It's always important to work with people you can call friends and family

Wikimetal: Speaking about the beginning of Hellyeah, how did the idea of ​​putting this supergroup together come about?

Tom Maxwell (TM): Me and our vocalist Chad had been putting together a project since 2001. Fast forward a few years, we got together and wrote the song “Waging War,” and the song was so powerful and demanding that it made us keep recording more and more. Eventually, we both had the time to fully invest in it, so we recruited Greg and Vinnie after many persistent calls. The rest is history.

W: How was the process of convincing Vinnie Paul to join the band?

(TM): We just kept calling him until he gave in and told us to go to Texas to see what happens. After a few days of writing, he was convinced that this was real and that there was great chemistry between us.

W: Last month, we were very excited when Monsters of Rock announced the final acts for this year's edition. How did you feel about the news that you would be playing in Brazil for the first time, at such a great and large festival as Monsters of Rock?

(TM): We are all very excited to finally have the opportunity to play in Brazil. Our sound engineer, Goody, spends a lot of time there and is always talking about how amazing Brazil is. We can't wait to play for you all!

W: Can you choose a song that makes you lose your mind? A song that, no matter where you are, makes you start headbanging?

(TM): That's a tough question because I like so many. But if I had to choose just one to listen to non-stop, it would be Raining Blood by Slayer!

W: When you were younger, how did you first come into contact with Heavy Metal?

(TM): A lot of my friends. I grew up in a very musical household. My parents were always listening to the Beatles or Led Zeppelin, but as I got a little older and spent more time with my friends and some older kids, I was introduced to Black Sabbath, Maiden, Priest, and eventually Metallica and Slayer came into the picture.

W: And about the beginning of your career as a guitarist, who were your main influences?

(TM): My biggest influence was Jimmy Page, period. Great songwriter and master of riffs!!

Seeing all of Dime's equipment, guitars and amplifiers, was very exciting.”

W: Could you describe the moment you walked into Vinnie Chasing Jason's studio to record Hellyeah's first CD in 2006? What was the atmosphere like at the time?

(TM): It was very surreal. A lot of nervousness mixed with "wow, we're really doing this!!" And seeing all of Dime's equipment, guitars and amplifiers, was very exciting.

W: Again, regarding the Monsters Of Rock festival happening in October in São Paulo, what can you tell us about the show? Do you already have a setlist in mind? How long will it be?

(TM): I'm not sure how long the setlist will be or what songs we'll play, but I can tell you for sure that we're going to rock and play all the heaviest songs.

W: What did you think of the lineup, and which of these bands have you played with before?

(TM): I loved the lineup and I think we've already played with almost, if not all, of the bands on the lineup. It's going to be an amazing show!!!

W: You guys are currently on the Gigantour with Megadeth, Black Label Society, Dravid Draiman's Device, and Newsted. How's the tour going, and what have been the best moments so far?

(TM): Yes, the tour is going very well and I'd say the best thing is to get on stage and destroy everything in our path. You'll see what that's like soon enough.

W: Can you choose a Hellyeah song that you're very proud of?

(TM): I personally love all the songs, but if I had to choose one, it would be Matter Of Time . I love the mood and the hooks!

W: Hellyeah is truly a band of brothers, and how important is it to work with great friends?

(TM): Yes, we are, and it's always important to work with people you can call friends and family.

W: What can you tell us about your side project, Knives Out?

(TM): Knives is just a project I did during my time away from Hellyeah. It was something I did to keep myself from going crazy at home. It's possible I'll do something similar in the future.

W: Can you invite all Brazilian metalheads to the festival, and explain why everyone should arrive early to see Hellyeah on October 19th?

(TM): Yes, all Brazilians should arrive early to witness all the power we're bringing. This is our first time in Brazil, and it won't be the last!