This months Disciplined Drummers of metal we spoke to Adam Jarvis one of the hardest working drummers in metal today. He is known for playing behind the kit for bands like Misery Index, and Pig Destroyer to name a few. So to help you guys get through the hump day, here is an interview I did with the man himself.
Badger- So last time we talked was back in October you were on tour, it was a great time I know I had a blast. Some good beer was consumed that day haha. Then a few months after I see an announcement for a new project, and just recently saw a video of you tracking drums. So the big news is God Enslavement, tell me a bit about this new band you’re in.
Adam- Yea so the album just got mastered I believe over the weekend so I’m supposed to be getting the finalized tracks and it should be released by late spring early summer, I may need to get back to you on that one. But yea its guys from all over Europe, and Germany
Badger- Yea it’s a pretty diverse lineup I mean you have Bjorn, then you, Vince, you have Julien from Shattered, you know you have Kevin, I mean everyone in this lineup is pretty notable. This is like (in my opinion) a super group.
Adam-Yeah you know, the one guy Bjorn hit me up, and said “you know we got this material and you know we have all talked about it, and we think you would be an awesome fit, and we think its right up your alley.” I have been approached by multiple bands and usually I need to at least enjoy the material to put my name on it. I don’t want to record something just for the sake of recording something and having my name on it. It’s essentially going to be a part of my legacy you know.
Badger- Yea you definitely want to take pride in your work, you want to do it for the music, and what you want for sound, not just anything that comes your way. You sound like you are doing it because of your love of music and metal, so that’s cool.
Adam- Yea exactly so, yea when I heard the first couple of songs I thought “damn those are some killer riffs.” I believe it’s like 8-9 songs. And you know I used to be in Criminal Element with Vince Mathews and he was in Dying Fetus. They were actually going to have a different vocalist, so I was asking them because I had only heard the music so I wanted to know what type of vocals would be going over the top. Because dude, vocals can make or break a band, they are very important. I mean they have always been very important to me even more so now sometimes I think “ hey this band is pretty good, and then I hear the vocals and think Damn it WTF”
Badger-Yea they can definitely make or break, but Vince Mathews, that’s pretty cool because the last I had heard he wasn’t doing too well, but obviously now he is ready and able to do vocals on this project. I liked when he was in Dying Fetus as well as Criminal Element so I’m stoked to hear his vocals laid down on this.
Adam- Yea and he helped me out a lot when I came out to Maryland , in 2004 first place I lived I was with Vince, hahaha those were some crazy times so it came time. The guys were like “so the vocalist backed out, do you know anyone that might be able to fit or may be interested.” And the whole time when I was listening to the music I kept think “Damn dude Vince’s vocals would be a perfect fit over this. So I hit him up, and he was really excited that I asked him to even do it. I called him and said “yo dude I would like you to be a part of this” and he was really taken back by it and was like “holy shit I can’t believe you asked me to do this” For me I’m thinking “dude your motherfucking Vince Mathews what are you talking about”
Badger- Sometimes there’s someone you know is perfect for the position and then you hear them and it justifies things and locks everything in.
Adam- yea so I’m stoked for people to hear it and its just straight up old school death, thrash, there’s some grind influence. It definitely has some more of that old school feel and approach.
Badger- That’s awesome! I can’t wait to hear that.
So 2016 this makes band number 5. You have Misery Index, Pig Destroyer, Asthma Castle, Fulgora, and now God Enslavement, what are we going to see in 2016 from the other bands? You put Stratagem out last year so I’d say it’s safe to say you’re not doing a new album with them right now but any tours?
Adam-With Fulgora we have a few songs written, we have a song that we recorded at Phil’s studio, and that’s supposed to be released on Housecore TBD so yea it will probably be a while before we get a Full Length out I’d say, it might be possible by the end but maybe 2017. Asthma castle recorded about a year since I did the drums, but unfortunately our vocalist quit, so that was a bit of a setback but there was like one guy that I thought of that when he quit we recorded this , I mean we aren’t signed, this is like a side project for me. I love it, it’s a different change of pace, and we all get along so we have a guy and we are going to start jamming with him. Actually second jam will be this week. So hopefully vocals will be done by this summer and released this year. And PD is about 4 songs in for the new record, so we have actually jammed 1 of those songs a few weeks back, so that’s exciting to be working on some new Pig Destroyer material. And you know my cousin John is in the band now too so. It’s the first record with him on it so that’s exciting.
Badger-Oh hell yea John, he is no stranger to the business so that’s definitely cool
Adam- yea I mean he’s in Agoraphobic Nosebleed and in Fulgora so were in another band back in the day called all will fall, so yeah me an him have been jamming since I was probably 8-9 so it goes back a long way. As far as new stuff coming out that’s probably it. Killing gods is about 1.5 year old?
Badger- yea it came out around my birthday so around may 2014
Adam- Yea you’re right yea.
Badger- so I have seen a few big shows you guys are booked to play here in 2016, so I’m guessing your touring schedule is starting to pile up
Adam- yea unfortunately we can’t tour as much as we used to I work full time on top of being in five bands, and Mark has a kid now, and he’s going to school. And he actually just started working at Extreme management group.
Badger- hell yea that’s a big outfit
Adam- yea they rep bands like suffocation, they have a lot of people under their belt. So he just started working for them so that’s real cool. Jason back and forth from states and Finland, so he’s actually working on his PhD right now and yea we just got to be more selective.
Back in 2006 we would do 200 shows a year so anything that came up we would say yep let’s do it, but now a days we have to plan, we have a lot more responsibility now so we can’t be selfish, marks got a wife I have a girlfriend it’s not easy on people. But we do have the one European run this summer. We are hitting some pretty awesome festivals. We’re playing one in Vancouver that’s going to be badass it just got announced a few weeks ago and it’s got Suffocation and Dillinger Escape Plan, and Job For A Cowboy their first show in a few years, Cattle Decapitation, Dave Lombardo’s new band Dead cross will be on it. So yea a lot of awesome bands. And when we got the offer we didn’t really know , we thought we were going to be the headliner and then this thing gets booked and I looked and called mark and was like “ holy shit dude this is a big festival” it’s not like doing down to the dew drop in.
Badger- one question because I am in ton of FB groups so I have seen a few people here and there ask about drum shoes. So your go to brand, have you tried others or do you just you the tried and true style.
Adam- I’ve been rocking DB drum shoes for years, they’re my go to, and they’re really lightweight really durable they last. I have had pairs last me years even with all the touring. A guy named jerry at DB he is an awesome cat. I always prefer to play esp. on tour to play in different shoes than what I wear every day, because you feel disgusted after if you were to stay in the same shoes after a show. It’s a necessity, their almost like an equivalent to a water shoe, very flexible lightweight. I have had people call them ballerina shoes. but I like the dexterity, and they are tight. They are my go to, and I have been wearing them for… going on ten years now at least ten years. They’ve been around for a while, you don’t seem them too much but when you do you see many drummers wearing them. I know the dude from arch enemy wears them, Danny walker he uses them, I don’t want to say anyone who doesn’t you know but if you look at the roster it’s pretty stacked with great drummers. Yea Mike Hamilton, he’s another one, he was in deeds of flesh, but he’s in exhumed now. They’re definitely amazing shoes I’m not saying it because I’m endorsed, these shoes are the real deal.
Badger- so I was going to ask this yesterday, but I will put a spin on it. So who were you routing for to win the super bowl?
Adam-I was actually, I wasn’t in favor of any team. But I wanted to see Peyton go out with a win, Cam was a J.A. He was a baby about it
Badger- I listen to sports radio a lot, and they were saying that he was one of the biggest guys on the field and he recoiled away from the fumble. How does that happen when you are the largest guy?
Adam- oh I know, he regretted that one. His passing was off, they just didn’t look like a SB team.
Badger- some moments were painful to watch, If Peyton does retire it’s on a high note, and he didn’t want to say for sure.
Adam- yea but he did say what type of beer he was going to have after. Hahaha I actually just got myself a six pack of Hopslam from Bells Beer. That stuff’s good you can only get one sixer at a time so, and at like 20 something a six pack, I mean you got me that Heady Topper so you know your beers if you’ve never had that? Do you get bells there?
Badger- sometimes I have to go to mass to get some beers. Like the iron maiden beer I can’t get it in NH but I can head down to the mass border and get some. I have had some brown note from KY, (this is when I explain the brown note from the league) so the front of the can is hilarious it’s a brown ale but it is absolutely great. I’ll send you the picture. Another good one was a brewery in RI, if you guys come up my way I will have to get you a growler of this stuff. It has a summer ale taste like blue moon or Sam summer but it tastes like it would be around 2% but it’s actually close to 12 % so when you drink a glass it hits you, and you don’t expect it to hit you as hard as it does because it tastes so damn light. The stuff is awesome!
Badger- so what are you listening to currently, CD iTunes vinyl?
Adam- well actually I was just listening to acid bath. Well new stuff or?
Badger- anything whatever you are listening to
Adam- I discovered porcupine tree a few years ago, and it was from reading Opeth’s Hall Of Fame entry in Decibel for Blackwater Park, they mentioned Steven Wilson, and I was like I remember that guy, then I remember he did that project Storm Corrosion thing with Mikael Akerfeldt, and Steven Wilson, and it’s just like very eerily serene at times and I guess you could say like kind of post rock meets Shoegaze which is one of the weirder genres. But yea a lot of porcupine tree and S. Wilson, and something I have been listening to that just terrifies me but it’s so damn good is a band called Dødheimsgard from Norway.
Badger- yea you were talking about them after the Worcester show,
Adam- oh yea I was they are still just so good their newest album is called like umbra omega. It’s just nasty, it is real nasty. I also have been going back on the classics that I used to listen to all the time like older Monstrosity, actually this morning I was listening to Demolition Hammer, a bit more thrash, but it has Alex Marquez, he played with Malevolent Creation on retribution but let’s see what else, newest faith no more album is good, new baroness.
Badger- that is good, I have to get it on vinyl, because I was being a bit picky about vinyl so I wanted to wait to hear it first but it is definitely vinyl worthy
Adam- yea it is I bought it on vinyl they played in Baltimore I saw them and when they toured they were sold out every show, I saw them in Baltimore and it was amazing absolutely amazing. So yea that’s what I have been listening to lately.
Badger- Awesome well it sounds like 2016 will be a great year for you, and the bands you are a part of, for me it’s a great year because that just means there’s some great metal happening, and I am really pumped to hear God Enslavement.
Thank you for your time, and stay brutal my friend.
I had the chance to catch up with Scott from Sevenday Curse, as well as their newest member Steph Robinson who brings a wealth of experience, and drive to the band with her keyboard talents.
So I am here with Scott from Sevenday curse.
Badger- The last time I saw you guys it was September 3rd in providence Rhode island at Dusk, where you guys opened up for Revocation. So what have you guys been doing since then, a lot of writing perhaps?
Well most of the new stuff has already been written. We have been doing a lot of refining. working on getting new songs recorded and kind of just working on the extra stuff that gets added on to the songs like lyrics, keyboards guitars. for the most part the song structures have been written and done for at least a month now.
Badger- From the last time I talked to you guys you were working on an EP, how is that been coming along?
So we’re still kind of unsure how we’re going to release this. at first we were talking about an EP, and then we kinda of naturally writing more songs, we got to the point where we felt we had enough for a full length you know. So that’s still up in the air but we are leaning towards it being a full length. its very likely that its going to be entirely self produced, because that gives us the most freedom to do it the way we want. Also because we have also been doing writing as we record them so nowadays with being able to own your own Pro tools rig it makes life a lot easier and gives you flexibility to do that.
Badger- So I had seen on Facebook a few weeks back that you guys were looking to include one of the songs from After the Storm on the new release. Have you guys come to a conclusion on which song will be with the new stuff?
We did,
Badger- Ahh and which one will you be doing?
That’s going to be a surprise, were going to play that one close to the chest. Its going to be fun, we feel like we picked the song that is a fan favorite, but also represents the sound of our newer stuff. that kind of direction we are going in now.
Badger- The last time we talked you were looking for a keyboardist, have you been able to lock down another member to the band.
So yeah that’s the big announcement, we after a long search we feel as though we have found the right person. her name is Steph Robinson, she has played in a lot of bands. she is a really experienced musician.who comes with amazing credentials, she is extremely talented and she can also sing. We are really excited to bring her into the fold, and start playing with her live soon as well. Its a perfect time to bring her in, because there is still plenty of room to have her bring in her own ideas, and influence to how these new songs are going to sound. We haven’t gotten to the stage where we have been able to figure out all the keyboards yet, but its a perfect time, because we can hand her what we have so far and let her take the reigns on the orchestration and piano.
Badger- So I see you guys are starting to book a few more shows, are there any big shows you are excited about coming up?
Hothfest would be the biggest/ best one, its in January, on the 9th. its also very likely going to be the first show we play with live with Steph.
I also heard that they just moved to a larger venue because of all the bands that are on the bill. they ended up moving it to Maximum Capacity in Chicopee, Mass.
After talking with Scott I got the chance to talk to Steph about her joining Sevenday Curse.
Badger- I understand you have (to the best of my knowledge) toured with two bands across North America. tell me a little about your background and how you got into playing the keyboard for metal?
Until two years ago when I switched over to tattooing full-time (I co-own a tattoo shop now in Webster, MA), I was a self-employed, full-time working musician. I’m classically trained, hold a Ph.D. in music composition, and have played keyboards since I was a child. I’m also a vocalist, and have an operatic background. I’ve done pretty much any type of musical gig you can imagine – that’s what a working musician has to do to keep food on the table! In addition, I have a background with music production, and spent a number of years working as a recording engineer; I still do quite a bit of freelance work in this respect. I’ve been a metalhead my entire life – I grew up obsessed with Dio, Judas Priest, Ozzy, Sabbath and all the classics. However, I never really thought about PLAYING metal until about 9 or 10 years ago, when I was in my late 20s and had gotten a “good job” as a community college professor. I was unhappy with my job and bored with classical music culture in general, and it was like a switch just flipped and I said to myself, “This is not my life. Let’s finally do this.” Many of my classical music friends thought I was having an early midlife crisis when I suddenly decided I was done playing church organ and switched over to playing in a few metal “tribute bands.” (Tribute bands are huge in Southern California, where I was living at the time.) I decidedly had the working musician mentality at first – a gig had to pay reasonably well for me to be able to consider it, and hence why I ended up in a Dio tribute, along with other acts. Through those gigs, I started meeting people more involved with the underground SoCal metal scene, made some connections, and shortly one thing led to another with me starting to work with original bands.
One band I’ve toured with is Helsott, a pagan metal band from Southern California. I met them when they opened for one of the tribute bands I was fronting, back in San Diego. When I moved to Massachusetts in 2011, they asked me to produce some orchestral arrangements and sing operatic style vocals for their first EP. I ended up doing the arrangements for that, the first full-length, and did the Paganfest America tour with them in 2013 playing keys and singing live as part of the band. While today I really can’t tour as much as they need to, I still do session work for them and remain heavily involved with the band
Badger-How did you and Sevenday Curse come together?
Scott and I connected through a mutual friend, Chris Farmerie – he books the Metal Thursday series at Ralph’s in Worcester. Chris is a very close friend, and we recently played together in an Enslaved tribute for the Halloween Covers Weekend at Ralph’s. We were spending a lot of time together commuting to Boston for rehearsals, and one day he said that he had a friend who was looking for a keyboard player for a band. I said I was interested, since I haven’t played much with any New England bands and I was looking to jump back in after a bit of a layoff (I had to take a break from metal due to two other projects the past two years – one was the production in Europe of a musical that I wrote, and the other was an attempted transcontinental run for charity).
I did a Skype session with Scott last summer and we hit it off; I met the other guys a couple of months ago and we all felt like it was a good connection. So, now, I’m learning the live set and working hard on recording material for the new album. It’s been a blast so far.
Badger-Were you familiar with Sevenday Curse before joining the band? Maybe heard them before or saw them?
No, honestly, I hadn’t known their music beforehand. I hate admitting that publicly! The reasons? One, I lived in Southern California for fifteen years, and only moved here in 2011 – the scene out west is very different than it is here in New England, so I’m definitely more familiar with Los Angeles and San Diego bands. Two, during the time when After the Storm was released, I was working on my Ph.D., and I wasn’t doing much other than working four jobs while trying to go to school full-time, so I wasn’t hitting shows or anything…that was a really crazy time, so I’ve got a few years of a hole in my metal knowledge that coincides with when the band was active back then. I’m glad I know their music now!
Badger- Do you have a plan on when we will be able to see you perform live with Sevenday Curse for the first time?
I believe the plan is to have my first show with them at Hothfest in January. I’m looking forward to it!
Badger- How does it feel to be a part of a band that for many believe (including myself) were one of the band’s who created a unique sound/ sub genre of metal?
It’s an honor – I feel extremely fortunate to be involved. So far, the guys have welcomed me both as a band member and collaborator, and that has been very much appreciated! It feels great to be in a creative space with production on the new album…I think it’s going to be epic.
So there you have it, Sevenday is not only working on a full length now, but they have a killer classically trained keyboardist to add some more dimension to their music. Badgers Metal Breakdown is really hoping they do Revelations as that is our favorite track from After The Storm.
I am very pumped to see them play live with Steph in January at Hothfest-2016
I recently had the chance to review Solium Fatalis’s sophomore album, and was pleasantly surprised with not only the lineup, but the songs were great. I wanted to reach out and talk to Jim Gregory guitarist and song writer for Solium Fatalis, and Neuronic Saw. I managed to get him on the phone and talk to him about Solium and find out where they are right now.
So I am on the phone with Jim Gregory from Solium Fatalis, What was your inspiration for the last album “The Undying season”?
Jim-Well mostly my military career, some of it touches on politics and stuff like that but a lot of it had to do with the things I saw while I was deployed in the desert and various places. Real life shit.
So that album got released about 9 months ago, are there still any physical copies left.
Jim-Yea actually there are about fifty out of the five hundred that we pressed. I still have more of the first album.
So you have both of them up on Bandcamp, has that been a great resource for you to be selling the albums in digital format?
Jim-So we have a full outlets, we don’t actually sell a lot on bandcamp, I don’t really even know why. I know other bands sell on bandcamp and it works out very well, but we haven’t had a lot of success. It’s being sold on our website, Amazon, iTunes, Google play, CD baby and the record label site. I mean you can go on your Xbox and get it.
So who does the writing for the albums?
Jim-I do all of it, the thing is I write all the songs by myself, and I have already written a few songs for this new album. I wrote 20 songs for the last album. And don’t get me wrong, I can go to Oli or Flo and get their input but for the most part I do all the writing.
So for the most part it sounds like the melody and rhythm are there, and you can go to Flo or Oli and get their opinion.
Jim- Yeah, I mean we know where Flo comes from but Oli was also in Neuraxis, and they were a killer band. Underrated in my opinion but a great metal band.
How did you end up getting involved with Jeff on vocals?
Jim-So I will do my best to give you the short version of the story, haha I’m not great with brevity. I could talk metal with you all night
Hahaha and we have,
Jim-Yea I could totally bullshit with you and talk metal for hours, you’re a cool dude and I love the website and your format for reviews. So I had four vocalists for the first album, and I had them all from one point to another and they would not get back to me, or stop talking. But Jeff would come in to the studio, because he and Ehren have been friends since I think they were kids so I said I think my vocalist is going to quit and I think I might need to ask you to do it. And he said ok I’ll do it. So when we did the second album, I knew exactly how he was going to sound, and what I had to work with, and I knew Flo and Oli can really do whatever they want. These guys could do this stuff in their sleep ha-ha so that’s why Seasons comes off far more focused.
So it was the right place and the right time
Jim-Yea he is a wicked cool guy all the guys are great, they don’t have any egos, they are really cool and great
So you are working on new material, are we going to see the same line up as on The Undying Season?
Jim-Yea totally they are all doing it, ha-ha I just talked to Oli the other day and he asked if he was slated to be doing the 3rd album and I was like uh yea dude. You know I am a fan of this music, and I hate seeing lineup change. So yea we are going to stick with the original line up, well the lineup for the second album. The first was based on necessity, and then the second basically came together. Especially when I was at the grid and Christian Donaldson said” hey would you like to use Flo?” and I was like uhhh yea!” and I asked about bass players, and Chris said “well you can use Forest from Beyond Creation, or you can use Oli” and I felt Forest is a great player, but I just dint think he would fit perfectly, and Oli was a fan of extreme metal so I felt he was the one.
So you are working on new material,
Jim-We have three songs written so far, I wrote a new song every one to two days
So the rumor is that this is going to be a concept album, is this is true that you are doing a tribute album to the proclaimers?
Jim-Hahahahaha WTF, hahahahahahahaha no, I mean yea it is a concept album, I have eleven tracks slated, and I do have a working title, but it is about mankind. It’s not going to be like the first and second album, I mean you will hear it and know its Solium Fatalis. So when I came up with the concept of the third album, I wanted to tell a story. I think empires die, you know I think somebody could hit the big red button and blow the whole world population up, wiped out. The world will continue, but it won’t be the world that you and I know. A lot of this is based on the world that I have seen, and being in a combat zone, and what people are really like as humans.
So is there anything you want the people to know about the undying season, or the new material
Jim-Well when it comes to The Undying Season, there is more to it than you realize, but the new music is going to be conceptual, complex esoteric, poetic, artistic and heavy!
So there you have it, Solium Fatalis is working on new material, and the line up will be the same. For those of you who don’t know much about this band let me give you the run down.
Jim Gregory is an experienced guitar player, who has served in the U.S armed forces, and loves metal.
Ehren Hill is the other guitarist for Solium Fatalis. He comes from Excrecor where he plays guitars and keyboards, and he runs things over at Iron Hill studios in New Hampshire.
Jeff Demarco does the vocals for Solium as well as for Excrecor.
Flo Mounier is a (legendary) name you should be familiar with, he is an original member of a pioneering extreme/technical metal band Cryptopsy, he has been blowing peoples minds with his percussion skills for the past twenty years, and has been in various other projects including Digital Doomzday.
Olivier Pinard is the bassist for a few metal bands including Cryptopsy, he has played with Neuraxis, and Akurion.
SO when you look at that line up its a no brainer that Solium Fatalis is a band you should familiarize yourself with.
To give you a taste of what each member brings to the table here are videos of each member in action.
Back when I was in college I went to a metal festival near where I live. Bands , promoters, labels they were handing out cd samplers left and right. I came across a 25 song sampler CD with a song by a band that would blow my mind. The Band was Vehemence and the song was ” I Must Not Live”. After listening to that song, I immediately bought their album ” God Was Created”, and it forever will be in my top ten best metal albums of all time. After that album they put out another titled “Helping The World To See” which was also a solid album. Then the unexpected happened, they split up. That was devastating news, one of my favorite metal bands breaking up.
Flash forward ten years later and they have gotten back together. They recently announced they are putting out a new album. With incredible news like that I made it a priority to get in touch with them and set up this interview.
Welcome back guys I first heard God was Created in college and it absolutely blew me away. That is one hell of a brutal metal album. And will always be in my top ten best metal albums. Every element about it, Andy on drums , the guitars were sick. I mean just the song writing for the guitars was incredible. I would say textbook in the sense that wish other bands had taken notes. Mark doing backing vocals while playing bass. And of course Nathan’s sinister brutal vocals. So, I am just pumped for the band to be back making new music.
Since you guys split, years back it looks like now that you are back together you have a newer member to the group. Does he bring an element to the mix that was not there before?
Bjorn – Definitely! Kyle originally joined the band when we first regrouped, back in 2007. He left in 2009 but came back in 2012. He adds a new dimension for sure with his lead playing. He also wrote a track on the album called “It’s All My Fault”. He brings a more technical lead style to the fold. He is really a great player. Also was a major contributor the the recording process of this album.
What brought you guys back together in the first place?
Bjorn – Well, basically we are all really good friends. We all live in the same city, and enjoy just hanging out and jammin songs. Why not you know? It was difficult carrying on when Nathan originally quit to focus on family. We tried to continue on, but just weren’t feeling it. For a while, we started focusing our energy on different projects, but eventually we got that itch again to continue.
God was created always felt like (for lack of better words) a concept album, and it was just amazing. Is the new album going to have that same vibe/feel to it?
Bjorn – The new album is not a concept album, however it definitely has the Vehemence “vibe”, but I feel it just comes across as more refined this time. It has elements of all our albums I believe, with some new things brought to the table as well. It does not sound out of place in our catalog. Most of the material was written between 2007 and 2011, with the exception of 1 song, which was written during the Helping The World To See touring cycle.
Mark had been doing backing vocals before I mean you can see that in the video for “ By your bedside” will Mark still be doing backing vocals?
Bjorn – Mark doesn’t do vocals on this album. His voice has changed over the years, and it was decided that Nathan would handle all the vocal duties on this album.
I have to say his delivery and sound is just a perfect contrast between Nathans vocals, and his. It really adds another layer to the songs in my opinion.
Bjorn – I agree! But it wasn’t going to sound the same this time around. Age happens, and hitting those high screams aren’t easy!
You guys were on Metal blade records before, now you guys are on Battleground Records. In the ten years that has passed, do you feel that Battleground has really gotten you guys where you want to be as a band coming back?
Bjorn – Absolutely! We are really happy with what Battleground has shown us so far. They really are like a 6th member of the band. This is such a simpler deal, less middle-man, if that makes sense. And we still own the rights to our music, which was very important to us in signing a new deal.
What has the general (public/ fans) reaction been regarding the return of Vehemence?
Bjorn – So far, so good! We will see what they think of the new material! But overall, its amazing that we even still have fans after this much time off hah!
Will we see Vehemence do any touring in the near future?
Bjorn – Hard to say. Lengthy touring, no. We all have families and jobs to keep. I’d like to think we can do a short run of dates, and some one-off shows for festivals and things like that. Time will tell!
What’s the metal scene like out in Arizona, are you guys getting some good shows in?
Bjorn – Metal scene is great out here! Lots of great bands, and super talented musicians. Bands like Lago, Through The Earth, Sorrower all of which are playing our album release show. Its been a couple years since we have last played a show. We took time off from shows so we could focus on this record. It was hard to focus on getting this album finished when we were always playing shows and concentrating on practicing a set list. But we’re excited to get back out there, and finally have a new product to share!
Will you be playing any of the new material at shows leading up to the release, or are you saving that until the album drops?
Bjorn – Nope, our next show is the album release on Oct 24th!
What are the musical influences you guys have ( does not need to be just metal)?
Bjorn – Hmm. Well that can go from Black Sabbath, to Propagandhi, to Carcass, to Sunny Day Real Estate hah. We all love a variety of different music. Not strictly just death metal 24/7 ha.
What are you listening to these days?
Bjorn – Honestly, its been a while since I’ve been totally captivated by a record. It bums me out! I need some goddamn new music! The next 2 albums I’m getting though are the new Cattle Decapitation and the new Faith No More.
How did it feel to be back in the studio again as a band?
Bjorn – It was really good to be productive again. This time we approached the recording process in a completely different way. Home recording has come a long way since the last album we put out. We did the drums in a real recording studio, but everything else we did in our homes. We took our time getting it done, and spent countless hours tweaking it. Its one of the great things about home recording, however having all this unlimited time makes it hard to finally stop fucking with it and call it a day ha.
In the past it seemed like Bjorn did the majority of the writing and Nathan Did the lyrics. Has the formula changed or is it still that winning combination of Bjorn’s musical talents, and Nathans brutal vocals and grizzly vocabulary?
Bjorn – For the most part, that formula hasn’t changed. There is a song on the album called, “It’s All My Fault” that Kyle wrote, but his influences are heard throughout the album. There is also a song written by our old guitarist Jake, who was in the band from 2010 – 2012 called “In The Shadows We Dwell”
Going from huge label like Metalblade to a more independent label like Battleground records. DO you feel like with the small roster, that Battlegrounds is a more involved with you guys?
Bjorn – Bigtime. Metalblade obviously is a huge name, and has great distribution. But at this point in our lives, the expectations a label like that would have would not fit with our needs, or theirs. Battleground has been such a pleasure to work with, and David and Ryan (the guys who run the label) are so up front, and honest. Its very refreshing. They want the best for you. Its not about money. They have passion behind their bands. And another thing going into this, we wanted to own the rights to our music. That was very important to us. We don’t have goals of being a huge band. We just want to get this record out to the people that appreciate what we do. And we are so grateful that Battleground believes in us and this album.
It looks like you guys are putting out a video later on this month, are we going to see other videos for this album in the future?
Bjorn – Not sure. Its not impossible. I’d like to do another one, but we will see!
The new album is a long awaited album, would you compare it to God was Created, or Helping the world to see? Or both?
Bjorn – Definitely both. It seems like the natural progression, having elements of both albums along with something new. Some parts and some melodies will definitely stand out and sound like GWC era, or HTWTS era for sure.
With the time that has passed since Helping The World To See was released. Would you say the music for the new album is a more mature in how it will sound?
Bjorn – Yes it is definitely a more mature effort. We scrutinized the fuck out of these songs ha. This is really the best that we could do. Of our entire catalog, this is the album I am most proud of. It is us firing on all cylinders, delivering the best performance and the best songs that we possibly could.
something I like to ask all the bands I interview, especially with new music coming out. In five words ( if all members contribute I will take the top 5 used) describe the new album?
And lastly is there anything you want to tell the fans, about the band, the album the future of Vehemence?
Bjorn – I just hope its well received by people that enjoy our previous efforts! We put a lot of hard work into getting this done. And it’s still hard to believe that we actually did it, because we talked about it forever hah. Hope you dig it! Out October 24th on Battleground Records!
It was great to talk to the Bjorn, I personally will be getting on that pre ordering asap. I can’t wait to hear the new album. It will be brutal.
I recently had the chance to go down and hang out with the guys from Sevenday Curse, and hear what they have to say about the past the present and the future. I got a chance to hear some of the new material, and see them playing songs like ” Revelations”. I am pumped after hearing the rough mixes of the new material. They have not lost their touch, they are bringing it back, hard. Like they just finished with After The Storm and are picking right back up where they left off. Playing some bad ass metal. So with that said, lets get down to the interview.
Badger – So I am here with the guys from Sevenday Curse welcome back and couple things I wanted to talk to you guys about.
Badger-So how does it feel to be back together, and playing shows?
John- It feels great, this is something that a few of us wanted to do for a long time and we’ve finally all separately felt the need to try to get back together and we started talking to each other and found out that we were all kinda thinking the same thing so we did it. That was the first hurdle, getting back together back in the same room and seeing what transpires. Where this band is actually is at a point right now, where things are starting to be fun again. There was some heavy lifting we had to do re learning our songs and getting somewhat tight. Playing some shows, and things like that. Kinda starting from scratch, but now with the new material that we are working on, you know that whole fun its enjoyable again the aspect of it. Playing together, and playing new shit you know its pretty exciting. Especially after 15 years.
Badger: Does it make you feel kinda like you guys are young again?
Sevenday Curse – No hahaha.
Pat – I wouldn’t say that nope.
John – We definitely aren’t young. I mean you saw us downstairs practising and we played 1 song and 10 seconds into it I’m sweating like a pig.
John – I wouldn’t say ,
Pat – Getting up for work the next morning after our jungle rot show was hell.
John – Chasing your kids around after, band practices before (having kids) playing shows we would just go our separate ways, some of us would go out, or go to bars. Now in between practices my kids are running around.
Pat – Usually my kids are running around,
John – Pats kids are running around my wife helps out a lot, but its like you know we fit it in and we do the best we can with the time and energy but, yea that’s about it.
Badger-So what was that first show back like for you guys, what was it May 2014 right?
Scott – Kinda of nerve-racking.
Pat – Nerve-racking, yeah haven’t been on a stage in a long time.
John – Yea I think were all a little spooked out a little (bit) because after 15 years.
Pat – that was a fun show lot of people lot of people a lot of old friends it was a great feeling that was a good show, people coming from far away.
Scott – A lot of familiar faces,
John – it was definitely, fun and definitely we came out on stage it was a ruckus crowd we welcomed pretty well that was something that stood out to me was the applause from the people who were like, “fuck yea!” you know this is after 15 years it’s about to happen and you know it’s finally happening but yea.
Badger – When you guys first started bands like At the Gates were one of those very influential bands and I picked up that was an influence on you guys as well at the time. Slaughter of the soul was a killer album you know what I mean.
John – One of my top 3 favorite albums of all time
Badger-So you know as far as your influences then, what are your influences now? Do you have new artists, are you guys stoked to see At the gates back together and playing shows? So do you have any new influences?
Scott – I guess in the time in between we weren’t a band um I got into film scores a lot, I really like listening to soundtracks, pretty much everything Hans Zimmer has ever done its amazing, a lot of other really good composers, I’m not even remotely close to being anywhere near their level but I like to dabble, into arranging strings and stuff like that so that’s become I guess an influence for me kinda the dramatic side the music I guess . Bringing a little piece of that into the band it feels good I like it. It adds a different flavor to our music that’s different from what a lot of other bands are doing.
Badger – A whole different dimension being added to it.
Scott – Other influences I don’t know I think we are across the board I think that’s one of the really good things about the band we don’t, were just not all into the same music, and it’s always been that way Dan was always into the more brutal death metal stuff I was into the Swedish stuff Pat brought in a lot of hardcore influence John just straight up metal stuff. I think it’s still kinda that way, just more of it.
Pat – How am I the hardcore kid? ( laughing)
Dan – Well you were like, I learned about hardcore bands from you, Sheer terror Black flag, and you were in Close Call I think a mistake bands make is that you’re not going to be original from listening to other metal bands especially, newer bands or local bands you either got to dig back to the roots where this all came from or understand its OK to be influenced by music that’s not metal. I’m into everything I love even those early 90’s dance groups like The Real McCoy I like stuff like that I like seventies rock anything, Doo Wop classical music film scores anything dude, I can take that and channel it into metal it doesn’t just have to be metal I can take it from all the other places and when it does come to metal I think my biggest influence is I dig back I’m not going to reference a band like Trivium. They are a great band, but they are never going to be an influence (for me). To me an influence, is going to be Iron Maiden that’s an influence Entombed is an influence.
Badger yea the left hand path
Dan – Right any of them, that’s where metal influences come from. The newest band I’d call an influence would be from the early 90’s you know that’s how I think of an influence should be.
Badger – So what have you guys been listening to lately Scott mentioned film scores, for the rest of you what are you guys listening to lately , you got some old stuff, some newer stuff what are you listening to?
Scott – the newest Dark Tranquillity record
Pat – Nursery rhymes, The Frozen Soundtrack
Badger – But you have kids so that’s what you would be listening to most of the time anyway.
Pat – that’s all I listen to. ( laughing)
Scott – the newest Dark Tranquillity record
John – Scott and I have been , you know like I said I think we were the bigger Dark Tranquillity fans so we were looking forward to the new album and although I’d say Scott is maybe listening to a lot more than me. Its one of their darker albums so sometime its just not in the mood for it, but other times you know I can’t stop playing it.
Scott – Its pretty depressing music.
John – The album is really dark but so yea Dark Tranquillity I also listen to everything and with kids you know your choices change. I have Maroon five on my iPhone because my two kids love that I have to rock that a lot of the time but other than that. I have some old shit I have some new shit I’m actually way into Parkway Drive lately for the past 2-3 years, which is different for me I wasn’t really into that genre of hardcore. When I found Parkway it was something I never heard before and their breakdowns are just so brutal it has a metal aspect their guitarist is a metal guy so it was good that’s pretty much what I’m rocking that new Lamb of God, Dark Tranquillity and Maroon 5 (laughing)
Scott – that’s an eclectic mix (laughing)
Pat – Mostly folk music like the Clancy brothers, Schooner Fare from Maine,I dig them, talk about harmonies you would appreciate their harmonies
Badger – They definitely have their place there something for everyone out there. There is something for everyone out there, and that’s one of the things is that a lot of people think that if you’re in a metal band you have to listen to metal. That’s what what people generally think, that’s one of those things. You (Scott) listen to film scores, Maroon 5 has its place on your iPhone. You know everything you have to get that blend or you have tunnel vision and you’re not focusing on what else musically is out there. You are kinda broadening your horizons.
Pat – Dallas Green I listen to a lot of Dallas Green, check out Dallas Green City and Colour amazing!
John – so yea that stereotype that metal guys only listen to metal, rap only listens to rap punk only listens to punk but that’s not true and that’s proven by any artist you talk to they have several influences. You and I talked about this the other day Scott, Brent Hinds from Mastodon is way into that southern 70’s blues rock, and that comes through in their music.
Pat – I think everyone likes southern rock. You can’t say, the Allman Brothers are not good I dont care who you are. ( laughing)
Dan – I said in an interview years ago, the acoustic folk James Taylor stuff the Carol Cole, Cat Stevens, it all made it into our music. That’s an influence. People were saying it at the Jungle Rot show, that’s part of the gig “no one else is doing what you’re doing” that’s part of the game, doing something that not everybody is doing.
Badger – Back in 1999 when you guys were kinda of doing this there was no Facebook, there was no Myspace I mean there was really, there wasn’t much of anything. So you guys came from a time when it was like putting up flyers at shows handing out flyers at shows you didn’t have Facebook Myspace or anything like that so how has it changed for you guys now getting back into it and there’s just like everything is digital? Has it been an easy transition or…
Dan – I want to say something about this, just to show the difference, you asked if its different now. Just as a point of reference me and Scott were seniors in high school, and I played in a band called Adversary one of the many pre cursors for this band and dude I remember a kid made up a website for my band in 1995 somewhere around there dude I laughed at it, he’s like “this is your website”, he gave me a paper with the address, and when I went to the website it took about five minutes for the thing to load up. I thought “this is never going to take off.” Boy was I wrong. The exact opposite happened. You have to have it (the internet) now.
Badger – So has it been a whole learning lesson for you guys or did you guys transition into it pretty easy.
John – Fortunately for us Scotty and I are both in the IT industry. And it was pretty easy we’re very technology savvy so it comes easy to us like the other two guys not so much, but….
Scott- I think there’s still a lot of room for improvement, and how were using those tools, is part of what were working on now.
John – The whole social media thing were going to try to step up our game but with the internet now a days of course its one thousand percent better you know the whole heavy lifting thing getting in your car driving around putting up flyers, making calls. Just one example Facebook and the events page. You know you can make an event age and invite as many people as you want, as many people your friends with. And now a days everyone has at least 4-500 friends. Especially if you know you have an objective. You’re in a band or something like that. We share different mixes of our songs via social media. We have immediate access to each other via a text message or a face book message. We have been since day one, we have this one Facebook message, that is probably, fourteen thousand pages long now.
Scott – A thread
John – A thread of constant back and forth of what time are we meeting for practice, just wanted to check in what’s going on with the shows hows the new song coming? Here’s a new mix listen to it tell me what you think, maybe some making fun of each-other.
Scott – A lot of those last two. (laughing)
John – The purpose of my statement is just showing just how much of course it is a different age and its much easier to get.
Badger – You guys are embracing it.
John – Yea getting our music out there and getting our name out there.
Badger- so you guys recently put up After The Storm up on bandcamp, are we going to see the new material on there as well?
John-YES!
Badger- Bandcamp so far you have only had it up for about seven days today I think. How’s that turned out for you guys, in one week what would you say. Have you had positive results?
John – its been positive actually after about three days I went on and checked the statistics and our first song was streamed 54 times and second track was 43 times and I think that’s good for 3 days.
Badger- I’d say so definitely.
Pat – I haven’t seen it
John – We know you and I.T. (laughing)
John – After The Storm the goal is to have it available, but have it at a drastic price cut because its our old stuff. I actually have anxiety about it, but we have to make some money you know.
Badger- I think it would be something if it was one of the earlier demo’s or and E.P but it is a full length album.
Scott – It is a legit record.
John – I’m not denying that.
Badger – It was on Tortuga recordings you know what I mean so I definitely think its something that you have priced accordingly, I mean you can’t even find this album in most areas either. If I didn’t still have my disk I would buy it on here
Badger – when did you guys decide it was in fact time to get back at it?
Scott – That would have been November, December 2013 that’s when Pat started organizing everybody and at first you (Pat) contacted me about just playing guitar in a new band.
Pat – That was way before that
Scott – I’m talking about this time around.
Pat – Well I called a lot of you guys cause I just wanted to play, and I didn’t think you guys wanted to play Sevenday Curse stuff, I thought you guys were way beyond that at first it was hey you guys want to just jam and then it was I was getting like, “like Sevenday Curse? Or jam?” And I said let’s get together and see what happens.
John – In the back of our minds I know myself and Pat I told the story earlier, it was like the girl who got away we always wanted to try to resume and see what would happen and I think the other thing is I know like for myself I don’t know about anybody else. If I jammed with somebody else it was weird I always thought in my head that if I jammed again I just wanted to jam again with the same guys even if we didn’t do Sevenday Curse as long as if it was with them I thought the musicianship it would be on point we have an understanding of each other we worked together in the past and as far as musicianship these are the best that I know it’s why I wanted to put it together, it’s obviously one of the reasons we got together. Dan is one of the nastiest guitarists , Pat was nasty on the bass. And when Scott came in that day at practice we were like “ Dan you gotta get him in the band” the musicianship , I’m probably the worst drummer they’ve played with, but I don’t feel the same hahahahah.
Badger – So what musical direction are you guys going in? Are you guys trying to be more modern with the sound, or almost like After The Storm got released you are picking up right back where you would have?
Pat – That’s how I feel.
Dan – Yea that’s how I feel.
John – That’s the attempt; you know we feel like our music now, the new music were writing is a much more structured matured, engineered…. (form)
Badger – So you could say it’s the single barrel scotch of Sevenday Curse?
John – Yes!
Badger – It’s more refined you guys have had time to you know mature as adults.
Dan – It’s picking right back up but still relevant to what’s happening. Obviously we will be influenced by what’s going on around us in music, were up with the times but we’re still Sevenday Curse, and doing what we were doing back then.
Scott – I don’t think anyone ever creates something artistic in a way that’s free of influences everyone is always influenced by things. With that said I feel like for my part of the song writing, right now; I feel like the connection between what I’m writing and what I feel and want to say is the strongest it’s ever been for any music I have ever written. It just feels like it’s coming straight from inside.
Badger – Yea.
Scott – Not really when I’m sitting down to write and arranging there’s very little thought in my head in terms of I want it to sound like this or I want it to impress this type of person anything like that it’s really just what feels right.
Scott – I feel like that’s something every band says, it hasn’t been that true for me in previous bands that I have been in, or other times, it’s true for me now.
Dan – Brian there’s something we talked about this when we first got back together. There is a peanut butter and jelly thing that goes on with his guitar and my guitar. You know we played some of the stuff down here, and I was adamant that I wanted you also to hear one song predominantly Scott and one song predominantly me. When you put those two together because we acknowledged it, we build around the guitarists first,. That’s still there that’s what built the band in the first place. There’s still that contrast of his guitar versus mine and that’s no matter what that’s Sevenday Curse’s vibe. It’s going to be there whether we like it or not, it’s all still there. That’s how we wrote stuff After The Storm, it’s a series of songs that we glued together as a band at the time.
Badger – That leads up to my next question, is one member doing the primary writing, or do you guys jam and come up with the ideas and pick and choose? Or is it like I’ve got my idea, you’ve got your idea. Lets see if they both work or if they’re two individual songs.
Scott – I there’s been some of each of those things there’s been some parts where Dan brings in a riff and I listen to it and I come up with an idea for something to do in conjunction with the riff that he wrote. There’s a song that I wrote completely from start to finish before the band even got back together that’s the one you heard. That was written about three years ago and we re arranged it a little bit but it’s primarily still what I wrote. So its kind of all over the place
Dan – That stuff that I was playing , those riffs I mean the other night we had this riff for a while that I had that we like a lot and Scott was like “ we need to build a new song” a fast song around that so right away I started doing riffs again and this morning I was playing them for him that you heard. That was just done last night, in my head you know, so I mean I might come with that whole idea, and like Scott said he may come up with a whole idea and I feel like as a band we review it and listen to it and go back. And with Scott’s got the recording equipment, so we are putting a lot in his hands just because of convenience. He’s got the recording equipment, were not going to fight it, he’s got it let Scott work on some of this stuff on his own and then shoot us back the demo’s he came up with for it.and say you know “what do you think”
Scott – It’s a highly highly iterative process I put a raw collection of parts together and John will say why don’t you change this. Or why don’t you make that half time beat or whatever and a lot of stuff changes we have had about thirty different mixes of a song by the time we are done with it.
John – This is something that the way we wrote in the past (you know before the breakup) After The Storm would be a lot of it would be done. Either done in person or me and Scott over the phone or Scott would bring or Dan would bring something to practice but what’s different about this is a lot of this is done remotely its uh Scott putting his ideas in pro tools and getting Dan’s idea, putting that into pro tools and coming up with ideas and going back and forth on what’s good and what’s not.
Dan – A large majority of band practicing now is done over the internet we have band practice through emails Facebook messenger and I have no problem with it were all cool with it, these three guys each have two kids a piece, and a wife, and a house all that. OK this is how were going to have to practice now times not through the week we’ve got busy schedules. Times not on our side. With scheduling , I mean we’re OK with all of this. This is how were going to have to practice now.
Scott – And its working!
Dan – And its working, its great!
Badger – Have you guys had some positive feedback since getting back together as a band. You had mentioned your first show you have a huge crowd, got a lot of and response on the Facebook page that you guys are back at it?
Scott – Lot of excitement people commenting saying “ I can’t believe this is real!”
Dan – Yea I cant either! (laughing)
John – Pretty much what I said to myself.
Dan – It’s very surreal.
John – That one night after we got back together was “I cant believe this is happening I cant believe this is real” and we have people approach us and say that. Dan is still somewhat plugged in to the scene the metal and hardcore scene.
Scott – I’d say very plugged in.
John – Yea he doesn’t have kids and he is able to do that and he gets feedback every time that he goes to a show, any time he plays with his other band you know.
Dan – I feel like I get interviewed like” so what are you doing you got stuff coming out when are you playing etc. I tell them whatever they want to know. I can see from a fans view I would be asking the same questions.
Badger – What can the fans expect for the rest of 2015 ? Booking a few more shows?
Scott – Our main focus is getting this recording out I think we are hoping to do that by November that’s the goal that were at right now as soon as we’re done with the actual mixing and arranging and its moving to getting pressed we want to book some shows. So I’d say winter we want to play a lot.
Badger – So looking at beginning of 2016 you guys want to be playing some shows?
Pat – I want to do that metal night in Worcester.
John – It’s three things, mainly finishing the record we have new merch ideas we want to get out a couple of shirts maybe After The Storm on vinyl maybe some pressing of After The Storm maybe vinyl for the new album I don’t know we just got a lot of ideas and three is just getting on a lot of good shows for the end of 2015 and promoting that record and getting that new music out there.
Badger – So something I had talked to you guys earlier is that you worked with Kurt Ballou on After The Storm when it comes to the mastering it sounds like you are going to do as much as you can independently as you can and then you are going to leave the mastering up to someone like a sound engineer someone who does mastering?
Scott – I think it’s an intelligent decision, none of us know about mastering so.
Badger is there anybody in particular that you are looking to work with or are you not at that place yet.
Scott – We have only vaguely begun to research that.
Pat – Who did we use before.
John – We went to nine west.
Pat – When we went in there the guy was mastering Nuno Bettencourts new solo album.
John – We were very taken care of by Tortuga it was great to have the backing because studio time we’re not paying for record pressing were not paying for cd distribution were not paying for. The only thing we needed to worry about was finding ourselves some shows.
Dan – Even mark helped us out with that he got us shows with Isis( the band)Soilent Green
John – So then the mastering was great because the label paid for that and I feel like mark, when Tortuga was around mark had a lot of bands on his label but he had two that was his heavy hitters Scissorfight and then us. And I felt like he did extra work for the two of us and when it came to mastering I was taken back when he said that we were going to Nine West . Nine West is A+ for mastering, you look on the back of albums.
Pat – You look on the back of Nuno bettencourt’s album and you see Nine West.
John – Looking at that and then looking at our situation now its completely 180° were looking to do a lot of our stuff DIY. We’re trying to raise some money with that the mastering. We’re trying to take care of the recording the mixing ourselves and maybe, maybe were looking to try to get some help I don’t know but the mastering thing were just now starting to talk about it. We definitely want to do that we just want to see what depending on the funds, and what the avenues are.
Badger – So is Scott going to be doing the majority of the vocals just like After The Storm?
Scott – We haven’t arranged much of the vocals yet but I think its going to be the I’m not sure I’d agree that I did the majority of the vocals, I guess yea maybe I did two- thirds of the vocals but these guys.
Pat – That’s the majority hahaha
Scott – I think its probably going to be the same kind of mix, I’m the lead singer, but……
Badger – So you’re not labelling yourself the lead singer, just the guitarist and handling vocals as well while Pat and Dan are doing vocals too.
John – What you never heard my vocals?
Badger – (laughing) I have not heard your vocals no.
Scott – So I mean I guess I am the lead vocalist by default but I don’t think of myself as a singer.
Badger – You’re a guitarist that also handles vocal duties.
Scott – I am a guitarist that sings I think the mix is probably going to be the same (to address the original question) Pat and Dan are will still have some prominent vocals I guess the difference there is their not just doubling my parts they have lead parts they always did and that’s going to continue.
John – They have individual parts/ assignments
Badger – So are you guys planning on trying to get a label, get on a label rather?
Scott – We haven’t strategized a lot on that, we have a little but that’s definitely a goal.
Pat – That’s a main goal.
John – He perfectly said it we haven’t really come up with a game plan on that yet but that’s a goal so we somehow would like to in a perfect world would have our new material and get it in front of record exec’s and hopefully we find someone who is willing to work with us. Were not looking for the world were just looking for a little help.
Pat – Like I had said with these guys were not going to be a touring band.
John – There are bands out there that don’t tour.
Badger – You know there are some labels that do, do that.
Scott – Also we might be a low investment band, if we’re self producing and mixing that its really just the mastering and pressing, promotion.
Badger – So you guys recently did crowd-funding on the www.gofundme.com site, hows that working out for you guys?
John – There’s been some good response by a lot of close friends and some of the older fans it’s not where we would like it to be. We’re not really near our goal.
Badger – Well this is all new for you anyway, doing a crowdfunding thing.
John – I think our game plan is to release a new track before the album comes out, planning on try to use that to drum up some money / attention to the page.
Badger – So are you guys holding off on new material at the shows until the new E.P. is released?
Pat – I think we would like to play some a new song but ..
Scott – I think in general I am personally not a fan of playing stuff that is not released. However I am a fan of pre releasing a song or two before the E.P. or album is out.
Badger – So maybe not playing it at a show first , because you don’t want that dead crowd reaction. Actually releasing it (via Spotify, Bandcamp, blog, etc one of those avenues) just to get people to hear the new material, then playing it a show after.
Scott – Once its out for about a month we can play it at show.
Badger – You don’t want to be playing a show have a pit for the last three songs and then drop this and all the people are just staring at you.
Scott – I think in general, it works better when some people have actually heard the song before the show.
John – I got a different opinion on that were a band that hasn’t put anything out in fifteen years. So I think we owe it to the little bit of a fan base that we have now especially at this Revocation (September 3rd )show where we would like to try to play a new song People know our other album, and maybe they are sick of it and what to hear a new song. So we’re hoping that we can début it Scott song the one that you heard at the Revocation show, because it’s a good show it will be a great crowd there, and it will be a great platform for us to get back at it.
Badger – It is a badass tune definitely!
Scott – I’m hoping to release the song before that show.
Badger – How many tracks is the E.P. shaping up to be so far?
Scott – So I think it might end up being six or seven realistically something like five full band new songs, one instrumental and then possibly one of the songs from After The Storm re-done.
Badger – Cool re-done like not just remastered I mean playing it fresh?
Scott – Playing it with the new sound completely redone playing it.
Badger – That’s great to hear!
Badger – I just want to say welcome back! I can’t wait to hear the new material! I’ve been a long time fan . So is there anything else you guys want to say to the fan let them know what Sevenday Curse has for them?
Scott – That’s a good damn question.
Dan – I just want people to know that these little clips we’re releasing its one tiny piece of this big idea we have for these new songs.
John – We have something for you, so stand by.
Dan – It’s coming it’s going to have all the elements from the past those are going to be there as well as the new stuff the teasers we’re putting out we’re glad people like it we’re getting a great response from it I am more than confident that any people who have liked us at any stage of our career past, present or even the future fans it’s all going to be there. Your going to dig it, whatever you liked about us in the past. You’re going to like it, all those elements are going to be there.
Badger. So this is just something that I like to do, but with the new material just give me five words to describe it.
So with that said I did get a chance to hear some new material. Seeing them play their old material was great. If you have ever been a fan of these guys. Get ready to be blown away. Sevenday Curse is back, and they are ready to pick right back where they left off. Playing some killer metal, with some creative melodies, and having fun while delivering only finely crafted New England metal. Check them out their last album on Spotify and Bandcamp. Then stay tuned because they have new music coming and it’s sounding pretty bad ass. Just to get you into the swing of things check out a clip from their album After The Storm titled ” Revelations. this is a personal favorite of mine.
And check out a little teaser of the new material.
I was able to reach out and ask the guys a few questions. I limited the questions to only five for a few reasons, they are busy with their own schedules trying to keep the Cryptopsy machine rolling, they also have other projects they work on, they have families and a home life, and if I ask five questions to all the guys it keeps it simple and straight to the point.
So here is my interview with the man on the mic- Matt McGachy
Badger- since going independent, how difficult has it been for you guys? You’re basically collectively as a band taking on all the responsibilities? With this decision do you find it more rewarding when you guys play out live, or release new music?
Matt- Since we decided to go independent we have been more in control of our band and actively pursuing the goals we want to achieve. It has not been easy. Our self-title was successful thanks to all of us stepping up and stating what we are interested in taking over behind the scenes. Then we had to follow through on what we said which was more difficult. I take care of most of the online presence (Facebook, website, Bandcamp etc) and admit that I fall behind sometimes when we get swamped. But it has been extremely rewarding (creatively and relationship wise within the band) whenever we reach one of our milestones.
Badger- How was your most recent (back to the U.S) tour? Any particular moments or shows that gave you memories or that boost of energy?
Matt- The Back to the US tour was a success. We had an amazing time reconnecting with the fans and meeting new ones. It had been far too long since we played the US and we were very excited to be back. The first show in Worcester was sold-out and set the pace for the entire run, it was a great way to start things off. Also all the bands on the bill were great people as well as musically; I would tour with them again any day.
Badger- How did it feel for you to play not only the older Lord worm songs, but then also the Mike Disalvo, your own songs as well as the new material?
Matt- I really enjoy the mix, it allows me to take my voice into a few different areas throughout a gig. I love the mix of the disgusting Worm songs mixed in with the rapid fire vocals of Disalvo; it is an honour to scream their parts every night. I love crowd reactions so whenever we play the classics and the crowd goes wild those are my favourite songs to play.
Badger- What do you guys have planned for the rest of 2015, more touring, big shows open air festivals, any videos etc?
Matt- This summer we will be in Europe and we have the chance to play Gothoom Fest, Wacken, Brutal Assault and Ieperfest. We are really excited to be back in Europe with some new material! Also we will be officially releasing The Book of Suffering within the next few months and I’m really excited to share this EP with the world. There will be at least one video to come out which we are in the process of organizing now.
Badger- And my last question If you could describe the new Book Of Suffering E.P. in only five words, what would those 5 words be?
Matt-Brutally Dark Diverse Technical Music
So that wraps it up, Matt and the rest of the guys have all said The “Book Of Suffering E.P. will be Brutal, dark, and fresh. Thinking about these words, and have listened to one of the new tracks at their show. It gets me pumped to not only hear the E.P. when I get it, but also knowing this will be only Tome 1. with others to follow, and that brings the excitement level up a few notches.
For as little as $1.00, you can help get this E.P. the funded, with several other perks from a $5.00 digital download of the E.P. to getting drum, or guitar lessons, or having your own band get mixed by Chris Donaldson. No matter what, it will be worthwhile being a part of something cool. Think of it like this, if you are a Cryptopsy fan, and you help by contributing even if it is $1.00, $5.00, $20.00 or $500.00 you will be a part of that E.P. You will have helped out, every perk gets something, and for every perk you can feel good about doing what you can to help out.
As some of you have seen I was able to interview Chris and Flo from Cryptopsy, now for my third interview I was able to ask Oli a few questions. and to talk about their current indiegogo campaign ( http://igg.me/at/Cryptopsy/x/10796470 )
When I saw these guys in Syracuse, I got a chance to really talk to all of them, and also get some impressions from all of them. To watch these guys on stage is just a great show. For all the people in the crowd just thrashing and head banging, a pit only broke out a few times, but for the most part there was a group of people myself included just really taking in the whole experience. These guys give it their all, and part of that is because they are an independent band. They do not have a label backing them up and supporting them. They have the fans as their support. When they get the support they need, they want to give back, and that’s what helps with their energy to put on a great show. Oli was in the zone, what I mean is that he was like a different person on stage. After their show when I talked to him, he was just the most down to earth guy. I asked him what one of the first things he would do when he got back home after the tour ended, showered unpacked etc. and he said go to his favorite pub with good friends. After they got back home I ended up reaching out to all of the guys from Cryptopsy, and this is how it went with Oli.
Badger- Did you have fun while you were on the Back to the U.S. tour? Also you had a birthday so what was that like while being on the road touring and promoting the new E.P. and crowd funding campaign.?
Olivier-Lot of fun , old and new friends! The crowd were amazing, I think on that tour we got a bunch of new fans ….And for the birthday , it was an awesome night ,We played Amytiville that night and the guys from Suffocation, Internal Bleeding and Dehumanized show up, good times!!
Badger-I have been both a Cryptopsy fan, and a Neuraxis fan for some time. The technical metal coming from Canada has been just brutal (which is why I like it so much) For you how did it feel going from one killer metal band like Neuraxis, to then playing the bass for the legendary Cryptopsy? And how did you get involved with Cryptopsy?
Olivier- Neuraxis recorded the album ”ASYLON” during the summer of 2010 at Garage Studio with Chris Donaldson . I love to think that he liked working with me , otherwise I don’t think that he would have called me for Cryptopsy haha!
But yeah , the trasition was huge , It was a big challenge for me to play with those guys. I spent a lot of days at Jon Levasseur place’s to learn the old stuff and write the bass line for the Self-Titled as well ….So I didn’t have time to waste!!
Badger- Have you always been a fan of metal? Who are your influences for metal, as well as playing the bass?
Now , I’m still interested in the underground scene , bands like Ulcerate , Dead Congregation , Gigan are constantly in my CD player!
Badger- After the E.P. is released will we be seeing any play through videos from you in the near future?
Olivier-Maybe , maybe not haha. I’m actually not a big fan of play through video . I understand why people like that …but for me, magic happen on stage in front of people , not behind a camera in my basement.
Badger- If you could describe The Book Of Suffering E.P. in five words. What would those five words be? Again I want to thank you for your time to answer my questions, I wish you guys the best, I hope you guys make it to your goal, and wish you safe travels for your next trip of touring to promote the new music.
Olivier- Extreme , Dark , Groovy , Fresh , Brutal
Thanks , see ya on the road!
So there you go, words from the bassist extraordinaire himself, Olivier Pinard, The guy is just killer on the bass, and a really cool cat. I personally cannot wait until the E.P. comes out, I have been a Cryptopsy fan for a long time. When other bands were playing typical “death metal ” styles, Cryptopsy was playing a much more technical style of metal.
The pricing is pretty fair, you have to figure the cost of things these days, everything is going up. And these guys are trying to keep the prices competitive as well. The cost of Gasoline, and all other goods out there, everything is expensive these days. However the way I look at it. I am a sucker for a physical CD. for $20.00 I will get my E.P. shipped to me with a digital download, and while some may argue its too expensive. I believe in spending a little more to get a better quality. These guys offer a better quality, and raise the bar every time. Even if you don’t have 20 dollars for the CD. Do some research, a lot of bands are doing digital E.P.’s for $5.00 So Cryptopsy is on point with that, I have never been disappointed by these guys, and i will always be a fan. So whether all you have is $5.00, or not even that, they have a perk for $1.00 contributions. That way you can at least be a part of something cool, and help out one of the pioneering bands of technical death metal.
I got a chance to speak with Flo about Cryptopsy, playing the drums, going independent etc. So allow me to get right down to it.
Badger-So Flo 2015 has been pretty productive for you guys, and with the touring as well as the indiegogo campaign. You guys have been pretty busy and it looks as though 2015 will be a nonstop ride for you guys. So with that said I just have a few questions I would like to ask you.
Badger- You have been with Cryptopsy since 1992. You have seen Cryptopsy evolve into what it is today. What has that been like for you?
Flo: It’s definitely been a trip to be a part of and experience the ups and downs of Cryptopsy for over 20 years. I’ve worked with a lot of different people during this time , in and out of the band, and I’ve learnt a few things on the way ; )
Badger- You are essentially like the father of Cryptopsy, watching it grow, and shaping it for the future. How has that affected you being a part of something this big?
Flo: well I’ve never looked at it as being big or small. I look at Cryptopsy just like my playing, it’s always a work in progress. So I feel very critical about the whole thing. So it’s affect is in a way to try to be better from year to year, tour to tour and album to album.
Badger- You are a phenomenal drummer, and I have been a fan since first listening to “ Emaciate” with that said, what sort of process do you have for writing new music?
Flo: thanks for the kind words! We have used different ways of writing in the past. For the newer stuff we actually sit in studio and go over riff that Chris has recorded. We then try to structure them and piece things together. Some are already a series of riffs that fit, some are alone. So we do a general structure. When we’re happy with that we ll start throwing in traps and different bridges and more tech elements. During this whole process beats and fills come to me. Then I take the riffs home to practice and establish my parts.
Badger-Do you have a game plan for raising the bar every time?
Flo: no real game plan. If the guys and I practice hard enough from one recording to another, you ll be able to tell. In Cryptopsy we concentrate on writing songs first then speed and tech.
Badger-Because as a long time listener I can say the bar gets raised every time without a doubt.
Flo: thanks a lot, well we try and this EP has new stuff that’s pretty sick and so will the next series of EPs promise!!
Badger- Who are some of your influences for the drums?
Flo: I have so many influences it’s not even fair to name just a few but I will. In metal, Sean Reinhert, Gene Hoglan, Kenny Schalk, in other styles, Dennis Chambers, John Bonham, Dave Weckl, Chris Coleman.
Badger-I have heard the jazz in the self-titled album, so you must have some a variety of influences for both jazz and metal.
Flo: I try and enjoy listening to all sorts of different musical styles. It just expands your influential pallet therefore your creativity and ability as well.
Badger- Now that you guys have been independent. Has it made the writing process any different? Trying to deliver only the absolute best and what you want the fans to hear?
Flo: there’s less pressure to deliver something but more pressure on us to make it as good and as marketable (package wise) as possible. We have worked with a lot of different artists in the past and still have yet to find the go to guy, lol
Badger-Is there a lot of songs that you guys end up putting on a back burner as a result?
Flo: I wouldn’t say many songs cause it doesn’t get that far, but many riffs yes have been canned.
Badger-Is it more rewarding, not financially but rather emotionally and mentally putting out new music and playing out, and getting the fans reactions?
Flo: it’s totally cool when we believe in something and are happy about a new creation then see that our fans are just as stocked as we are!! Great feeling!!
Badger-And my last question which I have asked all the guys is;
If you can describe The Book Of Suffering E.P. in only five words. What would those five words be?
Flo: brutally fresh and truly catchy!
Badger-Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions if there is anything else you would like to add feel free, because the fans are listening.
Flo: thanks for the years of support, keep it coming we have lots more to offer!!!
Badger-Thanks again Flo look forward to hearing the E.P. when it comes out and seeing what the future holds for Cryptopsy.
There you have it the E.P sounds killer ( they played a song at their show in Syracuse, and it was truly a badass tune. Flo is an incredible drummer, there are tons of videos on you tube of him playing live, or in a studio, he also has his own instructional DVD for extreme metal drumming techniques.
Make sure to check out their indiegogo page to help get this E.P. brought to life by clicking on this link here; http://igg.me/at/Cryptopsy/x/10796470
check out a video of Flo and Chris explaining in their words about the campaign
There is only 12 days left on the campaign. So definitely check out the perks, the pricing is very reasonable, and lets say you cant do a campaign shirt option, but you want to help out $1.00 will help out, and you will get a thank you video, $5.00 gets you the E.P. in digital download form. Me i am a sucker for the physical disc, but even that is $20.00 (includes shipping) and still I get the digital download. So all the options are a great deal.
So really what ever option you choose you can at least feel good to be helping out a great band, that is very influential to up and coming musicians.
I recently got a chance to reach out to Chris Donaldson, the skilled guitar shredder for Cryptopsy. With the band being an independent band, they are always busy, this is there 9-5 only its more of a 24-7 job. So they are busy trying to make a living, and have a life. They are back from the most recent tour and i wanted to get a quick interview in while the members had some free time.
This is my interview with Chris,
Alright Chris so I did get a brief chance to talk to you at your last U.S. show but I wanted to ask you a few questions to help the fans get more connected.
Badger- So how has 2015 been for you so far?
Chris- 2015, mmmm it must have been amazing probably, I can’t even figure out what month we are(in), (I should put windows in my studio! Hehe)
Badger- After the Book Of Suffering E.P. is released will we be seeing any more youtube play through videos of you?
Chris – we don’t have any plans for that now, but if the demand is there, I will shred that axe for you!!
Badger-Was the Back to the U.S tour special in the sense that we haven’t seen Cryptopsy in a few years. Was it as special for you, and the rest of the band?
Chris- It was special is a sense that it was a bill that we choose in majority. It was awesome to tour with all our friends. The vibe was just fantastic! He hope all the fans felt that too!
Badger- When the Back to the U.S. tour ended, you guys drove home, unpacked, showered etc. Is there any one thing you like to do first? For example go to your favorite restaurant, listen to a local radio station, catch up on your favorite tv shows, spend time with family etc?
Chris- It really depends on where was that tour, and what time who are back home. Majority of the time, we are dead tired (for example you spent 2 hung-over days in an airport to go back to your house plus the jetlag!) so I would say, sleep! But other than that, me and Oli like to go drink at our favorite pub in Montreal “le saint-elisabeth”!!
Badger-And my last question If you can describe The Book Of Suffering E.P. in five words. What would those five words be?
Chris- brutal, fast, dark, melodic, experimental
Thank you very much you guys are some really stand up down to earth cool individuals, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing you guys in Syracuse. And I look forward to hearing the new music when it comes out. I want to thank you for taking the time to answer these questions.
Chris – Peace man !!!
So there you have it, make sure you check out their indiegogo campaign, and make a contribution. They even have an option for $1.00 which they will send you a thank you video for. here’s the link http://igg.me/at/Cryptopsy/x/10796470
but seriously if you look at the pricing, for the digital E.P. or even the physical, its a pretty damn good price. Only you can feel better that you are helping the band out.
The Metal Breakdown 