Hailing from the capital of Bangladesh - Dhaka, today we have on board Satanik. Satanik call themselves a Technical Brutal Black Metal band. Formed in November 2001, in a very dismal extreme metal scene in the country (which still continues to be very backward), the band has come a long way from being just only a garage band to one of the most experienced bands in the country. Our writer Vikas Khokher caught up with the band in a candid conversation.

1. Hello Satanik. Warm welcome to Metal Wani and greetings from India.

Satanik : Thank you.

2. Your name always reminds me the Satan. Although you say Satanik name is inspired from "The Dark Side of life". So tell us in brief about the naming process?

Satanik : Actually our songs are indeed about Cruel Reality, Goth's views, Violence, Rage, Wrath. We are showing of the evil and dark side from Satan so we thought that our band's name should be Satan related something that is why we fixed up 'SATANIK' for band's name.

3. Who came first with the band's idea? How the others filled up?

Satanik : Me & Shawon came first with the band's idea then constantly other members joined from our friend circle & musician circle.

4. It was formed in November 2001; the line up consisted of Shawon on guitars, Kakon on vocals & Bass, Xem on vocals & Rhythm guitars & Rupom on the drums. Due to personal reason there have been some lineup changes until 2008 with Xem on vocals, Shawon on guitars, Nayeem on Guitars, Rubayet on Bass, Rumel on Keyboards, Sajib on the drums. What difficulties you faced with every change?

Satanik : Basically extreme metal music just for highly skilled musicians so there is not available extreme metal musician like Europe/America. I must say highly rare in Bangladesh that kind of musician. That is why 'SATANIK' faced that kind of problem.

5. Who writes the lyrics? What are your lyrical themes? Is it difficult to write lyrics in your own language?

Satanik : Me & Shawon wrote the lyric then also we have our other lyricist. Our lyrical theme is Cruel Reality, Goth's views, Violence, Rage, Wrath and so on. It's not difficult to write lyrics in our own language because our released first 3 song was our own language then the band decided to compose original material in ENGLISH for international Promotions.


6. In 2005 the song "ONTIM NIDRA” was released in Band compilation album called PROBAURTON from a local label called RB-series, thus getting attention just as black metal was gaining importance in the local metal scene. Then SATANIK became a regular performer in the underground Metal scene in Dhaka, & Chittagong in Bangladesh. What you were doing before that?

Satanik : We were practicing hard & preparing ourselves for shows & recording. Due to lake of skill & personal reason there have been some lineup changes that is why we were irregular at scenario before 2005.


7. In the beginning of 2009 the band had released material in ENGLISH for international Promotions. In 2010 the band was invited to submit their first English track called ENDURED NOTHINGNESS in a Band compilation called NAKTALA METALPALLY Volume 1 in Calcutta, INDIA. How was the response you got?

Satanik : That response was pretty amazing & we were introducing ourselves in international market by 'ENDURED NOTHINGNESS'.

8. After the release of ENDURED NOTHINGNESS, the song was air played in much independent radio station in USA and Europe. Did this make you famous globally?

Satanik : Obviously because now we have lots of international fans.


9. After that the band started composing new original materials in English to find a record label to promote their songs internationally. Then your two English track “AZRAEL” &, “CEREMONY” have been released from your local record label in Bangladesh. Did you release them online or in any compilation?

Satanik : Yep, second time "AZRAEL" has been released at INDIA & the album name was "ASIAN BLACK METAL COMPILATION".


10. Over the years, SATANIK have played with many locally established metal bands. During their existence the band has been subjected to lack of support for extreme metal in Bangladesh and other misfortunes, but this did little to stop them. So what’s the status now?

Satanik : Wait & Watch.

11. Which is your favorite band from Bangladesh? And a band who is doing well but getting less attention?

Satanik : Yeah we do like some bands from Bangladesh & lots of band is doing really well but getting less attention because of our lake of literate audience.


12. Your Released Tracks are :
01 - ONTIM NIDRA in PROBAURTON(2005)
02 - DUANON in UNDERGROUND-2 (2007)
03 - MRRITO JODDHHA in OVVUDAUY (2008)
04 - ENDURED NOTHINGNESS in NMP VOL.1 (2010)
05 - AZRAEL in REPUBLIC (2011)
06 - CEREMONY in METAL DOMINATION (2011)
07 - AZRAEL in ASIAN BLACK METAL COMPILATION PART 1 (2011)
Unreleased Tracks [These tracks from full length album available on internet.] :
01 - TWO HEADED RACE
02 - MIRROR
03 – DEMON
You guys have 7 tracks but still haven't released any E.P or Album. Why?

Satanik : Because we were in serious problem for member changes.


13. Satanik says we are the first ‘Technical Brutal Black Metal’ band in this whole world. What efforts are you doing for this genre?

Satanik : This genres have a technical patterns, pure black metal patterns & also there is brutal death metal patterns with some other patterns for variation so now you can call this 'EFFORTS'.

14. Being the senior most band in Bangladesh, your fans don’t see you participate in metal competitions. What’s the reason behind it?

Satanik : Straightly we don't like participating in any competition.


15. When people hear about black metal, especially adult people, the first impression which comes to their minds is that the band is “evil”, “satanic”, etc. And when the band itself is called Satanik, it ends all the discussion. And why not. You guys say “Satanik does not mean encouraging the devilish nature. In fact, it means to take off the masks and shout out loud and clear about the hidden evils prevalent in human beings." What do you wanna say to those who think you are an antichrist band?

Satanik : Actually we don't want to talk about it that we are anti or not.


16. Good news for Satanik’s fans is that the band is working on its upcoming album. The album is titled “The Messenger of Last Avatar” and has a total of 10 tracks. They have already started recording and the members say it may take three more months for them to finish. Are you planning for a tour to release the album? Under which label are you guys planning to release the album? Can we expect a worldwide tour? Any plans to coming India?

Satanik : Yes, we have a plan for world tour. Lot's of label interested to work with us so you will know the label's name after releasing this album. Already some of organizer from India knocked us for show. Maybe we will come India after our album release.


17. Before releasing their solo album, Satanik wanted to do music videos of few tracks for the purpose of marketing. Tell us more about those videos.

Satanik : We don't want to flash out about our videos but you guys will definitely know after completing our music videos.


18. I heard “Mrito Joddha”, and it’s technically brutal. How tough was it for your drummer? And when can we expect an english version?

Satanik : Yeah, that was a little bit tough for our drummer because there was 260 BPM double bass running but we need to say that our upcoming album will be the best toughest musical album from Bangladesh & the drumming patterns will be the toughest & insanely brutal.


19. Other than music, the members of the band have other responsibilities and professions. They express that music is not their profession but more like a serious hobby, what you guys do for earnings?

Satanik : We have different professions for earning & we don't want to say detail about this because it's personal.

20. Last words to the readers and fans?

Satanik : Do listen good music & do buy a CD for saving good music & musicians.

Official Website

Official Facebook Page

Official MySpace Profile

Listen to the band on Reverbnation

--

Interviewed By,

Vikas Khokher

Ever since I started doing music reviews, I have explored a vast area of metal music covering many genres I hadn’t listened to very closely earlier and also genres which I listen to but with very intriguing and assorted touch to them. Interestingly, I discovered many bands which don’t belong to one particular category but are a hybrid of different genres. Devour The Martyr is one such crossbreed from Perth, Australia. It uniquely combines old school progressions with djent breakdowns, groovy riffs and alternative screams. Formed back in 2009, the band started performing in early 2011 with prominent Australian bands. With a constant line-up (Matt on vocals, Liam on guitars, Martin on bass and Dan on drums), the band has been touring since then and released an EP recently titled, Wasted On The Living.

The album exhibits splendid quality of composition and some really fine work on each instrument and the assorted nature of the songs attracts a variety of headbangers. The album kicks in with a groovy track titled, ‘For The Slaughter’. The song has been engineered to be really heavy and tight with mid-range tempo, which remains constant almost throughout the song. This particular track has a non-variant nature through verses and choruses which later transits into a section of breakdowns supported by melodic arpeggiating guitars. We can also experience the dual character (baritone shrieks and high pitch growls) of Matt’s harsh vocal in the verses where he sings both styles in an alternate fashion.

It is followed by multi-dimensional tracks, ‘Wasted On The Living’ and ‘The Closer We Get’, which accommodate groovy sections with a lot brutal old school progressions and evil sounding riffs. ‘The Closer We Get’ is accompanied by cult death metal riffs for one to headbang on, with a stiff upper lip. Both the tracks display impeccable work on the guitars, drums, and bass but the vocals are a setback. Except for some prolonged grunts, the style doesn’t really go with the overall texture of these tracks and they sound very mediocre especially in the intro of the title track.

My favourite from the album would be ‘Realm Of The Toxic’. With fierce thrash guitar progressions supported by crazy bass lines, lightning fast double bass and pertinently characterized vocals, this song has been tailored to perfection. One highlight in the album is the flawless work on the drums. Dan showcases awesome footwork and dexterity, disciplined in such a manner that the pedals bounce on the bass drum only when he wants them to. Apart from that, the work on cymbals is also pretty impressive; adds a lot of dynamics to the overall sound.

The last song, ‘No Suicide Without A Homicide’, is another peculiar track, which has a groovy twist to the rigid death metal riffs. The work on guitars is quite impressive throughout the record. Liam has beautifully combined various styles and has come out with some quality composition. The production of the record is fairly good. The tracks have good dynamics; the guitar patches have been adequately selected; panning of drums and guitars is perfect.

Summing up, the album is pretty decent for a debut. Recommended for all heavy listeners who have an eclectic taste in music.

Rating 7.5/10

Official Facebook Page

Listen to 'Wasted On The Living' on Reverbnation

Official myspace profile

--

Reviewed By,

Varun Khatri

It is a rare sight to see a Metal band with a huge fan base these days, for the genre has its disadvantages of being "too extreme". Hailing from Cape Town, South Africa, Crow Black Sky happens to be one such band who have made it large in the scene. Describing their sound as Melodic Progressive Blackened Metal, they have take the scene by storm and the icing on the cake - they have released their first album - Pantheion(and it is free to download). Our writer Vikas Khoker recently had a candid chat with Ryan Higgo, vocalist of the band.

1. Hi, welcome to your first interview with Indian site. We are glad to have you with us on Metal Wani and thanks for taking the time to answer our questions.

Ryan: Hi!


2. Crow Black Sky seems like something related to raven. Enlighten us on how you guys came across this name and why was this name selected?


Ryan: It was our ex-bassist Stephen who came up with the name, after being inspired by lyrics in Cradle of Filth’s “Better to Reign in Hell”. There’s a verse that goes “He closed His eyes, Sunken to dream there, Of crow-black skies, And a great white empty throne”. I think the name conjures up an apocalyptic feeling, which we like. Our music, particularly the material we’re working on for the upcoming second album, has an overall very dark and apocalyptic atmosphere.


3. Who started this project? Throw some light on who came up with the idea of forming a band first and who is the front-man of the band?

Ryan: The band has gone through numerous “phases” with more than a few lineup changes. It started with Gideon, Kean, and Stephen, with the first song being The Oppressor’s Fortune. I joined as vocalist after the guys kicked the first one out in July ’09 after his first show. Since then I think I’ve seen four or five members joining and quitting or getting kicked out. Since I joined, the only other members still in the band from back then are Gideon (lead guitar & songwriting) and Kean (rhythm guitar).

4. Kindly introduce your band members to us.

Ryan: Currently it’s myself, Ryan Higgo on vocals. Gideon Lamprecht, Brad Saunders and Kean Malcolmson are our three guitarists, and Lawrence Jaeger is our drummer. We recently had our bassist Stephen leave us so we’re one man down at the moment. Crow Black Sky has always been a six-member band.


5. From how many years are you playing together?

Ryan: Since the beginning of 2009. So about three and a half years.


6. Have you come across any line up changes? And what does that mean to you?

Ryan: Hah, I guess this was answered in question three.


7. For those who are unaware about Crow Black Sky, how would you describe your music?

Ryan: Well our first album, Pantheion, ranged between progressive black metal and melodic death metal. We just described it as “blackened metal” to keep things simple, really. You don’t ever want to say, “Yeah we play orchestral progressive neoclassical melodic technical blackened death metal”, because it sounds ridiculous and you look like a twat.

The new material is going in a different direction. It’s much more extreme and evil-sounding, with great twisted melody lines and foreboding chord transitions. It’s both more black metal and more technical at the same time, and a lot less tame than Pantheion. We’re aiming for a really dark sound on this next one; even the current demo recordings make all my hair stand on end. And there aren’t even vocals yet! ;)


8. Tell us about your influences? Who are your idols?

Ryan: Each band member has their own taste in metal and musical opinions so when we collaborate for songwriting, there’s definitely a wide range of influences at play, and it’s obviously our job to make sure that the product always remains cohesive.

But most songwriting is done by Gideon because he’s the best at it. ;) His influences range from Ihsahn (and Emperor) to Devin Townsend to Wintersun to classical and baroque composers. Lawrence is really into thrash and groove metal, and Brad mainly listens to stuff like Black Dahlia and Lamb of God. I know Kean’s a big Behemoth fan. I tend to find myself listening to black metal, doom, crust and sludge one day and then industrial, avant-garde or post-rock the next day. But somehow we all get along (mostly). ;)


9. You were supposed to tour with Kataklysm in May, but it was cancelled. Why?

Ryan: That’s correct, we were scheduled to support them in 2011 for the Johannesburg and Cape Town shows of the South African leg of their Spread The Venom tour. I believe the entire thing was cancelled simply due to really poor organizing.


10. Throw some light on your upcoming touring plans? 

Ryan: We intend to do a national tour next year before doing an international one in support of the second full-length when it’s done. There are no dates or locations set, but keep an eye out for news over the coming months.


11. If you could tour with any band, who would it be and why? How excited you will be?

Ryan: It’s always a tough decision to pick just one band. Personally, I’d love to tour with Enslaved. They’re just such a great band with so much experience behind them. I met them and watched them play at Hellfest in France this year; they’re really awesome dudes and look like they have a load of fun on tour and on stage. They’re so consistent with their albums, too.


12. The metal scene of Cape Town must be good as the rest of the world to have and like you, tell us about the metal scene in Cape Town? Are there any other bands that we should check out, and which band do you support?

Ryan: Definitely! If I were to pick three Cape Town bands to recommend to the international metal scene, it would be these:


Wildernessking (Progressive / Post-Black Metal comparable to Enslaved, Agalloch and Wolves in the Throne Room). These guys are truly on international standards and I spend as much time listening to them as I do most of my favourite international metal bands. More people should do the same.

Listen To Wildernessking Here





Axxon (Industrial / Industrial Metal). I actually performed as a guest vocalist with them this last weekend at Metal4Africa’s Winterfest. They’ve just released a single/EP called ‘Bite Your Tongue’ – really worth checking out. Great guys making great music.

Listen To Axxon Here






A Walk With the Wicked (Groovy Death Metal comparable to Entombed, Bloodbath and Dismember, Gojira). Some really great death metal. The ‘Architects of Sadism’ EP is as catchy as it is brutally heavy, with a really tight production, mixed and mastered by David Castillo (Katatonia, Bloodbath, Opeth and more). Great driving music and a fucking killer live performance!

Listen To A Walk With The Wicked Here



13. Okay let’s talk about your album 'PANTHEION'. First of all, I would like to thank you for putting your album online for free download. What made you want to give the album for free rather than sell it?

Ryan: We come from a corner of the world which is not known internationally for its metal. We figured it’s going to be pirated by everyone anyway, so we might as well promote it that way. The results speak for themselves: a year and a half down the line and our Facebook page has almost 200,000 likes. The physical copies get sold of course. ;) It’s better to embrace the ways of the internet than to go against it. And yes, the next one will be available for free download as well.


14. How will you describe your album in one word?

Ryan: I’m not sure about Pantheion. But Gideon described the material for the next album as “diabolic”, which I think is fitting.


15. Where you have recorded your album. What was the main theme of your album?

Ryan: We’ve chosen to remain an independent band so far, and did the album independently too, from start to finish too. The entire thing was recorded in Gideon’s own studio and my bedroom. I remember waking up hungover one morning with Gideon in my bedroom telling me it’s time (9AM) to record vocals for Pantheion (the title track). It’s not a pleasant experience, but perhaps the feeling of knives being pushed through your brain is actually conducive to extreme metal vocals, because it turned out well in the end.


16. I have noticed that your lyrics are based around historic battles, ancient mythology and non-religious philosophy. Which songs from your album actually enlighten the listeners with these themes?

Ryan: The Oppressor’s Fortune describes the historic ancient Greek Battle of Marathon. Retribution’s lyrics are about medieval Nordic warfare, the title track is about Egyptian mythology. Then there’s Dissention and Our Path Disdained which also deal with warfare, albeit very different aspects of it. Stars of God is the anti-religious pinnacle of the album. So it’s all quite varied, but I still think the album manages to retain a sense of unity; there’s something that ties it all together. The interlude tracks help to set the mood and appropriate the theme changes between songs, also aiding in the progressive flow of the album as a whole.


17. Tell us about the songwriting and recording. Who is the song writer (lyricist) and how was the process? Which song was the toughest song to compose?

Ryan: Gideon writes the majority of the music, and wrote the lyrics on Pantheion as well. I’ve written lyrics for the new songs for the next album, and will be continuing to do so. Gideon’s songwriting has been improving hugely over the course of my experience in the band, and he does it all while being entirely self-taught. As we go along the songs are sounding tougher to compose, but he seems to be doing it with more ease.


18. What kind of feedback you have received for the album?

Ryan: Honestly I think we’ve probably received about 95% positive feedback, which is really great considering it’s our very first work. We actually consider it a semi-demo, so it’s great to have had such good feedback so early on in our career.


19. When I liked your Official Facebook Fan Page, it was almost 2000 fans, and now its 186,554. Do you feel that your debut album 'Pantheion' impacted you guys so well?

Ryan: Yeah, as I said, we’ve all been really thrilled with the feedback we’ve gotten from fans across the world. It’s real motivation to make sure that each album will be better than the last.


20. You are releasing a music video for 'Stars of God' later this year. Any words about that video? In that trailer for the music video you are all sporting armor in the outfits you’re wearing, and I heard you have designed them yourselves. Is it a usual thing or only for that video?

Ryan: We designed them ourselves and spent many hours working on them in Stephen’s girlfriend’s garage, dying leather and fitting them and putting everything together. They were used for our music video and for our headlining performance at a festival on New Year’s Eve this year, which we made into a spectacle with pyrotechnics and everything. We intend to continue using them for our big shows, but right now they’re all packed away.

The Stars of God music video has taken far longer than we had anticipated. It’s in post-production at the moment, and hopefully will be seeing the light of day before long. It’s a high-budget job for an independent band!

Stars Of God Official Trailer

21. Very rarely we come across a band having 2 lead guitarists. What’s the idea behind this move?

Ryan: Simply because the music needs it. The songs on Pantheion often segments where there are two dueling or harmonizing leads as well as rhythm, and it wouldn’t work (not easily, at least) to play it live. It’s not worth sacrificing aspects of the music, and it’s always worked for us. We preferred doing this than using effects or a curtained guitarist; it’s much more natural and real this way.


22. Do you have any merchandise available? Fans who want to wear your t-shirt where can they get it?

Ryan:  Crow Black Sky Merchandise


23. Can you tell me anything about your new album you've been working on? Have you started approaching labels for your upcoming album?

Ryan: We haven’t really looked to get signed at all yet. We had a couple of small labels contact us, but we want to remain independent if it’s not a big name. It’s not really a priority at the moment, and we managed well doing Pantheion independently.

24. What’s next on Crow Black Sky's plate?

Ryan: Finishing this fucking music video! And continuing the writing and recording process for the next album.


25. It was wonderful to have you on board today. I really appreciate it. The space is all yours, say whatever you want to say to your fans.

Ryan: Thank you! Just keep an eye out for news, and keep spreading the word. \m/ Cheers.

Official Facebook Page

Download Pantheion Here

---
Interviewed By,
Vikas Khokher

Folk Metal unlike any other subgenres of metal is more diverse with each band offering something new and very different from the others. Korpiklaani is one such band, famous mainly because of their feel-good high energy tracks. Today on board we have Juho Kauppinen, the soul of Korpiklaani's melodious accordian progressions, to spill some beans on the band's new release 'Manala', their upcoming tour and a lot more.

1. Hello and welcome to Metal Wani. How have you been?

Juho Kauppinen: We are doing fine. Thank you for asking. We have a lot of work to be done, a lot of shows to be played and a lot of new songs to be put onto our setlist.

2. Korpiklaani has been one of the pioneers of Folk Metal. Yet, it is only a handful of metal bands, like yours, that are able to bring in this unique, exuberant feeling through their songs. So, what is your secret behind the song writing and composing process, that merges so well to bring about such immense rush of adrenalin, in the listener?

Juho Kauppinen: It is not really a secret and if it was, I probably would not reveal it. I would say it is the spontaneity that our songwriting process has always had. Most of our songs are anything but complicated. They come into being quickly and are easy to sing along. That exactly is the point behind all of that. We are entertainers. We play a lot of shows to make people happy. It is easy to do that with these immediately comprehensible melodies that will stand out in the listener's mind for long.

3. Tell us something about the early times, from the days of Shaman. How did you master the unique art of yiking that was used in that band? Can you tell us something more about it? 

Juho Kauppinen: Jonne lived in Lapland with the Sami people, an indigenous people of Scandinavia, for five years during 1993-1999. The Sami people have their own language and musical culture, including yoik. It sounds pretty much like the American Indians' traditional way of singing. There are not many actual lyrics in yoik, but it is rather about transforming emotions, things, people or landscapes into a song. Jonne played the traditional music of Sami people with them for tourists in ski resorts. In so doing he gradually acquired their musical culture and started writing songs in the same vein. Jonne made an album with Sami people and two albums with a band which also had drums and electric guitars. Earlier the music was acoustic, accompanied by just a shaman drum and an acoustic guitar.

4. What is the story behind the band mascot, Vaari? 

Juho Kauppinen: He is the shaman used on our album covers until the album Voice of Wilderness, but since Tales along This Road he has been a human-like creature. Before the mascot we only used the shaman symbol that can still be found on our covers. For instance, on the Manala album cover it is on the shaman drum.

5. Another prominent factor that sets you apart from the rest, are the numerous alcohol related songs namely – Beer Beer, Wooden Pints, Lets Drink, etc. These songs get stuck into one’s head right from the moment they hear it! Many even play the "Drinking Game" to your songs like, "Vodka"! Tell us about this unique and catchy lyrical theme? 

Juho Kauppinen: Drinking is strongly connected with Finnish culture and the Finns drink a considerable amount of alcohol every year (about seven litres of pure alcohol a person a year). It's not exactly something to be very proud of, but it seems to be an important part of life to a lot of people. To me it is not, because I simply decided to quit drinking on a whim in 2007. I have been able to fully enjoy my life sober and I haven't had a single craving for alcohol since I quit.

6. Coming to the new album 'Manala', it is something different from your previous albums. There aren't much of party tracks in there. The sound is more mature, and we can hear the characteristic use of violin. What inspired you to make this change in your usual sound? 

Juho Kauppinen: It wasn't a conscious solution or a change. Our songs just come out the way they do. Sometimes they just happen to be different from the predicted Korpiklaani sound. For example, Ruumiinmultaa (Soil of the Corpse) is atypical of Korpiklaani, because it has a lot of parts, many different rhythm patterns and an oriental vibe to it. Jonne has said he would never consider forming a solo project a good idea, because he can actualize himself the way he wants in Korpiklaani. That's why there may at times be songs that differ from the regular Korpiklaani pattern and we should keep it that way.

7. Lyrically, 'Manala' is based on the Finnish epic, Kalevala. Can you enlighten us with this influence?

Juho Kauppinen: Although the majority of Manala's songs are based on the Kalevala, there are the songs Ievan Polkka and Husky Sledge that don't deal with the Kalevala. Ievan Polkka is a cover song and that we wanted to record, because it sounded very much like Korpiklaani.

Below I have gathered some details about the lyrics on the album.

1. Kunnia / Honor

The song Honor suggests you should never commit suicide, because the future generations do not want to pray for the ancestors who have. It is essential to honor the people among your ancestors whose life, character and deeds deserve to be honored and whose effect you want to feel in your own life. Those who commit suicide arrive in the Underworld after their death like the others, but they will barely be honored by their future generations.

2. Tuonelan tuvilla / At the Huts of the Underworld

In the mythological beginning, Väinämöinen and Joukahainen end up against each other and Väinämöinen outsings Joukahainen, literally in such a way that Joukahainen sinks in the swamp. Angry about this, Joukahainen chooses to shoot Väinämöinen with an arrow. He works a bow and arrows. Joukahainen's mother tries to forbid him, but regardless of his mother's advice he shoots Väinämöinen off the back of his blue moose into the primeval sea.

3. Rauta / The Steel

Iron (which is The Steel in the song title, meaning sword) is born in the busts of nymphs, out of which it flows into the swamp. A blacksmith Ilmarinen picks a white, red and black iron-piece from the ground, taking them to his forge. Ilmarinen tells iron to promise never to turn against humans nor shed innocent blood. (Eventually, after hardening iron in lye, iron goes mad and from then on has struck humans and shed innocent blood.)

4. Ruumiinmultaa / Soil of the Corpse

Soil of the corpse was a folk belief related to the pursuit of financial success, known in the area of Lapland. The one who desired to get rich made a deal with the devil, secretly collecting soil in the graveyard and offering it to other people, having had it mixed in their spirits and coffee. Soil of the corpse was only allowed to be given to those who were not enemies of the ones giving the soil of the corpse. A person who drank the soil of the corpse either died or lost his sanity permanently or temporarily. In contrast, the one giving the soil of the corpse gained financial wealth, as long as he was able to stick to the contract made with the devil, giving the soil to new victims on regular intervals for a few months. If the terms were not met, the devil killed the giver of the soil or made him insane. They say the belief lives on in certain regions of Lapland.

5. Petoeläimen kuola / The Predator's Saliva

The song deals with the birth of beer. Osmotar, the father of beer prepares the first ever beer out of barley grown by Pellonpekko. He rubs his hands, which results in the birth of animals that fetch the seasonings for the beer from the forest. However, the beer does not ferment. Osmotar finds the means and tells to get the predator's saliva. That's what happened and the beer began to ferment.

6. Synkkä / Dark Side

Joukahainen is one of the creators and the brothers. Ilmarinen is the god of the sky and the air, whereas Väinämöinen's divinity is strongly connected with water. Joukahainen, the youngest brother, is the god of Earth, appearing as a dark and gloomy god with counterforce in forests, swamps and stony grounds. The balance of the Earth is maintained by the dualistic relationship between Joukahainen and Väinämöinen. The song is about how Joukahainen appears in nature. In addition it deals with awe among people.

10. Uni / Dream

In folklore, dream is seen as a creature who comes to make a human fall asleep. The strong connection between death and dream has been believed to have come from the Underworld, the land of the dead. Dream binds and weaves up the eyelids, shoots with a drowsy arrow and in many other ways gets you off to sleep. When asleep, a human falls onto the level of the Underworld, in which the dream brings the Invisible world as a dream into the dreamer's mind.

11. Metsälle / Off to the Hunt

Louhi, the queen of Pohjola in the Finnish mythology, has told Lemminkäinen to go in pursuit of Hiisi's moose. While in pursuit, he breaks and loses his skis and poles, begging for Ukko the thundergod to make him new skis, by which he could catch up the moose and complete his task. Lemminkäinen skis and chases after the moose in the land of Tapiola.

12. Sumussa hämärän aamun / In the Mist of a Dark Morning

Ututyttö or Terhenneiti is the sprite of fog and mist. In misty weather a lot of ghosts have been told to have been seen. Some of them are restless souls, who have been left to wander in this world, but some of them are visions from the land of the dead, the Underworld. Fog and mist make the borders of the two worlds more and more indefineable, to such a degree that we can see the land of the dead with its ancestors in the world of the afterlife. Due to this, Ututyttö is also called the Bringer of Death.

8. After the album launch, there is a full US-Canada tour followed by a European tour. Any plans of heading a little east for an Asian tour maybe?

Juho Kauppinen: I don't know at this point, but of course I hope we would play there soon. It would be nice to play on every continent each year.

9. What is your opinion on bands that come out of nowhere and get instant stardom, thanks to social networking and video sharing sites?

Juho Kauppinen: I have nothing against anyone's success if it has been achieved by fair means.

10. As a band, would you prefer to stick to just one style which is appreciated by the audience or would you prefer experimenting with different styles just to see if you can outdo yourself? 

Juho Kauppinen: We don't think about such things too much. There may be some songs that are radically different from what people have gotten used to when they listen to Korpiklaani. We have certain things that we want to keep the same: for example the lyrics will usually be connected to Finnish folklore or otherwise keeping the style we represent. The cover songs we have played, on the other hand, do not necessarily have to do anything with Korpiklaani's style to begin with, but after we add those songs to our setlist they will eventually get a Korpiklaani-esque touch.

11. What can we expect from Korpiklaani for the years to come? More songs based on alcohol? A little more Finnish Folklore? Or will we see some social problems being conveyed through your music? 

Juho Kauppinen: We have probably composed a sufficient amount of drinking songs by now, as we could even play a concert of 50 minutes consisting of nothing but drinking songs. Korpiklaani will record an album after album and play a show after show and, of course, do an interview after interview and will continue this way as long as we are capable of doing that.

12. Do you recall the song, album, concert that changed your life and made you want to make music your life?

Juho Kauppinen: No, there has never been such a revolutionary event. Music has always been present in my life since my childhood and my musical taste has changed and diversified many times in my life and I am not afraid of any possible changes. When I was a teenager, I was sure I want to become a professional musician, so I have kind of achieved my goal now.

13. Just for fun, share with us something about yourself that might surprise those who don’t really know you.

Juho Kauppinen: My hobbies are too normal to be considered unusual or interesting to read about, but I enjoy reading and outdoor activity, for example. 

Thank you for your time. It’s been an honor to talk with you.

Juho Kauppinen: Thank you for your patience! It was a pleasure to talk with you too.



Read Our Korpiklaani - Manala Review Here

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Interviewed By,

Team Metal Wani

Autotheism is the embodiment of oneself as god. American producer, guitarist, and now a vocalist, Michael Keene has hit the right note by naming the album so, as only a man of sheer brilliance can come up with such drastic, yet magnificent, experimentation when it comes to making music. Yes, "Autotheism", the most awaited technical death metal album of the year, by The Faceless will released today. This album overflows with erratic changes from the endearing jazz fills to Keene's majestic clean vocals, yet, pertaining to their technical death metal sound. This juxtapostion of clean vocals and death metal with ambient and theatric influences is done immaculately by the band. This, my death metal fanatics, will take you to the realm that comprises of maturity and growth of a band as it is very rare that a band successfully executes their experimentation especially when it comes to such a magnitude. 

The album begins with the first track, namely, "Autotheist Movement I: Create", starting with a symphonic intro, transcending into a rock song with Keene's cleans. The song remains slow paced throughout and the chorus is well decorated with Keene's grandeur vocals. The second song is a continuation of the first one, called, "Autotheist Movement II: Emancipate". This song begins with a technical progressive death metal intro with fast and hypnotic riffs that will blow your mind. Eventually creeping into Keene and Wes' benchmark technical guitaring, the song takes a sudden dip into a dark, ambient background with Keene's solo slowly rising up and bridging its way back to the brutal sound as the solo gets faster. This song sets the pace for the whole diverse album. The next song is the last of the AM trio called,"Autotheist Movement III: Deconsecrate". It starts with a slow ambient feel and cleans, and walks its way into the death metal sound with some crazy guitaring by the duo. The unique twist in the song is that you will hear saxophones in the background and sudden input of some jazz fills amidst the heaviness. The song ends with Keene's trademark shred solo. This album sets the bar right up high for the bands that are known for experimenting with their sounds. 

The band goes on to surprise you with some theatric intros in songs like, "Ten Billion Years" and "Accelerated Evolution" with a hint of ambient in the background here and there. The black spot in this album was that there was no prominent exposure of the bass, unlike in their previous albums where it had some very commendable bass lines. Another question to put forward, would be, - was there a bit too much of clean vocals for a death metal album? Maybe. In songs like, "Accelerated Evolution", just when you get the overpowering feeling of death metal in you, the vocals suddenly shifts to cleans and it sounds very abrupt, thereby disrupting the complete song structure.

This album covers the whole of their fanbase, be it the ones who thought that "Akeldama" and "Planetary Duality" was too technical and repetitive or the majority that love their technical death metal feel and want them to restrict their music just to that. The record is also for those metalheads who are always on a lookout for something different and unique to amaze them. The top three songs from this album would be, "Eidolon Reality", which pretty much reminds you of the old The Faceless, sticking to their brutality, "Autotheist Movement I - Create", that in my opinion has the band doing best use of Keene's clean vocals in and the last song, "In Solitude" which has a slow acoustic start eventually igniting some skull crushing death metal by the band. If you're looking for another "Akeldama" or "Planetary Duality", I'd suggest you to sit there and wait for their next record but if you're eager to figure out what this change in the line-up has brought you, then I'm telling you to get off that chair for once and grab the album right away!


Rating - 8.5/10

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Reviewed By,

Vishaal Gollerkeri

Atomos is a Progressive/Death Metal band from Jordan, founded by vocalist Rami Mattar in 2005. The band was immediately acclaimed by their audience for their new, unique and exciting sound. They soon took their place in the metal scene and quickly gained popularity through a combination of their extreme originals, as well as boisterously executed covers of popular metal songs.

By 2006 the band had released two singles that were very well received, which was just enough to energize them to produce the demo album "Resurrection". In 2010 Anas Hatahet (Guitarist) and Fouad Azar (Bass) joined the band. Taking "Resurrection" as a foreshadowing influence, they created their latest album "Lost in Another Dimension".

The band is a conglomeration of eclectic styles. Each member brings his personal passion to influence the collective output. Mazen Ayoub (Drummer), for instance, is deeply interested in a speedy, but incisive illumination of Progressive Metal, whereas Rami Mattar (Vocals) prefers the harsh and brutal sounds of Thrash/Death Metal. Anas Hatahet (Guitar), on the other hand, is influenced by the ethnic melodies of Neo-Classical/Power Metal while Fouad Azar (Bass) would be jamming to the classic tunes of Prog-Rock and Heavy Metal. These diversities have created a band with the ebullient spirit and determination to produce their album "Lost in another Dimension" and form a creative camaraderie known as Atomos.

To start off with, the album has a very warm sound. With a mix of Heavy Metal and Thrash riffs along with some growls and at times the progressive patches that make Atomos a very unique band to say the least. Starting off with the first song - “Hades”. A unique thrashy heavy metal riff with ferocious growls, the song will be loved by old school metal enthusiasts. The sudden change of tempos in the middle of the song, the story telling guitar solos, all add up to the credits of the song. The only bad point of the song being the clean guitar section, where distorted backing wasn’t necessary and the drums felt a little out of touch at times.

“Atlantis” a song based on the lost kingdom of Atlantis is a mediocre song to be frank. But the guitar solo changes the tempo with lots and lots of shredding involved. The rhythm guitars in the song are kept on a lower volume than the leads, which is clearly distinguishable during the guitar solo. The bass could have been given a little more exposure I felt two songs with impressive drumming – “Book Of Changes” and “Dimensions in Dementia”. Drummer Mazen Ayoub kills it with his double bass skills and tight drumming in the two totally different sounding songs, Book of Changes being a traditional Heavy Metal track while Dimensions in Dementia having a more gloomy sound.

Two songs based on two great men – “Gilgamesh” and “Seal of Solomon”. Gilgamesh was the legendary King of Uruk(modern day Iraq) who is said to have ruled the world, his reign lasting for 126 years. The song is like a story of his life with the powerful chorus –

“I saw the great unknown ... I created a world

I saw the future ... What do you know

I am the one ... Who rules with power…”

portraying his great achievements. A pretty fast paced song, with lots of alternate picking and heavy duty drumming all throughout. Seal of Solomon has a melodic-power metal feel to it, with a full on shredding guitar solo once again demanding attention to its impressive composition.

The album also features an instrumental titled - “Isolated Mind”, which I felt was stretched a little too long. To sum it up, it is a pretty good album. Their unique sound does have a refreshing feel. Thumbs up for the drummer and guitarist for their parts.

Rating – 8/10

Reviewed By,

Abhiraj Das Ghosh

The country of Portugal, sure is well known for its explorers spreading their arms across the globe, but have they aptly explored the art of heavy metal? Prayers Of Sanity, is a straight up thrash metal band from Portugal, formed in 2007. They have released a demo album, followed by a full length and now have decided to raise the bars a notch higher by releasing another full length album, namely, "Confrontations". The lyrical themes mainly emphasize on religion and politics throughout the album. With an aim to revive the 80s thrash metal brutality, this band comprises of - Tião Costa - Vocals/GuitarCarlos Luz - BassBruno Santos - DrumsÂngelo Rodrigues - Lead GuitarThe album starts off with the the first track, namely, "Confrontations" sending a rush of nostalgia to the 80s thrash metal fans through the intro. The song is well layered with some great drumming, typical thrash riffs, commendable bass lines and a mammoth sized shred solo which will leave you in awe. The song is also structured well enough to surprise you. The album then moves onto the next track, "Too Much To Handle" which will make you start wondering whether this is just another one of those bands that play the stereotypical thrash metal or not. Ultimately, a pretty mediocre track.

If you were looking out for some diversity in the music, I'd suggest you skip through to the fifth track, "Inside 4 Walls". If you're a die hard thrash metal fan who wants to just hear some old school brutality, then go ahead with the whole album. Inside 4 Walls is a slow song with totally different vocals blending with beautiful riffs. This song saves the album from a dismal performance in terms of diversity.

The record lives up to what the band promised it to be. Total revival of the fast, brutal, and moshtastic 80s thrash metal. The band has unanimously put in effort throughout the album. Be it the great soloing by Angelo in songs like, "Confrontations", "To Kill Or To Be Killed", and "End Of It All" or the noticeably great bass lines by Carlos in "Acid 51", all the members have done a great job to put this through as a team. But, the main stand out performance was by the vocalist, Tiao Costa who has one of the best snarls, and thrash metal screams around, in my opinion, which can be noticed in songs like, "Confrontations", "Acid 51", "Dehumanizer" and "Dark Passenger". Personally, Confrontations is one of my favorite thrash metal songs so kudos to that. The drummer, Bruno Santos has done a fabulous and consistent job throughout the album and plays a big role in making the album the clear cut thrash piece it is.The band never promised a wide range of metal so I wont deduct a lot of points for lack of diversity, and on the other hand it has successfully lived up to what it was supposed to be, with a tinge of a speed-breaker too! So if you're a thrasher, go for this brutal album! But if you're looking for diversity, maybe you're looking for too much out there! I hope to see something more diverse from this band as I'm already one of their fans!


Rating - 8/10

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Reviewed By,

Vishaal Gollerkeri

Today we have a 3 peice band from Guwahati whose sound clearly concentrates on stuffs from Norwegian Black Metal fused with other Death Metal sub-genres. They combine the sound perfectly with Black Metal elements full of blast-beats, scratching riffs with screams and Death metal growls and groovy guitar riffing alongwith some sturdy and melodic bass lines.Yes folks we have Insane Prophecy on board. Our writer Vikas Khokher recently Interviewed front-man Xulfi Nawaz.
 

1. Hi Insane Prophecy, Welcome to Metal Wani. How is it going?

Xulfi: Hi, everything is quite busy these days. We are working on new songs and practicing and rehearsing for gigs to come as well.

2. The band was formed in 2008 by Ifty(Drums) and Parvez (Former vocalist). Who came up first with the idea & why this name Insane Prophecy?

Xulfi: Well Ifty met Parvez and at a cousin’s place. Parvez and Ifty got along together quite well and they made up the band to see what they can make out which at first resulted in a band with much mix mash sound like Napalm Death, Iron Maiden etc. which is completely a different sound compared to the sound it has now. However, they were very keen in making originals from the beginning which are discarded with the change in the band’s sound. Temporarily and initially, they gave this name to the band which later on has never been thought to be changed.

3. In your debut gig in the Assam Engineering College’s annual rock fest – Pyrokinesis ’08, you made to the finals. Initial period is always difficult. What according to you, Insane Prophecy lacked for not winning the title?

Xulfi: At that time, I wasn’t in the band, though I was there in the gig. IP made it to the finals in their debut gig but they didn’t deserved to win that. A band needs experience, and more skills and originality which was lacking at that time.

4. In beginning you were symphonic black metal and now its blackened death/black metal. How difficult it was for you to change the genre?

Xulfi: With the change in the line-up and exit of the keyboard player, we never thought to search for another keyboard player, instead we started working according to the line-up and it happened. Though we had to practice a lot to make it happen and we knew what we were doing.

5. Earlier you were a 5 piece band and now you are 3 piece. I kinda feel you are inspired by Behemoth. If yes, then they must be your major inspiration.

Xulfi: It just happened. I mean I never thought I would become the frontman. Me and Ifty had to resort to vocals because we were not getting any, which made us 3 piece, so that doesn’t have any link up with Behemoth, but we do follow Behemoth and are heavily influenced by them. Immortal and Belphegor are also the other few bands whom we praise as our heroes.

6. You guys define yourself as a blackened death/black metal. What makes Insane Prophecy different from other band?

Xulfi: According to us, we just play what comes, we express the aggression quite well on stage too. If someone else would play the kind of music we play, then we would never have that “difference”. But nobody does that here, so we are.

7. The band has recently released their debut EP “Apogee Of An Inquisition” in January 2012 in Mumbai. How was audience reaction for it? Who writes the lyrics and art work?

Xulfi: AOAI is received quite well by the independent metal music industry. We are been getting good offers for gigs and our CDs are available all over India through internet orders. Drummer/Vocalist Ifty writes the lyrics and the EP Cover Artwork is done by Riaj Gragoth of Luciferium War Graphics, Mexico. 

8. 'Obsequies' from Apogee Of An Inquisition was a slow instrumental song. What made you guys compose a soothing song in your E.P?

Xulfi: Well Obsequies is the conclusion of the theme which AOAI is made of and it depicts the calmness of the tragic inquisitions. Its actually Ifty’s composition where he played all the instruments including the lead guitar and bass, which is very much influenced by Opeth’s melodies with the Black Metal feel in it.

9. Any last words for readers/fans?

Xulfi: There are lots more coming up for all you extreme people. Keep supporting Indian Underground. Thank you Metal Wani.

Official Facebook Page Here

Listen To Insane Prophecy Here

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Interviewed By,

Vikas Khokher

Gates of Eden is a rock band from Tampa, Florida and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, comprised of vocalist and guitarist Rob Morris, bassist Dylan Witkowski and drummer Matt Poynter. This band is well-known in the Tampa Bay music scene and frequently plays shows in the area. They have also done touring, mainly in the northeast area of the United States. Our Writer Stephanie Jensen had the pleasure to talk to all three guys. They filled me in on all of their touring experiences, a bit about their past life, and all they want to accomplish for Gates of Eden.

1. So when I first saw you guys a few years back you were doing covers. Why did you stray away from covers and start writing your own music?

Witkowski: We were always playing our own music. Covers are just a way to make a little more money, more the work aspect I’d say. But yeah we’ve always been writing our own music ever since we [Witkowski and Poynter] joined. Rob already had a lot of his own music written. Rob do you want to say anything?

Morris: Yeah I want to say when we first started Matt and I were in the process of recording an eight song E.P. And that’s when we picked up Dylan to complete the puzzle.

2. Describe your music?

Witkowski: [To Morris] you want to go on that one?

Morris: It’s the impossible question. But basically, we’re a broad-based rock band, but we also branch out into other genres like funk and folk. [We also play] hard rock, too. It’s kind of hard to say which is all that we can with the three instruments that we play.

Witkowski: I agree with that. Like Rob said, anywhere from like classic stuff to stuff now all influences us. And it’s all been stuff that we listen to. So we’re just trying to play everything we like.

3. I know you both (to Witkowski and Poynter) have progressive metal backgrounds. Do you have any progressive or a metal background, Rob?

Morris: No I don’t. Well back in high school and early college I was in, not really a metal band but definitely a really hard rock band. But no [I don’t have] any progressive background. Playing with these guys puts a lot of that into my playing. [It makes my playing] much tighter, more technical, [and] progressive for sure.

4. So I guess [to Witkowski and Poynter] with you two, there’s a lot of technical and progressive background along with the rock and everything that he has played in the past?

Witkowski: You’re not going to listen to us and hear anything super heavy or hardcore or crazy, but you’re definitely going to hear prog influence for sure. Especially like Dream Theater, we emulate some of their stuff I feel. But also kind of like Kansas and prog stuff back in the day, too. It’s hard to say. It’s a good mix, though.

Morris: You forgot to say Tool.

Witkowski: Oh Tool, as well. One of our main influences as far as modern day prog music goes, for sure.

5. And I was talking to Dylan online earlier and you mentioned something about recording at Studio 4. Did you want to talk about that?

Witkowski: Yes. We had the opportunity to record at Studio 4 in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. It’s owned by Phil Nicolo. And the producer who gave us that opportunity, Will Yip, is actually one of Rob’s old drummers.

6. Oh wow. That’s pretty awesome.

Witkowski: [To Morris] did you want to say anymore about Will Yip?

Morris: Yeah he’s amazing. He was the drummer back in my band back in high school. He totally just took off and went on doing production. And he became the tour manager for Lauryn Hill, and he was helping to co-produce her new album which never came out apparently. And he pretty much let us in for a day and record as much as we want. We’re really excited to get those recordings back.

7. I also read on Facebook that you’ve been doing some nationwide touring. How did that go?

Witkowski: It was fun. We didn’t get through the whole nation. We’ve done mostly the northeast area. This is our second time through. But it was a great time. New York and Philly were probably our favorite areas to play.

8. Did you want to talk more about New York and Philly?

Poynter: Cheesesteaks are boss.

Morris: [To Poynter] I didn’t even know you were there, dude. You’ve been so quiet this whole time.

[All laugh]

Poynter: I’m here!

Morris: Alright, so I guess we got a full headcount. We’re good.

9. Do you plan on doing anymore touring anytime soon?

Witkowski: Pretty much yeah. We always try to plan for it whenever we have any free time, at least from school. Now Rob and Matt both are both out of school, but I’m still in during the [fall and winter] semesters. But every summer we try to do some sort of touring, whether it is expanding the area in the state, going to other places, or doing a northeast thing like we did, it’s such a good time.

10. Are there any particular places you want to go to?

Witkowski: Just anywhere. I would love to play in Europe, the rest of the United States, and the rest of the world eventually.

Morris: You covered it all, dude.

Witkowski: That’s just me, though.

11. So these questions are for each individual member, just getting your background. Who are your individual influences?

PPoynter: My original influences were Chris Pennie from Dillinger Escape Plan, Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater, and Blake Richardson. But my current influences are Benny Greb and Andy Fisenden. Benny Greb is an independent drummer and Andy Fisenden played for Void and now he’s sort of an independent drummer playing for R&B groups and anybody he can, I guess. He’s from Australia.

Witkowski: My original influences back in the day I would definitely have to say were Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He’s the one who got me to pick up the bass. Similar bands as far as that [inspirations] goes are definitely Dream Theater, they’re a heavy influence of mine, and Between the Buried and Me. I would say now my main influences would be Victor Wooten, Jeff Berlin, Dane Alderson, who’s in a group called Void that Matt also listens to, and I think that’s about it.

Morris: Well if I had to make a list for all-time I would say definitely Metallica will go on there. They’re the reason I started playing guitar. Dave Matthews, for sure. I don’t know, Incubus, Bob Dylan, Jeff Buckley for sure, Tool, the list just goes on and on. [There are] too many to think of.

Witkowski: It really does go on.

12. How long have each of you been playing?

Poynter: I’m on year six. [To Witkowski] and you’re on…?

Witkowski: I think I’m on year eight and a half. Eight and a half years into playing.

Morris: Yeah for me it’s too long to be as shitty of a player that I am now.

[Everyone laughs]

Morris: So it’s time for me to step it up.

Witkowski: Over ten years. He’s been playing over ten years.

13. Well then you must not be a very shitty musician then.

Witkowski: Exactly.

Morris: So much speculation here.

[Everyone laughs]

14. What are your former musical projects?

Poynter: For me it’s the tech metal band Silas.

Witkowski: For me it was hard rock group Consinity and also prog metal group The Hundred Handed. Those were my only former projects.

Morris: My band back in the day was called Morrisroe. Just my last name with an –roe thrown in at the end. And I did a solo thing for awhile. That’s basically it.

15. And then these questions are for Rob. What brought you to Florida? You said you were in Philadelphia before.

Morris: What brought me to Florida was total panic, despair, a dark, dark winter that never had any sunshine, and a free plane ticket that was bought by my sister, basically.

16. What was your past experience with music like? It said on the website you were trying to get a job and after that decided to get back into music. Was there anything you experienced that made you want to take a break?

Morris: Take a break from music or from work?

17. From music??

Morris: No I never really fully hung my hat up, so to speak. But there was a point where I thought I had to get a job, so I got a job at Verizon Wireless. It was corporate and full of sales and I hated it. And I quit after four months, and that was around the time I met Matt and we started playing together. And that was history, pretty much.

18. It also mentioned on the Facebook page that you saw this really inspiring show in New York. What was that like?

Morris: It was winter 2008. I was working at Verizon Wireless, making all kinds of good money two months in, and I took a trip up to New York to visit my cousin. And we went to a bar in Brooklyn; it’s called The Bitter End on Bleeker Street. And we saw this band called The Greg Mayo Band. I don’t know what it was about it exactly, but it totally changed my perception on things, and made me realize I wanted to be in a band and make music and play music for the rest of my life. So I got back from New York to Florida, and quit my job and started taking things more seriously with the band. Me and Matt started to create something.

19. These questions are for all of you now. What makes Gates of Eden special to each of you?

Morris: We each have ridiculously good looks.

Witkowski: Ridiculously good looks are definitely number one.

Morris: Yes. Most importantly.

Poynter: I like the versatility. And I’ve never been in a band where I worry about the other people, I can just kind of improve and do my own thing, and know that they’re going to hit the hit when it comes. You know what I mean?

Witkowski: I definitely feel that way, too. I feel like we have a really good blend going because we’re all similar but we all have different areas that we lean towards. Like I lean naturally towards more funk and groovy type of things. But like Matt said, really just depending on the other players it’s a blessing working with other musicians you know are going to be on time and you know are going to be solid. We’re pretty versatile, I would say. It’s fun playing anything from “My Girl,” to Tool or A Perfect Circle, with the same band.

20. What do you hope to accomplish with Gates of Eden? What do you see for the future?

Witkowski: Hm, shining lights.

Morris: We’re still pushing that out. We definitely would love to see something happen with this band and, “make it,” whatever that means. That’s up for interpretation for whoever’s trying to “make it.” But yeah just to make a comfortable living and get some recognition, would be awesome.

Witkowski: Yes, I would agree with that. We all, like Rob said, want to make it in our own way, but like he said we’re also in the process of redefining and getting that down to a specific, what the goal is for all of us instead of just a broad kind of goal. But we definitely expect great things.

21. Is there anything else you want to say? Anything you want to say to the fans? Maybe something coming up that’s exciting or anything?

Poynter: To any fans, we just want to say thank you so far for your support. And we play pretty regularly around the area, as of now, in Pinellas and Tampa. Probably what, twice a month?

Witkowski: And check our Facebook for any upcoming shows. We’ll love to have new fans come and take a look.

Poynter: Like us on Facebook.

Witkowski: Hit that button! What do you say Rob?

Morris: I would say you did a really good job doing all the talking Dylan.

Poynter: I would say if anyone goes out to Philly they have to go to Steve’s and have a Philly Cheesesteak there.

22. Thank you guys for talking.

Witkowski: Thank you very much.


Official Facebook Page

Official Website Here

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Interviewed By,

Stephanie Jensen