Annex Theory Interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band fro those that have never heard of you before?

We're a six piece progressive group from Winnipeg, Canada (vocals, two guitars, keys, bass, percussion) and we have

a very wide array of influences, all of which are present in one form or another in our music. Our vocalist Trevor and myself

formed the band in 2008, got the right group of guys, and simply wanted to do something different. We plan on releasing a debut 

full length album soon and touring extensively.  

2. How would you describe the musical sound that is present on the ep?

There are so many sub genres in music now (especially in metal) that I think just "progressive" is a fair term to coin it. We have a lot

of polyrhythmic riffs, but at the same time withhold the melody in the keyboards and leads. We're also fans of having really spread out,

multi octave chords on keys over top of riffs. There are lots of technicalities and  subtle things that musicians will appreciate but at the same time the average listener won't get lost.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?

Trevor writes mostly about situations and events that happen in his life. I don't think it is a concept EP in any way, though "Horizons" and

"Orbit" are part of the same story. I guess writing about real experiences helps put across a more prominent message because they are things

that he actually understands, not just a false concept or anything of that sort.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

Trevor came up with the name after reading about different "end of the human race" scenarios. One of these ideas was that humanity will basically mechanically alter themselves in order to actually become part of all the new technology that we are currently engineering. Merging elements of creation into the flesh; basically the next step to evolution is actually in our own hands. We create, merge, and we evolve. Seeing as we are currently at the peak of evolution (as much as people want to say that) i think its relevant, simply because people are starting to experiment with what they can do now. Who knows, maybe it will happen!

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

We've been lucky enough to play with some great bands. Despised Icon was an amazing band to play with because it was their last

tour ever and we're big fans of them. We played with The Contortionist and Last Chance to Reason, they we're both incredible live bands

and extremely humble guys to hang out with.

In terms of our live show, we try to bring a lot of energy to the stage. Everyone for sure has a very different presence on stage and it is

definetely a reflection of how we all are as people as well. We're just guys who love music, and love to have fun. That our live show in a nutshell!

6/ Do you have any touring plans for the future?

  

As much as possible. We currently have an east coast tour booked for the summer, and we're gonna try our best to keep it consistent!

7. Are there any side projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?

Trevor sings in a local band called Damascus who play shows locally, but this is all of our full time bands. 

8. On a worldwide level how has your music been recieved by extreme metalf ans?

Yes actually!  We have fans adding us from Turkey, the UK, croatia, south america and the states now that the EP is out and everyone can

actually purchase it. Its been fantastic to be able to promote more and hopefully we can work hard and build up some hype before putting

out the album. 

9. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?

To be honest i'm not sure. We've already changed immensely since we started and all of our musical tastes are certainly opening up. i can 

definately see us going in a more technical/experimental direction, but we're always gonna have those melodic parts.

10. Currently you are singed to Pivotal Recordings, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?

Pivotal have been amazing to us so far. Trevor came in contact with Ian (Crepea, who is now our manager at pivotal) when he was in Quo Vadis. Ian thought we had potential and has since then taken us from the ground up. He's been a great help to us and we're extremely thankful.

11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

The djent scene obviously has been a huge influence. Bands like Periphery have definitely revolutionized the genre, there are loads others. Recently i've been digging bands like Volumes, The Contortionist, Born of Osiris, that kinda stuff. We also love dubstep, and personally i listen to a lot of acoustic stuff like Andy McKee and Don Ross. The chord structure they use is amazing!

12. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?

More progressive, more melodic, the cliche! Haha, I guess we'll just keep trying to expand our musical minds and take what we can from it!

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?