Dead Asylum Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?

HEY THERE! This is Mike talking to ya!

We are really focused on pushing the new album, doing as much promo as we can before the release (June 2) as well as getting prepped for a couple shows we have on Vancouver Island with Unleash the Archers June 9-10. We have also been planning the biggest tour for Dead Asylum yet--a 4 week trek across the US!

2.You have a new album coming out in June, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

I would say that we hug the line between melodic death and thrash. With the new additions to the band (Roger on bass and Eric on lead guitar) the sound has become much fuller and tighter and the overall feel is much more aggressive than the previous record. Eric possesses an incredible knowledge of music theory, which allows him to convey a jazz/classical influence in his solos. Roger brings with him an amazing amount of energy and talent to the band; he almost plays the bass like a lead guitar allowing for some very cool moments on the record.

3.This is your first album in 4 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?

For sure. Definitely a lot has been happening in that span of time, some great, some not so much.

We have had the opportunity to play some amazing shows with some incredible touring bands here in Vancouver, such as Soulfly, Soilwork, and Warbringer.

We completed our first tour down the west coast of the US as well as a few tours in Canada.

We also have had to replace two members of the band which is tough both professionally and personally. But we gained two amazing musicians and we were feeling incredibly inspired to write and record again.

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?

A lot of the songs on this album, such as “Welcome” and “Between Me and the Grave”, deal with being isolated inside your own head, trapped and slowly losing touch with reality, cut off from everything except the voices and sounds inside your own mind.

We also touch on themes such as political uprising and questioning those in power.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Dead Asylum'?

We all just thought it sounded really fucking cool. We were actually inspired after we came up with the name. We have shaped our artwork, logos and even sound to fit what we feel would be found in the “dead asylum”.

6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

One of our favorite shows to play is the annual Armstrong Metalfest, which happens in Armstrong, BC. We have played that festival on four different occasions. For me personally, opening for some of the bands that I have looked up to for years, like Anvil and Soulfly, was absolutely amazing.

Hmmm, describe our on stage performance..well, first I would say we absolutely love being on stage. To me, it's the best drug in the world and I think that comes through in our performance. It doesn't matter if there are 5 people or 500--we give it all we can. I always say, if you don't walk off stage completely exhausted having given everything you possibly can, you haven't done your job.

7.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?

Definitely. First would be our album release show at the Rickshaw theatre in Vancouver on June 2nd with Unleash the Archers. The following weekend, we are heading to Vancouver Island to play a pair of shows in Victoria (June 9th)  and Nanaimo (June 10th) again with Unleash the Archers. We are also planning a 4 week tour around the US.

8.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

We are going to be looking for interest from labels for sure. We have received some interest from smaller indie labels and management companies in the past but nothing has lined up yet.

9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of melodic death and thrash metal?

We have received nothing but great feedback! We have some amazing fans! We appreciate every message we get from them. It makes us want to work that much harder to get out there and play for as many of them as possible.

10.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?

Both Roger and Eric are in other projects. Roger plays lead guitar in a sweet band called God Said Kill (GSK)--if you are a fan of 8 string guitars and crazy progressive riffs, check them out!

Eric is in several music projects, both playing guitar and bass--check out Selfist!

Sam (Samantha Landa – drums) recently finished a European tour with Brazilian thrashers Nervosa where they played alongside Destruction and Flotsam & Jetsam.

11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

We are always growing as musicians; our styles and influences are always evolving. We will continue to incorporate those influences into our music.

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

For me personally, I am very influenced by old school metal like Slayer, Pantera and Metallica, and definitely the music and attitude of Motörhead. I like listening to playlists people put together on Spotify. I really like Lazarus A.D., Kalmah.

13.What are some of your non musical interests?

I enjoy watching sports, Hockey, Football, MMA. I have been really getting into doing some boxing, fantastic way to exercise and hit things at the same time.

14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Just a huge thank you to all our friends and families for their unwavering support! Thanks to the Dead Crew for all the help.

Most of all we’d like to thank our fans, THE INMATES!
YOU FUCKIN RULE!!!

And thank you! Great questions! I hope this gives you some insight into the Dead Asylum!
Pre-order the album here: https://deadasylum.bandcamp.com/album/death-always-wins