Montreal’s Vantablack Warship Unveils Last of the Hardmouthed Poets
Canada trembles beneath the presence of Vantablack Warship, a formidable quartet of thrash metal disciples who have been crushing stages for years with technicality and enthusiasm. With one speedy album, Abrasive Pulmonic Speak, already in their catalog, the band has unveiled Last of the Hardmouthed Poets.
The band shares,
““Last of the Hardmouthed Poets” refers to the end of eras, dying breeds, lost generations, and cherishing those who remain. From the full-on metal assault of the title track, “We Shall Not Sleep” to the 80s hardcore-inspired finale, “Above it All”; this album is all killer and no filler from start to finish.”
Patrick Knup recorded the album at Madame Wood Studios, where Montreal’s Sword’s last album was also recorded. It was mastered by Alberto De Icaza, who is also known for his work with such bands as Lamb of God, Clutch, and Spirit World. Last of the Hardmouthed Poets is unapologetically harsh and uncompromising, filled with incredible riffs and in-your-face vocals. It is a pulverizing mix of thrash, death, and hardcore with black metal undertones and extraordinary grooves that Vantablack Warship is known for.
Those in the band’s local area are advised not to sleep on the upcoming shows, including June 2nd with Demonstöne in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield. More dates will be announced for Quebec, and a face-melting show will be delivered. Their high-octane thrash is recommended for fans of Cro-Mags, Exodus, and Cancer Bats.
Listen to Last of the Hardmouthed Poets below and learn more via our Five Questions With segment.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
I am Kurtis Clifford, bass player for Vantablack Warship. I handle lyrics, partial songwriting, arrangements, bookings, and producing the band. I’m the jack of all trades, if you will.
Tell us a bit about your most recent release.
Last of the Hardmouthed Poets offers ten tracks of titanic metal for fans of all genres. The album title is a homage to the blacklisted authors of yesteryear and reminds us not to take for granted freedom of speech and freedom of thought. Last of the Hardmouthed Poets refers to the end of eras, dying breeds, lost generations, and cherishing those who remain. From the full-on metal assault of the title track, We Shall not Sleep, to the 80s hardcore-inspired finale, Above it All; this album is all killer and no filler from start to finish.
This highly anticipated return of Vantablack Warship was released on vinyl and CD through BAM&CO Heavy. With Last of the Hardmouthed Poets, fans can expect a number of lyric videos to be released over the coming months to showcase the album, designed by artists from all around the world. A show is slated for June 2nd with Demonstöne in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield and more to be announced shortly in Alma and St-Casimir Québec.
Last of the Hardmouthed was recorded by Patrick Knup at Madame Wood Studios where Montreal’s Sword’s last album was also recorded. It was mastered by Alberto De Icaza who is also known for his work with such bands as Lamb of God, Clutch and Spirit World. Last of the Hardmouthed Poets is unapologetically harsh and uncompromising filled with incredible riffs and in-your-face vocals. It is a pulverizing mix of thrash, death, and hardcore with black metal undertones and extraordinary grooves which Vantablack are known for.
Where do you tend to pull inspiration from when writing?
I personally like to pull my inspiration for songwriting from the vinyls I used to listen to as a kid. The more obscure, the better. I enjoy 80s thrash metal and hardcore, especially American east and west coast music but more strongly inspired by the east coast. For lyrics, I am an avid reader, and much of the lyrics for Last of the Hardmouthed were inspired by Beat Generation authors – Bukowski, Kerouak, Ginsberg.
Do you have any upcoming shows you’d like to tell us about?
We have quite a few shows coming up in our home province of Quebec. We especially looking forward to playing with Aggros ( featuring original Cro-Mags guitarist Parris Mayhew) on July 9th at Pirahna Bar in Montreal. We also have shows lined up with B.A.R.F and Demonstone. We will also be playing the Rockfest pour la Santé Mentale in St-Lin, QC, with a ton of great bands.
What’s your goal for 2023?
Spread the good word about our new album, Last of the Hardmouthed Poets, and work with our new partners BAM&Co Heavy who helped release the album to support shows across Quebec and land a few gigs in Ontario and perhaps New York. We have a number of lyric videos coming out for songs off the new album, including Hunting the Recruiter, which has already been released, and one for Gone, which will be released May 22nd.