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Interview with Rob Gorham - Eyefear
After having been formed for almost ten years now, Australian progressive power metal band Eyefear have finally surfaced to the masses after dealing with multiple lineup changes over the years that might have kept them from the receiving the notoriety factor that would have been well received, but lets not dwell on what should have been, lets look at more recent splendors. The wait that had its contributing factors has been worth it, just recently for their latest release the band saw themselves working with Enmdel Rivers and Andy LaRocque as well as inking a deal with Massacre Records, not bad for staying low key for several years, whether by choice or not. With their latest release 9 Elements of Inner Vision, an album that mixes the vibe of Headless Cross-era Sabbath with the modern day symphonic tinged progressive power metal mantra.
So with their latest release, bassist Rob Gorham explains that their latest record has been a long time coming for the band, showing the listener where the band currently stands in the realm of their heavy metal status. "We think we have released a strong album that really showcases our past and where we are headed in the future," explains Gorham, "Some of these songs are very old to us but with the inclusion of new members have taken a new lease of life. There are also a couple of very new songs there that are showing where our writing is right now."
Having weathered the storms of multiple lineup changes, Eyefear carried on, not letting that get them down or stop the whole musical process, not to mention these changes have created a more positive light for the band as Gorham explains, "We have lost some fantastic musicians over the years but (guitarist) Kosta (Papazoglon), (drummer) Zain (Kimmie) and I have remained very focused on what we want to achieve. Of course if we hadn't lost these people along the way we wouldn't have ended up with the band as it is now."
Writing music is always the first step into the whole production process and to no surprise the musical inspiration parallels the lyrical structure; the subjects of horror, death, and metal icons tend to be at center stage for these guys. "For music I think Kosta really thrives on old King Diamond songs," explains Gorham, "he listens to a wide range of metal but he certainly has a unique writing style and I'm very glad about that. As for the lyrics I like watching and reading a lot of horror and I also write a lot of short stories with dark storylines, so this was really just a natural progression. I find it very easy to write about death and how it could occur as opposed to life, politics or fantasy."
Keyboardist Sam Giaccotto has brought an element of complex orchestration to the table for the new record, becoming an integral part of Eyefear's sound, adding counterpoint to the otherwise riff driven sound, giving 9 Elements of Inner Vision it's technical and symphonic edge and Gorham is the first to admit that he does bring a whole new life to the band as he explains, "Sammy has defiantly brought a very theatrical side to the music that we hadn't seen there before. He has a very natural talent and a fantastic knowledge of what needs to go where to make the songs very atmospheric. He's also a fantastic person and easy to work with."
Giaccotto not only added a new element to the record/band, but also saved the day during the long recording process for the new record, "We laid down the scratch guitars and the drums together then bass and rhythms. The keyboards were next but we lost a member at this stage, which put the project on hold until we found someone to take over. When Sammy came on board it just flew and the keys vocals and solos were done very quickly," says Gorham, who also speaks, while on the subject of recording, on how it was to work with both Enmdel Rivers and Andy LaRocque as he explains, "Enmdel was very professional which made it easy. He could quickly pick up on things we were doing wrong and had good input and ideas that we hadn't thought of. I didn't get to meet Andy, but Kosta was over the moon when meeting him and seeing what he could do with the music first hand. Overall we are all extremely happy with the end results so we have to give them both full points."
Having formed in the mid-nineties, Gorham emphases that he sees a more positive light for metal in Australia, with metal becoming more prominent beyond cult status in the land down under, stating, "We are kind of secluded living down here in Australia. We have some fantastic bands here at the moment and I'm sure you will be hearing a lot more Australian bands very soon. The music we hear coming from all over the world is very good quality. A lot of international acts have been touring here lately so that would indicate that metal is making its comeback. We have seen a big change in the scene here as a lot more people are coming to the gigs to support local talent so I would say the fans are probably one of the strongest points at the moment"
Massacre Records is home to many metal bands such as Cage, Stormwind, and Anvil, keeping the fire burning where the major label record industry just cant get a grasp on metal (or any form of decent music, that is) and its no surprise that these guys would sign with the label, and as Gorham explains, it's was nothing but a positive decision, "We signed with Massacre because we found them very professional and easy going and we have had no problem as they have given us a lot of support. We couldn't be happier." When referring to the business Gorham says that it is making the music that is the big priority, leaving the worries of the industry behind them, saying "We really haven't had much dealing with people in the industry. As I said we are pretty secluded down here. Our metal community is pretty tight and just like one big family so it's fantastic. As for overseas we have Intromental Management who do the dealing for us so we can just concentrate on the music and they have been sensational."
Regardless of keeping their position on the business side of things, Eyefear marvels at the fact of a possible tour behind the record, as the bassist states, "We would love to tour behind this album. We will be doing local gigs of course but as for overseas it will depend on album sales. It would be great to get over there and play some gigs, an absolute dream come true, so lets hope so." Talking about some of the high points that the Eyefear has relished in at this point in time, Gorham states that having a current lineup that is steady and building a fanbase are the biggest, saying "Major milestones in our career as musicians were probably finding the members that we have now. Also being able to release 2 albums (Edge of Existence was self-released). The great bands we've got to play with here and the fact that now so many people seem to believe in us."
Although it might be a little early at this point, Gorham says that the future looks good for the music and that he believes that the material for 9 Elements of Inner Vision is some of the strongest material that the band has written, so wrapping the interview up with a few last words Gorham closes by saying, "We'd like to thank everyone who has taken the time to listen to the music and who will hand over their hard earned cash for the CD. Also the people who have taken time to write to us, review us and help us along the way. We hope that you all enjoy the album and hopefully we will see you all very soon LIVE."
And on behalf of RevelationZ Magazine, I thank Rob Gorham for taking the time out to answer questions, until the next time.
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Written by Hashman - 11/16/2004 |
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