Austin metal band Iron Age formed after the dissolution of several well-respected hardcore bands. With nods to metal gods like Corrosion of Conformity, Pantera, and Crog-Mags, the group creates a maelstrom of dark and raw thrash/metal that will make your ears bleed (in a good way). Their 2009 album 'The Sleeping Eye' cemented the band's status as one of the next wave of hardcore acts to bring metal to the masses. The band recently ended a tour with Skeletonwitch and Howl, and plans further touring later in 2010. Spinner asked Iron Age bassist Justin Mason (aka "Ribz") about the band's history, his favorite thing about touring, and the group's plans for this year's SXSW.

How would you describe your sound in your own words.

I would like to think we are rehashing old school crossover, with our own new twist.

How did Iron Age get started?

I am pretty much the newest member. Back in the day, they had all played in hardcore bands. that's how we all met--we were all in different hardcore bands before.

You guys just got off tour, right? How was that?

Skeletonwitch was just amazing.

What's your favorite part of touring?

It's gotta be the show, obviously. It's the best drug you can possibly take, you know? Just getting up onstage and playing your heart out.

Your least favorite part of touring?

Being trapped in a van for hours on end.

What do you consider to be your primary musical influences and how do these play into the music you make?

I definitely have to go with the COC [Corrosion of Conformity], a little Pantera, maybe a little Exhorder. Trying to do Cro Mags in the south...our own thing.

What are you looking forward to most at this year's SXSW?

We've played shows the past several years. This year, I think we're getting into different shows, playing different events...We get to play, like, the Tee Pee Records party, which I think will be a different crowd. It will be playing for different people, so I think that will be a positive thing.

If you could play with any musician from the 60s, 70s, or 80s, who would it be and why?

It would have to be Black Sabbath. It doesn't matter--anybody from that band, with any instrument, I'd play with somebody from Black Sabbath. Best band in the world.

Beatles or Stones?

Stones.

Other than SXSW, what does Iron Age have planned for 2010? More touring? Working on a new album?

We're almost ready to get back in there. I think we'll have a little gap coming up this spring and I think we're going to knock out a couple of songs in the studio so we can get another something out. Then, of course, we'll tour this summer and everything. And I think the end of April or May we do Chaos in Tejas, which our buddy does here. And then we'll do a little touring around Texas and Louisiana.


David A. Cobb is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.