Australian metalheads At Fates Mercy have got their debut self-titled EP out and another entitled "Rebuild Rewind" on the way. The band caught up with me to discuss their histortic passed, song writing styles, and what the scene is like in Australia.
1. So why the name At Fates Mercy?
Benn, our vocalist, had ‘At Fates Mercy’ tattooed on his chest shortly after a car accident in regional Australia. The idea within the phrase ‘at fates mercy’ was realised when Benn came close to losing his own life in the accident. Fortunately, he was only temporarily left in shock and sustained mild abrasions but it was a close call. The name stuck as a band name when brainstorming ideas during an early band meeting. Someone suggested it after noticing Benn’s tattoo (he was wearing a shirt exposing the said tattoo) and the concept was born!
2. Tell me about the music you create what type of band are you and what your music all about?
As a band, we don’t easily fit into a particular genre. Our ‘sound’ varies within songs and across tracks and we like it that way. Our genre is predominantly melodic post-hardcore with Metalcore elements that we kinda randomly flick between from song to song and within songs. Benn’s clean vocals balance our sound out and warrant the ‘melodic’ title to our sound. 3. Have you released any music if so what?
We have a self-titled 4-track release that we recorded in 2010 which is available online for free. We feature a few tracks on various compilations. Also, on the 26th October 2012 at The Enigma Bar in Adelaide, we are releasing our EP ‘Rebuild Rewind’. Definitely something we are looking forward to!
4. What about the song writing? What themes do your songs cover?
Most songs are written with mixed emotion themes but ultimately end up musically representing ‘feeling’ driven by the band/or members of the band by the final stages of writing. The lyrics follow a diverse personal journey written from Benn’s (main vocals) abstract perspective. The themes might include heartbreak, desolation, loneliness, hope, rebuilding and taking back control.
5. What's the music scene like in Australia? Are there any bands you'd recommend?
There are some great bands coming out of Adelaide and Australia. The closure of many live music venues has hurt the scene all over the country (especially in Adelaide) but the quality of original music is still very much alive. Some bands worth checking out include Closure in Moscow, Gatherer, House vs. Hurricane, Buried in Verona, Northlane, Seconds Before Sunrise, the list goes on...
6. Who are your musical and non-musical influences?
Metal, melodic hardcore and punk rock bands are our key influence with the likes of: 36 Crazy Fists, Architects, Phoenix Mourning, Underoath, Refused, August Burns Red and Birds of Tokyo - just a few from a huge selection. Our non–musical influences include our friends, family, past relationships, our goals and our milestones.
7. What are your dreams and goals?
We hope to create something to inspire our friends and fans. We hope to continue doing something we love AND, to get our music out to Australia and the rest of the world with touring abroad as one of our main goals!
8. How do you promote your band and shows?
We use typical online social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, ITunes, BigCartel, SoundCloud our own webpage etc. As far as gig advertising goes, we put up flyers for events in music stores, shop fronts or street walls. We have a few tracks out on a number of complications too. We also have a small group of die-hard fans that are constantly spreading the word! Gotta love em!
9. Describe your show, visual and musically...Powerful, energetic, dark, large, moody, fun and LOUD!!!
10. What advice would you give to fellow bands?
Do it for each new, exciting, undiscovered step that comes as you stick to your dreams and create something you believe in. Love your own music and make it for yourselves.
11. How does music affect you and the world around you?
Music is for us and most people in general, an escape. It provides respite from the negative aspects of life. It allows us to find common ground. Our lyrics are quite relative to daily occurrences experienced by many and in turn we hope listeners will feed off our passion and energy and give it back to us at shows! It’s this that keeps us motivated to create more. That is probably the part we enjoy the most, on par with playing shows in venues we grew up attending watching our idols perform! It is such an adrenalin rush to see this shared energy, especially through something we have created!
12. What advice would you give to fellow bands?
Don’t follow the trends because trends come and go. Enjoy being original as much as you can. Don’t use your bands image for personal gain. Take opportunities that come your way. Forget what the critics say! Also, talk to us about playing shows!
At Fates Mercy
www.atfatesmercy.com
www.facebook.com/atfatesmercy
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