by LATEEF MARTIN

Since 2002, 3 Mile Scream have been smashing through the Montreal metal scene with their own brand of visceral shredding. The ghosts of At the Gates, Meshuggah, the Haunted and Slayer reach out through their sound. Blindingly fast, with vocals tweaked to split the skin of your eardrums, their debut disc A Prelude to Our Demise may very well lead them to a prominent spot in metal’s hierarchy in 2007, especially with major figures in the field (Arch Enemy, Unearth, God Forbid) vouching for them. Bassist Mike Marino took a break from grinding his axe to answer a few questions.

Mirror: What has changed in the scene since you began?

Mike Marino: I think metal has gone back to its roots, thank God. There were some dog days for metal from the mid-’90s. Up till a few years ago, bands were more concerned with how baggy their pants could be than with how to play their instruments. But that trend is over now, metal is back with a vengeance and we couldn’t be happier.

M: Have you noticed any difference between Quebec metal, American metal and European metal?

MM: Absolutely. American metal is more basic—in-your-face brutality containing lots of chunky riffing and breakdowns, while European metal is more refined yet extreme, and is very centred around melody, harmonies and technical skill and ability. Quebec metal kind of blends the two, but still has its own identity.

M: What’s your favourite city to play in?

MM: Smaller towns are generally better shows, because the people there rarely get live music passing through, so when you do come to town, everyone comes out, and they’re all very into the performance. Chatham, Ontario was probably our craziest gig—those kids went so crazy, they tore the place apart.

M: Who would you like to tour with?

MM: Wow, that wish list could take up 10 pages. It would be an honour to share the stage with Slayer or Megadeth one day, just for the fact that they were such influences on us from very early on. As for more recent artists, touring with In Flames, Lamb of God or Killswitch Engage would be great bills to get on. Hopefully, this will become a reality shortly.

M: If there was a reality show based on you guys, what would it be called?

MM: We hate reality shows, it would never happen.

M: What’s the biggest misconception about metal?

MM: That metalheads are all Satanists. (laughs) That is so untrue. There may be a certain brand of it that appeals to Satanists, but it is a very small minority, and not at all representative of the genre.

M: A message to the kiddies?

MM: Go out and support the bands in your city or town. Without fan support, many bands fall apart, and it’s a shame. There’s still plenty of great undiscovered music out there. And if you’re in a band, don’t quit every time the road gets bumpy. This business is full of ups and downs, and if you can weather the storm, you will be better off for it.

M: Who’s the most metal superhero of all time?

MM: Blade, hands down. Ghost Rider as well.

CD launch with guests Endast, Insurrection and Tempest at Saphir on Saturday, Nov. 25, 8 p.m., $8

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