Powercore metallers A Breach Of Silence are back with the follow-up release "The Darkest Road". For this time around has brought previous producers to get to work on this release with the story has a connection to it's previous release. Bassist and vocalist Blair Layt discusses this release and the plans for the future of this year and next year.
1. Let us get started by filling in our readers as to what the band has been up to in the past year.
Blair: We've been really busy! We've toured Australia and New Zealand, and written our 2nd album! It’s actually been quite a busy year for us. The past months have been hectic with all the behind the scene stuff to get our album ready for everyone! We’re really excited.
2. Your genre label of choice is one called "Powercore Metal" can you define what this genre means and represents?
Blair: It’s simple really, You combine metal core riffs and song structure with power metal style vocals. The title, “Powercore” actually came up accidentally a couple years ago when we were asked to create a new genre to put our band in during an interview with a local magazine. I remember thinking….um…well we draw a lot of metal core influence, and i love power metal and like to use it as inspiration in a lot of what i do, and Powercore was the first thing that popped into my head haha. We didn't think it would stick!
3. What was the recording process like this time around? Was there anything different that happened or was it the same old studio thing?
Blair: We went in much wiser this time round. We all learned so much from recording our debut album with Fredrik Nordstrom and Henrik Udd on Dead Or Alive that it changed us as musicians and as a band, so we used it to our advantage. We flew them out to Australia again rather than going to Sweden to record because we really liked the vibe we had last time and wanted to reciprocate it again. And we had a really good time in the studio, which i think comes out on the album.
4. Did you use any new songs or were there some leftovers from your previous release that you wanted to save and use now that you didn't use then?
Blair: It’s all new stuff! I never found a reason to include songs on an album that's meant to be a step forward from the last one. We've never really had a maximum song limit for an album, so if a song gets cut, it’s usually because it just doesn't meet the benchmark of the rest. Different riffs could be cannibalized from them, but not this time round for us. It’s all brand new material.
5. What's your take on "The Darkest Road" as a whole?
Blair: It was a step forward, but in a slightly different direction for us. Rhys finally got his chance to write and record with us, as he joined our ranks soon after the Dead Or Alive came out, so we had a whole new aspect and sound to play around with. He can sing as well as scream, so it was great working with him on the melodic parts and harmonizing different sections and making them fit. Overall i’m really proud of the album and i can’t wait for everyone to hear it!
6. You decided to return working with the same producers as you did with your debut album "Dead or Alive". How come, what was it about those guys that had you wanting them back?
Blair: The answer is simple, they’re the best in the world at what they do. We are very particular with the sound that we want, and they absolutely nail it. With Fredrik and Henrik though, you don’t just get world class producers, you get 2 quirky Swedish vikings that actually get invested in making your album the best it can be. They’re extremely passionate about what they do and it shows in their work.
7. Like your debut album, "The Darkest Road" will also be released in October, will you be making October the traditional release month for all of your releases or is it just a coincidence?
Blair: It’s just a coincidence. We actually released Dead Or Alive independently in July 2012 and then signed to Eclipse the following February, so it’s just by chance that it happened that way.
8. Does this release have in any way, shape, or form, have a connection to "Dead or Alive" whether it'd be story, album artwork, topics, or are they different at all costs?
Blair: YES! haha. We made up a character for our first album called the “Night Rider”. We made a song about him and included him subtly into The Darkest Road throughout some of the lyrics and also into the new artwork. He’s a little bit reclusive at times, but we like him, so we’re keeping him around for now. ;)
9. How would you describe the overall sound of the new album? How does it compare to "Dead or Alive"?
Blair: The sound is HUGE! A lot of that is thanks to our 2 Swedish friends, but we feel like we've added an element instead of just filling one, with Rhys. The songs just go to places that Dead or Alive didn't go. We've stayed true to a lot of our roots and things that helped Dead Or Alive become so successful, but added to the sound overall.
10. Did you feel any pressure to do this follow-up?
Blair: None at all! This is what we love to do! We can’t wait to write our 3rd album! It’s just so much fun and soul cleansing to get all your thoughts down on paper and then eventually on a recording. I hope we never stop.
11. What does "The Darkest Road" mean to you all?
Blair: There are so many themes on it. We all played a part in the writing process, so the album’s themes dart all over the place. The title track is about life’s struggles and how there’s a light at the end of every tunnel. If it wasn't hard, then everyone would be doing it, so take the darkest road or the one that no one has traveled and you’ll go where no one has gone before. Immortal is about a friend of mine who died a few years ago of cancer at 21. The song tells of mine and my friends new view on life after seeing young life ended so quickly and before anything could be done. The first track on the album, T.P.N.E stands for The Party Never Ends and starts the album off on a much lighter note. and Krazy Bitch is about a person who is exactly that….a crazy bitch! Hahaha we think everyone can relate to at least one of the songs off The Darkest Road. :)
12. Will you be shooting any videos for any of the songs off this album?Blair: We already have! They’ll be getting released hopefully in the coming weeks. We can’t wait to show you! We've already started plans to film the next one. :)
13. Do you guys have any plans for the remainder of this year or do you plan to do everything next year?
Blair: We’re currently planning overseas tours for the end of the year. We really hope to get over to the USA in 2014, but if it doesn't happen, then it’ll be early 2015 at the latest!
14. Any final words for our readers?
Blair: Thank you so much for all the support so far! It’s why we do it! Keep spreading the good word and see you at a show really soon! Follow us online too!
Facebook: www.FACEBOOK.com/ABreachOfSilenceBand
Twitter: www.TWITTER.com/BreachOfSilence
Buy iTunes: http://smarturl.it/abos-darkest-road
Buy GooglePlay: http://smarturl.it/h4hr5r
Buy CD: http://smarturl.it/dt0aqc
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