Throne of Malediction is one of those bands that I think us older generation metal fans can appreciate.
I got the chance to interrogate the husband and wife team and this is what they had to say....
LS: Hello Eric and Jessica and thank you
both for your interest in Lilith Scare Webzine. Hope life is treating you
well....
E: Thanks for the interest in talking a bit.
I am doing well, keeping busy as usual. Its been a rough road, but things are
looking up in life, I suppose.
J: So far so good...
LS: Throne of Malediction started in the year 2006 under the name Sonic Demise. Why
the name change and when did this take place?
E: I think it was mainly because of a lineup
change(one of a few). The new members wanted a new name, so we all kind of had
input. Throne of Malediction seemed to fit the overall "vibe" of our sound
better, as well. I think around 2008 or so. We actually home printed 50
cassettes of a Sonic Demise demo.
LS: The two of you are a married
couple (With a new little girl added to the mix) Where you a couple before or
after the band partnership began?
E: We were a couple before, though only a
few months before playing music together regularly. I think we were only
together for like 6 months before we married, very quick haha... Here we are
almost 7 years later.
J: We started playing guitar together a
couple of months before we were married. Three months after we were wed we found
our first drummer and things just kind of started from there.
LS: Throne of Malediction is a
Blackened Doom Metal Band originally from Montana and now living in California.
I know there were some personal things going on and so the band probably wasn't
the main focus of moving but has it helped the band at all as far as fan base or
possibly live shows?
E: That is yet to be seen in some ways. We
have not played shows here yet, but our music is getting better response down
here. There are more metal fans and we do get show offers even though not
playing. So, I think there is potential to grow our fan base a lot here. Though
we had a few fans in Montana, Throne of Malediction had a lot of naysayers there
that did not understand what our music is about. We would play shows in front of
crowds who would have no idea who Cradle of Filth is, when performing a cover
song by them, for example... We have found that when playing among other
bands(especially deathcore), we stick out like sore thumbs sometimes. For a
while we actually wondered whether we were any good, we were so different than
the surrounding bands. One time, we were on the front page of the local
newspaper(in Kalispell, Montana)for a local event we played. We were very
surprised that we got a negative reaction from a few bands we played with and
people that I thought we were on good terms with. Really strange to me, as I am
a very avid supporter and helping hand to fellow bands when doing gigs. I hope
for more open-minded listeners and venue owners here in California. We have just
recently found a few musicians willing to fill our live lineup out soon. We have
a set list and a few show plans in the works within the year. I am very excited
for that.
J: To be honest we knew we would have to put
music on the back burner for awhile, until we got settled. I think that now we
feel ready to start moving forward with music, we can focus on finding our
particular fan base.
There is a small scene happening where we
live now and we hope to expand and contribute to it. Every band has a built in
fan base to some extent, whether it be friends family or a metal or biker club
to stand behind them.
That's the easy part, the hard part is getting complete strangers to believe in you and want to be part of what your
about. We've been talking with some local musicians to start doing some shows in
about another year in California, at least.
LS: Speaking of live shows...Throne of Malediction is a live band...
so there are more then just the two of you as full time members or just for live shows?
And are there any shows coming up that you would like to mention?
E: We had semi-permanent members over the
years. For various reasons, they did not last, as band politics go I suppose.
Throne of Malediction is something that means a lot to us and will not quit.
Jess and I got tired of starting new every time we get new members. So now, we
have pretty much changed into a two person project for songwriting and
recording. The session members we have like, Tamara Picardo and Kevin George
have been a lot of help and we are still going to have them aboard for the next
album.. We plan on getting temporary live members very soon(who I mentioned
before a bit), but not sure about permanent members yet. We will have to borrow
amps and some live gear for now.
J: As of right now we are the only members,
it makes it far easier for recording purposes but difficult for live settings
obviously. As I was saying there have been discussions of playing in a year or
so, that will give us time to get new amps and weigh our options. Right now the
current metal bands in our area only have one park to play, once a year. If we
were to find full time members that would change due to the fact we have
experience at setting up shows and aren't afraid to travel if need be. Doing all
the leg work can be a pain for many musicians, they would prefer if someone else
took care of the details and that's where Eric comes in. He used to be the go to
man back in Montana doling out info for new(and out of town)
bands who didn't know who to get in touch with to play somewhere.
We'll find our niche here, we just have to be patient, I know our time will
come.
LS: In 2011 you released your first full length album "Ceremonial Blood" on Ziekte Records.
How was it to have your first FL in your hands and what kind of response did you get from the fans?
Are their copies of this album still available and if so where would one purchase it
from?
E: It was a decent effort, but the label had issues after the release.
The label Ziekte changed to Victory By Fire Records
and then shut down about 3 months after the release. I am not sure where the
hard copies are, in the Netherlands somewhere, I suppose. I heard the label may
be opening back up, not sure here... We do have "Ceremonial Blood" for free
download on Bandcamp now. As for fan response? We have had a little great
response and even a few good reviews, but I think with the label's difficulties
and our personal lives in shambles at the time, the album never got properly
pushed at all. I also think it got lost in the "sea of bands", like many albums
today.
J:It was a bittersweet moment when we got the first copies.
By the time they were printed our old line up had pretty much
dissapated, and that felt like the beginning of the end. We didn't promote it
much so there wasn't a lot of feed back about it. I do hear good things about it
though, from a few people who've stumbled upon it, in the last year or
so.
LS: Every band has influences some more
obvious then others, although I can't quite pin point what Throne of
Malediction's influences are...(Which is a good thing) Where do you draw your
inspiration from?
E: I pretty much make music out of pure
compulsion and try not to think of other bands when writing. While learning to
play guitar over the years, I kind of took a stand against learning too many of
other bands music and songs, so I can try to make my own sound. I have always
wanted to make songs, not just "shred" in a bedroom. I had a hard time finding a
second guitarist to mesh with over the years. Fortunately, I found Jessica. She
is truly a talent and I am glad to have her as a musical partner. Even if we
were not a couple, I would still respect her musicianship and great vocals. I
think our style is kind of due to that we play weird haha... We also try
as many things as possible too. Like both of us doing both heavy and clean
vocals. Gives us more options for songwriting and sound. So I suppose
inspiration can come from learning and perfecting personal abilities for us...
As far as early metal musical influences, Iron Maiden, Amorphis,
Carpathian Forest, Danzig, Type O Negative, Cradle of Filth, Slayer, Death,
Megadeth, Shining, Guns N Roses, Sepultura, Kiss and Opeth are main
ones.
J: Well early on I was always a big fan of
Obituary, Morbid Angel, Six Feet Under, Pro-Pain, Candlemass. In some respects I
feel the scene has waned quite a bit so I'm still waiting
to hear something new and refreshing that
comes out of nowhere and knocks you on your ass.
Something that reminds you what makes you
love music in the first place. I've been looking for
inspiration from the underground scene the
last few years I figure at some point someone is going
to rise up and be another trail blazer and
once again turn the music scene on it's head it's bound to
happen soon I hope.
LS: While on the topic, we might as well
talk about your lyrics. You say that they are about the "Fantasy and Harsh
truths of reality" What about life do you write about? Is it only the bad
things ...(Seeing as how metal is hardly ever about anything good) or do you try
to incorporate something good and positive into it as well?
E: I think a lot of our lyrics are inner battle related.
Depression, family problems, mental illness and frustration's
dealing with a world that don't understand those things. We use this music as a
true outlet for those negative thoughts and feelings. But in a reflective way
that makes one think about other options than those given to you by others. I
think we always write with the thought that there is a light at the end of the
tunnel. That strength can come from adversity. We also write about historical
events or books we like and a few anti-religious type songs thrown in the mix.
J: Well metal always has had deep
roots involving the perception of the darker side of things.
which is fitting, cause it's hard to imagine
hearing a double kick bass drum and write a love poem.
maybe a dark one, but our lyrics usually
incorporate picking up on the dark reflections that are
sometimes hard to express except through music. I've
always heard to write what you know about and loss and pain
are some of the things I've experienced.
Looking at it that way one could say our music is like a time capsule twenty
years from now I can hear it and it will take me back to where I was.
LS: Just this year alone you released one
split, three singles and one full length.
Who was the split with and why all the
singles?
E: We basically did the split with our side project, Irreverant Soul
(I play drums and Jessica does guitars and vocals).
Some songs we had that we wanted to release semi-properly. The split EP and singles
were kind of promo's for the new album we just released. Two of the singles were
songs we liked, but did not use on the album. May as well release them.
LS: How about your latest album "Out of Darkness , comes light"
I assume this album reflects something on the positive
side. Taking a random guess here I would say things were really bad at one point
and although things might not be perfect you do see a light at the end of the
tunnel..?
This album was also released as a digital Download via Misantrof ANTIrecords.
You seem to be a big supporter of the D/L ways.
Why in your eyes is this better then a physical copy, if at all?
E: Like the saying I mentioned before, "strength through adversity".
The thought of coming out of life's hardships a
little smarter and tougher. That's the darkness from the light, to me. This album
was written during rough times in our lives and we put it to music. Jessica came
up with the name, though.
We actually released it on Torn Flesh Records for free download.
It was originally planned for Misantrof, but it was getting delayed a bit and we
just decided to release it on a sooner date.
I think giving away free downloads, as a
relatively unknown band, is a very smart thing to do. I don't understand how
unknown bands are tightwads in that respect. I figure, give away free music and
it will reach more ears. Then, maybe do a physical release later for those who
will buy a copy. More likely to sell if they have heard it before. I think it is
just as powerful to have a downloadable album as print these days, with the
internet as a tool. In addition, being on a net-label(Misantrof, Torn Flesh)
helps get it to a larger, more focused network of listeners. More people use
Ipods than cd players these days, so its kind of ignorant to not take advantage
of the internet.
J:Yeah that's pretty much it in a nut shell. Writing this album was at times difficult
cause we bounced around so much I wasn't sure if it would all come together in the end.
But it finally got done and looking back it was probably theraputic to some extent. Free downloads
are just something that's the norm right now. We're currently looking at making
up some copies of it though.
LS: What went into the recording of this
album? Was it all done in house or was their actually a studio
involved?
E: It was all done on our own computer and
gear DIY style. With the exception of our session players, who we sent files to.
Probably in three states and five cities, along the way. I have never recorded
in an actual studio before and wish I could afford to do so. We continually have
been told we have good music, just need better production. Easier said, than
done when you cannot afford it. We have the need to create anyways, so do the
best job we can under the conditions... I think if we had better production, we
would do much better as a band, fanwise. The album may have been more consistent
if recorded in one place too. Kind of chaotic, like real life, in some ways.
Daniel Vrangsinn(Carpathian Forest)has been a great help in giving me advice,
inspiration and direction on how to do some things over the last few years. I am
always one to take advice from those who know better to try and improve
songwriting and production. With every release, we continue to progress, so that
keeps us going in some ways.
LS: How does it work having a little one in the house while trying to record music?
Does it become distracting for you and do you guys have set times to focus on
music or do you just write when it comes to you.
E: We write when it comes to us, when inspired.
We don't plan much ahead, just get the kid busy playing with toys or
napping and get recording, I suppose haha... We usually do things one instrument
at a time, so have plenty of time and takes to get it right. Children can delay
things a bit, but never too much.
J: Some bands like to prioritize, but I've found that some good songs have
come from spur of the moment inspiration. It also helps not having a dead line to
get things done. Although Eric has had to push me at times since I'm a terrible
procrastinator.
LS: I every so often come across a band that
doesn't try to portray something in their music that is not "Them" Throne of
Malediction is one of them. There are a few different songs off your new album
that I heard and thought to myself (maybe I'm wrong) these 2 are singing as
parents...as husband and wife, as they see life.... Normally metal is based upon
Satanism or some type of hate for life, or people in general. I just don't get
that from you guys.......
E: I have never thought of it that way, but
may be true. music should be personal and I think a lot of metal bands are
afraid of being that open and honest. We don't know what else to write except
things we know from life and personal interests. I want us to be a band that
creates art, rather than a few musicians posturing. Our children mean the world
to us, so it must reflect. One of our songs, "Without The Sun" is directly about
us being temporarily separated from our son during a tough time. It is about the
pain and anger experienced by a loving parent who has an estranged child. The
song "Born of Innocence" is about neglectful parents who care for a child when
young, but push it away when its an adult. Very personal issues. We do
occasionally throw in a few death metal or occult influenced lyrics, but not
many. I think there are plenty enough bands out there saying those things very
well enough.
J:We can only come across as ourselves and nothing more.
Even when we're not writing about something personal it still has
a moody quality to it. I've thought of creating an image but then I think nah we
wouldn't be able to pull it off we're too open and I feel that's enough.
LS: Will you ever release on actual CD or is
that something that you are set in NOT ever doing?
E: We are in talks currently with a few small labels who may be willing to help us get some albums printed very soon.
Look for updates soon on that. I have confirmation from one label to help. I
just want fans who prefer cd's to have one available. Lack of funds is our
biggest obstacle, otherwise we would have merch, albums and all printed. Kind of
frustrating, because I am a big fan of physical releases and merch. Our
"Ceremonial Blood" album did have copies printed, not sure where they
are.
J: As our financial front improves, we will definitely release some hard copies and merch. We're just taking it slow right
now.
LS: Although Throne of Malediction has played live the band has never played outside of the states...
Is touring overseas on your long list of things to do?
And who would be some bands that you would
like to play along side with? (Same bill of course)
E: I would love to visit Europe more than anything, shows or not.
But it is a big goal of ours, I think Throne of Malediction's music would be accepted more
overseas at live shows. The festivals and fan dedication there seem very awesome.
I would love to play Wacken or something similar someday. Some bands on my wish list are;
Shining, Carpathian Forest, Amorphis, Draconian, Cradle of Filth, Skeletonwitch, Paradise Lost,
Blood Red Throne, Enslaved, Agalloch, Hecate Enthroned, Soulfly, Fear Factory,
Serpent and Seraph, Netherbird and Forgotten Tomb(to name a few). I think we
would do ok opening for any of those acts and I would have a blast. The only
time I feel truly alive is on stage. Not too mention there is a true possibility
of us playing with a few of those bands(in the USA, at least). I am in talks
with Serpent and Seraph about us doing our first show back with them. Just
getting details figured out right now...
J: That's a life long goal, something you daydream about.
If I were to play overseas I would love to play along side Six
Feet Under, Cradle of Filth and Motorhead to name a few.
LS: Overall, where do you hope to see the band in say 5 or 10 years from now?
E: I just hope we are still around creating
music and respected more in the underground, if anything. Most likely we will be
around a while longer, its one of the only things I have in life that's stable
and is an outlet for my manic energy. I hope that we are regularly doing live
shows and have some merch printed. I am honestly unsure of how big to make any
goals, music-wise. Try to adapt and not die... Its not really about "making it
big" for us, in the end. This band is a creative outlet we want to share. I
think by the fact that we are still around, making albums, is really all we
need. Just having listeners and people who understand what we are doing is a
very encouraging thing. I honestly don't see us as a big deal headline act, but
maybe a good opener or festival band someday... The industry is crazy right now
and with new technology, listeners are getting shorter attention spans and true
music lovers are fewer in numbers. If we can end up with a cult following and do
some good gigs, that fine with me. Getting signed to a big label or
whatever is akin to winning the lotto. Hope for the best, prepare for the
worst.
J: I hope we have full time members doing
shows, traveling and doing well for ourselves, one can only hope.
LS: Before we go I'd like to ask one last
question... what is going on these days? Any immediate plans as far as new
material, new album ect...?
E: We are already a few songs into our next album.
We record continually, when inspired. The sound quality is already better
on the new songs, so far. Also have a collaboration track planned with Beyond
The Morninglight, from Norway soon. Should be interesting... Also making live
plans.
J: I'm excited to work on new material. The
next album will probably encompass some
harder thrashier tracks to take us back to our roots.
Now that we've got the swagger back in our step so to speak. I
hope with each new album we bring something new to the table.
LS: Well, I want to thank you for your time.
Please use this time to say anything you want, maybe speak about something we
didn't speak about that you want people to know...
E: Thank you for the interview. I want to encourage people to get our album as a free download
(On Bandcamp, Mediafire, Torn Flesh Records site... Just look it up...) and feel free to share. Look for
a physical release of "Out of Darkness, Comes Light" for sale soon too, for
those who want to help support us more. Thanks to those who have, we appreciate
all listeners. Also to support other underground acts as well, there are a lot
of great artists out there waiting to be found... Cheers!!!
J: Thanks to all of our listeners, keep it metal!
You can find Throne of Malediction of Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Throne-of-Malediction/43044974933
You can hear their music here.
http://tornfleshrecords3.bandcamp.com/album/out-of-darkness-comes-light
both for your interest in Lilith Scare Webzine. Hope life is treating you
well....
E: Thanks for the interest in talking a bit.
I am doing well, keeping busy as usual. Its been a rough road, but things are
looking up in life, I suppose.
J: So far so good...
LS: Throne of Malediction started in the year 2006 under the name Sonic Demise. Why
the name change and when did this take place?
E: I think it was mainly because of a lineup
change(one of a few). The new members wanted a new name, so we all kind of had
input. Throne of Malediction seemed to fit the overall "vibe" of our sound
better, as well. I think around 2008 or so. We actually home printed 50
cassettes of a Sonic Demise demo.
LS: The two of you are a married
couple (With a new little girl added to the mix) Where you a couple before or
after the band partnership began?
E: We were a couple before, though only a
few months before playing music together regularly. I think we were only
together for like 6 months before we married, very quick haha... Here we are
almost 7 years later.
J: We started playing guitar together a
couple of months before we were married. Three months after we were wed we found
our first drummer and things just kind of started from there.
LS: Throne of Malediction is a
Blackened Doom Metal Band originally from Montana and now living in California.
I know there were some personal things going on and so the band probably wasn't
the main focus of moving but has it helped the band at all as far as fan base or
possibly live shows?
E: That is yet to be seen in some ways. We
have not played shows here yet, but our music is getting better response down
here. There are more metal fans and we do get show offers even though not
playing. So, I think there is potential to grow our fan base a lot here. Though
we had a few fans in Montana, Throne of Malediction had a lot of naysayers there
that did not understand what our music is about. We would play shows in front of
crowds who would have no idea who Cradle of Filth is, when performing a cover
song by them, for example... We have found that when playing among other
bands(especially deathcore), we stick out like sore thumbs sometimes. For a
while we actually wondered whether we were any good, we were so different than
the surrounding bands. One time, we were on the front page of the local
newspaper(in Kalispell, Montana)for a local event we played. We were very
surprised that we got a negative reaction from a few bands we played with and
people that I thought we were on good terms with. Really strange to me, as I am
a very avid supporter and helping hand to fellow bands when doing gigs. I hope
for more open-minded listeners and venue owners here in California. We have just
recently found a few musicians willing to fill our live lineup out soon. We have
a set list and a few show plans in the works within the year. I am very excited
for that.
J: To be honest we knew we would have to put
music on the back burner for awhile, until we got settled. I think that now we
feel ready to start moving forward with music, we can focus on finding our
particular fan base.
There is a small scene happening where we
live now and we hope to expand and contribute to it. Every band has a built in
fan base to some extent, whether it be friends family or a metal or biker club
to stand behind them.
That's the easy part, the hard part is getting complete strangers to believe in you and want to be part of what your
about. We've been talking with some local musicians to start doing some shows in
about another year in California, at least.
LS: Speaking of live shows...Throne of Malediction is a live band...
so there are more then just the two of you as full time members or just for live shows?
And are there any shows coming up that you would like to mention?
E: We had semi-permanent members over the
years. For various reasons, they did not last, as band politics go I suppose.
Throne of Malediction is something that means a lot to us and will not quit.
Jess and I got tired of starting new every time we get new members. So now, we
have pretty much changed into a two person project for songwriting and
recording. The session members we have like, Tamara Picardo and Kevin George
have been a lot of help and we are still going to have them aboard for the next
album.. We plan on getting temporary live members very soon(who I mentioned
before a bit), but not sure about permanent members yet. We will have to borrow
amps and some live gear for now.
J: As of right now we are the only members,
it makes it far easier for recording purposes but difficult for live settings
obviously. As I was saying there have been discussions of playing in a year or
so, that will give us time to get new amps and weigh our options. Right now the
current metal bands in our area only have one park to play, once a year. If we
were to find full time members that would change due to the fact we have
experience at setting up shows and aren't afraid to travel if need be. Doing all
the leg work can be a pain for many musicians, they would prefer if someone else
took care of the details and that's where Eric comes in. He used to be the go to
man back in Montana doling out info for new(and out of town)
bands who didn't know who to get in touch with to play somewhere.
We'll find our niche here, we just have to be patient, I know our time will
come.
LS: In 2011 you released your first full length album "Ceremonial Blood" on Ziekte Records.
How was it to have your first FL in your hands and what kind of response did you get from the fans?
Are their copies of this album still available and if so where would one purchase it
from?
E: It was a decent effort, but the label had issues after the release.
The label Ziekte changed to Victory By Fire Records
and then shut down about 3 months after the release. I am not sure where the
hard copies are, in the Netherlands somewhere, I suppose. I heard the label may
be opening back up, not sure here... We do have "Ceremonial Blood" for free
download on Bandcamp now. As for fan response? We have had a little great
response and even a few good reviews, but I think with the label's difficulties
and our personal lives in shambles at the time, the album never got properly
pushed at all. I also think it got lost in the "sea of bands", like many albums
today.
J:It was a bittersweet moment when we got the first copies.
By the time they were printed our old line up had pretty much
dissapated, and that felt like the beginning of the end. We didn't promote it
much so there wasn't a lot of feed back about it. I do hear good things about it
though, from a few people who've stumbled upon it, in the last year or
so.
LS: Every band has influences some more
obvious then others, although I can't quite pin point what Throne of
Malediction's influences are...(Which is a good thing) Where do you draw your
inspiration from?
E: I pretty much make music out of pure
compulsion and try not to think of other bands when writing. While learning to
play guitar over the years, I kind of took a stand against learning too many of
other bands music and songs, so I can try to make my own sound. I have always
wanted to make songs, not just "shred" in a bedroom. I had a hard time finding a
second guitarist to mesh with over the years. Fortunately, I found Jessica. She
is truly a talent and I am glad to have her as a musical partner. Even if we
were not a couple, I would still respect her musicianship and great vocals. I
think our style is kind of due to that we play weird haha... We also try
as many things as possible too. Like both of us doing both heavy and clean
vocals. Gives us more options for songwriting and sound. So I suppose
inspiration can come from learning and perfecting personal abilities for us...
As far as early metal musical influences, Iron Maiden, Amorphis,
Carpathian Forest, Danzig, Type O Negative, Cradle of Filth, Slayer, Death,
Megadeth, Shining, Guns N Roses, Sepultura, Kiss and Opeth are main
ones.
J: Well early on I was always a big fan of
Obituary, Morbid Angel, Six Feet Under, Pro-Pain, Candlemass. In some respects I
feel the scene has waned quite a bit so I'm still waiting
to hear something new and refreshing that
comes out of nowhere and knocks you on your ass.
Something that reminds you what makes you
love music in the first place. I've been looking for
inspiration from the underground scene the
last few years I figure at some point someone is going
to rise up and be another trail blazer and
once again turn the music scene on it's head it's bound to
happen soon I hope.
LS: While on the topic, we might as well
talk about your lyrics. You say that they are about the "Fantasy and Harsh
truths of reality" What about life do you write about? Is it only the bad
things ...(Seeing as how metal is hardly ever about anything good) or do you try
to incorporate something good and positive into it as well?
E: I think a lot of our lyrics are inner battle related.
Depression, family problems, mental illness and frustration's
dealing with a world that don't understand those things. We use this music as a
true outlet for those negative thoughts and feelings. But in a reflective way
that makes one think about other options than those given to you by others. I
think we always write with the thought that there is a light at the end of the
tunnel. That strength can come from adversity. We also write about historical
events or books we like and a few anti-religious type songs thrown in the mix.
J: Well metal always has had deep
roots involving the perception of the darker side of things.
which is fitting, cause it's hard to imagine
hearing a double kick bass drum and write a love poem.
maybe a dark one, but our lyrics usually
incorporate picking up on the dark reflections that are
sometimes hard to express except through music. I've
always heard to write what you know about and loss and pain
are some of the things I've experienced.
Looking at it that way one could say our music is like a time capsule twenty
years from now I can hear it and it will take me back to where I was.
LS: Just this year alone you released one
split, three singles and one full length.
Who was the split with and why all the
singles?
E: We basically did the split with our side project, Irreverant Soul
(I play drums and Jessica does guitars and vocals).
Some songs we had that we wanted to release semi-properly. The split EP and singles
were kind of promo's for the new album we just released. Two of the singles were
songs we liked, but did not use on the album. May as well release them.
LS: How about your latest album "Out of Darkness , comes light"
I assume this album reflects something on the positive
side. Taking a random guess here I would say things were really bad at one point
and although things might not be perfect you do see a light at the end of the
tunnel..?
This album was also released as a digital Download via Misantrof ANTIrecords.
You seem to be a big supporter of the D/L ways.
Why in your eyes is this better then a physical copy, if at all?
E: Like the saying I mentioned before, "strength through adversity".
The thought of coming out of life's hardships a
little smarter and tougher. That's the darkness from the light, to me. This album
was written during rough times in our lives and we put it to music. Jessica came
up with the name, though.
We actually released it on Torn Flesh Records for free download.
It was originally planned for Misantrof, but it was getting delayed a bit and we
just decided to release it on a sooner date.
I think giving away free downloads, as a
relatively unknown band, is a very smart thing to do. I don't understand how
unknown bands are tightwads in that respect. I figure, give away free music and
it will reach more ears. Then, maybe do a physical release later for those who
will buy a copy. More likely to sell if they have heard it before. I think it is
just as powerful to have a downloadable album as print these days, with the
internet as a tool. In addition, being on a net-label(Misantrof, Torn Flesh)
helps get it to a larger, more focused network of listeners. More people use
Ipods than cd players these days, so its kind of ignorant to not take advantage
of the internet.
J:Yeah that's pretty much it in a nut shell. Writing this album was at times difficult
cause we bounced around so much I wasn't sure if it would all come together in the end.
But it finally got done and looking back it was probably theraputic to some extent. Free downloads
are just something that's the norm right now. We're currently looking at making
up some copies of it though.
LS: What went into the recording of this
album? Was it all done in house or was their actually a studio
involved?
E: It was all done on our own computer and
gear DIY style. With the exception of our session players, who we sent files to.
Probably in three states and five cities, along the way. I have never recorded
in an actual studio before and wish I could afford to do so. We continually have
been told we have good music, just need better production. Easier said, than
done when you cannot afford it. We have the need to create anyways, so do the
best job we can under the conditions... I think if we had better production, we
would do much better as a band, fanwise. The album may have been more consistent
if recorded in one place too. Kind of chaotic, like real life, in some ways.
Daniel Vrangsinn(Carpathian Forest)has been a great help in giving me advice,
inspiration and direction on how to do some things over the last few years. I am
always one to take advice from those who know better to try and improve
songwriting and production. With every release, we continue to progress, so that
keeps us going in some ways.
LS: How does it work having a little one in the house while trying to record music?
Does it become distracting for you and do you guys have set times to focus on
music or do you just write when it comes to you.
E: We write when it comes to us, when inspired.
We don't plan much ahead, just get the kid busy playing with toys or
napping and get recording, I suppose haha... We usually do things one instrument
at a time, so have plenty of time and takes to get it right. Children can delay
things a bit, but never too much.
J: Some bands like to prioritize, but I've found that some good songs have
come from spur of the moment inspiration. It also helps not having a dead line to
get things done. Although Eric has had to push me at times since I'm a terrible
procrastinator.
LS: I every so often come across a band that
doesn't try to portray something in their music that is not "Them" Throne of
Malediction is one of them. There are a few different songs off your new album
that I heard and thought to myself (maybe I'm wrong) these 2 are singing as
parents...as husband and wife, as they see life.... Normally metal is based upon
Satanism or some type of hate for life, or people in general. I just don't get
that from you guys.......
E: I have never thought of it that way, but
may be true. music should be personal and I think a lot of metal bands are
afraid of being that open and honest. We don't know what else to write except
things we know from life and personal interests. I want us to be a band that
creates art, rather than a few musicians posturing. Our children mean the world
to us, so it must reflect. One of our songs, "Without The Sun" is directly about
us being temporarily separated from our son during a tough time. It is about the
pain and anger experienced by a loving parent who has an estranged child. The
song "Born of Innocence" is about neglectful parents who care for a child when
young, but push it away when its an adult. Very personal issues. We do
occasionally throw in a few death metal or occult influenced lyrics, but not
many. I think there are plenty enough bands out there saying those things very
well enough.
J:We can only come across as ourselves and nothing more.
Even when we're not writing about something personal it still has
a moody quality to it. I've thought of creating an image but then I think nah we
wouldn't be able to pull it off we're too open and I feel that's enough.
LS: Will you ever release on actual CD or is
that something that you are set in NOT ever doing?
E: We are in talks currently with a few small labels who may be willing to help us get some albums printed very soon.
Look for updates soon on that. I have confirmation from one label to help. I
just want fans who prefer cd's to have one available. Lack of funds is our
biggest obstacle, otherwise we would have merch, albums and all printed. Kind of
frustrating, because I am a big fan of physical releases and merch. Our
"Ceremonial Blood" album did have copies printed, not sure where they
are.
J: As our financial front improves, we will definitely release some hard copies and merch. We're just taking it slow right
now.
LS: Although Throne of Malediction has played live the band has never played outside of the states...
Is touring overseas on your long list of things to do?
And who would be some bands that you would
like to play along side with? (Same bill of course)
E: I would love to visit Europe more than anything, shows or not.
But it is a big goal of ours, I think Throne of Malediction's music would be accepted more
overseas at live shows. The festivals and fan dedication there seem very awesome.
I would love to play Wacken or something similar someday. Some bands on my wish list are;
Shining, Carpathian Forest, Amorphis, Draconian, Cradle of Filth, Skeletonwitch, Paradise Lost,
Blood Red Throne, Enslaved, Agalloch, Hecate Enthroned, Soulfly, Fear Factory,
Serpent and Seraph, Netherbird and Forgotten Tomb(to name a few). I think we
would do ok opening for any of those acts and I would have a blast. The only
time I feel truly alive is on stage. Not too mention there is a true possibility
of us playing with a few of those bands(in the USA, at least). I am in talks
with Serpent and Seraph about us doing our first show back with them. Just
getting details figured out right now...
J: That's a life long goal, something you daydream about.
If I were to play overseas I would love to play along side Six
Feet Under, Cradle of Filth and Motorhead to name a few.
LS: Overall, where do you hope to see the band in say 5 or 10 years from now?
E: I just hope we are still around creating
music and respected more in the underground, if anything. Most likely we will be
around a while longer, its one of the only things I have in life that's stable
and is an outlet for my manic energy. I hope that we are regularly doing live
shows and have some merch printed. I am honestly unsure of how big to make any
goals, music-wise. Try to adapt and not die... Its not really about "making it
big" for us, in the end. This band is a creative outlet we want to share. I
think by the fact that we are still around, making albums, is really all we
need. Just having listeners and people who understand what we are doing is a
very encouraging thing. I honestly don't see us as a big deal headline act, but
maybe a good opener or festival band someday... The industry is crazy right now
and with new technology, listeners are getting shorter attention spans and true
music lovers are fewer in numbers. If we can end up with a cult following and do
some good gigs, that fine with me. Getting signed to a big label or
whatever is akin to winning the lotto. Hope for the best, prepare for the
worst.
J: I hope we have full time members doing
shows, traveling and doing well for ourselves, one can only hope.
LS: Before we go I'd like to ask one last
question... what is going on these days? Any immediate plans as far as new
material, new album ect...?
E: We are already a few songs into our next album.
We record continually, when inspired. The sound quality is already better
on the new songs, so far. Also have a collaboration track planned with Beyond
The Morninglight, from Norway soon. Should be interesting... Also making live
plans.
J: I'm excited to work on new material. The
next album will probably encompass some
harder thrashier tracks to take us back to our roots.
Now that we've got the swagger back in our step so to speak. I
hope with each new album we bring something new to the table.
LS: Well, I want to thank you for your time.
Please use this time to say anything you want, maybe speak about something we
didn't speak about that you want people to know...
E: Thank you for the interview. I want to encourage people to get our album as a free download
(On Bandcamp, Mediafire, Torn Flesh Records site... Just look it up...) and feel free to share. Look for
a physical release of "Out of Darkness, Comes Light" for sale soon too, for
those who want to help support us more. Thanks to those who have, we appreciate
all listeners. Also to support other underground acts as well, there are a lot
of great artists out there waiting to be found... Cheers!!!
J: Thanks to all of our listeners, keep it metal!
You can find Throne of Malediction of Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Throne-of-Malediction/43044974933
You can hear their music here.
http://tornfleshrecords3.bandcamp.com/album/out-of-darkness-comes-light