Saturday, February 25, 2023

Antitheus Interview

 

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


We’ve been hard at work promoting this album in every way we can. Overall, we’ve been very pleased with the positive response we’ve received thus far. We are also working on some other special things, but it’s too early to divulge. -Erick



2.In January you had released a new album, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?


This album is a lot more refined in comparison to our previous work, both in the composition and production. We worked very hard to put together the story for the album and make it flow effortlessly and my goal from the beginning was to achieve a more polished production. -Erick



3.This is also your first release since 2016, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during this time frame?



Our last release was when we were young and had more people in the band. Since then, we’ve all gone to do our own things, but Erick and I came together a few years ago to want to work on an album. A few of the songs were much older and written around that time frame, but all of the others were written during the pandemic. We recorded and produced everything ourselves and out of our own homes. Now we’re even across the country from one another. It’s been tough but also incredibly rewarding for both of us to finally throw our hats into the ring and have something out there. -Martin



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


The biggest theme is that of humanity, the mistakes we make, and the consequences of our actions. It’s present in every song on this album. We cover the original sin of Adam and Eve, how we treat our planet, how we treat each other and the ways in which our actions in the world can have dire consequences. A lot of these lyrical themes stem from the landscape of that time and just watching every single day on social media or the news about how humanity was degrading and becoming more divisive. We get one shot at all of this, so it’s hard to watch the ways in which we fail. Thus, it’s truly about all of the faults of our kind. -Martin


5.You also written a song about 'Baba Yaga', do you have an interest in mythology?


Of course! Mythology is always a fun way to be able to talk about themes and stories. Baba Yaga for me was such a fun song to write. I am half Russian and being able to tell this gruesome version of the story allowed me to connect with that side of me a lot more. Also, the imagery of Baba Yaga and her home is a ton of fun and not one that many Americans are familiar with. It’s great to help bring it more to life and shine some light on the haunting bedtime story. Remember: don’t run away from your parents at night! -Martin



6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Antitheus''?


In its simplest form, it means ‘devil’ in Latin. When we started the band, it was just a cool word that we found that sounded pretty metal. As I’ve gotten older, I grow more and more attached to it. For me, it’s turned into this idea of being not just anti-God, but really anti-everything. It’s helped me to think about things in a different light and just be able to write from a different perspective. -Martin



7.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?


The artwork is so gorgeous. It was done by Luke Tucker who does these amazing oil-on-panel landscapes. We came to him with the concept of someone wandering a desolate landscape and living with the reality of the mistakes they made. We also wanted some oranges and browns in there. He took all of that direction and made an album cover like no other. The way the fiery clouds meet the blue sky is just my absolute favorite. The feeling of loneliness and isolation it evokes is exactly what I wanted. I have the actual painting hanging over me currently and I look at it every day. I’m so thankful for what he made and so proud of the look and feel of it. It’s super unique and I’m very happy with it. -Martin



8.Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you planning on expanding the line up or do you prefer to remain a duo?


We have been talking about wanting to expand our lineup. It has been many years since we’ve had a full lineup and I think I can speak for both of us in that we miss playing live. It just boils down to us finding people who are the right fit for this band. -Erick



9.Currently the band is unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?


There’s definitely interest on our part and we have received some label interest. Just like with our lineup, we want it to ensure it’s a good fit for us as a band. Ultimately, I’d love to see this band elevate to new heights and reach new audiences. -Erick



10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of melodic black and death metal? 


The response has been super positive! It’s been great hearing from fans all over the world telling us which song has been their favorite from the album. Because we draw inspiration from so many subgenres of metal, I think that there’s moments on this album that will resonate with everyone. -Erick



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


Musically, I don’t foresee there being much of a departure from our current sound. We have always derived inspiration from so many of the subgenres of metal which helps keep things fresh but also doesn’t necessarily put us into a box. Even on this album there are parts that touch across so many of the different styles of metal that it’s hard to define us as one specific style of metal. We will always have that melodic, blackened, death metal feel because that’s what we like to write and what we like to listen to. -Erick


12.What are some of the bands or musical styles the band members are currently listening to nowadays?


Currently I’ve been really into the latest Brymir album, but Children of Bodom, Gojira, Meshuggah, and Dimmu Borgir are always on heavy rotation. -Erick


Right now I’ve been listening to a lot of Gojira, Sylosis, Orbit Culture, and the new In Flames album. As far as styles, all metal all the time! -Martin


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


We both just want to thank everyone who has been in support of us thus far, whether it’s listening to a song, listening to the whole album, following us on social media, buying a shirt, or however you are. We really appreciate it! If you haven’t yet, go check out The Faults of Our Kind!

No comments:

Post a Comment