BEHOLD! THE MONOLITH (Eng.)
1- Hello, thanks for answering to our questions. What are you guys currently up to?
Hello, thanks for asking. Right now we are preparing for the release of our new album, which is called “Architects of the Void”. It’s going to be out in late September so we are putting all the finishing touched on the layout and packaging. And also looking into booking some shows!
2- First off, could you make some history of the band?
Well I first started writing riffs and songs under the name of “Behold! The Monolith” around late 2006, mostly just for myself, kinda for fun, not taking it too seriously. Just home recording stuff. Then I met bassist Kevin McDade in 2007 and we just starting jamming a little bit. We really clicked musically and became friends and decided to make a band. I already had the name “Behold! The Monolith” and some riffs and ideas stockpiled so we reconvened in 2008 with Kevin jumping in on the vocals and our first permanent drummer Bobby Padavick and we recorded a 3 song EP/Demo. We just started playing more shows and recorded our first album and released it in 2009. It was self-titled (but some people call it the “Battlestagg” album because of the artwork and first song). Bobby had to move to the East Coast for work reasons so after a time we met our current drummer Chase. We did some shows and regional touring and recorded “Defender, Redeemist”, which we released in 2012. We were for sure in a more Metal, less Stoner Rock direction by then. We got some good reception for that one and started making making some more serious touring plans. Unfortunately, in June of 2013 right before what would’ve been our first tour of the South and the East Coast our bassist/vocalist Kevin was killed in a car accident while on a trip to see family. We were pretty tight, so this was devastating. After some time Chase and I started jamming again and, with the blessing of Kevin’s family, we decided to continue. We knew Cas from his other band Sasquatch and he was the first person we thought of for bass. So that wound up working out and we started rehearsing and writing as a 3-piece, with me doing vocals along with guitar. That was going ok, but then I wound up meeting Jordan through some mutual friends. He was actually a vocal teacher so I went to him for a couple lessons but we wound up pulling him into the band…and that definitely took things to the next level. So here we are with essentially our third lineup and third album “Architects of the Void”!
3- How could you describe your sound?
It’s kind of a “catch all”. It’d definitely dark and very doomy, but there are some faster parts and straight up trashy parts…and some mellow space rock stuff too. But if I had to pigeonhole it it would fall somewhere in that Doom/Stoner/Sludge description.
4- What are the band’s main musical influences?
Seriously too many to mention. It’s usually kind of a mix of whoever is in the band’s influences. I suppose some of the contents would be the obvious Black Sabbath and Judas Priest stuff. But there is also everything from Celtic Frost to Rush to Jesus Lizard in there too. Actually quite a bit of Prog rock influence this time as well. Caveman Prog.
5- How is the feedback for your new album being?
Not many have heard it. But everyone I’ve played it for seems to really dig it. I’ve heard it described as a “beast” and a “monstous” so far so I’ll take that as a compliment!
6 – And are your personally satisfied with the final outcome?
Yes. It was difficult on a few levels, but I think the struggle made the finished product even better, if that makes sense.
7- How has the production process for your new release been?
It was cool! I love working with Billy Anderson. And I think this album has a bit more of his signature sound to it than our others. It has a darker more raw feel. He knew when to ride the tension…but when it was too much how and when to break the tension haha. At one point a couple of us were ready to strangle each other, so he pulled up one of my guitar solos and had me record this kinda corny harmony over it, which got us to all crack up. Definitely lightened the mood that day. We actually kept a bit of the harmony in there lol.
8- And how do you use to work on the songwriting?
Musically I do a lot of the writing, most of it actually. But it all gets filtered through the rest of the band. some of it changes, some of it doesn’t. Cas thru in some parts too. And we all have a hand in some of the structure ideas and arranging…so it’s still a group effort. Jordan just kinda did his thing. We’d have input here or there or when he would ask for it…but he really “got it” and the way we kinda wanted to approach the vocals as another instrument, so to speak.
9 – Finally, what are you near-future plans?
Get this new record out there and start playing some shows. Especially outside of Los Angeles. Our next big goal is to finally get our asses out to Europe to tour! That is our intention right now!
10- 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.
Great thanks!
https://bandcamp.com/beholdthemonolith
https://www.facebook.com/beholdthemonolith
