Interview with Molotov Solution guitarist Robbie Pina

Metal Blade Recording Artists Molotov Solution released their debut, The Harbinger, on June 9th. The CD which was recorded by Tim Lambesis from As I Lay Dying fame is a full on auditory onslaught that carries a heavy message along with it. The band has toured with the likes of Whitechapel, Impending Doom, Through the Eyes of the Dead, Knights of the Abyss, and Elysia and they will be on tour the rest of year. I recently spoke with guitarist Robbie Pina about the band and their message.

Playing such visceral music in a recording studio must be vastly different than at one of your chaotic live shows. How did the recording process go for your debut album The Harbinger?
Robbie: In the studio you have to make sure every note is dead on, in tune and on time so it creates quite the challenge. Everyday for a little over 3 weeks we started with waking up and tracking non-stop for about 12 hours! It was very exhausting and by the end I could care less if I had to tune my guitar again.

The name of the band Molotov Solution is interesting to say the least and sounds as if there is a story behind it. Where did the name come from and what is the story?
Robbie: Well we got the name back in 2004 from an older Post Hardcore band called Adamantium, who named a song “Molotov Solution.” At the time, we were not a political band so it was just a name. Then early 2005 we were debating on changing the name but came across some movies called “Loose Change” and “In Plane Sight” which changed our perspective on what we wanted to do with our music. So we stuck with Molotov Solution mainly because to us it means Revolution.

Give us some insight into the record The Harbinger and the meaning behind its title?
Robbie: The word Harbinger describes someone or something that foreshadows a future event, like an omen or a symbol. Basically referring to President Barack Obama.

Give us some insight into the album lyrically. This is a super pissed off sounding record?
Robbie: We are pissed off. As should everyone else be. The Harbinger covers everything from the volatility of the dollar and the hypocrisy of our President to the corrupt institutions such as the Catholic Church and the Federal Reserve System. It’s all a part of the global elitists plan to create a “New World Order,” an order in which freedom is myth and individuality does not exist. Repeated throughout the album, from the first line to the last, is a call for action and awakening, for no individual can change the predicament we are in, only together can we solve our problems.

What can fans expect when they pick up a copy of The Harbinger?
Robbie: A new, progressed, Molotov with a lot of the same feeling to the songs. A lot of emotion was put into this album so we hope that fans will feel the same way about the songs and the message as we did when it all came together.

Any tracks on the record that are personal favorites or have good stories behind them?
Robbie: It would definitely have to be the title track. It was the first song we all wrote together along with the new members and at the end, we were stoked because we had no idea that we would mesh so well as musicians. It just proved more than anything that we were going to create something very satisfying!

Every band has its musical influences. What are some of the other bands and artists that have greatly influenced you guys and your music?
Robbie: It is hard to say as a group because we all listen to tons of very diverse genres. For the album, we wanted to add a lot of groove, topped with all of our other aggressive music influences in one giant cocktail. The toughest part for us was to try and make every song have its own feel and distinction and we all believe we have achieved that personal goal.

What is the hardest part about being in a touring metal band and what is the biggest obstacle your band faces?
Robbie: Definitely, the relationships of loved ones can take a toll on you mentally and physically. Being so far from home when someone is in need of you can rip out your heart at any given moment.

All of that passion that you play with must be tough on you physically. How do you prepare for the physical demands of a tour?
Robbie: Yes, it makes you very fatigued especially in the first week when you have not spent much time preparing for it. On the road we try to continue to eat as healthy as we can and get a good nights rest, which is also hard when you sleep in the van 80% of the time.

When you are on the road for a while I am sure you see and experience many different things you might not even have known existed. Are there any stories that stand out in your mind as being exceptionally strange or odd?
Robbie: I think the most odd thing lately is when people on the other side of our own country tell us we have accents, but it also reminds me of how beautiful our country is and how many different kinds of people live in it!

What is the toughest lesson you ever learned in the studio and on the stage?
Robbie: To always have a back up guitar and extra strings!

What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?
Robbie: Getting signed to Metal Blade. Definitely a shocker in my eyes.

What does the future hold for you guys as a band?
Robbie: Touring till we die and always pushing the limits of our music!  [ END ]