Josh: Do you think any of that had to do with recording the disc with Eric Rachel at Trax East? 

Mike: Yeah, he's definitely one of those guys that will set you up in the studio. Then you plug in and just go! He's definitely old fashioned and a great dude as well.

Josh: Zeuss handled the mixing duties, correct?

Mike: Actually, no.  At the last minute, we just asked Eric to mix it. He did a great job with it so we’re very happy with that decision.

Josh: I’d say so, man.  Was it also easier on you guys not being so far away from home this time around?

Mike: Yeah, in a way it actually was. We stayed in New Jersey at a hotel while we recorded, but when we needed to drive home it wasn't that bad. It’s just that all the tollbooths suck going into New York.

Josh: As far as the album's title goes, what does it represent to you?

Mike: To me, it's about taking hold of what you want to achieve. You, in a sense, are the Titan.  Take it in your grasp, and conquer all!

Josh: Strength and perseverance really does seem to be a recurring theme within the albums.  Wake The Demons, and now Within The Grasp of Titans.  I like it, man.

Mike: Thanks man. It's the absolute most real thing you can sing about in your songs. Ray is definitely big on that in his lyrics and it's good because people can relate to it.

Josh: This also marks the recording debut of your new bassist, Lurk.

Mike: Yeah, it does!

Josh: How did Lurk come about joining the band, and what led to Ed Conroy's exit last year?

Mike: Well we met Lurk when he was still named Mike.  Ha!

Josh: (Laughter) 

Mike:  We met him at a show while we were on tour with Chimaira and God Forbid in Chicago. We later asked him to roadie for us, and when Ed left, Lurk stepped up and took over bass duties. And also, Ed didn’t leave. Basically, we kicked him out for doing shady shit. It didn't seem like his heart was in the music anyways. He never really cared about that fully. Either way, the band is much better off without him.

Josh: Did Lurk contribute to the songwriting with the new record in any way?

Mike: Oh, definitely! He had some riffs that we turned into songs. He helped out with structuring songs as well, which was something we never had with Ed.  Ed would just go home with a tape, say he knows everything, then show up and not know shit. So it was a lot less stressful with Lurk. Lurk enjoys music and enjoys playing it.

Josh: It really seems like it.  Now, biggest question...when is the album coming out?

Mike: Well, it was suppose to come out on July 11^th, but right now it's been pushed back to July 25th. If everything runs smoothly, it will hopefully STILL be out on July 11th.

Josh: Now, as far as videos, you recorded one for "Wake The Demons".  Do you have any ideas about which songs are going to be considered for a video on this one?

Mike: Yeah we had an idea for our song "Solemn Promise".  It's basically a tribute Ray wrote for his mother. The song has a feel for something like a video, especially with the concept behind it of being someone’s rock and giving them the strength to go on.

Josh: So your dad has a very musical background?  I do remember you saying that he was the original drummer for Kiss.

Mike: Yeah, he does.  He tried out for Kiss, but we all know who got the job.

Josh: Full Blown Chaos began as a full-on New York City hardcore band, but in a way, it seems you guys have evolved into an almost totally metallic entity.  Would you agree?

Mike: Yeah, I definitely agree with that. I mean the reason Jeff and I play music is because of musicians like Vinnie Paul, Dimebag, James Hetfield, Max and Igor Cavalera, and so on. The same goes for Lurk and Ray. At the time this band started, we got really big into hardcore. Listening to bands like Hatebreed, Madball, Sworn Enemy, and guys like that.  We love both, so we like to mix it all up. But yeah, we definitely lean towards the metal side.

Josh: There's a death metal song on the new album...do you even realize how excited that makes me, Mike?

Mike: (Laughter) I think I do, Josh. Death metal bands have always been a huge influence on us and with Lurk being in the band, it’s definitely coming through a lot more in the songwriting nowadays.  But like I said before, I like it all, bro.

Josh: So after Ozzfest, what have you guys got planned?

Mike: I believe we will be heading back to Europe as a part of the Hell On Earth tour with God Forbid, Heaven Shall Burn, Maroon and a few others.

Josh: You guys just went to Europe for the first time this year with Agnostic Front, right?  How did the Europeans seem to react to the new material?

Mike: They were insane, man! Some shows were a little weak for us, but the majority of the shows were amazing! I couldn't believe it, man. Europe treats us very well!

Josh: That really seems to be a big problem nowadays, same as it was a few years ago. Everyone's got a crew and hates everyone else.  And it turns a lot of people off to the actual music, wouldn't you agree?

Mike: Yeah, man. I mean, if it’s their thing, that’s cool. I just want to see everyone have a good time.

Josh: All right, Mike.  Now has come the time for FourteenG's Speed Round!  Are you ready, brother?

Mike: Sure!

Josh: Evolution or Creation?

Mike: I’m gonna say evolution

Josh: First thing you do when you get home from a tour?

Mike: Take a shower…then get laid.

Josh: Very nice.  My congrats to you.

Mike: Thanks! (Laugher)

Josh: If not music, then what?

Mike: Probably something to do with art or comic books. I always wanted to make toys.

Josh: That's cool, bro.  Who are some of your favorite comic book characters?

Mike: I would say Batman, Wolverine, Spider-man, Venom, and Magneto. I could go on for hours

Josh: If not for FBC, what would your bandmates do?

Mike: I’m not really sure, to be honest! Jeff would probably be a cook or something. Lurk would probably lurk the world looking for hot blonde girls. Oh wait… he already does that! Ray is the only person I really don't have an answer for. Sorry, bro.

Josh: That's cool, man.  If you could commission any one band to cover an FBC song, who would you choose and why?

Mike: It'd be pretty awesome to hear the original Sepultura lineup play one of our songs, just because we were so heavily influenced by those guys.

Josh: Favorite song lyric?

Mike: "Stronger Than All" by Pantera!

Josh: Honestly, I'd have to agree.  Ok, almost done.  Any albums you've played so much that you've literally broken the CD or worn it out?

Mike: Every Slayer, Pantera, Metallica or Sepultura record that we own is destroyed. We have so many messed up discs in our van, its retarded. We finally moved up to an iPod!

Josh: Wow...that, my friend, is excessive playing. And finally, role reversal...do you have any questions for me?

ChaosNyc7: Yes…Josh, is this interview over yet?

Mike: I’m just kidding, bro!

Josh: Actually, no, it’s not over!  Next, I'm going to ask you about the fall of The Roman Empire, you heartless prick!

Josh: Actually man, that WAS my final question.  Any last words for our readers, bro?

Mike: Just be sure to pick up our new album. You won't be disappointed. It will be one of the heaviest records of 2006. Thanks again for the interview, Josh!

Josh: Mike, the pleasure was all mine. Take care, brother.