Chad Bowar: How did your 2006 reunion come about?
Steve Flynn: Wow, it’s a long and interesting story. The succinct answer is that it was really by chance and happened quite organically. We did not start out to “reunite.” Rather, we were presented with one interesting situation after another. The band’s popularity had grown substantially following our disbanding in 1992. Thus, in 2005 when Relapse approached us to re-release our first 3 records, we were quite happy to do so. However, we had no plans beyond releasing the albums.
Following the release, somebody floated the idea of doing a show. I was playing again (after a 14-year break), it seemed like a good idea. One show led to 5, which led to 10, which led to…..Jupiter.
Were there plans from the beginning to record new material?
We resisted like crazy. We said “NO” for about 4 years. We were finally convinced by friends, fans, Ula Gheret and Michael Berbarian.
How did Jonathan come to join the band?
“JT” actually joined my band Gnostic as the bass player first. And, as it turns out, he’s an equally accomplished guitarist. Thus, when the need arose, we said: “Hey, join Atheist.” JT has been a fan of the band for years and was happy to be a part of it.
Was your songwriting/recording process the same as it's always been, or were there differences?
In fact it was exactly the same! We simply sat down and applied the same formula that we always did. Somebody has a cool riff or section of a song, and we just start going from there. It’s a very natural process. Nobody comes in with a whole song written. Each song is sort of a “Frankenstein” creation.
How would you compare Jupiter's sound to your earlier material?
It sounds like a progression from the first two albums, yet with modern touches. It’s a bit more aggressive than Piece of Time, but the songwriting is a bit more sophisticated in structure than the other records.
How did you decide to sign with Season Of Mist?
Michael Berbarian was persistent, friendly, a long-time fan, convincing, and presented us with a very fair offer. We kept turning him down, he kept pursuing, and we finally said “I do!”
A lot has changed in the music industry since your last album. Does that change your expectations for Jupiter?
Ha, yes! Technical music is very popular. However, THIS time, we just hope we release an album that people actually like!
What are your upcoming tour plans?
We have extensive shows planned for both the U.S. and Europe. We also have plans to hit South America and ideally Australia and Japan.
What have been some of your most memorable shows since Atheist reunited?
This not a cop out answer in any way, but ALL of them have been. Back in the day, we were not used to packed houses and enthusiastic support. We were most used to tepid applause and boos.
Any nightmare, everything went wrong shows?
Many. In Cleveland Ohio, we had dog food thrown at us!
How did you get started in music?
I can’t think of any better explanation than to say it was a calling. I remember the to this day. I was 15. I was listening to the song “La Villa Strangiato” from the band Rush. When the song was over I said to myself. I WILL play drums!
What was the first concert you attended?
Rush
Who were the drummers that inspired you when you were starting out?
Neil Peart, Lars Ulrich, Gene Hogland, Dave Lombardo
How did Atheist first form?
Just a bunch of high-school friends that shared a common love of heavy music and playing instruments. It’s really that simple.
Do you remember the band's first show?
We had no bass player and Roger Patterson was in the audience. We talked with him after the show, and the rest is history!
Once Atheist disbanded, what did you do until Gnostic formed?
I went to Florida State University for a bachelor’s degree. I then attended the University of Georgia and received my Master’s Degree. I spent the next 15 years (and to this day) working in the corporate sector.
What led you to pick up the sticks after more than a decade?
Like when I was 15, it was simply a “calling.” I sat up in bed one January morning in 2005 and literally said out loud: It’s time to start playing again. I formed Gnostic within a month, and here we are today!
What was the response to last year's Engineering The Rule?
It was mostly positive. On the road we won over a lot of fans when we played live. Some of the Atheist purists didn’t care for it. But, it was generally very well received.
Is it difficult to balance the obligations of two bands?
It’s actually quite a bit more difficult to balance the obligations of two bands, a full-time corporate job, and two kids. But after the kids, the rest is easy!
