Arsis

(Aprile 2008)

Hi how are you? Congratulations for the new album is really cool!

Thank you so much for your kind words and support, it really means the world to us.

Well, let’s start the interview, introducing the band members.

Well, there is myself, James Malone, on guitar and lead vocals, Ryan Knight on guitar, Noah Martin plays bass and Darren Cesca on drums.

Well, can you explain me why you “are the nightmare”? ;)

"we are the nightmare" is just a reference to very dark period of my life.  I would like the listeners to come up with their ideas about my lyrics.  It would be ideal for them to take something away from them on a personal level.

The album will see the light of the stores on 18th April. What could you describe it to your fans?

It is definitely our most techincal album to date.  On the other hand, it is our most catchy and focused album to date as well.  I hope the listeners will catch all the hooks and be able to remember them years later.

Your music was defined as “technical-melodic death metal” or as “modern death metal”. In actual fact, the sound (especially the guitar) is really elaborate. From what  type of process come out every riff?

I dont write technical music just for the sake of being technical.  Every note has its place and serves a purpose within every song. I honestly cant tell you where the riffs come besides my heart and head. 

Some members play in another bands. Is difficult for you to manage the band, in order to preserve also the original sound of ARSIS?

At this time, Arsis is the main project for everyone involved.  Everyone gives Arsis 110%.  The Arsis sound is anything that feels right, so therefore it is not very hard to manage.

We had been talking to Nuclear Blast for years before signing the deal.  Gerardo from the US office had been trying to sign the band ever since our first album came out in 2004.  At that time were still obligated to Willowtip for another album, so it took awhile before we could actually become part of the NUclear Blast roster.  In the end we decided to go with Nuclear Blast over any other lable because we are fans of the roster and the staff has always made us feel comfortable and welcome.  It was an easy decision. I still talk to the owner of Willowtip very often, I would consider he and I to be good friends.  I think he always knew that Arsis would eventually go on to work with a different lable.

You come from USA, what type of approach there’s towards you music?

We have yet to tour Italy, but we should be there soon.  I am so exicited for this event!