From Sorrow To Eternity feature today, questions answered by Steven Jones who twangs six strings and shouts into a microphone…
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
We’re based in Glasgow in Scotland, and ¾ members are from here. Gaz hails from Newcastle in the North East of England.
How did you meet?
Exclusively through music, now that I think about it!
Myself and Andrew (bass) are the longest standing members, with Andy having joined in 2013 after hearing about the band and seeing us live. He was in another band in Glasgow at the time but moved over to camp FSTS as we needed a bass player!
Ian was a more recent addition in November 2015. Things with drummers until then had just never worked out, and it almost seemed like a revolving door. We recruited Ian and it’s been plain sailing ever since; I believe he’s our longest standing drummer in fact!
Gaz got in touch with me after we lost Fraser, our ex-vocalist, just before the release of our last album Remnant of Humanity. He was in Nexilva at the time, things weren’t going to plan for him and he wanted a change. After an audition, he dropped everything and moved up here to be in this band. A huge sacrifice on his behalf so that we could be the band that we are and bring you this new album.
How long have you been playing as a band?
The band’s launch date is considered 2013 officially, with the EP Antithesis marking our first official release. However, there was a completely different line-up under the name since 2011, of which I am the only remaining member. There were no real releases other than demos on SoundCloud and we gigged around Glasgow with other local bands.
Before you get sick of being asked… where does the band name come from?
The band name comes from the Killswitch Engage song “My Last Serenade”.
What are your influences?
There are so many. Musically I am influenced by lots of artists both within the metal genre and other genres.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
Groove-laden metal. I think the fact we just make music that’s real and actually means something to us, unlike the countless bands you see out there now who are just following the latest trend, using a gimmick for a quick hit, is what separates us from the rest. No bullshit.
Do you have any particular lyrical themes?
I’d say we do. Our lyrics look at human nature and the world that we live in, presenting you with a take on it that most are either afraid to say, or are in fear of realising.
What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?
Full of energy and more riffs than you can handle. We’ve been a band for a long time, so it must be near 200 at this point. I think with the current line-up, however, we would be somewhere just under 100.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
It’s hard to say, I never got to see The Chariot… so I imagine whatever I say now is nothing in comparison to them! Let’s go with that time I watched the bassist of a local support spit in the air then catch it in his mouth. Gross and yet memorable like nothing else.
What kit do you use / guitars do you play / etc.?
Ian plays a Ddrum Reflex kit he got as part of his sponsorship with them. Big ups Ddrum! I play a custom Fast Roamer 7-String by the Canadian luthier Fast Guitars. Of course loaded with Bare Knuckle Pickups Juggernaut set. Thanks to both of those companies for their support! I use an Orange 412 cab live, again courtesy of Orange Amplification. What an awesome team of people they have there.
What, if anything, are you plugging/promoting at the moment?
Our new album, Reclaim, comes out Friday, March 22. We’ve just released 2 singles from the album this year, as well as a single last year, and we’re touring in Japan this May.
What are your plans for 2019?
Release album. Tour Japan. Tour Europe. Tour anywhere. Write more. It’s gonna be a busy year!
If you were second on a three-band bill, which band would you love to be supporting and which band would you choose to open for you? A chance to plug someone you’ve toured with, or a mate’s band we’ve not heard of before!
Headline: Daniel Bedingfield
Main Supp: From Sorrow to Serenity
Open Supp: T.A.T.u
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