Eyes Set To Kill have been around for quite sometime and with a few line-up changes in between they still manage to do what they do best when it comes to making music. Thus they are upon their fifth album to date "Masks" plus now that they are signed with Century Media Records there is no telling as to just how heavy or far these guys plan to go with their continuing musical careers. Vocalist - lead guitarist Alexia Rodriguez and rhythm guitarist/unclean vocalist Cisko Miranda discusses their latest album and future plans.
1. Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in Eyes Set To Kill, and tell me how does it feel to have had this band be around for 10 long years?
Alexia: I'm Alexia I play guitar and sing. It's been a rough ride but I'm happy the band is the way it is now. We've been through a lot of members but I feel we are perfect as a four piece.
Cisko: I'm Cisko, I do vocals & rhythm guitar. It is kinda wild knowing the band has been around that long, but it definitely feels fresh & new. We've evolved a lot & will probably always keep doing that. It's part of growth.
2. You guys are of course called Eyes Set To Kill - so whose eyes have you set to kill?
Alexia: The name comes from a poem I wrote when I was in high school about this criminal who's "eyes were set to kill". I wanted our name to represent our drive and determination because I feel that those characteristics are the most important things to have when trying to break it as a band.
3. It's been quite sometime since last talking to you guys since 2008 - can you give me a brief summary as to how your releases from "Reach" have evolved, differed, and compared up until this point and time?
Alexia: In the past we have had plenty of 2nd guitarists and vocalists so I think having heir input in songwriting made us who we were then. But for this new album masks, I feel like eyes set to kill is finally the way I wanted it to be because I got to write all guitars and Cisko got to to not only scream but sing on the album. I think having him be a good singer will transcend well later in our career.
Cisko: We also had a lot of time to write Masks. In the past they would just go into the studio & kinda rush things. We were able to take our time with our producer Steve Evetts & make sure things just sounded really good.
4. So tell me what happened with Breaksilence Records you were with them for a while then stepped away then got signed with Century Media Records - do you think being signed with them is more fit for you guys?
Alexia: I don't think break silence was a bad label but I do think they weren't experienced with our genre. They were supportive which is a big thing. But century media has a bunch of female fronted metal bands so I felt like we fit in perfectly.
Cisko: We've had a really good relationship with Century & everyone that works there or a while, even before we signed. They've allowed us to be the band we want to be without trying to change us so much. We're on the same page & that's really important to us.
5. Now "Masks" takes a more heavier direction - why the change, do you think this new material will remain, or will it vary between each and every future release?
Alexia: We like our heavier songs live so i wanted to make sure to capture that type of energy for the stage.
Cisko: I like what we've created on this album. We'll always sound like ESTK, but we're definitely going to play around with this style & try new things all the time.
6. For the album and concept for "Masks" you use plain white masks which you've used and worn in performances, promotion, etc. Will you be wearing these during future performances as well or are they more like a prop for you guys?
Alexia: The masks just represent who we used to be so we like to use em as props. It's good to not forget where you come from because without that past there would be no present.Cisko: This is the most conceptual release for the band so we'll be playing around with the whole Mask thing for a bit. I don't see us wearing them while playing though, hahaha that be interesting.
7. "Masks" marks the album order as album number five - how does this make you feel - what runs through your mind - did you see you guys reaching to this point in your musical careers?
Alexia: It reminds me of how much we've grown in a positive way. And on the other hand reminds me of all the bullshit we've been through. But hen again fans have stuck with us so we must have been doing something right.
Cisko I'm pretty proud of what this lineup has accomplished this far. We've been through ups & downs just like every band does, but we're really good friends & we've stuck it out. I'm excited for the releases to come.
8. What's your take on "Masks" as a whole?
Alexia; To me, masks is a representation of who we are now and how we are no longer feeling judged and pressure to be someone else. It felt like we used to hide behind masks but now we are finally free to unveil them.
Cisko: For me Masks is about shedding a horrible version of myself & trying to find my true mask. The one that fits me perfectly. In life we all go through stuff & we wear masks when these things happen. Good or bad. These masks help us through our times. Some wear them well, others can't seem to find their true identity. Their true Mask.
9. What's your favorite song on the album right now?
Alexia: my favorite song is killing in your name because I love the opening riff and solo.
Cisko I honestly can't choose a favorite anymore. Hahaha I love the album too much as a whole to just favorite one song. I will say "Surface", & "The New Plague", are lots of fun to play live.
10. Is it important for you to paint visual pictures with the songs?
Alexia: It's more important for us to be able to write about experiences that other people can relate to because to me music is about pulling through. It's more about finding a voice for your emotions when you don't know how to express them.
Cisko: I've always had this idea that people are allowed to understand the song in their own way. Like when I listen to certain songs I just let the song take it's own meaning rather than me trying to decode the song like it's some secret message. Songs should be about feeling & how it connects to you at that time.
11. Did you get the album you wanted? Is everything on there or were there some things that were just impossible to pull off?
Alexia: If I could change anything, I would want more keys and extra ambient parts. I love extra production on albums
Cisko: I'm pretty happy with it, but like I said, we're only going to keep evolving our craft & making it our own.
12. When will we see a LIVE CD or DVD in the works from you guys?
Alexia: We will probably do one next year maybe with some music videos
13. Would you ever consider releasing an all acoustic album or DVD?
Alexia: I think it would be awesome to do an acoustic rendition of masks or even throw some covers on it.
Cisko: That would be sweet. We've been wanting to do some really special covers as a band for a while so we'll see.
14. Alexia Rodriguez released her first debut album "Underground Sounds" in 2010 - what's new in terms of another release?
Alexia: Just want to focus on estk for now. I will definitely put out another solo album but right now I feel it's best to be touring with ESTK non stop and promote masks.
15. What’s coming up for tours and shows?
Cisko: We leave in a week on a month long tour with our label mates Girl On Fire & Kill Devil Hill. We haven't toured much this year & we're itching really bad to play these new songs live. Everyone should check out our Facebook for dates!!
16. What is your opinion on sites posting your guys material and other bands material?
Cisko: You mean like Spotify, & Pandora & stuff like that? I think it's really cool. It's gives people who's never heard of us to check us out & it's just a cool way to get our music out there for the fans.
17. How do you guys feel about the classifications in metal? like deathcore, metalcore and other subgenres and how some get a negative rep.
Alexia; I feel that everyone has their own opinion but it is up to the band to determine what they feel they should be classified as.18. What is your opinion on the current state of metal?
Alexia: Metal needs more female frontman / songwriters. I feel there are plenty of sexy singers but not enough strong creative songwriters as in musicians. Anyone can be an entertainer or artist on the outside but writing music comes from a special place inside.
Cisko: I also really think Metal & rock n roll in general right now is in a good place. People still buy albums & go to shows to see bands. Bands like Avenged Sevenfold, Korn, Deftones, In This Moment, amongst others are proof that good music still can prevail & be relevant in this day where pop & everything computerized is the flavor of the week.
19. What can the fans expect to see from you in the future?
Cisko: Only good things.
20. Any final words of wisdom?
Cisko: Reach for the stars! (Woody voice)
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