MONOCHROMATIC BLACK – Vicissitude

By starrymag | January 25, 2022

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

JOHN: Progressive metal with influences from all forms of music!

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

TANYA: Cattle Decapitation for my harsh vocals and for cleans The Contortionist, Jeff Buckley. I love ethereal like singing!

JOHN: Faith No More, Morbid Ange, l Dream Theater

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Closing the Gates.”

 

JOHN: “Closing the Gates” was the first song written for the album and it’s straighter forward in composition with interesting time signatures throughout as we thought it would be easier to digest as a single.

TANYA:  It’s a song about being deceived and wondering how to get out of someone’s web of lies.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

TANYA: Everyone has been lied to or betrayed before at some point, unfortunately. Hopefully, if it’s a recurring issue, you can be strong enough to “close the gate” or have this person no longer in your life that brings you down.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

TANYA:  It’s a very chaotic song so the camera shaking and quick cuts vibe well with it.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

JOHN: Eddie and I come together and write the music.  We work off each other’s ideas to create something collaborative.

TANYA: I prefer writing after they finish the songs!

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

JOHN: Eddie [DeCesare] and I work out all the demoing during pre-production before going into the studio but sometimes magic happens while putting it all to tape!

TANYA: I don’t as much, just with vocals and harmonies. Eddie will engineer the pre-production as John and him write the music and end up giving detailed feedback during the finalizing stage.

 

Q) What are some themes you will be covering on your upcoming album Vicissitude? 

 

TANYA: Love and loss, heartbreak and personal issues I am passionate about like animal rights and environmental issues

 

Q) What tracks on the album hold a special place in your heart and why?

 

JOHN: “The Ritual” holds a special place because as we were writing it my mom went into the hospital. So, it was difficult to finish, but I’m very pleased with the end result. “Solstice” is also another favorite as it goes through so many emotions.

TANYA: “Elation,” “Wall of Dissonance” and “Solstice”

 

Q) What song challenged you the most creatively for this album?

 

JOHN: “Solstice” was challenging because of its complexity and keeping the listeners attention throughout.

TANYA: There were a few! I love the challenge though, but it would be “Sadist” and “The Ritual.”

Q) With the pandemic concerts have been on hold, but bands are able to finally get back out there. Will you be heading out on tour to support the album?

 

JOHN: Yes, we will be doing a full tour in support of the album.

TANYA: Yes, and we cannot wait for our US Tour.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

JOHN: I love New Mexico beautiful landscape amazing people such good vibes.

TANYA: Honestly, every place has its own uniqueness and is fun! I just love the work everyone puts into making a bar/venue a success and being with our fans at them.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

JOHN: Mike Patton because he’s god.

TANYA: Cattle Decapitation or The Contortionist

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

 

A) TANYA: Brand of Sacrifice

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

JOHN: Social media is great to connect with our fans from around the world!

TANYA: It’s a great way to be more personal with the fans!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

JOHN: Thank you so much to everyone who’s supported us, bought our albums, bought merch or shared a post. We are eternally grateful!

TANYA: Thank you so much and we are so beyond thankful!