Date: 06.2006
Interviewer: Shadow
Band: Twelfth Gate
Date: 06.2006
Interviewer: Shadow
Hails, gentlemen. Thanks a lot for
taking some time to sit down and talk to me. I recently heard about the
departure of Scott Huffman. I know from personal experience that lineup changes
can really be taxing, especially when you lose an original member. How is your
new vocalist (Brent "Red" Erickson) working out? Has he added any new dimensions
to your sound?
Rob: Hi Shadow…it’s my pleasure & thanks for the
interview. And to answer your question…yes, line-up changes can be quite
taxing. Fortunately for us, the transition was very smooth. Scott was looking
for a change, as was the rest of the band. And regarding our new singer Red…we
think we got very lucky since finding a good singer that not only fits the
music, but who also fits the band on a personal level. Red fits in perfectly on
both counts. As soon as we got together, everything began to progress quite
well after only a few rehearsals, and we knew fairly quickly that he was the
right guy for the job. Just to give you an idea of what Red’s vocal style is
like…he's got a great clean voice, but he also has an arsenal of different
voices he like to incorporate into our songs...from clean to heavy & a few in
between. Not only that, but Red is continuously experimenting with different
styles to give our songs a bit more variety, and it’s amazing how much more
diversity & dynamics all that adds to our songs…both old & new.
Let's talk about "Threshold of Revelation" for
a minute. I'm really impressed with the whole composition. It strikes me as good
old progressive metal that has been updated and improved for the new millennium.
Is this the sound you guys have always had, or did this develop over time?Rob:
Thank you so much for the kind words…happy to hear you like the new album. What
you’re hearing on this album is really a progression of us both as a band and as
musicians. Adding Jim Stopper (ex-Oppressor) as our second guitarist has also
had an impact on the dynamics of our sound & songwriting…and you’ll probably
hear even more of our progression on the next album.
Melody is something that is clearing lacking in
most new metal today, but you guys have a solid handle on it. I know it can
sometimes be hard to get two guitar players on the same page about harmonies and
such. Do you guys write the music together, or is one person responsible for
what we hear?
Rob: Actually, we all contribute to the writing. Occasionally, we may write a
song together where we equally share parts/riffs, but for the most part either
Rich, Jim or I will write the majority of a song, and we all work together to
fine tune & arrange it…sometimes contribute parts/riffs if needed. And as far
as vocals & lyrics are concerned, that was pretty much all Scott’s
responsibility. Red, on the other hand, is more open to feedback regarding his
vocals & lyrics, which makes it more of a team effort now…I love that, because
it definitely helps to keep us all on the same page regarding our songs as a
whole.
Your vocal harmonies are really just
impeccable. How do you guys pull that off in a live situation?
Rob: Unfortunately, since Scott does all of the
harmonies himself on the album, they basically don’t exist live…except for when
Rich chooses to give it a try once in a while…hehe. Although, we have been
trying to incorporate more backing vocals now with Red since his vocals are a
bit more consistent live…but we’ll see what happens.
What inspired you guys to break away from the
"metal norm" and create the music that you do?
Rob: I guess if by the “metal norm” you mean
popular metal, then I would say that it’s because of our complete boredom with
it that’s been our inspiration to be different. A lot of what you hear these
days that’s shamelessly labeled as “metal” is just pathetic, and we have never
wanted any part of that. Also, what we create is basically what sounds good to
us & what we enjoy playing…not what we think other metal fans want to hear. If
people like it, cool…if not, that’s cool too…either way, we will always continue
doing what we want & enjoy.
How would you compare "Threshold of Revelation"
to "Summoning", in terms of music and overall production?
Rob: Well, I would definitely say that “ToR” is
heavier & darker than “Summoning”…and as much as that sounds like a cliché, it’s
consistent with most of the feedback that we’ve been getting. Also, regarding
the production quality…it’s definitely better than “Summoning”, but still not
where it could be. Unfortunately, due to the budget we had to work with, we
took a risk on someone who works for our label to do the mastering, which also
meant we had much less control. Although, for the next album, we will
definitely have someone more experienced in our style of metal behind the
controls!!
What would consider, thus far, to the "shining
moment" of your career?
Rob: Hmmm…I guess I can confidently say that
the shining moment or highlight of my career in Twelfth Gate was probably when
we opened for Blind Guardian at the Metro in Chicago in front of a sold out
crowd. It was so much fun & we walked away with a ton of new fans. I still
have fans to this day that tell me they remember seeing us at that show & that
they’ve been hooked ever since. Although, I’d like to believe that this was
just the first of many highlights. I’ve got a very good feeling about what the
future holds for this band…so we’ll see.
What are your thoughts about the crop of "new
metal" that is being heard these days? Has it had a positive or negative effect
on your efforts?
Rob: Well, as far “new metal” is concerned, it’s
not really a crop…but crap! Haha. Fortunately, not all of it is bad…there are
a handful of very good new metal bands that have popped up…like Between The
Buried And Me…that definitely show that the metal scene here in the States still
has hope. Also, the popularity of some established bands like Meshuggah &
Dillinger Escape Plan, for example, show that there are fans out there that
don’t necessarily follow the norm…which is a good thing for us. Not that we
sound anything like any of the bands I mentioned…but just the fact that metal
fans are branching out to discover more different styles of metal than just what
is always talked about in the media & press, or heard on the radio.
Again, thank you for taking time to do sit down
with me. Do you guys have anything you'd like Twelfth Gate fans to know? Any big
plans coming up?
Rob: And thank you very much for the interview &
your help in getting the Twelfth Gate name out there. I’d also like to thank
all of our fans for their continued support…especially the ones who will stick
by us with our new singer…you all rawk!! \m/ \m/ Also, I just want to let
everyone know that we’re planning on going into the studio this summer to record
a couple brand new songs & to re-record a few of our current songs with Red on
vocals for a limited edition EP that will be out by the end of the Summer, or
early Fall….so keep your eyes & ears open. Take care everyone!! Rob
Visit Twelve Gate's website
at
www.twelfthgate.net
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