Chuck Treece / McRad Texas Tour 2018 short film

The Terrorists - Houston Grindcore Terrorizing the City!

There has been quite a buzz on the internet about your band. Tell us your story.

The band made its debut early 2017. It started off as a side project since majority of the members were in the full time band G.O.D.S. But as that started to meet its end, we began putting full focus into The Terrorists. Originally when we started we just wanted to write a bunch of fast songs, play a few shows and party with our friends. It's grown into something bigger since then.

Like classic old Napalm Death your album, "Pesadilla Americana", has a great amount of catchy, circle pit worthy rock and fast sections. Give us some insight on the writing, recording and conceptualizing of the record?

Fast, angry, chaotic and straight to the point is always the formula. Every song is written to rip from beginning to end. We don't get caught up in arrogant artsy musician’s pride. Fuck the bullshit. Let's grind! Our record was recorded live at Southwing Audio. We wanted the energy of a live show to translate into our record. We wanted a raw and dangerous sound. Southwing exceeded our expectations.

As demonstrated on the live scene, your music easily fits on just about any heavy music bill. Is that your plan to transcend the tag of just being a grindcore band?

Not so much the plan but more how it turned out. At our very core we are a grind band. From the execution to the sounds we choose. But we don't put ourselves in a box and everyone is welcome. From metalheads to hardcore guys. We are all here, we are all pissed and you can't fuck with any of us. We have alot more in common than alot of people think.

What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?

Majority of the lyrics on ' Pesadilla Americana' are about the struggles of living in a first world country. The translation of 'Pesadilla Americana' is 'American nightmare' We've all been through it. From poverty, crooked cops, struggle and just how ugly the world can really be. As time passes we grow and learn more about the fucked up world. I’m sure the lyrics and songs will grow right along with us.

What has been your biggest challenge as a band?

There's been alot. Making time for the band while still supporting our families. Money is always an issue. But I'd say the biggest is getting the local scene to identify with what we are doing. We get alot of love and props. But we are also looked at sideways for trying something different. Houston is very focused. The kids like what they like. You can't blame them for that. It only motivates us to be the best at what we are doing. To stand out even more from the crowd. We have the mentality that even if you're not into our particular style you're gonna feel this pain.

The band name is simple and to the point. I think it is fitting with your music. What is the background on coming up with the name?

We just wanted something that scares people. With all the shit going on in the world the word 'terrorists' is taboo. When people see the name I think they don't know what to think about it. Makes it more interesting and frightening. But we aren't real terrorists. Haha

Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?

Our jobs. haha But for real our families and TXDS have always been so supportive over everything we've done over the years. If it wasn't for them believing in us who knows where we would be? We are forever grateful to them.