1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
We are unleashing our second studio release with Heaven and Hell Records titled "Witching Metal Ritual," scheduled for release in July. We are also going to be doing a split 7" with Twisted Tower Dire. I'm excited for that one, we are going to be covering one of their songs and vice versa.
2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?
The new album is definitely a progression from "A Grim Apparition." it has a much tougher sound as a whole. I took over vocal duties for the band, so that in itself changed the dynamic considerably. Our previous vocalist Michael Lance has a great voice, his style gave the band a unique sound that abandoned the current scream-o approach that is so prevalent in Metal these days. That gave us a more traditional sound. For this record, I kept the clean vocal approach for the most part but I wanted to incorporate more than one vocal style into the mix. Robert Williams also shares vocal duties for this one adding a guttural voice that is straight from hell. "Witching Metal Ritual" is more cumulatively written, so it encompasses more of everybody's influences. I think fans of the first record are going to dig this new one, it still sounds like a Witches Mark record but with even more riffs and badassery.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores with?
The majority of lyrics written for this album were done at a time where the topic of civil unrest started to become more and more prevalent. I liked the idea of a Metal unrest, so to speak. Primarily I wanted this album to be cranked at full volume in Heavy Metal Parking lots all over the world. Robert Williams and I took care of the lyrics for this one, so we just kept it brutal. Andy Gonzales and Robert wrote the lyrics for the last track "Where None Can Follow," which is actually inspired by the life of Vlad "The Impaler." I always prefer songs that keep their subject matter fairly open to interpretation.
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
The name Witches Mark is an analogy for bearing the mark of Metal.
5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
Witches Mark shows tend to be very high energy no matter where we play. We bring it at full volume and so do the fans.
6. Do you have any touring or show plans for the new release?
Yes we do, we are currently booking a tour that will be kicking off in September {dates soon to be announced} joining us will be my other band Panzergod. I'm looking forward to playing two unrelenting sets a night for a while, that should prove to be brutal as fuck.
7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of metal?
We are fans of Metal, we strive to make music for Metal heads, and we are bringing our Metal to Metal fans all over the Globe. I'll let the Metal community decide that one.
8. Are there any other musical projects going on these days?
Yes, Andy is currently playing in two other bands that I know of {could be more knowing that guy} Hammerwhore and Cruxiter out of Austin, TX.. They fucking slay definitely check them out. Our drummer Scott Palmer is going in the studio to record a new album from his Thrash Metal band Hollowpoint with Steve Perez of Demontuary. My other band Panzergod is just finishing up writing material for our upcoming album "Death Shrouds Bestowed," and will be featured for the 5th consecutive year at the Northwestern Black Circle Festival this summer in Portland, Oregon
9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
Robert and I are already in writing mode for our next album. I would expect this album to be released much quicker than our last one. We have our core members and sound dialed in. Expect the same elements of Traditional, Black, Thrash and Doom we are known for.
10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
I have always preferred classic Metal and I think that shows in my performance and song writing. There is a lot of amazing bands out there now keeping metal alive and well
but you'll most likely find Judas Priest, Deep Purple and Mercyful Fate in my tape deck.
11.How would you describe your views on Occultism?
By definition occultism is esoteric knowledge. I believe that there is light and darkness in this world and which side is which is not always obvious. I personally do not subscribe to any dogmatic beliefs. In my opinion religion is a form of control. I do not want to be controlled. Witches Mark is about Metal plain and simple.
12,Outside of music what are some of your interests?
Aviation is something I've been into lately, there is simply nothing in the world like being thousands of feet in the air in an experimental aircraft, doing barrel rolls listening to Aces High at full volume!
13.Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Thank you for all the work you do to keep metal alive and the opportunity of talking with me today, look out for "Witching Metal Ritual" in stores this summer and I will see you Metal Brothers and Sisters on the road. Hails
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