This week, the masked horror metal band Terror Universal are in the spotlight for Meet The Band. Their lineup includes current and former members of bands such as Machine Head, Ill Nino, Soulfly and Upon A Burning Body. Their full-length debut Make Them Bleed includes guest appearances from John Moyer (Disturbed) and Tony Campos (Soulfly). Drummer Massacre (Ill Nino’s Dave Chavarri) introduces us to his band.
Chad Bowar: Give us a brief history of Terror Universal.
Dave Chavarri: As my guitarist Thrax and I were writing our first song, which became “Welcome To Hell,” the band’s initial tones were really heavy, and had tons of attitude. So after the song was written, we wanted a dark, ugly name for the band, and Terror Universal was born.
Why did you decide to wear masks and use pseudonyms?
Wearing masks is something I’ve never done in my 33 year career, and I wanted to do something different. And wearing a mask allows you to be someone else.
Describe the songwriting process for Make Them Bleed.
Really, like most major albums are done. We put riffs together, and then we decide which songs make the album! Then the recording process begins, and the rest is history.
How did John Moyer and Tony Campos’ guest appearances come about?
I am very good friends with both Tony and John, as I have toured throughout the U.S. and overseas with both of their bands (Disturbed, Static-X, etc). They’re both amazing people and sick players, so I approached them and they were down to do it. I’m very thankful to both of them for being on the album.
How has your sound evolved from your debut EP?
Hard to explain, but we have matured and gelled as a band, and are like a well-oiled machine now!
What are the pros and cons of producing the album yourself?
I’ve been producing my own albums for close to 20 years, but always work with other great producers and friends. Pros are, you do your own album, and it sounds exactly like you want. Cons are, it will drive you CRAZY!
How did you come to sign with Minus Head Records?
I was speaking to the CEO Brad Hardie about another band on his roster, Incite, who was on tour with my other band, Ill Nino, and we ended up speaking at length about Terror Universal. He was awesome to speak to and he showed interest in TU so we started discussing the possibilities of working together, and I’m very glad we did.
You did a video for “Dig Me A Hole” (Watch below). How important are videos these days?
Very important. In many cases, videos are more important than touring.
What are your upcoming tour plans?
We will be touring all over the globe for most of 2018. Details to come soon!
What has been your most memorable Terror Universal live show?
Being direct support for Korn in Mexico City, it was amazing!
How difficult is it to balance being in multiple bands?
It’s sometimes hard, but if you love what you do for a living, it’s not a chore.
What’s currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Master Of Puppets, Seal and Bring Me The Horizon!
Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
Thanks to all that believed in us since the beginning of Terror Universal!
(interview published January 20, 2018)
