Metal Insider’s CMJ Showcase, which will take place on October 16 at Club Europa, will feature Nachtmystium, Byzantine, Black Anvil, Ramming Speed and Vattnet Viskar. The New Hamphsire black/doom metal of Vattnet Viskar will kick off the showcase. The band discusses their new album, life on the road and what they’re looking forward to most about performing at the showcase next month.
Your debut album, Sky Swallower, came out at the beginning of the month and has gotten some really great reviews. How’s it feel to hear how well your record’s been received so far?
It’s very surreal to us to be honest. We don’t write music for anyone but ourselves. So when all this press comes back and we’re getting these amazing reviews, you gotta take a step back and let yourself enjoy it. we don’t put a lot of stock in reviews, if the album got reviewed poorly we would still be in the same mental state. but it is a nice reassurance.
You’re on tour this month with your producer filling in on bass. Are you searching for a permanent bassist currently? Who did you record the new album with?
Brett has always been a member of this band. He’s always hanging out, and was an integral part of the recording. We gave him songs, and he made the album. He’s the guy who made it flow. Joey Perron did the bass tracks on the record, and had other obligations soon after and had to leave. Having Brett along for the ride is really great for us.
We’re sort of looking but have no prospects right now.
You’re on tour right now with Intronaut, and you’ve been touring a lot since your EP came out last year. What bands have you had the most fun sharing a stage with?
We’re having a blast with the Intronaut dudes right now. Crazy nice guys and very good at musical instruments. Early on we got to play with Woods of Yrpes before David’s accident, that was an honor. Yellow Eyes, Black Table, and Astronoid all blow us away every time we play with them as well.
Since you’ve been touring so much, have you had a lot of time to write in the studio, or do you guys write a lot on the road?
We write when we’re home usually. Nick and I generally write guitar parts and record them on our iPhones. We have a collection of parts and then slowly piece them together. We write in an old New England house that’s surrounded by trees and whatnot. It’s a great atmosphere.
After this tour, what’s next? Do you have more tours in mind?
We want to tour 8 months this year. Just trying to work hard. nothing set in stone yet, but hopefully we can accomplish that goal.
What are you looking forward to the most about playing our showcase?
Seeing Black Anvil again. Those dudes slay!
