FROSTHELM (Eng.)
1- Hello, thanks for answering to our questions. What are you guys currently up to?
We are gearing up for tour around the midwest and kicking around some ideas for a music video. We’re also working on some new material. Other than that we’ve just been jamming and honing the craft.
2- First off, could you make some history of the band?
In 2009, we arose from the putrid remains of a band that Tyler and Jim were in, called Serviam. We wrote some tunes and put out a two track demo in 2010, the “Icecrown Demo”, and followed that with a short tour. In 2012 we self produced and released a four track EP called “The Northwinds Rend Flesh”. It did well and got us some attention. We immediately started writing and rehearsing songs for our full length “The Endless Winter”. After some setbacks and lots of rewrites, we finally finished tracking it in July of 2014.
3- How could you describe your sound?
A amalgamation of extremes forged in the flames of desolation, and quenched in the bitter despair of a frigid and unforgiving North Dakota winter. We definetely are influenced by a multitude of genres within the realm of extreme music.
4- What are the band’s main musical influences?
We enjoy the recorded rituals of many bands, including Slayer, Dissection, Mayhem, Kreator, Morbid Angel, Blut Aus Nord, Discordance Axis, Deathspell Omega, Naglfar, Immortal to name a few.
5- How is the feedback for your new album being?
The feedback has been great thus far. We’ve had alot of people in the business contact us and offer their support, which is definetely huge for us. Chance from skeletonwitch is also a big fan of the record, and had some really great things to say about the album. Hearing positive things like that about the record is definetely a huge driving force for us.
6- And are your personally satisfied with the final outcome?
To a point. I believe there is always room for improvement. However, I think the sound and elements we were trying to achieve are clear. We certainly learned a lot
about how recording and production works, and that is something we can use to our unholy advantage in the future.
7- How could you describe this opus in just 3 words?
Dark, bitter, and disgusted.
8- How has the production process for your new release been?
It was a struggle getting everything to fall into place, and it took the better part of a year and a half. On top of the things that we’re beyond our control, the creative side was a task in itself, with rewrite after rewrite. Only one song from the early 2013 demos made it on to the record intact. Everything else was gutted, flayed, and then put back together over and over. Once the demos were done however, the actual recording went well. The Pinnacle moment was sitting down and listening to the playback once all was said and done. It was a very emotional moment for all of us. Matt Hyde even came to to studio for playback…I specifically remember the opening riffs to the dragon playing, I looked over at Matt, and I saw his eyes widen. That’s a moment we will never forget.
9- And how do you use to work on the songwriting?
I’ll come up with a riff or progression and then build a basic song at home. Then I’ll record a rough demo and send it to the other guys, and Brian and myself with rehearse it. After a jam session I’ll usually have more ideas and the song goes back and forth between demo form and rehearsal until I’m satisfied. Once that’s finished, Bernard and I will work on the vocal delivery, throwing ideas back and forth. Most of the lyrics are written by Tyker, Jim and I have written some lyrics as well.
10 – Finally, what are you near-future plans?
We have a tour coming up in May, and once that’s finished, I would like to start demoing some new songs. We’ll also be promoting the record, getting some new merchandise out there, and just rocking out. Other than that, we’ll have to see what comes across our frostbitten table.
11- That’s all from our side, thanks again for taking your time to answer our questions. If you now want to add some final words; feel free to do it.
Thank you for the opportunity.
https://alkemybrothers.bandcamp.com/album/the-endless-winter
