DEADEN
One of the best brutal Death Metal bands of the mid 90’s
is back!
The interview with Von Young
METAL
SIDE: In the middle 90's, Deaden belonged to the most promising US Death Metal
bands. You had many fans in the underground. Your demo tapes got good reviews. A
deal with United Guttural resulted in very good debut album "Hymns of the
Sick". It seemed that everything could have been only better and better
for Deaden. But then in 1999 you disappeared... What happened?
DEADEN:
Actually it was the beginning of 2000. Ethan, our drummer was battling a
bad case of Tendonitis in his arms, and it became difficult for him to play our
style. So we took 6 months off to let him kinda
heal up, as his doctor recommended. After that 6
months we were supposed to go record the new album (which had already been
written at that time). Unfortunately we were never able to get everything
back on track after a few attempts. But now we have worked out all the
kinks and everything seems to be running along pretty well.
METAL
SIDE: Do you regret now that Deaden has such long break? Do you think that you
lost many fans because of those years of silence?
DEADEN:
I believe that there were good and bad issues as a result of the break. The
bad are obviously the fast that we were stagnant and could not gain
anymore fans or promote our music. The good thing from the break is that
the musicianship and the writing (complexity, structure, etc) is much more
defined and formed into something that I am personally more
happy with. We have been able to take the time and really focus on
the music, instead of play a bunch of shows, then try to write music in between
the shows.
METAL
SIDE: What were Deaden's members doing when Deaden
was on hold? Did you play in other bands?
DEADEN:
Everybody was just focusing on life. We were "growing up" and
got "real jobs". Some of us got married and have families
now. So we were doing life I guess during that time. The only person that
really did anything musically was Ethan. The things he was doing were not
metal related though.
METAL
SIDE: What do you think now of your materials from the 90's? Would you
change something if you could re-record "Hymns..."?
DEADEN:
We would all change things for sure. We would have approached the
recording of Hymns... a lot differently. We were young and really had a
tight budget to deal with, so there are things we are definitely not happy
with. As far as the material from the Feast and Hymns releases, I think
there is a definite progression from those 2 releases. There is a
significant progression from Hymns to the new material. I am happy with
the things we have done, and I think it is
definitely a look at where we were in those times.
METAL
SIDE: What motivated you to come back? Was it difficult decision?
DEADEN:
Well it was always the intention to get back together. We all were just
finally in the right place in our personal lives to where we could take the
time to focus on Deaden again. It was a difficult decision, but I think
we were all a little hesitant and not knowing what to expect until we all
started getting comfortable in the band setting again.
METAL
SIDE: The new line-up is almost the same as the old one. Does it mean that also
the music will be in the same vein?
DEADEN:
Yes, I believe we are very fortunate that we only unfortunately lost one
member, Danny Hughes (bass/vox). He was
initially returning back to the band, but was unable to commit for persona
reasons. We wish him the best and there are no hard feelings at
all. Danny has been replaced by Jake Lahniers
who has stepped up to the plate and taken over with a great ferocity.
Since
the music is still being written by the same core members that wrote the other
material, the music is definitely in the same vein. Just expect it to
be a progression. We had no intentions of re-writing Hymns or
anything like that.
METAL
SIDE: What bands were the biggest influences for you in the 90's? Do they
inspire you currently as well?
DEADEN:
We were all and still are influenced by all genres of music and metal. If
I had to say specific influences I would mention Suffocation, Entombed, Dream
Theater, Slayer, Deicide, those types of bands. I like to think that
we didn't focus on our influences when we create the music, but those were some
of the bands we listened to in the early 90's (amongst countless others).
There are alot of bands that I personally get into
that blow me away that I respect immensely but I don't try to draw from them to
create my music.
METAL
SIDE: Did Death Metal Scene change significantly when you compare its current
situation with the situation in the 90's? Do you think that it's stronger or
weaker?
DEADEN:
It has changed alot for sure. I would like to
thank it is better, but I can't say for sure. I think that the
development of the Internet has made the underground so much more accessible to
so many more people that it is unstoppable. With the ability to be able
to listen to music on the computer as a preview, and the word of
mouth, you can get people interested in your music instantly. It is
amazing.
METAL
SIDE: When can we expect your new studio recordings?
DEADEN:
the new album is in the works right now and we are doing a series of sessions
in the studio. We are taking our time and learning from past
mistakes. People can expect the music to be a little more developed,
chaotic, faster, but with all of the intensity, heaviness, catchabiltiy,
and sickness Deaden is known for.
METAL
SIDE: What record label will release your new album?
DEADEN:
We are speaking with several labels right now, and plan on making a decision in
the next couple of months.
METAL
SIDE: Will you be touring across the States to promote the new album? Have you
time for such promotion? Many bands can't afford to spend few weeks on the road
because of jobs, families and other such commitments.
DEADEN:
We will do what is possible with our schedules. We aren't 18 anymore that
is for sure. We are planning smaller tours for
the states and possibly
METAL
SIDE: Deaden from the 90's had brutal and sick lyrics. Should we expect the
continuation of old topics on the new album?
DEADEN:
Yes the lyrical standpoint of Deaden is the same. Gore based, serial
killer, sexual perversion, style of topics.
METAL
SIDE: Can you recommend some talented US Death Metal bands, especially from
your area?
DEADEN:
Empyrean Sky is a very good melodic death metal band out of
METAL
SIDE: Thanks for the interview.
DEADEN: Thank
you for the time and support, and thanx to all of the
people who supported and continue to support us. We will make up the long
wait with the new album - Displaying the Art of Carnage, very soon. Check
out the site at www.deaden.net or www.myspace.com/deaden for everything from music - news - show dates - and merchandise. Stay
sick and we will see you soon!
Von Young
Deaden
61815-
www.deaden.net
yahoo msg- deaden726
msn msg- deaden726@msn.com
July
2005