JUMPING DARKNESS PARADE: EYAL WANTS TO KNOW WHAT YOU’RE LISTENING TO
Damn. I haven’t written a blog for you guys while flying in quite a while. (Don’t worry, I still hate it, but 2.75mg of Xanax helps me forget.) So the question is, “Why have I not been writing to you from the air like I used to all the time?” Well, the fact of the matter is that I’ve basically been in a cave for the past few months making an album. Sure, we took a brief break and went to Germany for a few days for some Slayer shows (who wouldn’t), but I was in no mental condition to write. I’m only now, five weeks from having finished the album, regaining my sanity, creativity, and motivation.
As I was packing for this trip to Mexico City I put my iPod in my carry-on (if you find the concept of rape disturbing, try to never check bags), and I realized that I haven’t added any new music to it in months. My two biggest gripes, both of which you are very familiar with by now, is the dismal state of metal audio production, and that the different scenes are just getting tired. I stand behind my idea that the “modern” metal sound of the early 2000s is going to sound as dated to us as 1980’s production pretty soon. I’m pretty confident that dudes who are all-out “scene” in their appearance will look back at themselves the way that we see Nu Metal bands from the late 90’s and wonder, “How was that the ‘in’ thing?” while privately hoping that their kids never see those photos. I feel like there’s an endless wave of copycat bands out there right now, and that the overall state of heavy music is such that we’re about to enter a down period, much like when death metal went back underground in the mid 90’s.
That’s not to say metal will die; it is time for innovation and rebirth.
Our basic need to evolve will bring new sounds and new directions in the next few years. Only then will the metal scene be revitalized. The bar will be set higher again. A newfound interest will be there like it was when bands like Opeth, Dimmu Borgir, Killswitch Engage, Lamb of God, Mastodon, etc. were first breaking ground. Remember those days? They were fucking exciting! Are you guys still excited about metal like you were back then? I certainly am not excited about what I’m hearing but I AM VERY EXCITED about the idea that the next evolution is on the way.
All that said, because I’ve been in a cave writing two albums back-to-back, I’m willing to admit that I may be a little out of touch. I’m sure that regardless of the sea of clones that are killing our genre, there are still some gems out there that are dedicated to making true art. Bands that are pushing the boundaries and that in a few years will be the ones getting the recognition they deserve.
So I’m asking you guys to do me a favor. Let me know what you’ve been listening to, and what I should check out. I’ve been in hiding and I want to catch up. And while you’re at it, let me know if you agree with me that the next evolution is on the way.
-EL
Dååth’s new, self-titled Century Media release comes out next week!!! Pre-order it here. And visit Dååth on MySpace to get all their upcoming tour dates.
