1.Hello Mike please introduce yourself to the readers?
Greetings, I am Mike Bradley, founding member and creative mind of the band Centenary.
2.When did you first discover death metal music and who were the first bands you listened to?Who are some of the current bands that have caught your attention?
2. It all starts when it began...1989, I was a freshman in high school. First day of school, I met my best friend, Tony Wright. He currently does VOX for a local killer group called 1,000 Yard Stare. So, first hour was Art class, and Tony saw that I was into music. We talked, and like it was yesterday, he said to me, "So, I see you're into thrash...here, listen to this." He passed me his walkman, and with pressing "play", created a monster. Out blasted Sore Throat's classic "Never Mind the Napalm Here's Sore Throat". I was blown away by the raw sound. Then, Napalm Death's "Scum". The rest is history.
3.When did you first become interested in playing the guitars and are you self taught or did you take lessons when first starting out?
3. I started really appreciating music at an early age. My sister was into music; a talented singer in her own right. And during the 80's, music was everything. Guitar playing interest came naturally after the rise of MTV. My sister bought my first guitar, a Fender Strat copy. Later, I bought my own guitar and took lessons for about a year, then went at it by myself.
4.Who would you say are your biggest influences and favorite guitar players?
4. Iron Maiden, A Flock of Seagulls, "Ride the Lightning", and of course, "Left Hand Path". Maiden was the first Metal I ever owned. For a birthday, I received "Live After Death" from my sister as a gift. The original Double Gatefold Vinyl. I love Maiden. Before Maiden, there was A Flock of Seagulls. Some of the best sounding guitar stuff ever, in my opinion. Their songs are complex, yet simple and memorable. "Ride the Lightning" just blew me away as a kid. "Left Hand Path" is self explanatory. Favorite guitar players: Rick Rozz, Paul Reynolds, Mike Campbell, Nancy Wilson and Tom Scholz.
5.Mike you also do the vocals for the band when did you first start growling and screaming?
5. I do backing VOX in spots, yes, from listening to the music, it kinda came naturally. I don't take care of my voice, in fact, I abuse it.
6.Who are some of your favorite singers and vocalists?Besides the guitars and vocals do you currently play any other instruments?Is their any instruments that you would like to learn to play someday?
6. Well, theres Frank. L.G., Orvas Safstrom and Jorgen Sandstrom. I've played Bass in two bands, and was the vokiller for Dayton Ohio's Solidification. (Check out "Vendetta Driven".) I'm not interested in playing any other instruments at this time.
7,Centenary was started in 2014 when did you first get the idea to start this band?Are you satisfied with how things have gone with the band over the years?
7. 2014 was the year. After taking a 7-year hiatus from performing, I decided to give it one last go, simple as that. And I tell you, from then until now, I could not ask for better. The gentlemen I currently jam with are, by far, the best compliment. I'm lucky to be blessed with such great friends and fellow musicians. Satisfied is an understatement...
8.Who would you say are the bands biggest influences and have they remained the same over the years?For the readers who have never heard Centenary's music how would you best describe it?
8. We, as individuals, all have our own influences. The original concept was to emulate the true Stockholm-style, and to mix an "American" feel into it as well. "Left Hand Path" will probably be, for me, the best representation. The object; to top it. This will never happen, but we are close, and that makes me happy. We are Detroit Chainsaw Metal. HM-2 driven insanity, plucked from my childhood.
9.Death...The Final Frontier is the bands second full length release how long did it take the band to write the music for the new release?How long does it usually take to complete one song?
9. We spent a good part of a year writing this one. No deadline from our label, CDN Records, who is in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Craig Newman, C.E.O., gave us all the creative freedom we wanted, and needed. So, we took our time. I puked out 8 of the 10 tracks, Matt Cunningham wrote 2, and we rehearsed like mad. For completing one song? Sometimes, we completed a new song in just 5 hours. Others took months to finish. The band's general direction and feel is captured perfectly, when in a relaxed environment.
10.Who usually handles writing the lyrics and what are some topics written about on the new release?Which usually comes first the music or the lyrics?
10. Al Mercer. That's one of his jobs. A master craftsman. Al has a way with words, this is his spot. A great performer, and vocally unique, it's his great use of verbiage that seals the deal. I can write lyrics too, but Al is better at it. I give him a concept, or he has one, and we work together on its conception. It becomes a song, and he writes lyrics over it. Concepts are the first thing.
11.Besides Death The Final Frontier release are the bands previous releases still availible for the readers to purchase?Besides physical releases does the band have any other merchandise currently availible for the readers to purchase?If yes what is availible and where can the readers purchase it?
11. There's still some copies of our first full-length album "Into the Graveless Beyond" available from our friend Mr. Don Durr and his label Deathpsalm. Our E.P. "...Where No Lives Matter" was limited to 500 copies and is sold out. I handle all merchandise through social media online and at live shows. I have shirts, longsleeves, sweats, pins, stickers, sizes Small - 4X. Free stickers and pins for any order over 20 dollars. Thank you!
12.Has the band had the opportunity to play very many live shows over the years?What have been some of the bands most memorable shows over the years?Who are some bands you have had the opportunity to share the stage with?
12. We try to play out at least once per month, anywhere. We travel, too. Playing shows is the reason I still do it. Playing in Buffalo ruled. Columbus, Newport Kentucky, all our shows at the Sanctuary, and of course, Mac's Bar in Lansing. (R.I.P.) The band list...a lot. Most recently, Deicide, Internal Bleeding, Kataklysm, Begat The Nephilim. Also, Demilich, Blood Incantation and Artificial Brain; that show fukkin' ruled! Master, Embalmer, Nunslaughter, Throne, Recorruptor, Derketa, Isenblast, Temple of Void, Portal of Pazuzu...a lot!
13.Has the band had the opportunity to play any shows since the pandemic shut everything down?If yes how did the shows go over?
13. During the pandemic, we were able to play down in Indianapolis. A Fest with Nunslaughter, it ruled. Outdoor, masks, all the things, but still ruled! Indianapolis is our second home now!
14.When you need to take a break from working on new music or band business what do you like to do in your free time?
14. I'm a total nerd. I collect music and dvd's. And then actually listen to or watch the CD or DVD. I never need to take a break from band business...it's my business! And I'm extremely greatful that people have taken an interest in our creative sesspool.
15.Besides Centenary do any of the members currently play with any other bands or solo projects?If yes please tell the readers a little about them?
15. Our drummer, Adam Davey, was playing with Inhuman Suffering. Other than that, no.
16.What does Underground Metal mean to you?
16. Underground Metal, for me, means family. Going to shows, seeing all your friends, who are fans as well, enjoying life and sheer barbarity.
17.Thank you Mike for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final comments for the readers?
17. Some of us are here for a long time, some of us are here for a short time...enjoy the time. Thank you sir for this opportunity. Band Contacts https://centenary.bandcamp.com/ https://www.facebook.com/detroitchainsawmetal/ https://www.instagram.com/centenary_official/ Label Contacts https://cdnrecords.com/ https://cdnrecords.bandcamp.com/ https://www.facebook.com/cdnrecords https://twitter.com/cdnrecords
