Ashes For The Mute Interview

 

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

A: The band started out as a solo project but truly took form once David, Donovan and Spy joined. Our influences are varied across genres from Technical Death Metal to Punk, but we have solidified our sound around our common love for the tones and atmosphere of Black Metal. We try to keep everything as DIY as possible within a small community that has grown around our rehearsal/recording space. Art, production, merch, etc are all done in house. 

2.Recently you have released a full length, musically how does it differ from your previous ep’s?

A: While we are still happy with our initial releases, this is the first release that will truly capture our sound as a band. Before Celestial Revelations all songwriting, playing and production was completed by me alone, whereas this album represents our collaborative efforts as a band. On top of that we believe the higher production value and attention to songwriting/arrangement has resulted in an end product that we are more proud of than any prior release.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer release and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?

A: Lyrically this project has always centered around the battles we wage within our own minds and spiritualism as it relates to nature. The primary focus on this record is the connection between our deepest thoughts and the outer reaches of the universe. Lyrically this album encourages the listener to explore a variety of perspectives and states of consciousness, and to examine how their intrinsic beliefs are challenged by alternate life experiences.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind 'Ashes For The Mute'?

A: The name can be interpreted ambiguously. For those interested in the mindset that inspired the name I encourage you to read the opening chapter of Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace and form your own conclusions.

5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?

A: The artwork is a visual representation of the ideas put forth in the album lyrics. It can be seen as the iris of an eye or the cataclysmic end to the life of a planet. 

6.originally the band was from Georgia but currently resides in Colorado, can you tell us a little bit more about the move?

A: The band was a solo project when I was living in Athens, GA, as there aren’t many outlets for people that love heavy music in that city. I moved to CO to get far away from the South in the US and it wasn’t long after that I met the other members of the band and we began practicing together.

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

A: Our best and worst show was the only show we have played. It was a few weeks before the entire world shut down due to the pandemic. While this should have been disheartening, we took this as an opportunity to hone our writing and playing skills and immediately began writing Celestial Revelations. 

8.With Colorado booking more shows recently do you see yourself returning to the live stage anytime soon?

A: We will begin playing shows again very soon. 

9.With this new release you worked with 'Reaping Scythe Records' and 'Habilis Tapes', do you feel both of these labels have been very helpful when it comes to getting your music out there heard?

A: Yes. These are independent labels who are just starting out and have worked tirelessly on behalf of the band. Reaping Scythe and Habilis Tapes are out there to put out great music rather than make a quick profit off of fledgling bands and I highly recommend everyone check out the other groups they are promoting. 

10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?

A: We are very grateful for the reaction we have received so far! It’s always surreal to see people listening to our music from all over the world. Metal has been and should remain an international community and we hope to visit Europe for some shows at some point in the future. 

11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

A: We learned a lot writing this album and will continue to build upon the sound you hear on Celestial Revelations for our next record. We will not shy away from abrasive guitar tones and relentless blast beats, but plan to further refine our songwriting to create the music that is heavy, atmospheric and melodic. 

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

A: We all have a lot of different influences, but some big ones you might hear on the album are Dissection, Darkened Nocturne Slaughtercult, Hypocrisy, Portal, Yellow Eyes, Deathspell Omega and Der Weg einer Freiheit. Other bands we have been enjoying recently include Ninkharsag, Spectral Wound, Akhlys, Cathexis and many more. 

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

 A: Thank you for having us on for this interview and for everything you all do for the underground metal scene. Cheers.

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