1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?
First, thank you for the interview! We have been focused on two goals since completing the last album: one, push the album. This is done in several ways. We have tour dates being booked, tons of merch has been printed, promo is going out, reviews are coming in. The second goal is to keep making new music. We are currently experiencing a burst of creativity and are doing our best to harness it. Almost 2 brand new songs are written in the past few weeks, and our newest album isn't even released yet. We've never been ahead like that before, and were still learning as we go.
2.You have a new album coming out this month, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical direction it has taken and also how does it differ from previous recordings?
Honestly the biggest difference from our other albums is the tempos. This was our first time recording to a click track, and was a new challenge that ultimately helped us sound better. Making beat maps is still a new thing for us and next time we expect even better results. Some of the playing felt slower than we were used to but it helps make the groove stronger sometimes. Click tracks are unforgiving. The playing is of course still quite fast at times, but generally a tad slower than our first albums, but what that does, is strengthen the overall structure of the songs.
3.The song lyrics cover conspiracy theories and occult themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interests in these topics?
This is the drummer talking so I don't have much input on lyrics... however I have read some of this stuff and find it interesting at times. Do I personally think reptiles rule the world? No I don't. I'm more interested in how fairy tales are used to control civilizations. But is it possible? Maybe, and it makes for lyrical content that most bands aren't using already. In 2006, we were the only DM band (that we knew of) that was doing this.
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Embryonic Devourment'?
The legend of how the name was formed is murky because there are 2 accounts. Some dude claims he came up with the name and said we could use it. Our guitar player Lauren claims he made it up when we were eating eggs one day. He insists I was there but honestly its all a blur to me. What I do recall for certain, is that the name was created months before it was used. Then, when we decided in early 2003 to change the name Ye Old Skabbard, I suggested we use it, since we were moving in a more brutal direction musically. After some discussion, it was agreed upon. Months later, Austin created the logo.
5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
The northwest death fest in Seattle 2004, 05, 06, were all great. 05 had Cannibal Corpse. 06 had Obituary. In 05 there was this house party in the San Diego area where like 200 people were crammed in this basement, we barely had room to play and the energy was just incredible. In 06 we played our first show ever with Origin, who was a big early inspiration for us. In 08 we had our first us tour so all those shows were memorable. In 09 we played the California metal fest at the Anaheim Grove. That was probably the biggest crowd we played for. In 2012 we had 10 dates on the occupation domination tour with Origin, Cattle Decapitation, Decrepit Birth, and Aborted. All of those were great. Also we got to play with Dying Fetus and Six Feet Under that year. In 2013 we got to play with the legendary Possessed. That was one of our best shows. Those are the most memorable out of hundreds of shows.
6.What are the touring plans for the new album?
A western us tour is being booked right now, with Abolishment of Flesh and The Opaque. It will go from April 18 until may 3rd and will run from San Francisco to Wisconsin and back. We are also planning a quick run up to Washington in February. Fans can check our Facebook page for updates and shows in their areas. As the shows get confirmed they will be posted.
7.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your newer music by fans of death metal?
Mostly good. We always have people telling us that we shouldn't write about lizards, but we figure there's always some asshole who wants to tell everyone how to do shit, so who cares right? Haha! No but honestly the feedback is all we could hope for. There are people out there who understand our music and appreciate it for the same reasons we write it. That makes us happy.
8.What is going on with the other musical projects these days that the band members are involved with?
Austin and Adam used to play in a crust band called Glob but not for a while now. Austin still jams with his dad and his brother, sometimes they get the occasional paying gig doing top 40 type stuff. His dad is a guitar master and can play anything. I myself just did a few songs for an unnamed project with our new vocalist Hunter. It was like a spazzy math core thing with occasional buttrock riffs. It was actually the first time in over 10 years that I did any music outside of ED.
9.What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
More songs with structure, without sacrificing the creativity. We are learning how to integrate music making software into our songwriting process, such as beat mapping. The better prepared we are, the better it will sound. We fell like we are better players than ever before and want to make the most of it. Each time we've gone into the studio, we've learned something. And we bring that with us to the next album.
10.What are some bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Origin, Gorguts, Deeds of Flesh, Spawn of Possession, Decrepit Birth, those bands inspired us to be brutal and technical. Currently we are listening to stuff like the new album from Spawn of Possession, the new Gorguts, new Deeds....we try not to sound like other bands too much so sometimes we limit the amount of death metal that we listen to. I spend more time playing than listening which I think is what musicians should do if they want to find their own way. It may take longer to master sometimes but it makes for more creativity.
11.What are some of your non musical interests?
We all like golf a little bit...Austin has a wife and daughter, in fact we are all married. I have interest in horticulture and work at a gardening store. Adam spends his time buying and selling music gear. Our new vocalist spends his time playing music with as many people as he can.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thanks again for the interview!
Buy our shit! Ha ha!
But seriously, every dime goes right back into the band so we can keep bringing you our music... so please check out our website and our Facebook page, look us up on YouTube, there are 2 songs posted from the new album for your listening pleasure!
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