1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?
Since recording the album, we were approached by Jon Davis who offered to release our album through his label - Black Bow Records, which was amazing for us and what feel is the best route for us to take. Jon has a number of very good bands on BBR and is heavily involved in this music. We didn't have to think about it.
2.You have a new album coming out in April, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
The recording itself is quite different to what we've reorded in the past. We did it ourselves using an old analog 8 track to put the drums down on, then we recorded the rest at various locations, my lounge, bedroom, friends lounge (Toxdeath Studios) and bits at out practice space. From there we took it Chris Fielding at Skyhammer Studios where he mixed it and worked his magic all over it. It has an old feel to it but still huge and punchy. It tuned out exactly how we wanted it to.
3.This is the first album to come out in 4 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?
We spent a lot of time writing the songs that appear on 'Reign', basically. We concentrated a lot more on the writing side and i think that shows. We've also been doing the rounds where we can and gigging the old set here n' there.
4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?
Anything from unblocking bogs, the love of a certain tapestry, losing personal belongings, affects of a well known beverage, paralysis. Pretty much. Pretty deep stuff here.
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'The Bendal Interlude'?
This is usually the second question! Two of us used to look after an old lady who we were quite fond of. Bendal was the family name and so when she passed away we thought it'd make a kind of tribute. Interlude works well with this so there you have it.
6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Sonisphere Festival on the Strongbow Stage comes to mind immediately. To be asked to play a festival where the likes of Maiden, Alice in Chains, Slayer, Anthrax and a whole lot of other amazing bands were was just so good. We had a huge crowd for us and we pulled off a decent set. Some of our favourite shows though are usually the smaller, grimey, punky d.i.y types, always a good vibe and usually lacking in posers. Our stage show depends entirely on how much booze we've had.
7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album once it is released?
We are touring the UK with Conan in April. We're so made-up to have been asked to be involved in such a tour. We played with Conan at their first ever show, back in 2005/6 i think it was. They've really come on and are doing so well. Will be good to get out there and be a part of their world.
8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of extreme metal?
We have fans all over the globe. We'd love to be able to get out there and play for them. Who knows. Maybe one day.
9.Are any of the band members also involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?
Stu and Dave are in SSS (short sharp shock) and Nat in a band called Chinsniffer. We all do our own thing outside of the band like 8-bit chip tune projects, electronic, D n' B, metal mash-ups and bluesy, 70's rock, country folk-type jams.
10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
We really like what we've done with this album. I think i could see us taking a lot from 'Reign' like the dynamics side and maybe trying something along the psychy-type side, aswell as experimenting more with some of the melodic riffs we threw in on that album. Heavy and groovy no doubt.
11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
We all listen to so many different styles of music but what i'd say had some influence on this album would be a lot of the good 90's metal bands like Sepultura and White Zombie, aswell as Thin Lizzy, Wishbone Ash, a lot of NWOBHM. We've always been into these bands and styles but i think we more, kind of ventured into doing what we did with this album through locking ourselves in and jamming. We're all the same page with what we want and like, so i think the process was quite natural.
12.What are some of your non musical interests?
Film, old b-movie or horror mainly, drinking, sleeping and procrastinating.
13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Our album 'Reign of the Unblinking Eye' will be released through Black Bow Records April 1st. UK tour with Conan to follow. I would now like to go back to kip. Cheers.
Since recording the album, we were approached by Jon Davis who offered to release our album through his label - Black Bow Records, which was amazing for us and what feel is the best route for us to take. Jon has a number of very good bands on BBR and is heavily involved in this music. We didn't have to think about it.
2.You have a new album coming out in April, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
The recording itself is quite different to what we've reorded in the past. We did it ourselves using an old analog 8 track to put the drums down on, then we recorded the rest at various locations, my lounge, bedroom, friends lounge (Toxdeath Studios) and bits at out practice space. From there we took it Chris Fielding at Skyhammer Studios where he mixed it and worked his magic all over it. It has an old feel to it but still huge and punchy. It tuned out exactly how we wanted it to.
3.This is the first album to come out in 4 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?
We spent a lot of time writing the songs that appear on 'Reign', basically. We concentrated a lot more on the writing side and i think that shows. We've also been doing the rounds where we can and gigging the old set here n' there.
4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?
Anything from unblocking bogs, the love of a certain tapestry, losing personal belongings, affects of a well known beverage, paralysis. Pretty much. Pretty deep stuff here.
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'The Bendal Interlude'?
This is usually the second question! Two of us used to look after an old lady who we were quite fond of. Bendal was the family name and so when she passed away we thought it'd make a kind of tribute. Interlude works well with this so there you have it.
6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Sonisphere Festival on the Strongbow Stage comes to mind immediately. To be asked to play a festival where the likes of Maiden, Alice in Chains, Slayer, Anthrax and a whole lot of other amazing bands were was just so good. We had a huge crowd for us and we pulled off a decent set. Some of our favourite shows though are usually the smaller, grimey, punky d.i.y types, always a good vibe and usually lacking in posers. Our stage show depends entirely on how much booze we've had.
7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album once it is released?
We are touring the UK with Conan in April. We're so made-up to have been asked to be involved in such a tour. We played with Conan at their first ever show, back in 2005/6 i think it was. They've really come on and are doing so well. Will be good to get out there and be a part of their world.
8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of extreme metal?
We have fans all over the globe. We'd love to be able to get out there and play for them. Who knows. Maybe one day.
9.Are any of the band members also involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?
Stu and Dave are in SSS (short sharp shock) and Nat in a band called Chinsniffer. We all do our own thing outside of the band like 8-bit chip tune projects, electronic, D n' B, metal mash-ups and bluesy, 70's rock, country folk-type jams.
10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
We really like what we've done with this album. I think i could see us taking a lot from 'Reign' like the dynamics side and maybe trying something along the psychy-type side, aswell as experimenting more with some of the melodic riffs we threw in on that album. Heavy and groovy no doubt.
11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
We all listen to so many different styles of music but what i'd say had some influence on this album would be a lot of the good 90's metal bands like Sepultura and White Zombie, aswell as Thin Lizzy, Wishbone Ash, a lot of NWOBHM. We've always been into these bands and styles but i think we more, kind of ventured into doing what we did with this album through locking ourselves in and jamming. We're all the same page with what we want and like, so i think the process was quite natural.
12.What are some of your non musical interests?
Film, old b-movie or horror mainly, drinking, sleeping and procrastinating.
13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Our album 'Reign of the Unblinking Eye' will be released through Black Bow Records April 1st. UK tour with Conan to follow. I would now like to go back to kip. Cheers.
No comments:
Post a Comment