Interviews

Sam Crocker - Antagonist A.D (audio interview)

Walladmin

Heavy Metal Wordsmith

Jun 5, 2015

7 min read

When someone mentions our cousin country across the sea New Zealand, the first few things that come to mind are usually Sheep (ha!), Lord of the Rings and Lorde. A band that don't normally get thrown in the mix (who should) is Antagonist A.D, who have been representing NZ's hardcore scene for the better half of the past 10 years. In that time they've helped to pave the way for more Kiwi acts such as Auckland's Looking Up, Hamilton's Hammer Time and Dead Dreamers just to name a few, similar to how I Killed The Prom Queen and A Day of Contempt set the scene for internationally successful Aussie bands such as Parkway Drive, The Amity Affliction and Northlane. The New Zealand hardcore scene is emerging as the potential future front runner of the country's music scene, considering the once huge Rap & Hip-Hop following has since died down in previous years.

And its because of the hard work the bands put into their careers. While most "Commercially Successful" bands get helping hands from government grants to help promote themselves, those in the heavy music industry get overlooked, which makes them work harder to achieve the success they want. Whether it be local/international success, fantastically produced albums or just spreading their beliefs and stories though music. In my opinion, bands that make it without the help from grants or financial backers are much more successful, and myself, as a fan, can appreciate all the hard work they've put into getting their careers to that point. You have a much bigger sense of pride too when it all comes together in the end.

I got the chance to sit down with frontman Sam Crocker as they kicked off the Word Is Bond Tour alongside Deez Nuts, Relentless and Earth Caller to chat about the band's history, personal beliefs, love for dogs and how their progression as a band is setting them up to become the biggest name in New Zealand hardcore. Their latest album Haunt Me As I Roam is pure indication of Antagonist A.D's hard work and development over the past decade and goes to show that sticking to what you believe in and putting in the hard yards can AND WILL eventually pay off down the track. Grab a copy of it or catch them touring the country. You will not be disappointed!