child of the 80’s but we’re not trying to replicate anything there specifically.
What first got you into music?
Music first got me into music. The energy and passion in sound. I made my way through my parent’s collection as a kid and extended from there. The sounds of Kirk Hammet’s guitar and some of Eddy Van Halen’s solo’s were the main reason I wanted to learn guitar to try and emulate those sounds.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician, who would it be?
Probably one of the local artists that we are good mates with here in Australia. I don’t want to say Foo Fighters or Metallica. That is a whole world away from what we are doing. There are so many awesome people and bands around nowadays that you will never hear from. I’m just happy playing in this space.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Probably Wacken. That looks to be one of the most consistent and well run Heavy Metal Festivals running nowadays, and they always get amazing acts and crowds. I feel like there would be less BS as an Aussie going to Wacken than trying to go to a similar festival in the US (I don’t like taking my shoes off at airports lol).
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
I’ve had some interesting conversations with some people who have supported us over the years – but no weird particular gift comes to mind.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Don’t stop! Believin’… Nah just kidding (couldn’t help myself). We’re humbled by everyone that enjoys our music and supports us. I would just say thank you very much.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
I personally feel all dead rock stars have had their day. Some alive rock stars have also had their day and continue to see the light of another day. Past expiry date. Maybe Eddie Van Halen.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
The creation process is probably the most enjoyable thing. Collaborating with amazing individuals and coming up with something (hopefully) fresh and new, that is at the end of the day, exactly what you want to hear.
Hate is a strong word, but if anything, the lengths local artists have to go to get their product heard. Just for someone to take the time to listen. You have to submit it, jump through hoops and wait hopefully for some keyboard warrior to tell you that you need songwriting lessons and give 5 years of your life a 5 out of 10 rating.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
Bryan Adams – Reckless.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
Vinyl.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
In terms of numbers? A couple thousand people at a local wrestling show. But in terms of status, supporting Chris Jerrico’s band Fozzy on the Melbourne leg of their World Tour was pretty cool.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
I do have a full time job outside of being a musician and helpto run a family. As another passion? I would probably play more golf.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
As in Famous People? Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tiger Woods, Jack Nicholson, Jim Carrey and Leonardo DiCaprio. Can’t think of a reason why.
What’s next for the band?
We’ll play a few shows and give our latest album as much of a push as possible.
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
Website: https://www.torrentialthrill.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TorrentialThrill
Instagram: @TorrentialThrill
Twitter: http://twitter.com/therealthrills
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@torrentialthrill
Jaffa Cakes! Are they a cake or a biscuit?
I’m going to get a biscuit. No idea what a Jaffa Cake is, sorry.
Thank you for your time.
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.