“This album has hardcore elements mixed with fast thrash songs” – In For The Kill’s Tomohiro Suzuki on ‘Branded To Kill’

In For The Kill, a band rooted in Japan’s thrash metal and hardcore scene, have returned with their latest album, Branded To Kill, continuing their tradition of blending intense rhythms with powerful melodies. In this interview, Tomohiro Suzuki offers an in-depth look at the creative process and his personal journey with the band.

Discussing his choice of bass for Branded To Kill, Suzuki stated, “I used the Edwards Platinum Edition Asterion5 custom. It has a super long scale and a well-balanced sound from low to high positions. It remains clear even when down-tuned. I also like the form of the bass.”

Regarding his gear, Suzuki explained his straightforward setup: “I use Darkglass Electronics, specifically the Microtubes 900 V2 head amp. I don’t use any effects pedals, just the head amp. I chose this amp because it has everything I want in one unit: drive, compressor, and graphic equaliser. It allows me to create a wide range of sounds. It is a versatile amp with a cabinet simulator.”

On the topic of the band’s direction and sound evolution for the new album, Suzuki said, “This album has hardcore elements mixed with fast thrash songs. The arrangements were inspired by various bands such as Hatebreed and Get The Shot. The singalong parts are one of the highlights of the album, so I hope you enjoy it.”

Suzuki described his approach to the basslines in Branded To Kill as both complex and deliberate: “I did not only cram the entire album with sounds but also made each song with an awareness of complex yet simple phrases, such as intense playing, groovy movements, and rhythmical playing. As a result, I think the presence of the bass guitar has created a heavier groove on this album.”

Reflecting on his role and development as a bass player since the band’s inception, Suzuki observed, “We have been inspired by the various great bands and bass players we have met from the formation of the band to now, and we have been trying to improve and evolve our playing, performance, and sound. The change in my playing style is that I now think in detail about the best way to play each section of a song, whether it be downpicking, upstroking, alternate picking, or whatever works best for that particular song.”

Looking towards the future, Suzuki expressed his aspirations: “I want many people, not only in Japan but also overseas, to hear ‘Branded To Kill’ and experience it live. I would like to devote myself to composing and playing bass again in the future, aiming for a work that will make people feel that I have evolved even further.”

Branded To Kill by In For The Kill is available for streaming and purchase through Spiritual Beast.