1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
We just recorded a Demo in November. We hadn't released anything in 2 years so we wanted to get something out there to both show our fans, and to use to shop to labels. We have about one song left to write and our full length will be complete. Thats pretty much what we've got going on currently.
2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new ep and how it differs from previous efforts?
It's similar in some ways, but a little more progressive i guess you can say. We have a lot more chordy black metal stuff. But its still mid 90's death metal worship.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?
They aren't themed or anything. I do the majority of the lyrics and Garrett does some. Mine tend to be not so much anti-religion, but almost like a questioning life and the things that people go through. The lyrics for "The Tyranny of Men" off of the new demo are kind of about 2 things. One being a message of "think for yourself" and not buying into what seems to be religious based governments and their agendas, and it also touches on people who don't take credit for anything they do, and credit everything to God or a higher power. Just seems silly to me. I've accomplished a lot of things in my life. I did it. Not a god. I guess some people need that faith or reassurance though. I don't understand it personally. Who am I to judge though.
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
Our name is from a Clint Eastwood movie called "High Plains Drifter". The town in the movie is called Lago. At the end of it Clint Eastwood has them paint this corrupt town red and renames it Hell.
5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
We've had some pretty solid shows. The most recent was at The Southwest Terror Fest in Tucson. We played the smaller stage, and everyone packed into that tiny room. It was real up close and personal with everyone in there. I love those sort of shows. I grew up in punk and hardcore, so i'm all about setting up in a living room and playing a party if it comes down to it. We aren't super crazy on stage. We all play instruments, but we rock out as much as we can. I haven't heard any complaints about us yet anyways haha.
6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?
Were looking into getting a van at the moment. Our main focus is getting the album done. But were looking to go out for 3 days in June. Thats kind of our best economic option right now. Every couple months go out for 3 days and back. Were hoping that changes soon.
7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your newer music by fans of death metal?
It's been really really good. The worst review we've gotten on anything is like a 7 out of 10. We get a lot of "Wow.... where have you guys been hiding?" People are still just now hearing our "Marianas" EP that we put out 2 years ago. So were pushing the band pretty hard this year. I think only good things can come with what the band has going right now.
8. What is going on with the other musical projects these days?
Lago is my main focus. I have another project i'm gonna start with a friend, Rick (drums) from Connecticut called Blasphegram. It's going to be similar to Lago. Brian (our drummer) is in a black metal band from here called Deadspawn, and he also does vocals in a band called Depraved Heretic, which also features our lead guitarist on the drums.
9.What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
I see us as having the same sort of progression that Emperor did from their first release to there last. We aren't going to end up being a Prog band, but i see the songs getting a little more intricate the more we write. You'll see that when we release the new LP.
10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Mid 90's Death metal. Mainly Morbid Angel. Suffocation, Deicide, Death, Emperor, Immolation, Incantation. So many. I can't speak for the rest of the band, but lately i've been into the new Aeon. I think the only other 2 albums i've bought the last year was the new Incantation, and the new Ihsahn.
11. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
I'm a nerd/jock. World of Warcraft, comics, Gym, and sports. Andrew seems to focus on music more than the rest of us. He's into video games too. Brian i'm not sure. He owns his own business and barely has time for bands a lot of the time. Garrett is a super gamer, mainly Street Fighter. He actually goes to tournaments across the country, though i think he usually gets his ass handed to him by 14 year old asian kids.
12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview/
Thanks for giving us a listen and thanks for spreading the word. Keeps your eyes and ears on us, and hopefully we'll have the new LP ready sometime in 2013.
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