Interview: Corey of Applaud The Impaler

Interview @ 6/19/11

"Like" Applaud The Impaler here: http://www.facebook.com/applaudtheimpaler

Buy their latest EP "Anthropophagi" here: http://applaudtheimpaler.bigcartel.com/

Applaud The Impaler have been making their mark slowly but surely in the grind scene. With gutteral vocals and crushing music, ATI will more than likely be on the news 6 years from now from some kid blasting their music at their grandmother's house, grandmother croaks, and some white, yuppie mother who worships Al Gore's wife will try to sue the band. Of course, the band will win the case and ultimately will only gain more promotion from it all. Yeah, I am aware that's a bold future telling story, I am a world renowned psychic. Deal with it.

Ridge: So what's the history behind Applaud The Impaler? What other bands were you guys in before ATI?

Corey: Applaud the Impaler formed in early 2008 by Guitar players Corey Millett and Will Larkin, Bass player Gino Millett, and former drummer Mattlock Lopes. After weeding out and going through many vokillists, Zack Lashure was added to the ATI arsenal. We were all in local bands that had quit around the same time (Nothing Sacred, Prayers for the Dead, We were Gentlemen, R.O.N.K.) and since we all knew each other and we were all very dedicated about writing brutal music and making a name for ourselves, we all said, "hey, why not... lets do it". After putting out a demo and doing some serious recordings, Mattlock Lopes quit the band and we brought on the drummer everyone in the 757 scene wanted, Joey Glover. We then were picked up by Unique Leader Records and put out an EP titled "Anthropophagi" that finally put us on the map after so much hardwork. After doing some touring and more writing for our debut album, guitar player Will Larkin left the band and Ryan Carmichael quickly joined and became yet another strong weapon in the ATI arsenal. We are full throttle and ready to bring some intense music to our friends and fans.  

What's the story behind the name? How many albums, demos and EPs does your band have?

 Naming the band was the hardest thing to do! Harder then writing the music. Applaud the Impaler was actually named by our former drummer Mattlock. Everyone in the band was constantly coming up with names that somebody didnt like or names that were just completely retarded... like Raygun. haha!. One day Mattlock called guitar player Corey and was like "dude I got it... Applaud the Impaler! Ya know like Vlad the Impaler!?" At first Corey laughed and shunned it off  like every band name that was put on the table, but then it was like hold up, thats actually really cool. So we went with it. In all, the story behind the name was just a spurr of the moment thought that ended up defining our music... brutal. 

So far we have put out 1 demo and 1 EP. The first demo was a few songs quickly put together with various singers we eventually weeded through until we found Zack Lashure, our now vokillist.  The "Anthropophagi" EP was released on you Unique Leader Records, and it featured brand new songs with Zack and our new drummer Joey Glover.

What's the overall theme or message with your lyrics?

Zacks writes all of his lyrics to match the aggressive feel of each song. Every song gives off a certain vibe and feel, and Zack connects with that and writes what he feels the music is portraying. Every song lyrically is different, but every songs music and lyrics will equal each other in brutality. We strive hard to bring forth a completely crushing musical and lyrical balance. None of our songs are pretty, so you won’t hear pretty lyrics. None of the lyrics so far have been theme based, maybe in the future we'll have a themed album or something. Not sure yet.

What was your first song? Do you guys play any covers?

The first song we ever wrote was called "Bone Meal". It was a quick 2 minute banger that got us in the groove of writing music together. It was cool and fun to play, but nothing we'd want to put out to represent Applaud the Impaler. We've done a few covers for fun. One Halloween we dressed up as Slipknot and covered “Disasterpiece.” We're always jamming other tunes at practice, like the forever fun songs of Pantera. It’s always good to step back and and have some fun playing something else, especially when writing. It gives everyone a fun break from the intense and sometimes stressful writing sessions.  

Who are your biggest musical influences?

Each member of the band has their own wide variety of musical influences. It's crazy to sometimes hear what one another might be listening and inspired to. As far as what each member brings to the table with their outside influences for the writing process and complete sound of Applaud the Impaler, we are all highly influenced by Origin, Beneath the Massacre, Cannibal Corpse, Dying Fetus, Trigger the Bloodshed, Nile, and many other great death/grind/slam/gore acts.

What bands would you like to tour with in the future?

Of course it’s always a dream to tour with your favorite bands. We'd all love to do that, but we'll tour with anybody who’s ready to have fun and crush some skulls on stage!

Random Question - What's the meal and drink of choice for you guys? Are you another vegan death metal band?

Haha, no we arent a Vegan band. Corey can eat a steak raw and uncooked. If it was legal, he'd probably eat people! Busch beer, Jager, Crown Royal, and water are our drinks of choice. While on tour, we tend to grub down on healthier foods and the sometimes here and there greasy delicious foods. It is very important to stay healthy during tour with what you eat. It keeps you moving forward and able to perform top notch. Not eating right on the road will get you sick quick. We all love trying different food in the places we play too. It makes for good memories.

Do any of you guys have any other projects you want your fans to know about?

 

Currently nobody in the band are involved in any other projects. Every member is completely dedicated to Applaud the Impaler

 Are you guys currently in the process of making another album? If so, what is the title of it and when will it be released?

We are in the process of writing our debut album on Unique Leader Records. We plan to hit the studio at the end of 2011 to bring a 10-13 track, crushing album for all of our friends and fans. There is no title for this album at the moment.

So what's the overall message of Anthropophagi EP?

The overall message was just to bring to the table a completely brutal EP to get our feet in the doors in this hard music business. And with great perseverance, it's happening. We wanted to make everyone realize that we are legit, focused, and serious to make this band a lethal weapon in today's music scene and not just another band who forms, plays, and just quits. Music is our passion, and with "Anthropophagi", we feel like we've started to portray and make people realize that this is our passion and that we won't stop or halt by any means. We were very lucky to have been picked up by Unique Leader Records. They've been awesome to us. We can't wait for them to hear what we have brewing up.

Any shout outs you want to give?

Always! Our fans come first. Without you all there would be no us. You keep us moving strong with your endless support and dedication to this band. We are forever in debt to you. Unique Leader Records for the tremendous opportunity at a childhood dream and for putting us on the map. All the bands we've shared the stage and crushed skulls with and all the people who have in some way helped Applaud the Impaler. It truly means the world to us.

Any last words for your fans and people who don't know about you guys yet?

Just keep helping spread the word of Applaud the Impaler. We are all on this ride together. We'd love to have the opportunity to come throw down and party with all of our friends and fans. It's what we feel like we owe in return for their support. Keep it guttural and PARTY ON!

Check these websites our for crucial updates and brand new Applaud the Impaler news!!!

Facebook-www.facebook.com/applaudtheimpaler

Myspace -www.myspace.com/applaudtheimpaler

Twitter- www.twitter.com/atigrind

Record Label- www.uniqueleader.com

Record Label- www.myspace.com/uniqueleaderrecords

Merchstore- http://applaudtheimpaler.bigcartel.com

Reverbnation- www.reverbnation.com/applaudtheimpaler

Interview: Dylan of Born From The Sea

Interview @ 6/14/11

"Like" Born From The Sea here: http://www.facebook.com/bornfromthesea

Buy their newest EP Crowns on iTunes here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/born-from-the-sea/id435247046?ign-mpt=uo%3D4

I hit up Born From The Sea weeks ago for an interview, luckily they didn't forget all about it and sent it back :) They are a sick ass christian deathcore band from Arizona that are sure to leave a mark. They have exceptionally brutal vocals and crushing music fans of the scene would LOVE. To learn more about them, read on :)

Ridge: So what is the overall message you're trying to send with Born From The Sea? What's the meaning of the band name?

BFTS: We are here to spread a message of love and acceptance, no matter who you are/what you believe.  We hope we convey this message through our music, actions, and lyrics so that those who don’t believe in God can see that there are real people, real Christians out there.

R: Have any of you guys been in bands before BFTS? Are there any other projects you would like the fans to know about?

BFTS: Yes, Blake, Joey, and Ashur had a high school emo/post hardcore band for a couple years; they were called Victory Down.  Justin has had a few bands, and Tanner and I (Dylan) have been in a few cover projects playing at churches and events.

Ridge: What is your biggest inspiration to go out and play music everyday?

BFTS: We just really love all of the people in this scene, all of the people we come in contact with are awesome – the show goers, the promoters, and the other bands just make everything so rad.  And of course, we absolutely love playing heavy music.

Ridge: What are your musical idols?

BFTS: I (Dylan) am a huge Underoath fan.  Underoath, As I Lay Dying, and Haste the Day are the bands that first got me into this music.  We all love and have huge respect for the evangelical bands out there like For Today, Sleeping Giant, and Impending Doom as we share the same purpose.

Ridge: Is hard being a Christian band playing in a scene of mostly non-Christians? What has been your guys biggest challenge so far?

BFTS: Not really.  The scene has just as many Christian bands as there are non-Christian bands, and on top of that, most of the bands have enough respect for each other to not make a big deal about it.  Like I said, this scene is full of great people.   The biggest challenge I’d say was basically proving ourselves, working our way up the ladder.

Ridge: Are there any releases coming out soon? What is your discography? (Demos, EPs and albums)

BFTS: Our first recording was of Frogman Maui, and we released a clip of it when we launched our Myspace (lol.)  We hit JM studios after our first show and recorded Party Crasher, the first song we wrote as a full band.  We finished out 2010 playing shows and hit Hourglass Studios in Phoenix and recorded our debut EP Crowns that is now on Itunes.

Ridge: What decides that the time is right to go into the studio to record an album? Or is is an ongoing process?

BFTS: Having the funds is the most important thing.  Going out of pocket sucks so we usually make sure we have more than enough before hitting the studio.  Satisfaction with our songs is required before going in.  If one or two of us aren’t happy with a song or part, we tweak it until everyone is satisfied.

Ridge: What bands would you like to tour/play with in the future?

BFTS: We’d love to play some California and Tuscon dates.  As far as bands, we would love to play with For Today, Sleeping Giant, August Burns Red, Underoath.  I don’t know about the others but I love As I Lay Dying and I would love to play with them.

Ridge: If you guys had to give up music, what would you do to stay being creative? (I.E. hobbies and such)

BFTS: That would suck.  I would probably write some stories/poetry.

Ridge: Tell the fans about your upcoming shows and why we should be there?

BFTS: Our next show is July 15^th with Greeley Estates and the Plot in You.  We will be debuting some fresh new threads as well as some new tunes!

Ridge: Random Question - What are your guys favorite movies to sit back and watch over and over again?

BFTS: The Lion King, The Dark Knight, Inception, Coming in America, Jurassic Park, the Goonies

Ridge: Any shout outs you want to give?

BFTS: Shout out to all our homies!  Lost in Translation, I Everlasting, This My Vendetta, Loren Battle, Cadence for Kings, Truth of Fiction, our brothers in Redeemer, and to K and Z entertainment!  (sorry if I forgot a band <3)

Ridge: Any last words for your fans and people who haven't heard about you yet?

BFTS: Thanks a ton to anyone who has given us a chance.  We love you guys!

Interview: Robb of Paint Over Pictures

Interview @ 6/9/11

Like them here: http://www.facebook.com/PaintOverPictures

Paint Over Pictures is a southern metal/hardcore band that have been getting some attention recently. They just released a self titled EP and a new single Love Like A Rattlesnake (link to download it for FREE below). Nothing but greatness is in these gents future as they continue to be at the top of the ladder and play their asses off. Check out their new music video here: 

When was Paint Over Pictures formed? What other bands did you guys play in previously?

Clayton, Ryan and myself (Robb) Started writing together Aug 2007. Vocalist Bryan Williams was in After The Wake (Who were awesome!) I was in End Of Alderan from the bay area.

When writing lyrics, what topics do you guys cover?

Usually we talk about Alcohol and Drug abuse. Or shady situations all of which are true or highly exaggerated hahaha! We know the real meaning behind the lyrics, but they are written in a way to let the listener create their own meaning. Relate to it anyway you want!

Do you guys have any EPs, albums or demos?

YEAH! we have a self titled EP which is available on Itunes or you can go listen to everything at reverbnation.com/paintoverpictures We also made a music video for our song 'Love Like A Rattlesnake" which is available for free download!

Do you guys plan on touring soon? What are some of your favorite venues and cities you've played in so far?

We are pretty green when it comes to touring. We will be setting up a west coast tour for the fall! It will be our first.

What bands would you like to play/tour with? What are some of your biggest influences, either personally or that you incorporate into your playing?

We love to play with all the locals in this city! So much good music is here. We have played a lot with Havenside. They have been our boys from the beginning! We love Rock 'n Roll especially Ryan (Lead Guitarist) and I. We try and incorporate as much classic rock song structure as we can.

Do any of you have any other projects (musical or non-musical) that you want your fans to know about?

Nope. I mean we jam with other musicians in this city but for the most part none of us get too invested in other projects. Who knows though ;)

What is the meaning of the band name Paint Over Pictures?

 He Is Legend. "The Seduction" We were a band for 1 year before we decided on a name. Our Vocalist Greg fell asleep with his Ipod on and when that song came on his sub conscious took one part of a sentence and he saw it on a marquee he woke up and text it to me. I got back to him 9 hours later and said "Why the fuck not!" hahaha!

What songs do you guys like to play live? any covers at all?

We really love to play "A Lot Like Burt Reynolds" Live it’s just a lot of fun! and has a lot of energy live. HAHA! oh god covers... Ya, we don’t have a cover. Yet! It’s something we talk about every single day we constantly think of a new song to cover and we never commit to any of them. Maybe a cover album will be in the near future. Or maybe not. haha

Tell the people about your next upcoming shows and what they're missing out on your live performances.

We are playing The ACE OF SPADES JULY 16TH "Sacred City InFest" THIS SHOW WILL BE TITTIES!! 10 bands! the show is going to be nuts.. We pack a bunch! and so do all the bands on this bill.. Youll miss a great show if you pussy out ;)

What has been one stand out gig that was either awesome beyond words or really strange?

We still to this day remember our show with From First To Last.. That was one of our best performances with the best crowd response. But my personal favorite was our very first show. We got a lot of love that night. I think that’s why we are still here and still all together. We knew we had something special that night. For every amazing show though, there has been about 8 shitty ones for sure haha!

Any shout outs you want to give?

Thank you to everyone that has listened to us and have given us a chance! And to our homie bands that have given us love and support Havenside, The Scarlet Crusade, Silence Of The Grim, Awaiting The Apocalypse!

Any last words to your fans and people who want to form their own bands in the competitive Sacramento area scene?

If you love it for what it is and not what its become, you work day and night for it.. Don’t give up! your time will come one day. We are still working for ours and that’s what I believe it’s all about. Thank you everyone! With all our love and respect! - Paint Over Pictures

Interview: Jake Bowen of Periphery

Periphery is one of the most talked about bands today. Djent wasn't really a popular genre until they came along and totally blew the doors off of it with heavy yet catchy, well-written songs like "Icarus Lives!," "The Walk," and "Letter Experiment." I decided to hit up guitarist Jake Bowen to learn a little bit more about Periphery and also what his favorite Whitest Kids U Know skit is.

Ridge: So what is the story behind Periphery. What made you guys 

decide to get together and write some of the most diverse and progressive music out there today?

Jake: Periphery was pretty much built over the internet, Misha and the original singer were from Maryland and they just started putting their recordings online for free download and it just happen to catch the attention of our original line up. We all just knew that the sound that Misha was producing was what we wanted to do musically.

What other bands are you playing in/used to play in before Periphery?

I used to play in a metal band called Trapnote, I used to jam with lots of different musicians and styles. Besides Periphery I write electronic music with some help from my close friends.

How did you break your finger? Too much meedly meedly?

According to Lambgoat I broke it off in a dudes butt haha. But truthfully I was hanging on our Periphery backdrop in Manchester and I lost my footing and landed on my middle finger wrong. It still looks a little funky but for the most part my full range of motion is restored and I'm playing better than ever.

Fallout is one of my all time favorite games and I see you're a fellow player. What is your favorite DLC for Fallout 3?

Operation Anchorage is cool, makes it more arcade like but I'd have to say Mothership Zeta, the ending was pretty epic!

What is your favorite skit from Whitest Kids U Know?

Either the Peeing on Leg or How Abraham Lincoln Really Died haha.

What gear can you recommend to other people in terms of recording and playing live?

A moderately priced firewire audio interface for recording and a good preamp, we use Fractal Axe FX Ultras which we use in the studio and on stage.

Other than Meshuggah of course, what are some of your top musical influences? What bands do you listen to on a daily basis?

He Is Legend, Telefon Tel Aviv, Prefuse 73, Pantera, Nine Inch Nails, the stuff my homie Elliot Coleman writes.

What has been your greatest live show experience? What venues or cities do you like to play at the most?

Toronto always brings it. The Rave in Milwaukee is also fun because you can spend hours exploring it.

Tell your fans a bit about your gig as Dream Theater's keyboard tech.

I was Jordan Rudess's keyboard tech, I'd setup his keyboards and computers for the show. Dream Theater was my first touring experience and my only tech experience, I really learned a lot it was great to learn that aspect of touring before actually doing the performing side of things.

What songs do you like to play the most live? Do you guys play any covers?

Buttersnips and Racecar are my favorites to play.

So what can fans expect from the upcoming double album? What details can you give on it so far?

Can't give too much away as we're still in the process of putting it together, I can tell you it's gonna be really long and contain some back catalog soundclick ideas revamped as well as a ton of new songs. I think anyone who has a soul and likes music will dig it.

Are there any upcoming tours and shows for Periphery?

We have some stuff planned but no official announcements to make, yet...

What has been the biggest challenge so far for you and Periphery in the music business?

Just being able to realize that nothing ever pans out the way you want it to all the time, you gotta be flexible and accept change otherwise you'll just break under the constant pressures that we face.

Any shout outs you want to give out?

I'd like to shout out to my neighbors to stop parking in the spaces crooked, it's really annoying.

Any parting words of wisdom you want to bestow on your fans and other avid guitar players?

Smoke weed erreday.

Interview: Carcery's Vale

Interview @ 5/13/2011

Like them here: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000156196551

I have followed CV ever since I saw them live at Club Retro a number of years ago (I think it was battle of the bands I don't remember). They are on the verge of blowing up any time now, they just need some more exposure. So I hit them up for this interview for people to read and get to know CV a little better and to promote their upcoming EP.

So when did Carcery's Vale first get together and start playing music? What's the meaning behind the name?

CV formed August 8th, 2008. We are coming up on our third year as a band.  We got the name 'Carcerys Vale' from a book series that all of us really liked called 'The Demonata' by Darren Shan. Great series! Carcerys Vale was the village the main character lived in. There were no bands we were in before CV was started. We started it as a hobby and something to do for fun, but it has evolved into something we never thought it would.

So I saw you guys play at last years Warped Tour. After you played there, did anything change for you guys? Did you guys get more recognition from Warped?

Warped Tour gained us a lot more fans and it was one of the biggest crowds we had played in front. It was an awesome experience and we are hoping to make it on this year again!

What's been your favorite show you've played so far? Any strange gigs you've played so far?

Thanks for everything man! Our favorite shows we played so far have been Rocking Roots, Warped Tour, Crest Theatre, this 9/11 show we played at Club Retro and the recent ones have been fun. The weirdest show we've played was probably in Marysville, CA for this girls birthday. It was at the top of a three story library and there was like a dance party in the basement

So you guys just finished up with a new EP if i'm not mistaken. What's the name of it and when will it be released? What message are you trying to give in this EP?

The name still hasn't been decided, we are trying to make it catch on. We are looking to master the tracks and release it early next month. The message is basically to have fun, live your life for yourself and nobody else, and to always be watching your back because people are SHADY. People will always be shady. We didn't want a dark feel on this EP like 'Fears' gave off. It's more catchy and uplifting. Our new album is a mix of all different styles of music from rock and roll to pop to metal to southern upbeat hardcore shit we’re kinda flirting with the boundaries on what styles one band can use. Our lyrics are about living life to the fullest and rising above your demons and staying positive and keeping your real friends close along the ride of life.

What bands do you guys look up to and draw your influence from to incorporate into your playing style? Do you play any covers live?

We have yet to play any covers live. And honestly, too many bands to name! We like to listen to all kinds of music, acoustic, metal, death metal, rap, anything. and it all comes together for what we write as a band. Also, with this new EP we wanted to listen to a lot less of our genre during the writing process so we didn't accidentally copy any breakdowns or riffs, because that can easily happen.

What bands would you like to tour with in the near future?

Some awesome bands to tour with would be A Day to Remember, BMTH, The Devil Wears Prada, basically any top notch band in the genre right now because the venues would be  JAM PACKED! We love playing with all bands music is something to be supported by everyone bands need to support other bands it doesn't really matter who we play with. We wanna come out and rock with our friends and far as we’re concerned everyone’s our friends.

What comes first when writing? The lyrics or the music?

The music always comes first in our band, then Jeremiah writes the lyrics to the mood the song gives off.

Where do you see yourselves in about 5 years from now?

Two things realistically. Either in 5 years we will be a National touring band making a career out of this or we will have to give it up eventually and we will probably be working day jobs and going to school. Let's hope for the first one though :)

What was your first song?

Our first song we ever wrote was a terrible (we thought it was the shit) song called "Lights, Camera, Slaughter!"

Tell the fans about your upcoming shows and what they're missing out on.

The fans neeeeed to come out to our next show in Rocklin at Studio 21. Tickets are only five dollars and the show is on May 13th. What fans miss out on our shows is an original rock and roll live experience. we jump all over the place, we grab kids by the skulls, we shred for the girls, we wanna have everyone moving the whole time so we love getting fans involved and having fun and enjoying our music. That's what it’s about is them getting a place to release all frustrations and leave our show with a smile on their face

Any shout outs you want to give?

Shout out to our best friends and management : Tommy Bauer, Steve Villar, and Matt Oliver! And of course our badass producer Zac Z Rokk Diebels! Who helped us create a kickass 6 song EP, with crushing quality :)

Any last words for the fans?

The fans have always been amazing to us. You either love CV or hate us, and for the ones who have stuck it out, keep holding on tight because we are almost there. Your support is so amazing and we wouldn't be ANYTHING without you all. Love, CV.

Interview: Unto Acheron

Interview @ 5/12/2011

Like them here: http://www.facebook.com/untoacheron

These guys hit me up out of the blue to review their self titled album just recently released. I haven't really had the time to write it yet, so I hit them up for an interview to get to know them better, where they stand on the local music scene, and what they also do to help out other local bands.

RB: So tell your fans a little bit about Unto Acheron. How did you guys meet? What other bands did you play in before?

Blaine: UA started back in late 2009, I had just gotten kicked out of a band I was in called Death of Athena. Brett asked me to join, but for whatever reason I told him I wasn’t ready to be in a band, but sure enough haha he got me in.
Eli: Well, I met Brett before Unto Acheron was a full band because we were in a band together. He asked me to play drums for his band. I was in a bunch of high school jam bands that only played a few shows, none of which were as serious as UA.
Brett: I started the band around August 2009. It was just me pretty much doing a side-project. I was in a band with Eli at the time called Behold The Torrent and was friends with Blaine. I asked them to join my side-project (Behold The Torrent was walking the plank essentially) and they eventually agreed to hop on board.

What is the meaning of the band name?

Eli: From my understanding; in Greek mythology, it's the river that transfers lost souls to the underworld where Hades awaits them.
Brett: In Greek mythology, it is the river across which Cheron, the ferryman, ferries dead souls into the underworld. I came up with the name "Unto Acheron" because we are all heading towards that end, so we might as well make the best of life as it is.
Blaine: Well, from what I know, Acheron, in mythology, was referred to as the river of pain and was one of 5 rivers that flowed through Hades.

What are your biggest musical influences?

Brett: I'm influenced by a lot of things. In all honesty, what really ushered in my appreciation for music was Marc Anthony and Crossfade. In metal, I'd have to say Nile and God Forbid.
Blaine: My biggest influence in music would have to be bands like Pantera and Queen, haha yeah. Odd combo.
Eli: I would have to say my friends, because I've found out about very few bands that I like on my own, and my friends usually turn me on to all sorts of music. Plus, I'm open-minded, so that helps too.

What is the overall message of your new self titled album?

Blaine: hsufjshfusiofgausijkdfansduafhsjdaso
Eli: There is a mutual agreement that we all want the album to present itself as grand and epic, essentially all that greek mythology is made out to be already.
Brett: It's questions like these when we need Ken haha. Really though, musically, the album can be perceived as epic, grand. Lyrically, it is equally larger than life. Ken speaks of positive outlooks, love lost, and everything inbetween.  Our album's ingredients are similar to what a Greek tale would give you haha.

How was the writing process for the album? Did the music and lyrics all come within a short amount of time or was it an ongoing process?

Brett: A lot of the groundwork for the songs that are on our album were laid out before we even had a full lineup. We were tight musically but needed something extra. Then we gained the missing link to our chain. Ken completely turned the songs upside down with his vocal style and structure.
Blaine: We made changes to a lot of songs over time.
Eli: No comment. haha Greekcore bitch!

If you could tour with 4 other bands, who would they be? 

Blaine: Wretched(old lineup), Within Ruins, Salt The Wound, All Shall Perish
Eli: Job For A Cowboy, All Shall Perish, All That Remains, and As I Lay Dying
Brett: I'd have to say Job For A Cowboy, Oceano, Fallen Figure, As Blood Runs Black, and Carnifex.

What are some of your favorite venues and cities that you guys like to perform in? What songs do you like to play the most live? Any covers? 

Eli: Any city that accepts our music is a favorite of mine. I personally enjoy playing "The Rise Of Ares" most because it sets the mood just right. Covers? No.
Blaine: So far I love McAllen and Pasadena, cant wait to play different cities. And we definitely don’t play covers.
Brett: MCALLEN. It HAS to be the place where I should've been born haha. The scene down there is amazing. I personally love playing "Pearls From Persephone" live. It definitely shows the direction we're going in more than the other songs. And we don't play covers. Never have.

Where do you see Unto Acheron in about 5 years from now? 

Blaine: Signed to a major record label most definitely. 
Eli: Hopefully on the road and signed, playing shows all the time.
Brett: I'm thinking signed and touring. Even if we're broke as fuck, that's where we want to be. We have a lot of potential I think. We're a diamond in the rough that's just thirsting to be discovered.

Do you guys have have any shows coming up? If so, tell your fans about them and why they should be there. 

Brett: We have one May 27th at Dad's venue in Lewisville, TX. It's going to be a badass show. Tickets are $10 and it starts at 7pm. ANYONE in the DFW area should haul ass to get there!
Blaine: We have a show coming up at Dad's Venue out in Lewisville, TX on May 27, so come and get crunk with us.
Eli: Yes, May 27th at a local spot called Dad's Venue. It should be cozy.

What influence do each of you have that the rest of the band doesn't share and what common ground do you all stand upon? 

Blaine: Um haha my love for Pantera is something we don’t share haha, but we all definitely share the love of the music we write.
Eli: We all have metal influences, but we are all so very different and I think it helps out in the long run because when people are too alike, it gets kind of boring.
Brett: I think my love for Michael Jackson might be a lonely one, but as far as metal is concerned, we're pretty parellel with our interests.

Do you guys have any other projects you want your fans to know about? 

Eli: Yes, Decimator Magazine, a Magazine that we're working on to showcase local talent, mostly metal and that sort of thing.
Blaine: My photography project should get checked out haha. B. Mathis Photography
Brett: All 3 of us run Decimator Magazine, a local magazine trying to showcase local bands in the Death Metal and -core genres, and also trying to build the scene here because it seems extremely exhausted. I also do graphic design work for local bands.

What advice can you give other people wanting to start up their own bands? 

Brett: Just do it. Don't let someone tell you that you can't. Don't be ashamed of your music, ever. Strive to be better, and you will be.
Blaine: Just go for it, take pride in your music, but don’t have so much pride to where you won't take any opinions on your music.
Eli: Have fun with the people you play with, your instrument... The rest will fall into place.

Any shoutouts you want to give? 

Blaine: Just to everyone who gave our music a chance and became a fan. It means so much to us.
Eli: To anyone who has taken the time to listen to our music, I thank you very much and hope to see you at a show 'cause we need all the support we can get. If you can't make it to a show, then spread the word!
Brett: Where to begin? People who have helped us with rides, with money, with gas, anyone who bought our album... fuck. Chuy, Paloma, Kristen, Kirsten, Abel, Chris, Teresa, Grace, Diana, Brittany, Yessenia, Chase, Pete, Crystal, James from Skillman, The Brattains from Dad's Venue, Sadie, Anthony, Obie.... the list goes on and on. I KNOW I didn't name everyone. If I skipped you just hit us up on Facebook and we'll post that shit!

Any last words for your fans and people who haven't heard your music yet? 

Blaine: Give it a listen, it definitely will not disappoint you.
Eli: Listen to our jams, tell a friends about us, and help support all the local metal bands in your area. Oh, and come talk to us if you're into our music. We love to meet new people at shows and online. It really encourages us to step our game up. We're not only musicians, but we're also entertainers.
Brett: Listen to us. I promise you, you won't walk away without something. Keep an eye on us, tell your friends, spread the word PLEASE because there's a LOT of stuff coming from us. I so so SO wish I could talk about it, but you'll just have to wait and see.