SoundClick artist: Brad Olsen - All Hail The Amplifier

This Soundclick page is used for posting rough mixes, outtakes and other projects un-related to my current band, Artists of War.

I have played guitar since I was 14 years-old and have gone through a slew of influences. The most predominant has been Black Sabbath. My current fetish has been progressive metal ala Tool and Mastodon. Some might call this "art metal," and I would agree with that moniker as well. I consider what I do to be more akin to art than performance music. During my third year of college, I decided to officially release my work as a physical CD. "Artists of War" was the result of this. The album was released on March 25 via Tricalibur Records through CDBaby. You can visit my website, www.artistsofwar.net, for the most recent band news. The CD is available from CDbaby.com, direct from me via the band website, or search for it in iTunes, Amazon and other online retailers.

Why this name?

"Artists of War" embodies beauty in destruction and the psychological artistry of those who create art through death.

Do you play live?

I play live about once every semester and maybe more during the Summer. For a current schedule go here: www.artistsofwar.net/live

To book me email: info@artistsofwar.net

How, do you think, does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?

Music should always be a form of art, first and foremost. The business side of the music industry made musicians and consumers forget this. However, with the dawn of the digital age, more and more creative people are expressing themselves using computers and the internet. Music has become available and free to anyone around the world. While this makes it more difficult for artists such as myself to become noticed or successful, it allows people of all walks of life to find music they identify with. Overall, I believe that art and music should be free for everyone to enjoy - and the internet has helped make that a reality.

Would you sign a record contract with a major label?

I can do one better: I've started my own record label called Tricalibur Records: Tricalibur Records

We cater to progressive underground metal artists that seeks to put their art first.

Band History:

Read the "about" section on my website 'yo.

Your influences?

Black Sabbath, High On Fire, Mastodon, TOOL, Sleep, The Sword, Behemoth, Gojira, Dethklok, Pelican, YOB, Electric Wizard, OM, Eagle Twin, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, bluegrass, Sci-Fi movies, poetry, anger, war, passion, doomsday, the future, technology, giant robots, beautiful women, love, under achievers, outcasts, anyone who's ever been told they suck at what they do because its different, ancient warriors, Japanese culture and history, Aliens

Favorite spot?

Athens, Ga.

Equipment used:

Guitars & Bass:
Epiphone SG Custom with Bare Knuckle Pickups Warpigs (Ceramic/Pig-90/Alnico-V)
Epiphone Les Paul Custom Silverburst
Epiphone Thunderbird Pro V

Amps:
Matamp GTO120 6550
Marshall 1960b 4x12
Emperor 2x15 (Big Ben's)

Pedals:
D*A*M Sonic Titan

Mics:
Sure SM57
Audio-Technica AT2020

Hardware:
Tascam US122L

Resolv A6 Monitors

Software:
Cubase Essentials 4
EzDrummer DFH
Amplitube Bass
Amplitube Metal
Amplitube 3

Anything else...?

The battlefield is my canvas,
the sword is my brush,
and blood is my ink.

- Artists of War battle mantra

go to photos page

Photos