In July, Alpha & Omega’s juggernaut second full-length album dropped via Bridge Nine.  Drawing from the influence of hardcore mainstays such as Cro Mags and Integrity as well as crossover and metal like Crowbar and Metallica, the resulting sound is one that is 100 percent their own.  No Rest, No Peace was also the first album the band wrote together; each song featuring input from every member. And with Chad Gilbert producing and Kyle Black recording, this record sounds tougher while more accessible than anything Alpha & Omega has done thus far. The band immediately headed out in support of the album with Terror!
As anyone in a touring band can attest, the stresses of making it to the next show and leaving blood, sweat and tears on the stage can take its toll.  Ghettoblaster recently caught up with vocalist Luis Hernandez to discuss his ultimate stress reliever, skating.
When did you begin skating and what is it about skating that continues to appeal to you?
I was around 12 when I got into skateboarding and punk. Getting together with a group of friends and skating all over Los Angeles or just skating around my neighborhood has always been a type of therapy for me. I still do it to this day. I’ll just take off for a few hours and go.
Do you play places on tour that also allow you to skate inside or outside? What are the best places you’ve skated on tour?
Yeah we’ve played lots of venues with ramps inside and out. We’ve been lucky enough to play a few venues with full skate parks attached to them as well.
What is the most difficult trick that you’ve landed? How does the feeling of landing that compare to the feeling of conquering a difficult riff or part in your music?
I’ve never actually compared tricks to music since I sing. Maybe that’s why… Hardest trick I’ve landed would be a 360 flip. But I’m more of a pool, mini ramp guy.  I have more fun with basic stuff then technical stuff. I’d rather have a clean kick flip than some crazy spin twist flip thing.
What kind of deck, trucks, wheels, or other gear are you currently using?
Size 8. Something Active deck
Independent trucks
Blank active wheels
Red bearing.
What other bands who have members who skate have you toured with and skated with? Were you impressed?
Benji and Walter from Rotting Out used to tour with us a lot and they both skate. Bent Life dudes shred. James and I are the only two in A&O that still really skate. But everyone else in the band grew up skating too. I’ve skated a lot with Lee from Trash Talk since we were kids.
Do you seek out skate shops on tour? What are the best ones?
Naw, not really. I always forget my board every other tour and end up bumming one off whoever is around. There’s a sick skate shop in Michigan that always throws shows.
What is the worst injury that you ever suffered skating and how did you recoup from that? Did it affect your playing?

Knock on wood I haven’t had a skating injury on tour. And the worst I’ve done is fractured my hip. Aside from that I’ve probably sprung both ankles at least 12 times each.
Which of your band’s songs are the best to skate to?
“No Rest No Peace” for sure.