Prayer for Cleansing is a local metal­core band. They have a strong straightedge stance and four out of the five members are vegan. Though I’ve never heard this band I’ve heard a shitload about them and I’ve never heard anyone say they suck. Here’s Dave Anthem to talk about his band.

Vision of the Underground: How long has Prayer for Cleansing been around?

Prayer for Cleansing: Prayer for Cleansing has been around in some way, shape, or form since November of 1996. We have had many different members but have been with our current lineup for about five months.

VOTU: Were any members in Prayer for Cleansing in other bands before PfC?

PfC: Will(our drummer) and I were both in Dreadseed. Marc, Dennis, and Paul all played in the local straightedge band In the Face of Adversity.

VOTU: You have a big metal influence in your music. Have you always been into metal or was there a time where you were into some other kind of music?

PfC: Personally, I have always been into metal. I stopped listening to it for a while when I first got into hardcore but I quickly went back to my roots. We are all into metal and Marc, Paul, and Dennis don’t even listen to much hardcore.

VOTU: What are you main influences?

PfC: Our Main Influences consist of a lot of black metal and death metal such as: At the Gates, Cradle of Filth(our biggest influence),Cannibal Corpse, Carcass, and Hecate Enthroned. Hardcore that influences us would be bands such as: Overcast, Harvest, and Undying..

VOTU: What merchandise do you have out?

PfC: We have shirts available for $10 and we have stickers. We are hopefully going to start recording our CD at the end of this month and it will be a full length entitled A World of Flowers Dead.

VOTU: Where can the readers contact you?

PfC: You can reach us at 7412 Prescott Pond Lane, Charlotte, NC 28270. Our web page is https://members.tripod.com/cleansing or my e­mail is XANTHEMX@aol.com.

VOTU:Does anyone in PfC work or attend school?

PfC: I work full time at Media Play and go to Central Piedmont Community College. Paul works full time at Eckerds, and Marc and Dennis go to NC State full time and Will goes to ECU full time.

VOTU: You take a strong stand concerning your straightedge lifestyle. How long have you been sXe and why did you first become sXe?

PfC: I’ve been straight edge for about 5 years. I was already straightedge before I found out about the straight edge scene and it just seemed like the sensible thing to do. I loved the music, the tattoos and clothing, but mainly I enjoyed my time around people who celebrated life without the use of poisons. Fuck anyone who is not sXe.

VOTU: You’re pretty well known in the North Carolina straightedge/hardcore scene. How did you get to be the sXers' household name?

PfC: I happen to know a lot of kids because I take the time to meet kids at shows and call them to let them know what is going on. I’ll talk to anyone and I love meeting people. I got to know a lot of kids through my zine and then from doing shows and traveling around. I love the scene and it is the biggest part of my life.

VOTU: Thank you for the interview. Any last words?

PfC:I’d like to thank everyone who has supported us and you for the interview. It’s all about straight edge and metal!

Check out the Visions of the Underground homepage. By David Turner.