Questions answered by Mike Hitchen (guitar) and Steve Hart (drums).
1.Thanks for taking the time to talk to The Grinder! You have a new album out, Tell us about it!
Mike: This is our 5th full length album to date, titled The Radiant Dark. It consists of 8 tracks of atmosperic dark death metal. And is probably our finest work to date.
2.Where was it recorded? Is all the material new?
Mike: The album was recorded in our home town of Cardiff, South Wales. We recorded the album in a studio called Wood Croft Audio and was engeinered by Tim Vincent who we feel did a tremendous job and is a good friend of ours. We hope to still be working with him for the next one.
Steve: All the tracks on The Radiant Dark are brand new and all written together for this record.
3.What is the biggest difference between your last release and the new one?
Steve: Progression. We approached this record differently. We had a full vision going into the studio, while Senescent Signs was part written when we first went to record. Sensecent developed a lot while at the studio and became something we weren’t expecting.
Mike: The Radiant Dark was a clear vision. We had one unifying idea from the start. It was set out to be darker, heavier and more aggressive, which it is.
4.Are you signed to a label? , If so which one and how did they help or support the process?
Steve: We are signed with Transcending Obscuirty. They have been excllent to work with, every step of the way. We approached them with everything ready to go for this record, a full package. Since signing with them they have helped push us futher afield, gaining more intrest, worldwide. It’s a great honour for us to be on one of the best up and coming labels.
5.What has been going on with the band between albums? Did you tour?
Mike: Yeah there’s never really time to stop and rest. After the album release, it’s all about shows and writing, the process just goes on. We were able to get over to europe several times for shows, festivals across the Netherlands and Belgium.
6.Do you have any new members?
Steve: Dicky is our new bass player for this album,but he has been a live member since Senescent Signs.
Mike: We’ve had some changes over the years, we’ve been through a few bass players but most notably we changed our vocalist when James Moore left the band and we ushered in Matt Small back in 2012 just in time for Senescent Signs
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7.Who produced the new album and how did they effect the album?
Mike: Tim wasn’t new to the Drownings recording sessions as he co produceded Senescent Signs. We knew how he worked and he had a solid understanding of who we are as a band. He knew how to make our sound come to life. He is very meticulous and thorough, he really pushed us all to get the best results from every member.
8.Some like to record naked or in the dark with candles , Did you have any strange studio practices?
Steve: Nothing so much in the studio, but Mike does write a lot on the toilet if that counts?
Mike: It’s where the magic happens!
9.Of course tell us where to pick up your album and how to learn more about you.
10.What is your plans now that the new album is out?
Mike: We’re going to start planning shows for 2020, get out there with this album. We’ve also been writing little bits here and there so we plan to devlop those and maybe start thinkning about the next album inbetween shows. Keep pushing, keep moving, keep busy!
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