1. Tell us a little about your latest release. What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through? Are there any hidden nuggets the band put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

After signing with Century Media with our EP, the band had a line up change and consequently a sound change. With our debut LP, we strived for more sincere songs with the intention to provoke an emotional response from our listeners and attempt to progress metal in a more youthful and expressive way. The full length was produced in house by Nishad George (our guitar player/wizard) and was mixed and mastered by Fredrik Nordstrom (the one and only). We have had a few singles come out but, we are excited for the full album to be released. There are Easter eggs and nuggets all over the album. Listen closely, and good hunting!

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

I grew up in a pretty stereotypical white-washed postcard town. The kind of town that celebrates drawing in the lines and discredits individuality. Small minds focusing on liberal arts, pointless athletic dreams and breeding obedient workers. My childhood best friends’ sister was not this. She wore black, had a fucking Les Paul (and actually could play it), and ran punk and ska shows out of her basement. Like a black sheep, these shows were not only taboo for the town but, outright demonic. I got to attend these shows as the youngest member of the crowd because, well I was sleeping over anyways. These shows opened a new world for me. Showed me that expression and anxiety, and individuality can be harnessed, beautiful, and bring like minded people together. It was like an Eden of Hot Topic and spiked bracelets in a hell town of Abercrombie and Lacoste.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

It wasn't even a big band. Probably some high school hobby band from the Buffalo area but, these basement shows happened when I was like 12-13. Sadly, too young for people to go to shows now (I have serious opinions on the age restriction of music venues and events, but that's for another time). A band called Queen City Knights (they probably don’t exist anymore) changed my life. Not only was I thrown into my first circle pit but, the guys in the band, noticing my age and wide eyed awe, treated me like an equal. They spoke with me after the show, gave me a free T-Shirt, CD, and made me feel included. It's things like this that changes a kids life. It's not a big thing to an average person but I will forever be grateful to them.

4. Who would be your main five musical influences?

Linkin Park, Queen, Billie Holiday, D’Angelo, and System of a Down.

5. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Bon Jovi. Look man, it would be for my mom. She loves him, and I don't think I could give her a better gift than to give her a song where her two favorite artists are singing. She deserves a gift like that.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

I hate describing our music. Especially because of how convoluted the sub genre thing has become, combined with everyone's need to group things or identify/categorize things. Usually I just say, we are a metal band. We as a band try to make music that provokes a sincerely emotional response from our listeners and take inspiration from every corner of the music spectrum (including other genres) to do that. Once I was introduced to a friend of a few guys in the band. When I was being introduced, he threw his hands over his head, clenched his left wrist with his right hand and said, “manowarriors!!!” Haven't spoken to that guy since.

7. When the band are all hanging out together, who cooks; who gets the drinks in; and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

So I would be the one who cooks band meals, and be the only one smoking and drinking in the “Rockstar” sense. We have rare moments of band parties and get sloppy, but not frequently. The guys in the band are particular about their diet and food and we hardly share meals but, when we do, I cook eggplant parm. Our drummer Steve, a real character, is always the first and only person who brings out the acoustic guitar… it's hilarious.

8. When was the last time you were star struck and who was it?

Gene Hoglan. We have met a lot of “famous people” but, something about Hoglan that made me unable to approach him. It’s not just his playing, which is legendary but, the caliber of people that respect him. Respect is the keyword here.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

The best part about being a musician is having an outlet to explore the human condition. I am allowed to keep my head in the clouds and distinctly ponder the mysteries of life. I have a passion for old books and the grind of treasure hunting. I would be a full time collector and seller of western esoteric literature and alchemical artifacts.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

I wish interviewers would ask more about the lyrical content. So much time and effort is put into the literature. Multiple meanings, puns, play on words, hidden messages, counting of syllables, themes, interpretation, etc. I don’t always write straight forward and usually have some kind of esoteric meaning. It amazes me people don’t dive into the lyrics like I dive into books and authors. Describe your music is the hardest and worst question. I am constantly changing my answer and will constantly be changing the way my music sounds.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over”, even if it didn’t change your current situation?

Lots and lots and lots. Most of my early attempts at musical stardom and popularity was cringe worthy. Desperate attempts at covers, copycat singing, cocky showboating, and clothing choices. I wanted to be seen more than anything... how naive of me. But, these are the things that make us grow as performers and people. We learn through past trials and it’s those lessons that steer us to the direction we were destined to go.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

D’Angelo - Voodoo. It would be a master class in musical excellence. Period. The record for me symbolizes taste, excess, soul, expression, and mastery. This is the kind of record worth spending a lifetime striving for. Just look at the credits list… it explains itself… plus D’Angelo’s voice is silk, Questlove is on a different producing level, and J Dilla was featured. What else could you possibly want to see in a recording session?

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