This week’s featured Meet The Band artist is Tribulance. The Arizona group released an album in 1995 before splitting up, and reunited a few years ago. Their latest effort is The Aftermath Of Lies. Guitarist Sal Flores and bassist Gino Silva introduce us to their band.
Chad Bowar: Give us a brief history of Tribulance.
Sal Flores: I have known Gino Silva (bass) and Mike Vidal (vocals) from other musical endeavors around the late ’80s, early ’90s. We had a couple stints with some bands but actually got together and formed Tribulance in the early ’90s.
Brandon (drums) was introduced to me and Mike by Gino around 2011/2012 when we reformed the group and needed a new drummer. Mind you, Gino has known Brandon since the 7th grade! Although, we all grew up on the south side of Tucson so it feels like we’ve all known each other all our lives since we’re from the same area.
When you reunited a few years ago, was the musical chemistry instant, or did you have to work to build it back up?
Gino Silva: The chemistry was instant. We kind of picked up where we left off. The only thing we had to work on was getting our “chops” back together.
Describe the songwriting and recording process for The Aftermath Of Lies.
Sal: The recording process was just going into the studio and having the material. But as for the writing process, for the songs we came out with, it was more sporadic; there was no agenda.
Some musicians can pick up the guitar and just play and stuff comes to mind, but for me, the riffs just came to mind while I was doing other things, like working or driving and I actually just hummed it and recorded that way on a recording app or something similar to it. Although, there are a few times where I can sit with the guitar and play something.
How has the band’s sound evolved/progressed since your first album more than 20 years ago?
Sal: Take a listen to it, is really the best way I can state it. If I had to describe it, it went from a melodic sound to an aggressive, heavy sound while maintaining the melody and an element of fun.
Is there a lyrical theme or concept?
Sal: The Aftermath of Lies, overall, is mostly about lessons learned through trial and error. Lessons on what is right and wrong. It’s about redemption. It’s about holding close the wisdom and using it with the second chances you’ve been given.
Why did you decide to go the DIY route?
Gino: Really don’t know, it just kinda worked out that way. After we completed the album, we just sent it out for reviews. Started getting a lot of interest, then got hooked up with Munsey Ricci, decided to hire a PR firm, just kinda led its own direction. But hey, if there’s a Label out there looking and it’s a good deal, who knows?
What has the response to the album been like so far?
Gino: It’s been great actually. It’s gotten a lot of thumbs up on production, on sound, on musical arrangements and intensity. So really, overall, a lot of awesome reviews.
What are your upcoming show/tour plans?
Gino: We are doing a few local shows here in the near future, but we are ready to go on tour. We’d like to hit the masses and show case our live show.
What was your most memorable Tribulance live show or tour from the original era of the band? Same question for the new era.
Gino: Wow, there’s a bit harder. For me, I would say that may just be the King Diamond show at the Rialto, that being the last show together. As for now, the one for me would be the show at Joe’s Grotto in Phoenix with the live feed. That gave it extra hype for me.
Sal: In the original era, I’d have to say opening up for Flotsam and Jetsam on Halloween night; and opening for King Diamond as well. As for the new era, ALL the shows have been really great!
With such a gap in between eras of the band, do you find yourselves enjoying and appreciating things more now than you did when you were younger?
Gino: Of course. I know, for me, I tend to find the little things and enjoy them more. Obviously remembering the shows and taking the time to put on a good show is a big deal. We don’t just run off and jump at every little thing or settle on every little thing.
What’s the heavy music scene like in Tucson?
Gino: The scene here in Tucson is good. There’s a lot of good metal bands out here, But Tucson like the little big town. Not nearly the scene of our neighbors in Phoenix. I feel its harder for bands to progress in this town.
What’s currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Gino: For me, personally, I have some old school mixed in with some new school. I have some Motley Crue, some Ozzy tied in with Slipknot or even Korn. Too many to mention.
Sal: Currently on heavy rotation, I’ve been jamming to Sepultura’s Machine Messiah, Obituary’s latest self titled release, Bodycount’s Bloodlust and I’ve been revisiting Michael Graves era Misfits and Moby’s Play album.
Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
Gino: Take a listen to the album via Soundcloud. Album orders are available on iTunes and Google Play. It’s released on all the streaming sites. Check us out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To all that are listening and following us now, thank you very much; thank you for the love and support you give!
(interview published May 6, 2017)
