Tell us about the reformation? How did it happen and why? Is this a permanent thing or are you just coming back for one more album?

Well the reformation for us came about in a very weird way. After we broke up initially all of us kind of just started doing our own things. Different bands, etc. but above all else we were friends before anything. We were friends before this band and after our break up. With our different projects we just found ourselves right back together writing music which brought forth Angermeans. We started playing shows and just having fun. When our friend Jessie passed away we decided to play a couple benefit shows as Strife, for his family to help pay for his funeral and keep his memory, and had the best time doing it. The circumstances of us getting back together couldn't be worse, but we decided that we should stay together as Strife. This, for us, is definetly a permanent thing. We plan to start touring again around the release date.

How's the current lineup look for the new Strife? Is is the same guys from the "In this Defiance" recording or has anyone decided not to come back?

Well the current line up of Strife is myself, Rick, Andrew, and Sid. We also have our friend Tom helping us out with some guitar stuff. He's great and we love having him around.

Give us a little info about the new album. Has a name been selected? How many songs? Will it sound like "One Truth", "In This Defiance" or a completely updated style?

The name for the record is "Angermeans". There will be around 11 or 12 songs and it really can only be compared to "Will to Die" or "Untitled". This record is going to be a lot heavier than the previous releases.

Can fans expect a tour after the album is released? I know people around here (Philadelphia) would love to see you guys. I swear I went to see Strife live three different times in Philly and you guys had to cancel each show.

We never cancelled in Philly... Umm.. Ok. We did. You can expect us back there in the very near future.

From things I've read and heard, it seems that the hardcore population is concerned that some of the members have been rumored to have 'broken their edge' and how this will affect the lyrics on the new CD and what you'll do about the old straightedge songs. So first, please explain if there be an issue with straightedge lyrics? And second, do you think that all the scene rumors and questions are ridiculous or is something that irks you (because frankly, I think it's kind of stupid. I'm just happy to see the group get back together regardless of what the members do with their free time)?

Yes. Some of us aren't straight edge anymore. I dont really know how this is going to affect Rick's lyrics. I can tell you that this record carries with it a lot more emotion than "One Truth" and "In This Defiance". You can tell in the music and the vocals. We have had a lot of time to put this record together and we are writing with no restraints now. For the first time ever we are all so very excited about putting this record out and you know what? We really don't care how it is received. What matters is how we feel about it and this, like I said, in our eyes is our best record to date. As far as the straight edge issue... if anyone cared to ask us about it, they did. And we are more then receptive to answering their questions. I would love to sit down and talk about it with anybody and explain to them why I make my life decisions, but I think what people need to realize is that Strife has taken on issues now that can reach beyond straight edge. There are so many things to write about.

The scene has changed a lot from the last time Strife was an active part of it. The music has seemed to go away from chugga chugga and into almost straight up metal. Have you noticed this too? And do you think that this might have an effect on the way the kids will take to the reformed Strife?

Oh yes, I have noticed it. Music evolves. That is all you can say. I don't think there will be much of a problem fitting in with the "metal" side... hint, hint, but hardcore will always stand out. Even with a little metal. Everyone needs a little metal.

What would you like to see eliminated from the scene and/or the Earth in general and why?

Umm.. is this the easiest scene related question ever? STOP BEATING PEOPLE UP BECAUSE THEY AREN'T LIKE YOU! The huge influx of violence in the harcore scene is one of the main reasons I turned away. Hardcore used to be about unity and togetherness not fucking violence. And this question is not only isolated to the hardcore / straight edge scene. It has to do with everybody. Why do people want to walk the earth in fear? Wondering if they are going to get shot, stabbed, anything.. Look at the recent world events. Why do assinine things like this even have to go on? I would like it if these things would just go away and I could be happy again, because I haven't been happy for a very long time.

Top 5 All-Time Favorite Albums?

Turning Point - "Always Darkest Before The Dawn"
Deftones - "Adreneline"
Slayer - "Divine Intervention"
Depeche Mode - "Violator"
Morcheeba - "Who Can You Trust?"

And I have to throw the new Tool record in there. Masterpiece.

Any last words? Things to promote? Shoutouts? Putdowns? Etc.

A big huge thanks to you for having me do this interview. We are so excited about this and can't wait to get the record out. Remember... With everything they can take away from us in this time of fear, they can't take who you are. Stay up!