Metal4Africa.com » » Warthane Sets Sights on Whiter Pastures

No, Warthane is not giving up its dark image in exchange for prayer robes, but is giving up its homeland of South Africa in exchange for testing its wings in arctic-hugging Europe. To be more specific, we bid farewell to Sean who is the founder, frontman, and main songwriter of the band which has been growing steadily since the mid-2000s. On the eve of his departure (Sunday, 13 May) we took some time to talk with Sean about his personal ambitions, the band’s continued existence, and other plans for the future.

“It was after our 2009 tour to Europe,” Sean told us, “When Nazar and I decided that it was time to seriously consider a move. We thought of the tour as ‘testing the waters’ and we had our hearts set on it.” To the horror of the South African metal community, Nazar was killed in a car accident in October of 2010 and with the loss of Sean’s strongest ally in driving the move, plans fell silent in the months following.
“We had many member changes, but would not give up working toward a goal. I see this move as a step towards not just fulfilling my own dream, but Nazar’s dream too.”

Sean describes the current line-up of the band as primarily session members: George (guitar), Brandon (bass) and Gavin (drums).
“These guys have been amazing, but right now it is just myself taking the Warthane name and material over. A new European-based line-up has been in the cards, but I will not hesitate to call on my South African bandmates if and when a great opportunity arises.” Naturally, it will take some time – likely a number of months at best – for Sean to find his feet and re-establish the band, but he is driven and hints towards some big surprises to come. He went on to describe the excellent feedback received from European contacts since releasing the Black Divine album in December of 2011, and says that now is the time to consider offers. His initial focus, however, will be to set up a highly professional live line-up who are gig-ready and up to par with the bands new surroundings.

We asked Sean for a closing statement, or any message he would like to offer his soon-to-be former local community:

“Warthane has been given six great years in South Africa; I have many memories that will be always held dear to me. For now, Europe is my main concern, but once Warthane has built up a following in Europe, some home tours would be great!”

“None of this would have been possible without the burning fury of our South African metal scene and our fans. When we return, we want to bring nothing but our A-game and hopefully something big and spectacular. This is an exciting time and it finally feels like the hard work and sacrifice is paying off. It is not always easy to wave your home country goodbye and it is certainly no easy task feeling like you are leaving the SA family behind, but we hope that everyone will appreciate out efforts and desire to progress as far as we can. We only have one life; make things happen!”

“I would also like to thank everybody for being so positive about the move and wishing us well on our journey. I could never live with myself knowing that I never tried chasing my dreams and those of my dearly missed friend. Warthane is a work horse and will always be. Just when you think it’s down, it comes back stonger!”

From the team at Metal4africa.com, we wish Sean and Warthane all the best in his European endeavors, and we will keep a close tab on progress. Good luck, and may the spirit of Odin be with you!