Metal Inside(r) Home Quarantine is Metal Insider’s new column during this time of isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We asked artists five questions on what’s been keeping them busy ranging from their favorite movies, food they’ve been eating, music they’ve been listening to and more. We caught up with Chris Hathcock of The Reticent as he’s been spending this time teaching online.
What have you been doing to pass time during Quarantine?
I’ve actually been rather busy during all of the quarantine. Since it began I’ve been teaching online (my day job) and helping to develop curriculum for colleagues. Other than that I’ve been writing lots of new music and filmed a music video. Where possible I’ve tried to sneak in some horror films to lighten the mood.
Have you been listening to any music or have any playlists worth checking out?
I’ve been revisiting the entire Neurosis catalogue and rediscovering their genius in the midst of all this isolation. I’ve come to find new appreciation in particular for The Eye Of Every Storm – which I had many times pushed aside for more celebrated classics Through Silver In Blood and Times of Grace. However, I now hold it in a similar light to A Sun That Never Sets – it is patient and hypnotic, allowing emotions to breathe and cascade more effortlessly. I could (and have) spend days and days just listening to Neurosis.
A lot of people have been spending this time cooking including making their own bread, what food have you been prepping during this time?
I’ve become a master of pan-fried Cajun chicken tenderloins. Also, I’ve experimented with putting nearly every food I’ve come in contact with into the air fryer. Most of the time the results are pretty good.
In terms of entertainment, what movies, TV shows, books, or games have been keeping you busy?
Outside of my usual steady diet of horror films from the 70s and 80s, I found myself caught up in the second season of Castle Rock, which I thoroughly enjoyed. When I’ve needed to laugh, I’ve been watching Impractical Jokers. As far as books go, it’s been mostly nonfiction books on philosophy, contemporary criticism, or inspiring works like Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins.
What advice do you have for your fans in isolation during this time?
Time is a precious resource so don’t squander the time you have now. If you are unable to do the things you want to, seize the opportunity to do the things you need to. Do that thing you’ve always said you were going to do but never did like exercise more, practice more, write more, organize your home, read more, etc. Be able to point to something at the end of each day and I say “I did that” and you will make through the isolation a lot better.
