1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?
We formed in '96, released our first album in '98, we have released 6 albums to date plus two more under a different name. We currently play as a two piece. I (Nick Reyes) do vocals, guitar, and drums/programming and Frank Gross plays bass. We play Black/Death Metal and we have a new album out called The Desolate.
2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from the previous recordings?
The sound of the new album is more refined than our previous albums. The new album was done with more time and more digital resources i.e., plugins, and amp modellers. Contrary to popular belief, there are NO drums machines on this album. I played the drums myself on my V drumset part by part. Since Im not a real drummer, I had to program the drum placement and paste parts that I couldn't do manually. The sound from our previous albums was usually done low budget, and intended to sound as "raw" as possible. Our first three albums were recorded on tape.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
The album is about desolation. Most of the themes are post apocalyptic and about the deterioration of organized religion. Every album typically has a theme to it.
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band name?
Our former bass player Juan Santiago came up with the band name. I don't think it is a real word with a real definition which is what we liked about the band name. Since we were all latin, it made us think of something having to do with fire.
5. Has the band had any opportunities to do any live shows, if so what are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe the stage performance?
We have been playing live shows since 1998. Some of the more memorable shows were at the Miami Metalfest in 2002. We also played some noise shows in Norway in 2004. The crowd response at all our shows was generally positive. Since we weren't a band playing every weekend, most of the people who went to our shows gave us a good response. We haven't performed live since 2005. Hopefully in this coming year that might change.
6. I have read that one of the band members was involved in the military, how do you feel that reflects on the aggression of the music?
I am still "involved" with the military. I wouldn't say my military career impacts a great deal on the aggression aspect, more on the motivation to finish the album, but there definitely is some aggression that leaves its mark. Logically, being deployed away from your family in a place where you get mortared and shot at frequently creates tension, uneasiness and to some degree paranoia. Most soldiers know how to deal with this stress, I just put mine into the music.
7. Currently the band is unsinged are you looking for a label and if so what kind of label do you feel that would be a perfect fit for the music?
Generally speaking, all bands are always looking for labels. As far as the best fit, I would have to say one of the smaller ones that put out lots of black and death metal. No specific record label comes to mind at the moment though.
8. What is going on with the band members other projects these days?
Frank is writing a novel at the moment. I play in Cayos which is an experimental noise project which puts out music on the electronic music label Schematic. Last year we put out a very successful album called "Shell Beach". I also have another band called Ruin which is re-releasing a cd entitled "Aggressive Magnetism" we recorded at Morrisound Studios in Tampa, and working on new material.
9. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by black metal fans?
It depends. Usually positive. Your more open minded Black Metal fans that have an appreciation for the genre and give all lesser know bands a listen, typically receive it positively. Your more closed minded fan that owns a handful of Black Metal albums, rips or pirates the rest, and claims to be the only true Black Metal fan left in this quadrant of the solar system usually don't take to us very well.
10. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
Definitely a lot darker. Maybe longer songs. Hopefully a real drummer on the next album. Eventually id like to delve into a less "traditional" set up i.e., lesser guitars bass, vocals, and drums. I would like to focus more on the atmosphere and the feel of the music than be worried about levels of a bass drum.
11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
The bands that influenced us are probably your typical ones:
Burzum, Darkthrone, Dark Funeral, Marduk, Keep of Kalessin, Emperor, Dimmu Borgir, Enslaved, In the Woods, Arcturus, Noctuary.
As for what Im listening to nowadays it varies (this is stuff in my recent playlist):
Wu-Tang Clan, WITTR, Ween, Ulver, Toyan, Sunn o))), Satyricon, Roberta Flack, Rapoon, Q and not U, Morbid Angel, Iron and Wine, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Darkthrone, Burzum, Benny Goodman, Burning Spear, At The Gates.
12. Does Satanism or Occultism play any role in the music?
It did in a lot of the older stuff. Infinite Dying Souls was heavily influenced by the occult, and paganism. Then when bands began to use it as a checklist or prerequisite for forming a black metal band, we explored different themes.
13. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
Frank is really into writing his book. I enjoy collecting vinyl, training for the Special Forces Qualification Course, working out, and watching the Twilight Zone.
14. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
I really appreciate you listening to the album, writing a review and taking your time to post this interview. I would like to also take the time to thank everyone who reads it and listens to the music as well. We have merch available through our sites, spread the word about Inferion. Spread the word.
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