Collapse Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

We've just released our début album 'Arms and the Covenant' via Transcend Music, and a video for the track Acolyte from the album.


2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?

The album is more varied than the previous ep, we tried to capture some new moods and make the whole thing darker. It's certainly a more mature release, there's more for the listener to get their teeth into.


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

A lot of the inspiration came from topics to do with morality, mortality and the human experience. Things like laying down your life for the good of a country and what that really means when all is said and done, abuse of power, whether god can be defined as a measure of yourself.  Probably quite inward reflecting I've realised, after writing that.


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

No big meaning, we wanted something short and to the point that would make an impact. Choosing a name is probably the hardest thing that you have to do when you start a band.


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

Top of the pile would have to be Donington obviously, that was an amazing show. The Anthrax European shows were absolutely killer, it was amazing to see how on fire they are every single night, definitely a case of learning from the masters. I think all of our experiences in Europe so far have been extremely positive, it's such an awesome place to tour. Our stage performance is pretty intense, there's not much let up in what we do live


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

We're playing Hard Rock Hell, Ibiza on 18th May,  Bloodstock Club Serpent in June, headlining the 'Headbangers Balls' show at the Camden Underworld in June, for The Teenage Cancer Trust and then headlining the Rock & Metal Circus Festival in September.


7. The new album came out on Transcend Music, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support they have given you so far?

The Connection with Transcend came via our management. Rob, the label owner has been extremely supportive of the band and has shown great support for the album.


8. On the new album there is a cover of a Carcass, what was the decision behind doing this cover?

We wanted to pay tribute to a truly legendary band, Heartwork was such a game changer of an album, it just had to be done. We're extremely proud of being British and carcass ethos really rings true with us, following the music you believe in, trying to push the envelope musically and probably not taking ourselves too seriously either.


9. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your newer music by fans of extreme metal?

The reaction for the album has been absolutely phenomenal, you always get nervous putting out a new release. I think as an artist the worst thing that can happen is nothing, even a negative reaction would be better than that. But, thankfully, so far the reaction from fans and the press has been absolutely killer.


10. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

That's impossible to say. Music comes from such a hard place to define, you have to let it grow to it's potential and not channel it too much. Where I'd like to see it go is incorporating more melody, more groove, more sophistication, but only time will tell.


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

I think it's really just the sum total of everything that I've been into over the years, from thrash to death to doom. At the time we were writing, maybe Aborted, Neurosis, The Haunted, Chimaira, Cannibal Corpse .


12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Me and a few of the guys are into the gym and I do a fair bit of cycling. I don't really do much outside of the band, I record all the music, edit the videos, do the artwork design/merch, work with the management and tour manage all the live shows, so it keeps me pretty busy.

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

I think we just want to say thanks for everyone that's taken the time to check the album out and thanks for the great questions.