Ladies and gentlemen. This edition of Fistful of Questions goes out to Overt Enemy’s master blaster, Saul.
What is your full name?
Saul Castillo
Do you have any aliases?
Kool Saul, Gate Ripper, Vinnie Saul
What bands are you actively involved with?
I’m the drummer in Overt Enemy. Thrash Metal from Texas USA
What was the first instrument that you played?
Guitar
Tell me about one of your first musical memories?
Around 6 years old standing side stage watching Spanish bands (Tejano/Conjunto) play with my grandfather. I was fascinated with everything having to do with the drums.
What was the name of the first band you were in?
I was in a punk band called the Dimwits playing a lot of Green Day and Offspring then I heard Pantera and my whole world changed.
Tell me about the genesis of Overt Enemy.
Overt Enemy was originally started in 2013 as a Jeff Hanneman tribute then they started releasing original music. I joined in December 2022.
What inspired the name Overt Enemy?
Fucking Slayer
How long did it take you to write and record the new album Insurrection?
After I joined I spent around 6 months writing the drum parts and then recorded the drums over 5 days in summer 2023.
If you could insert yourself into any one band what band would it be and why?
I’m already in the band I need to be in BUT I’d love to sit in with Testament and play “Into The Pit”. I love that song and it would be a blast to jam with the thrash masters.
Have you ever heard a song and immediately wished you had written it? If so… What was the song and artist?
Angel of Death - Slayer
Do you have any non-metal musical inspirations?
Not really. Metal is life but we have no limits in Overt Enemy so I feel that I can express myself creatively.
What’s a non-metal song that you'd like to do a cover of?
Shooting Star by Bad Company because it reminds me of my mom.
We just played with Fear Factory and they were amazing! Pete Webber from Havok on drums, Dino, Milo…damn they are killing it live and set the bar super high.
Do you have a favorite venue to play at?
There are so many great venues in Texas it’s really hard to pick. We definitely have a lot of love for the historic Cine El Rey Theatre in McAllen because that’s our home and it has such an interesting history.
Do you have a pre-show ritual?
I always warm up for 15-20 minutes before every performance.
What is your favorite thing about touring?
Meeting the fans. They express a care and love for what we do and it means a lot to us. I’m a road dog and enjoy seeing new places and hanging out with my band and our crew.
What is your least favorite thing about touring?
Being away from my family. I adore my wife and kids and miss them terribly when I’m away.
Is there a city that you love to hit while on tour?
We need to get over to LA next year. We'd also love to play Japan.
What’s the weirdest experience you’ve had on the road?
Showing up to the venue for load in and the power was out.
The year is 2000. Where are you at and what are you listening to?
Alice Texas. Slipknot, Slayer, Static X
What advice would you give young musicians that are just starting out in the music business?
Never give up. Take care of yourself and your team. Don’t be a dick to anybody no matter what. Always be grateful and say thank you.
What is an absolute band killer?
Ego, laziness, dishonesty
Have you ever recorded a song that you really didn’t like, but somebody else in the band really did?
Nope
If you were to start your own music festival what would be the name of that festival and who would be the three headlining bands?
Tanya Fest
Deftones
Fear Factory
Pantera
I have excellent hygiene and have never gone more than a day or so without a shower.
What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?
I listen to a wide variety of music from like country, alternative, indie, Tejano etc.
Is the Fistful of DOOM show in the top 10 of your favorite music podcasts?
Definitely
Do unicorns sleep standing up?
They never sleep. They are too busy impaling shadow people and trampling your dreams.
Give me three albums that I should listen to immediately, if not sooner.
KK’s Priest - The Sinner Rides Again
Capra - Errors
Semper Acerbus - The Heart and the Machine
You’re driving cross-country and you can only listen to one album the whole time. What album will it be?
Slayer - Divine Intervention
You are writing a book about your life thus far. What is the title of that book?
Strap In. We’re only getting started.
What is your favorite song by Taylor Swift?
Vigilante Shit
Pantera or Slayer (if you had to choose)?
Pantera
Doobies or Boobies (if you had to pick one)?
Boobies
Waffles or Pancakes (if you had to pick one)?
Waffles
Star Wars or Star Trek (if you had to choose)?
Spaceballs
Favorite band t-shirt you own?
Pantera
Favorite meal?
Chicken Fried Steak
Favorite book?
Rex Brown and Max Cavalera’s autobiography
Favorite movie?
Sicario
Favorite album?
Sepultura - Arise
Favorite video game?
Guns of Boom
Favorite Professional Wrestler?
The Undertaker
Many, many thanks to Saul for taking the time to answer my questions. I appreciate you. The rest of you should take advantage of the link so generously provided below and wrap your ears around the pure heavy metal fire that is Overt Enemy’s live album, Official Live: Thunder In The Hill Country 2023. You’ll be so glad that you did!
~El Pedo Caliente (aka Uncle Jameson from the Fistful of DOOM show)
https://open.spotify.com/album/5cDxr5bTFKpVpzpoPvMoXi?si=EiMob2MrTv6M04-vEjIRoA
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