METAL Injection recently had the honor of sitting down with one of
the godfathers of thrash metal, Gene Hoglan who has drummed for such
legendary acts as TESTAMENT, DARK ANGEL and currently drums for
brutal Canadian thrashers STRAPPING YOUNG LAD.

Recently, lead singer of Strapping Young Lad, Devin Townsead made
claims that their recent release, "The New Black" would be the band's
last. It was later reported that Strapping Young Lad would be taking
a break after Ozzfest. Metal Injection asked Hoglan to elaborate on
what exactly happened, and here is what he said:

Gene Hoglan: Absolutely, I think a lot of what he was saying was kind
of at the end of a big dower spell for him, so he was just like "Fuck
it!" But, before any of those interviews ever came out, we were just
talking about what the next record is going to be and he didn't
really inform us "Oh yea, by the way, I said I'm quitting." So we saw
that and we were kind of like "huh?" but he needs a break for a
little while ya' know?

Next year, in 2007, in March we're going to start touring again for
Strapping and a little while later, we're going to do another record.
So, no worries...we're not going anywhere! We're talking about just
putting out a devastating new record, but that's when the time is
right. Devin's been working so hard, not taking a break in like 10 or
15 years and putting out like 20 records so, brother needs a break."

Other topics discussed in the interview include Gene's other
projects, as well as his opinions on the current scene in comparison
to the thrash scene of the 80's and more. The entire interview can be
viewed on Metal Injection's online video-on-demand Overdose. To watch
the clip, visit http://www.metalinjection.tv