Agnostic Front - Bassist Mike Gallo talks to Music Trespass

Hardcore pioneers Agnostic Front talk to Music Trespass!

Joe Denby managed to tie down Agnostic Front bassist Mike Gallo, to talk about the bands new album 'The American dream Died' and all things Hardcore. So if your a fan of this genre, read on because your in for a treat.

Music Trespass: How are you today?

Mike: I'm doing great thanks for asking. Looking forward to this year cause we will be real busy.

Music Trespass, Tell us about the new album?

Mike: This will be our eleventh studio album. I have to be honest and say it's one of the best records Agnostic Front has done. I know it's hard to top the classics but this release is so solid with all the elements and diverse sounds we touched on through out our career. sixteen songs, twenty eight minutes of intense New York Hardcore... All killer and no filler. We are so proud of this record and believe in this one so much. This record musically has a raw old school approach with tons of blast beat hardcore that will bring you back to the early years of Agnostic Front. But I believe it has a little bit for all of our fans. Lyrically it deals with a lot of political situations and discusses a lot of problems were facing today in the World.

Music Trespass, The album is getting great feedback, there's talk of a "return to form" and "their best since victim in pain" but I think Agnostic Front have always been consistent.

Mike, I agree and I do feel that we have been consistent over the years. I guess not everybody feels that way. One thing I do have to say is I believe they are right and this is the best release we have done in a long time. It's just a really solid record and I feel it represents the band better and we come full circle with this release.

Music Trespass; You've been in the band now for fifteen years now... the new guy... you’re mpw the longest serving member asides from Roger and Vinnie, how does that feel?

Mike: It's basically a dream come true being able to share the stage with such legends like Vinnie and Roger. I could not be happier... there both great guys and have always treated me well till this day. Being able to tour the World and play my music, I could not ask for anything more.

You can get your very own Mike Gallo T-Shirts by clicking on this link: www.RageWear.de

Music Trespass: Tell us about your life before playing in Agnostic Front and how you came to join the band.

Mike: I was a Working class kid from the neighborhood always into music and art. Sports too but the more I got into music, my interest in sports faded. Started my first band in 1996. We were called Rise Above but we changed our name to On the Rise. I worked many jobs doing construction, landscaping, delivering pizza and anything I could do to make money. I been employees since I'm fifteen years old and I always had a strong work ethic. I guess that's why I'm still in the band. I met these guys at a studio called Bug Blue Meanie in Jersey City. My old band On the Rise, recorded there along with Agnostic Front. So we got to net them and always hung out with them at shows. Rob Kabulla the old bass player had asked me to take his place. The rest is history from there.

Music Trespass: What else does the band have planned for 2015?

Mike: We will be releasing five videos to support this album. With this release being so diverse we figured it would be a great idea to create as many videos as possible so people can get a real feel for the whole record. The Internet seems to be the only way to advertise your music these days. Social media is taking over in the advertising world. So be on the lookout for these music videos to be released this year.

Music Trespass: The Hardcore scene has been known to be clicky and elitist what's your take on that?

Mike: I guess you could say the same for every scene it always seems to be that way. I do hate the fact that nowadays their scenes with in the scene. Everything seems to be so divided. I think that's ridiculous and close minded.

Music Trespass: What's your take on the state of the music industry today?

Mike: I think it's in a horrible state right now. It's so hard to survive and live off of our musical creativity. You put so much our passion and talent into what we do and people can just steal it nowadays. We have to work ten times harder on the road just to make ends meat. One thing I do like is the fact that vinyl is coming back. This gives the real fans something better to collect and hold onto. To me the CD is so less personal. You could see the artwork better. It's more of a collectable item.

Music Trespass: What music have you been listening to lately?

Mike: Here's a list of records I been listening to Madball 'Hardcore Lives', The Old Firm Casuals 'This means War', Beastie Boys 'Check' your Head', Black Sabbath 'Sabotage' and Circle Jerks 'Group Sex'.

Madball 'Hardcore Lives' album cover (Pictured Above)

Music Trespass: Name your all-time favorite top five albums

Mike: Black Sabbath 'Sabbath, Bloody, Sabbath', Metallica 'Ride the Lightning', Bad Brains 'ROIR Sessions', The Dead Boys 'We have Come for your Children' and The Ramones 'Self Titled'.