Interview: Slower
The writing and recording process is very fast. I like it that way. Get a song done and move on the next. It’s easy to get caught up in all of the nuances. This way keeps the songs fresh.
Slower began life as a collaboration between some of the finest doom, sludge and stoner musicians who came together to pay tribute to the mighty Slayer in their own inimitable style. The band has branched out with their own material though, and while still retaining their Slayer worship, their latest album Rage And Ruin demonstrates exactly how good a band Slower are on their own terms. Gavin Brown caught up with Slower guitar player Bob Balch (who is also a member of Fu Manchu) to talk about Rage And Ruin, all things Slower, what the future holds for the both the band and Fu Manchu and, of course, Slayer!
E&D: Your new record Rage And Ruin has recently been released. Have you been pleased with how it’s been received?
Bob: Yes! The response has been great. I’m really excited people are enjoying the original tunes.
E&D: Rage and Ruin marks the recorded debut of your new streamlined lineup. How have things been working out for the band?
Bob: Pretty seamless. The writing and recording process is very fast. I like it that way. Get a song done and move on the next. It’s easy to get caught up in all of the nuances. This way keeps the songs fresh.
E&D: Will Peder, Scott and Laura be involved with Slower again in the future?
Bob: I would love that. We kept it a trio on this record with the intention of playing these songs live.
E&D: How did the recording process of Rage And Ruin go?
Bob: I would set a drum beat up in GarageBand and just jam out over it for ten minutes. I would then go back in and edit/trim away the fat. Then I would arrange the song out of what was left. The song would then go to Amy for vocals. Once we agreed the song was arranged properly we would start to record the actual instruments over the scratch tracks.
E&D: Is Heavy Psych Sounds the perfect record label for the music of Slower?
Bob: Yes, we have a great relationship with them. HPS has put out tons of records for me.
E&D: How was the experience of doing your own songs on this release?
Bob: Super gratifying. Our sound came easy.
E&D: What are your favourite ever Slayer albums?
Bob: I love all of them, but if I had to choose, Show No Mercy, Hell Awaits, Reign In Blood, South of Heaven, Seasons In The Abyss, God Hates Us All.
E&D: What are your top three Slayer songs of all time?
Bob: ‘Raining Blood’, ‘War Ensemble’ and ‘Angel Of Death’.
E&D: What are your top three Slayer riffs?
Bob: ‘Raining Blood’, ‘War Ensemble’ and ‘Angel Of Death’. Haha. I love ‘Spill The Blood’ too.
E&D: What are your favourite memories of seeing Slayer live?
Bob: Fu Manchu opened for them in Ireland on July 4th and 5th, 2000. I was terrified but we did great. They ruled of course.
E&D: Have you thought about any potential new music for Slower and what Slayer songs would you love to do versions of in the future?
Bob: I would be down for more originals, maybe an album that spotlights another old school thrash band. I still wanna cover ‘Spill The Blood’ though.
E&D: Have you considered doing versions of any other thrash or metal bands at all?
Bob: Yes. Death Angel, Dark Angel, Morbid Angel. An all “Angels” album.
E&D: Is there any news on your rescheduled European tour at all?
Bob: Our individual schedules are hard to sync. Hopefully 2026?
E&D: Will you be making it over to the UK at any point?
Bob: We would love that.
E&D: Will there ever be any Slower live shows with the current lineup and some of the original guests as well?
Bob: We would love that as well.
E&D: What have been the best live shows you have seen over the past year?
Bob: I’ve been touring so much I haven’t been to many shows other than the ones we play. I saw The Hives. That ruled.
E&D: What else does the future hold for Slower?
Bob: We are working on a new full length of all originals right now.
E&D: What have Fu Manchu, Monolord and Year Of The Cobra got planned for the new year?
Bob: Fu is going to mix a new live record then head back to Europe in August. I think we are playing a festival with Monolord then too! I’m sure Monolord and Year Of The Cobra have tons of shows booked.
E&D: Is it a challenge creating music in multiple bands?
Bob: It would be harder not too. Haha!
E&D: What are some of your favourite ever doom riffs?
Bob: ‘Into the Void’ is the best one!
E&D: What have been your the albums you’ve been listening to recently?
Bob: At home I listen to dub reggae from the 70s. That and jazz guitar. Yacht rock.
