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INTERVIEW WITH NOCTURNUS FOR NECROSIS MAG (1999) |
| Band originally formed in 1988 in Tampa, FL. Original members of the
band included myself, Mike Browning, Mike Davis, Jeff Estes and Gino
Marino. Gino left the band and was replaced by Sean McNenney and Jeff was
fired to be replaced by Jim O’Sullivan. “The Key” represented the
true first line up of Nocturnus. Contact information: nocturnus@pterecords.de
MR: Describe two of your favorite songs and their composition; key
elements fans should listen for, etc... “Orbital Decay” : Describes a ‘creeping death from space’...
music is very spacey with the heavy crunch carrying the bottom... At the
center a flurry of leads and activity. Key elements will be the samples
flown in that also help tell the story of an infected space
station.“Search for the Trident”: Depicts a search for the ancient
creators of lost civilation around Peru. Begins with a signature intro
and continues with several mood changes through the song. By the end of
the song we discover the secret... Very soundtrackish with elements of
forgotten giants. MR: Any words of wisdom to the masses, fans, bands, etc... ?? To bands: Stay true to your strengths and the sound that is uniquely
you. Don’t copy others. Fans: We are coming back with more surprises and
seriously heavy material.Masses: Step away from the crowd. MR: How well, do you find, the band has matured and evolved since
the beginning? Very well. We have a clear understanding of the ideas and themes we
want to explore and the music flows very naturally from inception to
completion.It is great to be able to have the elements we do because it
opens up infinite options; leads, vocals, ethereal keys and POUNDING
rhythm. MR: Do you feel that the bands have a relatively large fanbase, so
that there is pressure on you to impress and keep it interesting? Our pressure comes from within. Our obligation is to the music and
ourselves to stay true to the sound we know to be uniquely ours. MR: If you could tour with with any 4 other bands, who would they
be? Black Sabbath, Metallica, Korn and a top rated local band from each
town (to get perspective) MR: What do you feel your band brings to the scene? Well, originally it was that keyboards DO belong in Death Metal. We
bring a history of sci-fi technical death and a fresh new look at our work
and abilities. MR: What do you think of the underground metal scene? We are encouraged by the support for all types of music. The
underground scene makes it possible for people to find the audience for
any extreme, hardcore material that the conventional media would keep
down. MR: What are your goals and aspirations for the band? To release the best collection of material possible. To continue to
carve out new sonic landcapes in an otherwise barren wasteland. MR: Any funny/horror show stories? Playing in New Mexico... The fans were so rabid they were all over the
stage and when I noticed my keyboards were moving back and forth, I traced
the cause to an individual hanging on my keyboard stand... Playing in
LA... 3 stabbings in the crowd. One fatality and a war zone type
atmosphere in the parking lot. MR: When can your next release be expected? End of summer or beginning of September: “Ethereal Tomb” will be
available through PTE records. MR: What can fans look forward to seeing live, and hearing on your
releases? Everything we play on the release will be created live. This has always
been our tradition. Live shows will burn!!! MR: Is song or lyric writing collaborative, or do certain members do
certain things? Totally collaborative on the music. Mike will often have a riff to
start things off, but just as often Sean will bring rhythmns to the table.
Themes are concocted by me, Mike and Emo. Lyrics by the same. Rick is
putting together great beats and as a band we tweak the total
production to make it flow properly. MR: What is your opinion on the present death metal scene? The fact that one remains is a testament to the importance of this
music to the fans and the creators. MR: Do you find it hard coming up with original material, seeing how
the scene seems to be flooded with a lot of bands just ripping each other
off and just regurgitating the same material? Not at all. As I said, we create based on our abilities and a curiosity
about strange, spacial and paranormal themes. So it is not an issue for
us. MR: Which show was your favorite show? Now you get to pick through
your last bunch... and come up with one. Paris. The fans were excellent, sound was killer and the venue was
awesome!! MR: What are your musical and lyrical influences or inspirations,
and how do you blend them to sound unique? Lyrical... hmm... probably Asimov, Lovecraft, Hawking, Poe Musical...
M.C. Escher (for complex continuity), Wagner, Guitar speedsters, Phillip
Glass, John Williams. MR: Is humankind evolving into a more peaceful species or are we
doomed to be petty and violent? Humans are slightly evolved animals. It is hard to say if our species
will overcome this fact before our technology lays us to waste... MR: What is the funniest thing you have seen lately? A chicken playing “Droid Sector” on a mandolin. MR: Is there anything you've ever really wanted to do with Nocturnus
but haven't been able to for one reason or another? For example... Play a show on the space shuttle... NASA turned down our request. MR: Extreme metal seems to be steadily growing in appeal in the
underground. Do you see that as a good thing? What effect does it have on
Nocturnus? Yes. We cannot control what people listen to or enjoy, but we have had
great response to our return and it makes us confident that there will be
an audience for us. The end effect to the band is nominal. We are going to
continue to do what makes us happy and create mind numbing, atmospheric
metal. Melanie spoke to Nocturnus, May 1999 |
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© Necrosis Mag 1999 ------------------------------------------------ |