.::SCRATCHtheSurface Webzine::.: Scythe

Fans of the sadly defunct Usurper will be thrilled to know that the former vocalist/guitarist of the Chicago-based band Rick Scythe is back with a new group and more vintage, crushing metal.

Unsurprisingly, the band’s debut album “Beware the Scythe” picks up where Usurper last left off with “Criptobeast” and that’s no-frills, death-thrash metal with an old-school bent. Once “The Iron Witch” bursts from the speakers it becomes immediately clear that Rick Scythe still doesn’t give two shits about trends and remains true to his old-school influences, delivering a sleek, heavy and intense metal monster that pummel the ears with the same intensity of Usurper, Impiety and Warhammer.

Rick Scythe has been playing blackened death metal for years. Some of you may know him from his former band Usurper, who were on Earache records for a while in the mid 2000s. Those of you who are not familiar with Rick's work need to get your head's out of your ass and take a listen to his new band Scythe. Scythe has recently released their debut album "Beware the Scythe" on CD, Vinyl and took the time to talk to me about Scythe, Usurper and the music business in general. Check out his Facebook page at ww.facebook.com/scythe.chicago to hear a couple of songs, then buy the album and prepare to get your face ripped off!

Congrats on your album "Beware the Scythe"! For those people who are unfamiliar with you or your work with Usurper, can you give a bit of a background on yourself?

“I'm Rick Scythe, I was the guitarist and primary songwriter of the band Usurper from 1992-2007. During that span Usurper managed to record 6 albums on such noteworthy labels as Head Not Found (Norway), R.I.P. Records (USA), Necropolis Records (USA), Earache Records (UK/USA). We also got to tour and play shows in 17 different countries and were amongst the first bands ever to bring back the old style of thrash/death/black metal of the mid-late 80's. Now I have a new band named SCYTHE. The debut album, ‘Beware the Scythe’ is out now on vinyl (R.I.P. Records) and CD (Primitive Reaction Records, Finland).”