Dead Rhetoric: What types of topics are the framework for End-Time Illusion’s lyrics? I would imagine that anger, chaos, frustration, and personal issues factor into a lot of the words for these songs…
Sloan: I subscribe to the notion a listener should first enjoy a song by their own definition. What does it evoke within you? Where do the lyrics bring you? Once a vocalist divulges the inspiration behind the words, it can limit the potential for the fans experience. Let that first stage set in, the “this is awesome I just want to drive faster” feeling, adrenaline, the instinctive excellence. That emotion is what we bring to live performances every time, and we hope our fans feel it every time when they listen to our album.
Of course, each song is about something enormous…. amorous…. and amorphous.
Anger, chaos, and frustration? According to certain websites those are some interpretations to my definitions. I use the sound of anger to strike fear into my enemies’ hearts. I am not a slave to my own rage. One becomes a victim of their emotions that way. Chaos is absolutely a friend. Frustration exists by the necessity to eat food every day. The songs on this album are largely an ancient history lesson. “Construct of Titans” was initially inspired by Gustav Dore’s “Confusion of Tongues” an 1865 engraving depicting the construction of The Tower of Babel and the resulting diversification of languages and ideas, now destined to collide again via continental drift. The title track is about mysterious and mystical things, all of which relate to the power of one’s will. “Veil of Negative Existence” is about the world beyond this one, and our human ability to access it. “The Dissenter” is a how-to guide about elevating oneself to a state of dominion, freed from useless laws. The first words of “In the Court of the Pharaoh” are quoted from the film Caligula, wherein Malcolm McDowell plays the titular character. Naturally we’re aware Caligula was not a pharaoh but an emperor of Rome. The point of rule expressed is amplified by our use of time travel.
“The Conquering Mantra” is the rebel anthem! We filmed a video for this song with Cineriot films, and had a blast doing it. Check it out! Lyrically this song reflects much of what’s going on with modern social issues. These dark times will pass. We will survive. “Kingdoms” is the symbiotic relationship to nothingness, the infinite loop. And more. “Semantics of The Void” is what we’re trying at, right now. One second ago. Two seconds from now.
Dead Rhetoric: It’s probably impossible to describe the band’s style: as you incorporate everything from hardcore to speed, power groove to melodic death and progressive/thrash elements. How do you know when a song is just right for End-Time Illusion – and is there a balance between technicality and hooks/melodies?
Sharpe: We aim for the all killer and no filler in that we want every angle of the song to grab the listener. There is no thought as to trying to be the most technical, fastest, heaviest or melodic, blah blah blah. If a riff moves us we know it’s appropriate. We certainly look at being hard to pin down as a compliment. We are not flattered by emulation. You nailed it on balance. As long tenured metal heads we appreciate diversity, not 40 minutes of the same song.
Dead Rhetoric: How would you describe the CT metal scene at this point – are there plenty of places to play and good crowds willing to support the bands?
Sharpe: The CT scene is alive and well fed. The bands have upped the ante and certainly represent at the venues that not only support the local scene but promote national shows. There is really not much separation between the crowds and the bands, we all hang out together and support each other. There’s a good handful of clubs that promote metal. Where the scene is lacking perhaps is more all age venues. The 14-17 age demographic is deprived a bit on the local shows.
Dead Rhetoric: Where do you see the differences between studio recordings and live performances for End-Time Illusion? And how would you describe End-Time Illusion in a live setting?
Sharpe: The stage gives us an opportunity to not only perform but let loose like we are actually in the pit ourselves. We bring it every show and hope that execution feeds the electric ritual we are sharing. While we work to meet the quality expectation of the studio recordings we also tend to play up or down tempo depending on our mood in the live setting. You won’t see us playing to a click track or pro tools layers. There is freedom for improvisation if it strikes any of us.
Dead Rhetoric: Can you name five bands (or five albums if that’s easier) that everyone would agree upon as solid benchmarks that the band could listen to for those long road trips or pleasure listening?
Sloan: I can listen to Origin or Immortal anytime. And Huey Lewis and the News. Dave and I both like Huey. We have discussed doing a cover (laughs).
Sharpe: We all agree that anything Pantera and Divine Heresy are badass. Dimmu Borgir’s Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia and Death Cult Armageddon would get worn out. Of course as Adam mentioned Huey oddly fits in there.
Dead Rhetoric: Where do you see the state of heavy metal today? How are you able to handle the social media/instant communication tools that are prevalent in comparison to the old school, face to face manner that bands built their following upon?
Sloan: There was a time when the internet destroyed music, financially speaking. That’s still there. It’s also one of the greatest tools we have to find new people and new opportunities. I receive messages from fans and friends on the other side of the planet. I am grateful for that.
Sharpe: Unfortunately for the most part it’s a replicator market, although some awesome originality rears its head. Regarding social media I personally miss some of the mystery surrounding bands. Sometime it’s too much information. However getting propaganda out in real time is sick.
Dead Rhetoric: How would you describe the personalities of the individual band members, and what does each member bring to the table to make End-Time Illusion that much stronger?
Sloan: Scott is a funny guy, and he rips those solos badass. Yanni is a chill dude for all those blast beats, but don’t tap the drums with the mic at practice. Gary doesn’t windmill in the jam room because the ceilings aren’t high enough. He understands. Dave cut his hair but plays just as good if not better, reversing what’s known in metal as “the Samson curse”.
Dead Rhetoric: What are the plans for End-Time Illusion over the next 12 months? What types of goals do you set for yourselves in the short term and long term?
Sharpe: Essentially looking to continue playing larger bills with more exposure and find the right touring opportunities. In the short term we are always looking to improve our craft and in the future looking to get recognized by the right team that can propel End-Time Illusion to a larger audience and of course incite larger pits and horn throwing.
Thanks for the support Matt and for Dead Rhetoric getting the metal to the people!