By unearthing pummelling, prog-tinged arrangements and the occasional southern-rock boogie on Anciients’ debut disc Hearts of Oak, vocalist-guitarist Kenny Cook and his metal crew—bassist Aaron “Boon” Gustafson, drummer Mike Hannay, and guitarist-vocalist Chris Dyck—have made themselves a destructive force to be reckoned with not only now, but also in the foreseeable future.

Best local release other than yours:
“I really like the Baptists record [Bushcraft]. I just think they’ve got so much energy. It’s ass-kicking, for sure, just steady pummelling the whole time.”

The year’s best gig:
“I was really into High on Fire at Venue [on December 16, 2012]. We played with them there. It was the first little while after [HOF guitarist] Matt Pike quit drinking, and I thought they were really shit-kickin’ and on the ball. He [Pike] didn’t play super-sloppy and drunk. He was kicking ass, for sure.”

Your house is on fire. What album are you saving?
“The Band of Gypsys record by Jimi Hendrix. It’s a live record from the Fillmore. I just like those guys together [Hendrix, bassist Billy Cox, drummer Buddy Miles]; it’s a totally different style of music from the Experience stuff. It was one of the first records that got me to start playing music seriously.”

Chip Wilson’s paying, so where’s dinner?
“Kobe Japanese Steak and Seafood House [1042 Alberni Street]. There’s a big barbecue grill and a chef, and you just order this thing called The Ultimate. It’s amazing food, all parts of it [New York steak, lobster tail, teriyaki chicken, scallops], just grilled right in front of you. Pretty good eats, for sure.”

We’re reshooting the video for Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines”. Who’s your topless costar?
“I’ll say Eugene [Parkomenko], the drummer from Black Wizard. He’s got that sex appeal, and looks good with his shirt off, too.”

Let’s make this city more fun by opening a venue. Where?
“The Omnimax Theatre in Science World [1445 Quebec Street]. You’d have to create some amazing visuals to play behind you; it could be pretty intense if you had something that matched your music. Anciients would probably use lots of space-oriented stuff.…psychedelic stuff too. Things for people on mushrooms to have fun to.”