Thursday, January 22, 2015

Nervecell Interview

ALL ANSWERS BY JAMES KHAZAAL (Vocalist / Bassist).

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

Ans:

A lot has been happening in the Nervecell camp;

Management signing (EMG), World Wide Multi Album record deal and signing (Unique Leader Records), Booking Agency signing (Tone Def USA), writing new material, and Touring.

Need to catch a breath haha… the band gladly has been busy none stop, we are confirming more shows and getting more deals on board which will be announced in due time.

2.So far you have released a demo, an ep and 2 full lengths, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recordings and also how do they differ from each other?

Ans:

Cutting this short and brief, the records have been a learning process for us. We developed and progressed maturely as a band throughout the years and the records are there to testify on this account.

Simply put, each single release can be viewed as a snapshot or a time frame the band went through while writing and recording the album. There will always be a “Nervecell Sound” yet the way its put and crafted might change in terms of song creation and composition. Keeping the thrash/death sound, external elements were always experimented like the addition of other musical instruments, percussions, even different musical moods.

3.Your last full length was released in 2011, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during the past 4 years?

Ans:

Due to great feedback and support from the genre the band was received internationally and nationally, Nervecell has been touring intensively. Territories ranging from Asia, Europe, UK, and the Middle East. We supported and toured with Metallica, Suffocation, Morbid Angel, and Decapitated to name a few.

Basically promoting the album in every given opportunity possible while growing and solidifying our fan base and network world-wide. I would also like to add that the writing process for a new album has already started and the band is stoked.

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

Ans:

That’s a very good question, as I am handling the lyrical aspect of Nervecell. The band since in its early days have been all about humanitarian issues, more over we touch base on factors that not only effect us but all humanity in society. Its clear we have always been going through hard times and when I say we I am talking about the whole world. Politics, Religion, and Wars do seem to be the cliché subjects spoken about in this genre. We don’t point fingers or focus completely on the above topics mentioned.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Nervecell'?

Ans: It really is a mix of two words put together, it was Barney (guitarist) who came up with it, basically trying to capture the state of mind of having no escape and being isolated. So the word “cell” (like a prison cell) seemed appropriate to depict that feeling of being locked up and feeling helpless. The expression of someone getting on your nerves and frustrating you is something we have all been through and so the word “nerve” came about and hence the band name.

6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

Ans:

Nervecell has and always will be a live band. Our shows are energetic and crazy where ever we go. Never the less the band is grateful to have shared and toured with bands on the road. We have made friends with fans, idols, musicians etc. all which we are thankful for.

Few highlights clearly emerge here like supporting METALLICA in our region, touring with bands like Suffocation, Deicide, Morbid Angel, and Decapitated, all are times spent that we will always cherish and remember.

7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?

Ans:

The band has already announced a couple of festival shows in Europe for this year and the list will increase. We also intend to hit Europe again with a couple of tours in 2015. Along with touring Asia and playing some shows here in the Middle East. Hopefully the band will be touring the United States soon to support the release of Psychogenocide.

8.On your last album you has Karl Sanders of Nile play guitar on one of your tracks, do you feel this has helped get the band name out there heard?

Ans:

Correction: Karl Sander of Nile was featured on Shunq as a “Guest Vocalist”.
I have always wanted to create something that is fresh and original, by contributing to the metal genre globally.

Featuring someone famous as my brother Karl Sanders was not for publicity purposes alone. We always grown up listening to Nile, and clearly the name and music Nile plays, is magically inspired by this area we come from. It was a perfect match and the right thing to do for this song. The track involves Arabic and English lyrics to add more intensity. The feedback has been insane especially performing this song live.


9.Unique Leader are re-issuing your 2011 album this year, can you tell us a little bit more about the deal?

Ans:

By getting on board with Unique Leader, the album will be able to reach new territories, new markets, and further grow our fan base. When they heard our music they loved it, and also decided that Psychogenocide be rereleased mainly because it will and is a new product to be distributed in the States. We decided that Unique Leader is the next big step in our career and we are so happy about it.

10.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of death and thrash metal?

Ans:

The feedback has been amazing since the release. Not only fans but also people involved in the creation of this music. From riffs, solos, to blast beats, we the band would not record something if we felt it was not something we like or believed in. Our gut feelings and respect to this music paid off with amazing response from everyone out there.

11.When can we expect another full length and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

Ans:

People should be expecting another release late 2015 or early 2016. This is the strategy we are following since we signed this new record deal.

The band will continue to experiment with instruments and percussions that represent this region. The new music will definitely be brutal, fast, groovy, and thrashy, with a lot of catchy riffs.

Lyrically, people should expect more Arabic in the songs, and since I have been personally running through tough times for reasons I kindly wish to disclose, the theme will be very dark, twisted and spiritually evil.

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Ans:

Clearly styles ranging from Pantera and Testament to Deicide and Suffocation. It’s this music that we have always been proud of and grown up listening to.

Nowadays I have been listening to Decapitated’s new crushing album “Blood Mantra”, along with Misery Index.
I am also a huge fan of this new exploding band Havok the thrashers from “Denver” and I have to say this they give old school thrash metal a good name.

13.What are some of your non musical interests?

Ans:

I love reading and writing poetry. I enjoy all sorts of sports especially MMA and Rugby. And to add a bit of personal glamour I love cooking.

14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Ans:
USA… I hope you enjoy the album, expect us to crash your stages very soon and see you all brothers and sisters in the pit. Hails and bless you all.
Thank you Bringer of Death, good job and stay brutal.

No comments:

Post a Comment