Sci fi Extreme Metallers Xoth Interview is up
1. This is one of the odder names I have come by what does Xoth mean and where did it come from?
We really wanted a four letter band name. Xoth comes from the lore of H.P. Lovecraft. It is a green binary star where Cthulhu lived before coming to Earth. It fit our vision well so we went with it.
2. I hear elements of Scifi and Progressive Thrash, Black/Death and Punk music . I would say bands like Vektor, Anthrax, Bal Sagoth, Meads of Asphodel and Cradle of Filth. Where did your influences come from?
Definitely nailed the Bal-Sagoth and Cradle of Filth. Among the four of us we have a wide array of influences from metal and beyond. We all were big into punk growing up and still enjoy it to this day. Also very into jazz fusion, prog rock, film & video game scores, and electronic music. Some of our other favorite bands are Goblin, Akercocke, Voivod, Morbid Angel, Frank Zappa, Suffocation, Helloween, King Diamond, and Manowar. Could go on forever honestly!
3. The artwork is over the top. How does the Art come into play with the song themes of " Interdimensional Invocations"?
The artwork is not based on any song in particular, but we wanted it to capture the overall feel and theme of the band. Ancient structures, eldritch gods, space, and esoteric rituals. All things we are really into.
4. In 5 or less words describe your sound to someone listen to Xoth for the 1st time?
Extraterrestrial Shredding Terror
5. How does Invasion of the Tentacube differ from Interdimensional Invocations?
“Invasion of the Tentacube” is a bit more raw and there is a little more black metal influence. We recorded it in a freezing cold basement! A lot less variation in the vocal styles as well. We really felt the need to experiment with the vocals on “Interdimensional Invocations.” Overall
Interdimensional Invocations” was more of a team effort on the songwriting, everyone contributed and we think it shows.
6. Whats the current underground metal scene in Seattle? Seems alot of ugly Death Doom and Post Black metal is coming out of regain and use to be more a Power and Thrash metal heaven?
Those genres are certainly very popular here. There are a lot of great extreme and heavy metal bands here as well. Turnout for concerts can be a hit or miss. There are lots of metal heads in the Puget Sound Metropolitan area, and when they unite the concerts get really crazy! Some of our favorite bands from up here are Solicitor, Oxygen Destroyer, Aetherues, Toxic Reign, Inquinok, Kommand, Devils of Loudun, Ghost Blood, and Nosretep. I definitely forgot some, sorry!
7. What current bands are impressing the members of Xoth ?
We really respect bands around our same age like Revocation and Exmortus that are getting out there and making a name for themselves. It gives us hope in the future of metal. Someone is going to have to replace the legends when they are no longer around.
8. Studio or Live which gives Xoth more of a thrill to be a band?
Both equally but in very different ways. Playing live for the energy, adrenaline, and connection with the crowd. Studio for getting creative and giving the world something to listen to.
9. Whats your thoughts on Tapes and Vinyl over taking other medias in the metal or extreme music underground in 2019 ?
It is really cool to see old school mediums make a comeback. We are all big fans of physical media. There is really something to being able to hold the album, gaze at the artwork, and even the smell of the cover/booklet while you listen to the music. We also love VHS tapes.
10. If you could tour with any band who would it be and why?
That is a very hard question. We would be honored to tour with so many bands. Voivod would be an excellent fit. It would be the ultimate Sci Fi metal experience. That would be a dream come true!
11. Music Videos and Video Visuals are they needed today and if you could band a video off any track on "Interdimensional Invocations " which would it be and why?
We are all about film and good stories. We would love to do a video for “Casting the Sigil” in the near future. We have a lot of good ideas for that one, and the lyrical themes would lend themselves well to a video. Some of the other songs would require a massive budget to capture the story, maybe one day!
12. Is there a reason for the DIY and not seeking a proper label ? Do bands really just need good PR an Distro and Labels get in the creative ways?
We have never been approached by a label. Not opposed to working with one. It is cool to be able to see where all of your orders and fans are coming from. The best part of being signed would be the doors it opens into playing all over the world. That being said, you can accomplish quite a bit on your own with some good drive and PR.
13. Do the members of Xoth have other musical projects they would like my readers to check out as well?
Both Woody and Tyler contributed solos to the new Inquinok EP “The Hallowed Shall Serve.” We all have some ideas for other projects we want to do, hopefully we can make time for that eventually.
14. At the end of the day you have several releases out . What do you want fans and music listeners to take away from the band?
We really just want people to connect with the music and enjoy it. If it leads to them thinking outside of the box and re-assessing their entire existence, that is good as well.
15. Thank you for the time any closing thoughts here.
Thank you for your interest in Xoth! We look forward to many more years of shredding and maniacal tales of horror in space. Most of all, we look forward to playing all over the world and meeting all of our fans!
Comments