Scorpio: Hello, Pat! Let's get started!
Pat Moore: Hello.
S: Pat, the band isn't exactly young. It was founded in 1988, but you've only released three recordings in all that time. How do you explain such a small number of releases?
P. M.: One single word: MONEY! Seriously, we sent demos to numerous record companies, but it seemed like it was always bad timing or not the kind of metal that the label was into. Also, when we put out 'Ashes To Ashes' in 1994, the scene and the crowd was ravenous for death metal, so that didn't help. We should have put something out in 1997, but money was a big issue.
S: When are you going to record your new album?
P. M.: Actually, we recorded a few songs here and there, but nothing that met our standards. 'Dimension O.D.' is ready to be re-edited with a bonus track, but we can't self-finance it right now. We have enough material for almost two albums. To record this stuff, we're working on a home studio project. When it's all set up, things should move faster. I can't give a date right now, but there will be something new in the near future.
S: Are you planning any changes to your music? Maybe adding some elements from other metal styles?
P. M.: I think we do it unconsciously, but it remains LAST BREATH's sound. We already added some violins and female voices on the demo 'Bleed For Me'. We have many new ideas shaping up.
S: Do you take part in other projects?
P. M.: No. Except maybe for fun...
S: There are a lot of people who don't know about LAST BREATH. Could you introduce the band? How would you describe the music you play?
P. M.: I think our sound is quite raw and pure. A few classical parts, but most of the time it's very fast, aggressive, and melodic. The newer stuff tends to be a bit louder, deeper, and heavier in general. From what I see at our gigs, it easily creates a good thrash pit during the whole show.
S: Which bands do you think have influenced LAST BREATH?
P. M.: Metallica, Maiden, Slayer, Obliveon, some death and power metal influences. Even a touch of black metal these days. Thrash remains the main influence.
S: What are the main themes of your lyrics?
P. M.: All of 'Ashes To Ashes' revolves around different faces of death and the end of our world. It includes a trilogy about a necrophiliac and his love story with a dead woman. Before that, in 'Dimension O.D.', it was a concept story about a schizophrenic girl. We have newer songs like 'God is Dead', which speaks for itself, 'Tamerlan', about a great bloodthirsty conqueror. 'Vita Detestablis', partly in Latin, about the darker side of life, 'Chasse-Galerie', a folk song. 'Bleed For Me', the thoughts of a serial killer. There are more, and somehow it's always related to death.
S: LAST BREATH is quite popular in Montreal. How often do you play concerts in Quebec and across Canada?
P. M.: Back in the mid-90s up to 1997, about 12 a year. Then it went down to 3 to 5 until now, due to the fact that nothing new came out. More than 75 gigs so far.
S: Have you ever played in other countries besides Canada?
P. M.: We never played outside Quebec. However, we played in about three dozen different towns and cities. Many times in Montreal, where we've lived since 1991. Of course, we would love to tour anywhere else. We have good contacts in Germany and Switzerland, but money again is an issue here. We personally know members of Cryptopsy and we would love to follow their footsteps in Japan. We will see what the future holds for LAST BREATH.
S: Which Canadian bands would you single out?
P. M.: We have enjoyed Obliveon since 1989. Gorguts was great too. We like Voivod, Anonymus, Cryptopsy, and there are a lot of talented younger bands that are worth discovering, such as Unexpect or Blinded by Faith...
S: What music do you like?
P. M.: I love power metal. I have been a fan of Helloween for almost two decades. I like GAMMA RAY, Blind Guardian. I believe Swedish metal is great too: Therion, IN FLAMES, DARK TRANQUILLITY, Entombed. I like Rhapsody, Hammerfall, Samael. I always love old Metallica, Slayer, Overkill, Megadeth, Haggard, Death, Pantera, Testament, Carcass, Coroner, Kreator, KING DIAMOND, Sanctuary, Nevermore, Stratovarius, Rage. I am a big heavy metal fan too. I was quite influenced by the heavy and speed wave in the 80s. I also enjoy some death and black metal bands like MORBID ANGEL, Children Of Bodom, Old Man's Child, DIMMU BORGIR, Vintersorg, Opeth, ARCH ENEMY. The list goes on. I also enjoy classical music and some other stuff, but 98% of the time it's METAL!
S: Montreal is famous for its ice hockey club 'Canadiens'. Do you go to their games often?
P. M.: I would say on average once a year, but I am not a fan of our home team — I think they suck! Their organization stinks! I like baseball too, every once in a while, although our team, The Expos, never won a championship.
S: A message to your fans:
P. M.: LONG LIVE HEAVY METAL!
S: I hope to see many more releases from LAST BREATH. Good luck!
P. M.: Thanks, and please be patient — you should not be disappointed.