MetalsPeak - Interviews

Jared caught up with Kataonia drummer Daniel Liljekvist during the Denver stop of the Epic Kings and Idols tour with Paradise Lost and The Devin Townsend Project. Daniel discussed the high points of the tour, including the difference in crowd response between his band and DTP. He also talked about the songwriting process and how far they've come as a band with their newest release Dead End Kings.

We stole a few moments from Jonny to talk about the Summer Slaughter tour so far, line up changes and the impact that had to their songwriting. We also got a quick update on Fleshwrought, and plans for the rest of the year.

Paul and Som were gracious hosts to have us on their RV and give us almost 40 minutes of what turned out to be one of the most fun and entertaining interviews we've done so far. They talked about how the Summer Slaughter tour was going including some kudos for the monitor guys at The Summit Music Hall, and insight as to who was the biggest drinker of all the SS bands. Paul also shared the unbelievable story about an issue in NY that prevented Paul's work visa from coming through last year. We heard about some plans for the rest of the year and, just for Daigle, some thoughts on Harry Potter.

We chatted with Alex Webster during the Denver stop of the Summer Slaughter tour, and he was quick to talk about having progy type bands on the bill which is unusual for them. Song dynamics, particularly in terms of tempo also came up, as well as the challenge of putting a set list together when you have 12+ albums of material. Alex also shed some light on death metal bands that started in the late 80s. There really wasn't a precedent for what a successful death metal band was and how far they could go. And the highlight for us (and probably for any CO native) is when Alex recalled the original name of The Black Sheep in Colorado Springs.

Jared talked with Oscar from Pathology on the Slaughter Survivors Tour. Oscar talked about differences between the last album and the upcoming one including song writing/composition and recording. The topic of Victory Records and how Pathology stands out in the roster also came up. Oscar commented on vocal critique common to brutal death metal and what keeps a band going when they tour extensively.

And mark another one down for homeless-people-interview-interruptions.

Jared got some time with Fit For An Autopsy after their destroying of the stage on the Slaughter Survivors Tour. They had great things to say about the Denver stop in particular. Jared also got some detail on how things have changed since the last time he talked to them two years ago. Future plans, line up changes (including the boost to a 6 piece band), and the phrase "Might eat a little shit on the way, but it tastes good in the end" also came up. A common thread with Fear Factory turned up as well.

Jared got some time with James Martin from Aegaeon during the Slaughter Survivors tour. This tour presented their first opportunity to get around the West Coast. James talked about what it's like being a DIY band and how the year's been so far. Plus, plans for the rest of the year.

And of course, the moment that makes any MetalsPeak interview outside the Marquis Theater complete: interrupting, peddling, homeless guy.

Bat-Matt took the opportunity to chat with Jon Schaffer about all things Iced Earth. He got the skinny on how the Volbeat tour came together and what brought Stu Block to the band. Jon also commented on songwriting and how they consistently get the same "Iced Earth" sound, even with different singers. Lyrical content, how the Iced Earth set list comes together, and the songwriting process were also discussed.

Matt also secured his place as a MetalsPeak interviewer by not passing up the opportunity to mention the level of Daigle's Potter-nerdism. Way to go buddy.

Jared caught up with Doc Coyle after their set on the first show of the Trespass America tour and got some thoughts on what to expect for the rest of the tour and what feedback they've been getting on "Equilibrium". Doc also commented on the label switch from Century Media to Victory and the guitarist switch from Dallas to Matt. This brought up the discussion of songwriting and vocal melodies. Jared got some thoughts on metal genres in general and their evolution over the last few years.

We caught up with Matt Sotelo after their set at the Occupation Domination tour. He was quick to mention that new material is on the way and gave some broad ideas of what we can look forward to. He also shed some light on the values Decrepit Birth holds in high regard - much of which has to do with their upbringing. We heard about what non-metal stuff he enjoys none of which he would really cite as a guilty pleasure. Matt also commented on finding the balance between touring life and family/home life. And (despite Daigle's token awkward moment) Matt told us how they decided on covering "Crystal Mountain" by Death.