Band Members/Duties:
Pieter: guitar, lead vocals
Annelie: drums, backup vocals

Bio:
"Heavy metal and punk rock has never meshed so well in a duo." -The Wired Baron, 2007.

Ex-Paladin is a power-duo creating a complete sound with distorted guitar, frenzied drums, and compelling vocals. Comparisons to The Melvins, System of a Down, The Troggs, and The Doors have been drawn by enthusiastic listeners who have witnessed this formidable and
charismatic live act. One fan described them as "The White Stripes from Hell."

South African born Pieter Britz and Canadian born Annelie McKenzie formed the band in Long Beach two years ago. After the 7th bass player was still not a match, they successfully continued on as a duo, playing a steady stream of gigs in and around southern California.

Ex-Paladin's full-length debut album, "Songs of Heroic Deeds", was self-released in early 2007. The 12 songs present a solid set of tracks that  include brooding metal, irate punk, and harmony-driven rock.

Many fans have asked about the name of the band, Ex-Paladin. It conjures the image of one who has given up old causes, perhaps changed their personal definition of heroism. This is reflected in the lyrical content of the songs.

Angel: Why hasn't it worked out for your band to include a bassist?

Pieter: I think the question is "Why has it worked out for you, being a duo?" We've had 6 or 7 different bass players in the past, some of who would play with us for a week or so, quit..., while we still would play
the shows we booked, as a duo. After about 3 months of doing this, people started saying we sound better as a duo.

Annelie: The bassists we've worked with have had separate agendas or goals that haven't meshed with us. Some of them wanted to play different styles or spend all their time with a new girlfriend. When we had some gigs lined up and yet another bassist bailed on us, we went ahead and played those gigs. Pieter and I found out that we were happy to compensate for "the missing part". Pieter beefs up his guitar tone and I am able to play more fills, playing more melodically along with the guitar. The people listening gave us great feedback when we played as a duo which gave us the confidence to just keep it that way.

Angel: What is the relationship like between  the two of you?

Annelie: People are always fighting. And we are two people that are always fighting. Our relationship is volatile... There is much yelling, throwing, glaring, and maniacal laughter. Yet somehow, it works. We are committed to not quitting and to somehow channeling all the drama into the music.

Pieter: It's pretty tough. We fight almost every day about different things. Being just two people is hard, because unless both agree on everyday band issues, there will always be conflict...

Angel: What music has inspired yours?

Annelie: The Troggs, Local H, System of a Down.

Pieter: Bands like Soundgarden, Metallica, The Melvins, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Janis Joplin... the list never ends.

Other Comments?

Pieter: We plan on touring soon. We're just scraping money together to buy a van.

Annelie: Come and check out a live show! One of the features of hearing us live, is hearing Pieter's sage (and cryptic) advice between songs! Also, we just finished our debut LP, Songs of Heroic Deeds, and this
can be purchased through our website.