History
The Auckland-based 8 Foot Sativa was formed in 1998 as a cover band and
comprised of singer vocalist Justin Niessen, guitarist Gary Smith,
bassist Brent Fox and Sam Sheppard. The band quickly gained popularity
in its native country and played shows with the likes of Pantera. The
band issued a debut album through the local label Intergalactic and
soon lost drummer Speed. The band even managed shows in Canada and
Europe.
Album number two, Season For Assault, allowed the band to play at the
Big Day Out festival. The album, like its follow-up, would be licensed
by Sweden's Black Mark. Justin Niessen left the band and was
replacement by Matt Sheppard, brother of drummer Sam. Matt joined the band before
they left for Sweden to work on album number three at Studio
Underground. In the meanwhile, Hate Made me achieved gold status in New Zealand
implying sales of 7,500 units.
Reviews
8 FOOT SATIVA - BREED THE PAIN - INTERGALACTIC/BLACK MARK
8 Foot Sativa (what!?) is one of the biggest metal bands out of New Zealand and through Breed The Pain proves the country has bands which are good enough to compete with their peers worldwide. Featuring a new singer, the band's third album sounds like the American bands which are influenced by the Gothenburg death metal sounds. There are not many standout parts on the album, but the brutal vocal stylings, fast and heavy deathrash music and respectable production courtesy of Sweden's Studio Underground make these 8 footers a serious proposition. Especial kudos goes to the bassist and his noteworthy sound. On the other hand, the band's choice of a cover art is both cliched and unintelligent. - Anna Tergel
Interviews
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