Metal Heads every where, have you been looking for some serious, heavy, blast filled anger fueled death-grind done right? I’m talking an allstar lineup consisting of the precision power house human drum machine Adam Jarvis, the brilliant guitar and song writing skills of Björn Köppler, the vicious raw vocal delivery of Vince Mathews, laying down the bass is Julien Roos, and then on top of that you have, Deha, and Kevin Olazs also on guitars giving this band the added edge to absolutely blow your mind. Together they create some of the heaviest hitting artillery and making death grind like we haven’t heard in ages, unfiltered, and with meticulous yet brute force. I introduce to you, God Enslavement, the band that has come to do exactly what so few have been able to pull off. I had a chance to catch up with Björn Köppler and talk to him about God Enslavement, from the song writing, to the killer line up, and what we can expect from God Enslavement he was even kind enough to reply in both English, and German for all metal heads reading this. Check out this short interview and then get the first listen to GOD ENSLAVEMENT \m/
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So Björn, what influenced you to create God Enslavement? You play for Maladie also, and just released a new album in 2015, so was the time just right, and is this something you have wanted to do for a while?
Hey Brian,
well, actually I had been writing this record for my old band Tombthroat. But after I had gotten very sick, we just couldn’t keep the band as alive as my past band mates had wished to. After much back and forth and with a heavy heart we eventually decided to bury the band after almost twenty years since its foundation. But we parted ways as friends and the guys have founded a very cool new Crust band named Hellknife. It really rocks as hell and you should definitely give it a listen!
Anyway, the songs have already been composed that way and I didn’t want to throw them in the garbage. so there had to be a new beginning. As personal and, above all, as important Maladie is for me, Death Metal and Grindcore were, are and will be a matter close to my heart and an important part of my life, so I thought about who would be most suitable to make this record real with me. The line-up as it is set up right now is of course a dream and the result in form of our debut album speaks for itself. And it won’t be the last album for sure.
You wrote all of the music and lyrics for this album, when you were coming up with the music, did you have people in mind as the ideas were flowing? Were you thinking “Drums need someone like Adam Jarvis, or I need Julien on Bass for this album?”
Yes, the lyrics and the biggest part of the music were made by me. One song was contributed by Déhà and one was written by me and Mark from Spheron. I also made the lyrics for those songs. That’s how it went with Tombthroat and it’s the same with Maladie. So this is really nothing new for me and just the way I’m used to do it. Of course, I was thinking of Tombthroat when I was writing the songs. But now that I was aiming for a new beginning, my favorite candidates were chosen quickly and I am very happy and proud to be able to work with such exceptional artists.
Where was the album recorded, and where did you guys mix and master?
Oh, it was many different studios. Adam was recording in the USA. So was Vincent. Most of the guitars were recorded here in my little project studio, the guitar solos in Bonn (a German city 250km away from here), the bass guitar in a different German place and Déhà was recording the guitars for his song in Bulgaria in his project studio. But regarding the mixing and mastering I was sure to hire Stefano Morabito from the 16th Cellar Studios in Rome/Italy from the very beginning. When it comes to hard Death Metal he is the spearhead of album production. And again he was doing a perfect job here. The record sounds just the way it’s supposed to. Also we were getting along great and it was as if he knew exactly what I wanted and imagined.
How long did it take to go from having written the music and having the idea, to acquiring all the members and getting them in studio?
Hm, to be honest, I can’t really remember, haha. After I was finally allowed to leave the hospital my life went haywire. In many respects it was a new beginning, also with reference to writing music. The whole thing seems to have influenced me, as I’ve been composing not only the new album of God Enslavement, but also one and a half albums for Maladie and one 45 minutes long EP in a few weeks. When the line-up was ready, things went real quick in the recording progress. Just a few weeks and everything was in the can.
I know Vince Mathews has gone on record to say this is one of his proudest achievements in death metal, Adam has gone on to say that if he is going to play in a band that it’s going to fulfil his personal interest and legacy and why he was blown away when he heard the rough material. What does this album mean to you?
Yeah, that really makes me very proud. Adam has always impressed me. He has that certain something, that many drummers in metal lack: a very own style which can easily be identified among many others. But still his playing is very direct and brutal. As you can hear on our debut album we fit together very, very well musically. With his ideas and his playing he improved my riffs several times over. And the same is for Vincent. Many fans will curse me for this, but for me „Stop at Nothing“ from Dying Fetus is one of their best albums. And what Vince is doing on this record is one of the best things I could ever listen to in Deathgrind. But again he absolutely went one better for God Enslavement and all of us are very, very content and happy with his performance in „Consuming the Divine“! That much anger and aggression just suited our songs perfectly. I’m looking forward to the next albums with these guys!
For me personally the album means a new beginning and I am really very proud of it.
Are you able to give us an idea of a release date, and how you will be releasing it? Whether its digital only, if you guys will do vinyl, pre-order bundles other merchandise etc?
Right now we don’t have a fix date yet, I’m afraid. We’re aiming at the end of spring. Earlier hopefully. We’ll see. But I hope we can show the album to everyone very soon. We’re all very excited about it, haha. Suddenly you feel young again, almost like with the first record you made so many years ago…
If there was one thing you wanted to say to someone before they are about to listen to the album for the first time, what would you say to them.
Oh, I would say: Brace yourself; we’re playing Deathgrind like it is being played far too long far too rarely. It brings tears to my eyes looking at what is being called Death Metal nowadays.
Thank you Björn for taking the time to answer my questions, I really look forward to the release of this album, and after listening to this album, I will be looking forward to anything God Enslavement puts out.
It’s me who has to thank you! It’s people like you who still make me believe in the scene away from the commercial tourism that is much too present in Metal nowadays! I am still a fan of the music and always happy to meet the same. Support the Underground!
With that we would like to welcome you to the world wide premier or God Enslavement and their killer track “Belial Within”
German Interview
So Björn, what influenced you to create God Enslavement? You play for Maladie also, and just released a new album in 2015, so was the time just right, and is this something you have wanted to do for a while?
Hey Brian,
nun, ich habe diese Platte eigentlich für meine alte band Tombthroat geschrieben. Aber nachdem ich 2014 sehr krank wurde, haben wir es einfach nicht mehr geschafft, die Band so am Leben zu halten, wie sich das meine ehemaligen Bandmitglieder wünschten. Nach langem Hin und Her, haben wir uns schweren Herzens dazu entschieden, nach fast 20 Jahren, die Band zu Grabe zu tragen. Wir sind aber als Freunde auseinander gegangen und die Jungs haben eine sehr coole neue Crust Band names Hellknife gegründet. Das rockt wie Hölle und ihr solltet da unbedingt mal reinhören!
Die Lieder waren aber nun mal komponiert und ich wollte sie nicht in den Müll werfen. Also musste ein Neuanfang her. So persönlich und vorallem wichtig Maladie für mich ist, war, ist und bleibt der Death Metal und Grindcore aber eine Herzenssache und ein wichtiger Teil meines Lebens und ich habe mir dann Gedanken gemacht, wer sich am besten dazu eignen würde, diese Platte doch noch mit mir zu realisieren. Das Line Up, wie es jetzt steht, ist natürlich ein Traum und das Resultat in Form unseres Debütalbums spricht für sich. Und es wird sicher nicht das letzte Album sein.
You wrote all of the music and lyrics for this album, when you were coming up with the music, did you have people in mind as the ideas were flowing? Were you thinking “Drums need someone like Adam Jarvis, or I need Julien on Bass for this album?”
Ja, die Texte und der Großteil der Musik ist von mir. Ein Lied hat Déhà beigesteuert und eins habe ich mit Mark von Spheron zusammen geschrieben. Die Texte habe ich ebenfalls verfasst. So war das auch bei Tombthroat und so ist es bei Maladie. Das ist also nichts wirklich neues für mich und ich bin es nicht anders gewöhnt. Als ich die Lieder schrieb, hatte ich natürlich Tombthroat im Sinn. Als es aber an den Neuanfang ging, waren meine Wunschkandidaten sehr schnell gewählt und ich bin sehr froh und stolz. Nun mit solchen Ausnahmekünstlern zusammenarbeiten zu können.
Where was the album recorded, and where did you guys mix and master?
Oh, das waren viele unterschiedliche Studios. Adam hat in den USA aufgenommen. Vincent auch. Die meisten Gitarren sind hier in meinem kleinen Projektstudio aufgenommen worden. Die Gitarren-Soli in Bonn (deutsche Stadt etwa 250km entfernt von hier), der Bass wiederum woanders in Deutschland und Déhà hat die Gitarren für seinen Song in Bulgarien, in seinem Projektstudio aufgenommen. Für den Mix und das Mastering war für mich aber von Vornherein klar, dass wir Stefano Morabito und seine 16th Cellar Studios in Rom/Italien verpflichten. Wenn es um harten Death Metal geht, ist er die Speerspitze, was die Produktion eines Albums angeht. Und er hat auch hier wieder einen perfekten Job abgeliefert. Die Platte klingt genau so, wie sie es muss. Wir haben uns auch direkt verstanden und es war, als ob er genau wusste, was ich möchte und mir vorstelle.
How long did it take to go from having written the music and having the idea, to acquiring all the members and getting them in studio?
Hm, Ich kann mich ehrlich gesagt gar nicht wirklich dran erinnern, haha. Nachdem ich das Krankenhaus endlich wieder verlassen durfte, ging es in meinem Leben drunter und drüber. In vielerlei Hinsicht war es ein Neuanfang. Auch was das Schreiben von Musik anging. Das Ganze scheint mich sehr beeinflusst zu haben, denn neben dem God Enslavement Album, habe ich auch anderthalb Maladie Alben und eine 45 Minuten lange EP in wenigen Wochen komponiert. Nachdem das Line Up stand, ging es auch ziemlich schnell mit den Aufnahmen. Wenige Wochen, und alles war im Kasten.
I know Vince Mathews has gone on record to say this is one of his proudest achievements in death metal, Adam has gone on to say that if he is going to play in a band that it’s going to fulfill his personal interest and legacy and why he was blown away when he heard the rough material. What does this album mean to you?
Yeah, das macht mich wirklich sehr stolz. Adam hat mich schon immer beeindruckt. Er hat genau das, was vielen Drummern im Metal mittlerweile fehlt: Einen sehr eigenen Stil, den man auch unter vielen sehr schnell heraushören kann. Und trotzdem ist sein Spiel sehr direkt und brutal. Wie man auf unserem Debüt hören kann, passen wir musikalisch auch sehr sehr gut zusammen. Er hat mit seinen Ideen und seinem Spiel meine Riffs um das vielfache verbessert. Und dasselbe gilt für Vincent. Viele Fans werden mich dafür verfluchen, aber für mich ist „Stop at Nothing“ von Dying Fetus auch eins ihrer besten Alben. Und was Vince auf dieser Platte macht, ist mit das beste, was ich im Deathgrind bisher hören durfte. Aber er hat für God Enslavement nochmal ordentlich einen draufgelegt und wir alle sind sehr sehr zufrieden und glücklich mit seiner Leistung auf „Consuming the Divine“! Soviel Wut und Aggression passte einfach perfekt zu den Songs. Ich freue mich schon auf die nächsten Alben mit den Jungs!
Für mich persönlich bedeutet das Album einen Neuanfang und ich bin wirklich sehr stolz darauf.
Are you able to give us an idea of a release date, and how you will be releasing it? Whether its digital only, if you guys will do vinyl, pre-order bundles other merchandise etc?
Leider haben wir im Moment noch kein fixes Datum. Geplant ist Ende des Frühlings. Hoffentlich früher. Wir werden sehen. Aber ich hoffe, dass wir den leuten das Album sehr bald zeigen können. Wir sind alle sehr aufgeregt deshalb, haha. Man fühlt sich plötzlich wieder jung, fast wie bei der ersten Platte, die man vor so vielen Jahren gemacht hat…
If there was one thing you wanted to say to someone before they are about to listen to the album for the first time, what would you say to them.
Oh, ich würde sagen: Mach dich auf was gefasst; wir spielen Deathgrind, wie er schon viel zu lange viel zu wenig gespielt wird. Was heutzutage so alles Death Metal genannt wird, da kommen mir die Tränen…
Thank you Björn for taking the time to answer my questions, I really look forward to the release of this album, and after listening to this album, I will be looking forward to anything God Enslavement puts out.
Ich habe dir zu danken! Leute wie du sind es, die mich noch an die Szene, weitab vom Kommerztourismus den es im Metal heutzutage viel zu viel gibt, glauben lassen! Ich bin immer noch Fan der Musik und freue mich immer, wenn ich ebensolche kennenlernen darf.
Support the Underground!
There you have it folks, you have just been the first group of people collectively to hear God Enslavement. So do yourself a favor and check out the links I have below for not only God Enslavement, but the bands that the guys are also a part of.
The song begins with some muffled guitar tones playing and fading in, becoming clearer until they start playing a steady rhythm. I am enjoying this, it has a feel good groove about it, and then walks along the lines of something heavy. It’s not one hundred percent metal, these guys are blending several styles from metal, to fusion, some classic rock stylings. This is a solid track to start the album out with, and I get the first impression, that this is their simple song, the song that gives you a good first impression to get your attention. The hold down the groove, and really lay it on thick so you can be nodding your head, tapping your foot, rocking out in general, and really enjoy their unique intrumetal delivery.
Negate The Infinite
I called it, this is a bit more complex than the previous track, this band is not only playing some killer music in the form of instrumental metal, and they are bringing their talents for different music styles, and technical abilities to the table as well. Jerrick can definitely hold his own on the guitar. This has spawned the sudden urge to break out the air guitar. You know what I’m talking about, that moment you hear a sick riff, and you just want to rock out on the air guitar trying to follow the whirlwind shredding riff and all of its finger placements along the fret board. I always enjoy when I can hear the bass in most music because so often they get buried underneath, and some bassists can really deliver so sick bass lines. Jordan holds things down very well.
Like Moths To a Flame
It is way too early to say that this is my favorite track, but I have listened to this one a few times already. I am really digging the way they start this song off, that rhythm, and how they take it, play it for a few bars, add more dynamics to it, and progress with that foundation. The guitar hits us with some solo action around the 1:52 mark, and while it not a dizzying shredfest, it’s a soulful solo. The tempo is quick enough to keep your energy levels up there and your head nodding. This is a fun song to listen to, and what I really like is that Lukas is not trying to play over the guitar or bass. He is not trying to take the spotlight, and he is not hiding in the shadows either. He keeps the beat, keeps it interesting and does so by balancing his talents all across the boards, knowing when to play something with panache, and when to just keep the time.
Motives
The song starts with a heavier feel to it for the first ten seconds and then goes to a more fluid style. The guitar is playing out to some extent, without getting to flashy. I like the change around the 1:30 mark because it sets up the next section and you can see how they progress throughout the song. At the 2:25 mark, the drums and bass set things up for a very cool sequence of the drums keeping the beat and the guitar is playing a cool riff while it may be simple what he is doing, all three of them doing it together blends well and sounds awesome. The last minute of this song is badass, the guitar solo, how it starts out simple and then shreds for a few bars, the drums playing on the toms with the accents on the crash, while the guitar is also accenting on the same notes. This song ends in such a manner that it leaves you hoping that the next thing you hear is going to blow you away.
Echoes
The guitar riff with all of its echo and the bass doing what sounds like volume swells, playing like this for a bar or two and the drums come in with a rhythm to follow along, then progresses to what is like a 4:4 time signature. Evolving into something more but keeping that guitar pattern going. This song is a killer track, I love it, this will be making it to my playlists, as it has that badass beginning, but then when they bring it down a few notches. The guitar is playing with some soul, it reminds me of Clapton, and some Gilmour fused together. This song is one that leaves you reaching for the back button, you know if you haven’t hit that “repeat 1” button yet (which I have and l can’t stop listening to).
Before There Were Eyes To See
This song starts out with a thrash feel to it, and they get right down to the energy boosting rhythms with this song. I really like the old school vibe about it, the guitar solo starting around the 1: 30 mark is great. Jerrick plays a soulful solo and then ends with some shredding licks, only to take a quick breather and hit us with a dizzying riff, it’s a straight up hand cramping riff that lasts almost thirty seconds. They break the time down a bit and give it some accented points to only bring it down some more with the bass all alone setting up the next rhythm.
The Plot thickens
The song begins with a riff and a bit of mystery behind it, which really leads you to wonder which way they will be going. They don’t leave that amount of mystery in question long and dive right into a quick tempo pace with steady drums for the first section. The next change brings things down a slight amount with the drums being played on the toms, and then going into a jazzy feel for a bar, popping right back into a heavy feel again. WE haven’t even cleared two minutes in yet and they are jumping from style to style and giving the listener a brief moment to get acclimated to the change. All the while they do have a solid groove, that while they change tempo a few times that groove follows the entire time. The guitar solo though, Jerrick will be a more known name after this album I am sure of it. You don’t play the way he is on this and not get attention from it.
Delineation
This song starts a bit muffled with the introductory riff, yet you can hear the hi hat being hit, this is a very soothing beginning, I like that it is about to change and it does, the drum pattern on the hi hat accent the rhythm, the perpetual guitar riff and the bass hitting the groove in that low tone. This song seems like it could tell a story, it could leave you thinking about things in a different perspective, and will keep you hanging on every note for the entire 7:17 of song length.
Left Unspoken
This song starts out very smooth and melodic, this is a very relaxing tune so far, and I am certainly enjoying the vibe it gives off. This is like once of those intermission tracks, it’s not very long, it doesn’t have many changes, it’s just a cool soothing track to get you brought down from the last song and get you mentally prepared for the last track of the album, the title track.
Voids
This has a rock solid groove right out of the gate, this is actually a fun song by the sounds of it so far. I am betting they like to end on this song because it sounds like as much fun as it is to listen and enjoy this song, it’s a fun song to play. Jerrick though, he likes those hand cramping riffs I can tell. The song picks up the pace right around the 1:20 mark and delivers some energy inducing drums to get you going into the next change. This is a killer track, I mean that groove alone is highly enjoyable but right around the halfway point they mix things up and then those toms rolling out and setting up that slower more dramatic section. They throw down some funk right around the 3:40 mark where they just start to set it up, but yea you get to that point and they just brought the funk. And to answer your question, no they did not end the album without Jerrick delivering a face melting shredfest of a guitar solo.
This album is awesome, the amount of sound they pack in with only three members is impressive. The styles that can be heard throughout this album range from jazz and funk, to thrash and progressive metal. I couldnt pick just one song to be a favorite, but I will tell you that “Echoes” has been played a few dozen times, it is now my alarm clock sound, and a ringtone, as it is such a killer track. The album really is a an example of variety, not every song sounds the same, yet every song has its own style. Call me crazy but if this was to be paired the way people pair wine or beer with food. This album could be paired with ” The Algorithm” I would love to see maybe a split, where you have The Algorithm doing their thing, and Odyssey doing theirs because they would compliment each other so well. This album can be played any where, from the office to driving. With instrumental metal bands coming out more and more, I will say that this album would rank high in a list of instrumental metal album lists for 2016, if compared to the releases from 2015, I would put this higher than quite a few albums released last year. My only hope is that they eventually release it on vinyl, for my collection. Hands down a solid 8/10 rating is what Voids deserves, and you should pre order today! \m/
Check out this Album promo video they put up New Year’s Eve Check it out below.
Make sure to click HERE \m/ if you want to pre order either the physical or digital album.
After you do that you can stream their last release while you wait for “Voids” album to be released.
This is a little album review I have done for the folks over at The Metal Syndicate
check it out
1: Locust Swarm
This track starts out with a solid death metal riff and blast beats. Great verse that has a good tempo, something you can move to. A short guitar solo back in to the verse with lots of blast beats during the majority of the song. Vocals are on point, precise and clear. I am enjoying this track up to the chorus, a great track to listen to. Now the break down begins, it slows down; and has a punchy feel with some drum rollouts. The song continuously slows down in tempo giving it a brutal effect. The song ends with a note ringing out from the guitar.
2: The Stygian Deep
As the song fades in it has a slower feel to it but only for about 30 seconds. That’s when things pick up, with the verse and the blast beats kick in hard. I do enjoy when the bass of a metal band can be heard and not drowned out. When we reach the chorus the vocal pattern mixes with the guitar riffs. Think of it here as a complimenting symbiosis if you will as they are not trying to experiment with anything. They seem to want to make death metal the way they want to do it with no outside influences. Straight up death metal…no chaser.
3: Pathogenic Apathy
This one has a nice little drum intro to start the song off, no fading in, no guitar riff; just a one bar drum intro. As the guitars come in, the song takes on a mid tempo feel. Even when the verse begins, vocals come in and blast beats begin. Same feel to it and it maintains that same tempo; the few changes they make don’t seem to change the tempo so far. This is another song you can move to, be it head-banging or moshing. Pretty much whatever turns your crank… or wrecks it. The chorus has a loving feel to it as it has a menacing experience to it, I love that guitar riff. Three songs in and this album has yet to lose my interest. They don’t seem to be stepping out of their comfort zone by focusing on keeping the pace and the brutal feel to it. This is a solid track, I like it.
4: La Tempestad
Instant blast beats with mean riffing to start off. When the vocals come in they are relentless. This is a song that will be cool to hear live. This is a driving, no holds barred death metal song that willing to cut down everything in its path. I like it; no frills, nothing flashy. This is just a killer track that cuts to the bone. This is one of those songs containing 100% intensity till the very end.
5: Infernus
The title track starts out with a guitar riff as well as some spoken dialogue. It actually reminds me of Johan Hegg from Amon Amarth. However the beginning is a bit drawn out for my liking. When the metal vocals do come in; they are joined by a heavier riff from the guitar and a slower paced vibe that somehow still remains brutal. Right around the half-way point we witness a change of direction. We have nice little section of guitar riffing paired with drumming adding fills on every other bar. As if this song wasn’t already a decent tune it then reaches a whole other level during the second half. This song is so bad-ass I find myself being violated by the repeat button. I wish the whole song was like this… brutal and more brutal.
6: The Chosen One
The addition of Chason on drums was a great choice. The way this song starts out has so much intensity, energetic and yet it is precise with no hint of any sloppiness. This may be the only track I don’t care for the vocals as much. This song really brings back that old school Florida death metal feel. But I just don’t care for the vocals on this track.
7: Zealot, Crusader of War
The song starts out with some double bass rolling and a guitar riff; mid-tempo but not too fast or slow and chuggy. By the time the vocals come in the blast beats begin. The song is not bad, it just doesn’t really keep my attention. The chorus is rather enjoyable with mid section guitar riff at the half way mark is a nice classic solo. The change at the 2:50 minute mark takes on a different feel that I do not really care for. From that point on the song goes downhill.
8: Order of The Arcane Scripture
This has a riff I can get into right away. The drums I can get in to also. The vocals are better on this track (so far). This album really brings back that Florida death metal feel, in many ways this album is enjoyable because of that. Hate Eternal was not conforming to the industry standards for this albums sound and style. They seem to be just doing what they know how to do. Make relentless metal for sport.
9: Chaos Theory
A quite unexpected start to this track as it doesn’t have that typical death metal feel, the groove is different. One minute into the song and no vocals; quick tempo for this song keeps it interesting. This seems to be an instrumental track and an impressive one at that. This is not a melodic “let’s mellow out for a moment” track. What we call a solid fast paced metal instrumental bliss. I am still tremendously enjoying this song as it ends well. The last hit on the bell of a cymbal was the icing on the cake if you will.
10: O’Majestic Being, Hear My Call
This song starts out with a cool effect. A talk box for the guitars or a pedal effect, either way they start this song off oddly for the first thirty seconds… that is until the drums come in with a short fill to hit us with a blast beats. The guitar riff that is playing is nothing intricate as it just flows well to a not so mind blowing capacity. When the guitar solo happens I feel as though the song changes for the better. It seems like it will finish up strong. Maybe not as strong as I expected but the second half of the song is still pretty solid and makes up for it.
After listening to the cd, I can honestly say I have never been a huge fan of theirs nor have owned anything by them. I never thought they were that bad, just Hate Eternal is not my style of preference. I expected to listen to this and feel un-moved. From the day they released a track to stream, I wasn’t blown away. But, I must admit this album grew on me a little and for the better now that I’ve had the chance to get in a few more listens.
Mind blowing? No, but a solid no frills death metal album yes.
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.
Today marks the day that Cattle decapitation releases The Anthropocene Extinction. I have streamed the whole album in length and I must say this is an amazing album. The whole album delivers brutal death metal and it seems like they really put some thought into this album. If you are looking to stream it, I would suggest checking out Cattle Decapitation on spotify
I will indefinitely be doing an album review for this, however I really just have to enjoy the album and pick up my favorite spots through out, the vocals the drums .
So stick around, check out the album go to your local music store, and buy it. Order it on itunes just don’t miss out on this album.
Today we see Kataklysm’s latest release ” Of Ghosts and Gods” their twelfth album. Just one of the great examples of what Canada has to offer for killer metal.
To get the most out of this album they released 10 videos, one video for each song, lets start off in the track order.
1) Breaching The Asylum
Digging this tune, the vocals actually remind me of At The Gates from Slaughter of the Soul. Not as deep and previous Kataklysm tracks like Shadows and dust.
2) The Black Sheep
starts out with a solid mid tempo feel, picks up with that classic Maurizio Iacono style, definitely a solid song for the album.
3) Marching Through Graveyards
Blast beats right out of the gate, now this song has promise, more of that Kataklysm feel I am sensing. The first two tracks were good, but I am really enjoying this track more. When I think of Kataklysm it’s songs like this one I think of.
4) Thy Serpents Tongue
This song starts off with a slow riff but when the drums kick in in has that looming death metal feel. The beginning is great really dig that section. When the vocals kick in its a slower feel to it but the pre chorus picks back up with Oli playing a fast beat on his drums. The chorus is solid, all in all a great tune.
5) Vindication
Really like this intro, I could probably listen to that on repeat, a solid marching tempo beat quarter notes on the crash feel, then fast riffing Oli delivering the blast beats with ease. This song starts out ready to rip you apart, when the vocals kick in it has a slower feel, with a pre chorus that keeps the same pace but transitions into blast beats. This song is a killer track a little short for my liking, but it is one of those tracks you will listen through and hit the back button again.
6) Soul Destroyer
Nice little PSA about the extinction rate of the worlds animal population in the beginning, the sound of animals in the jungle and then right into a nice guitar riff and drums. Takes a half time feel, but with a groove that you can move to. This is a song that when played live I envision pits just opening up and masses of bodies moving and colliding into each other. Not rapid blast beats like the previous tracks, just a solid death metal feel to this song. Nice double bass rolling for the chorus, nothing over the top they are basically keeping it pretty simple for this one.
7) Carrying Crosses
This song has that mid tempo feel again, its almost like they are trying to broaden their musical range on this album. Again there are fewer blast beats. There are only a few short sections mainly the pre chorus’s have the blast beats going. Pretty steady chugging riffs throughout the whole song.
8) Shattered
This song starts out with guitars holding a note, then Oli comes in with a drum beat on the rack toms and floor tom for a few bars. Then a drum fill into a nice solid heavy drum beat for about two bars, into a rolling tom pattern with crash on the quarter notes. Slow it down as vocals join in, the verse is simple yet sounds great, pre chorus guitar riff is nothing over the top but fits the song rather well. Not a bad tune, maybe not my favorite on the album though.
9) Hate Spirit
Blast beats right away, this song sounds like it is made to pump you up and get you moving. As soon as the beginning transitions into double bass rolling death metal beat it keeps that feel for a few bars until the vocals enter the mix. Slower punchy feel. The chorus keeps that slower feel. This song so far is not bad, not every song on every album a band puts out will be great. The song does have its message, and the video is well done.
10) The World Is A Dying Insect
The song starts out with what sounds like stringed instruments just playing random chords and then the guitars come in with a slight acoustic sound for a bar or two then distortion, tribal drum beat. this is a heavy track, at times the tempo changes from fast to slow, but it is a solid heavy track and definitely a great song to end the album with. This track is on my list for the top songs of the album, I really do like this song. In my opinion I like a fast Kataklysm song. When I heard Katakylsm for the first time it was a fast paced brutally heavy song, and so for me it set the bar high. The world is a dying insect is the best song they could have picked to end the album with hands down.
All in all not a bad album, if you are a fan of Kataklysm then its worth the buy, if you are looking to try Kataklysm’s sound out to see if you like it, I actually hold other older albums above this one. but they did release a video for every song leading up to today so I do applaud them for doing something different that other bands have not done yet. Kataklysm may have just started a trend with this and we may be seeing more videos for metal bands before the albums come out. This is a trend that I would love to see because metal bands deserve to have music videos just as much as all the pop and hip hop artists out there.
Today we get a chance to listen to a new track from Abysmal, the album due out September 18th from The Black Dahlia Murder. As if Vlad son of the dragon was not badass enough, they present us with the track ” Receipt”
The song starts out with an orchestral feel to it with stringed instruments, going into the classic TBDM blackened metal feel. The song doesn’t have any fluff to it, just straight up unfiltered badassery! Abysmal is sure to be a great album if the only two songs we have been able to hear so far are just brutally heavy and fast paced masterpieces.
The Metal Breakdown 