Thomas G. Plaguehammer: Well, the band has always been Ken's baby. He has been he driving force behind Abigail since its inception. Ashley has always played a big role elaborating on a lot of the keyboard parts. The rest of us are new to the fold, so although we were involved in some of the writing/recording this time around, it was still mainly Ken doing everything. The next time around will be more of a total group effort I think. We have all put some time in now, and I think Ken is finally happy with the lineup and the way things are going - so I think he's excited to finally collaborate with people that are finally on the same page.
How did you hook up with Trym? Did he do all the drums on the CD, or just part of them?
Plaguehammer: Trym has been in the pipeline for some time. He was originally supposed to play on the debut record before the whole split. When that all went down, it kinda slowed everything down for a while. When we finally got to the point where the record was coming along, we were still drummerless and talking to Nick Barker about doing the record. Unfortunately we were never able to solidify anything due to obligations Nick had with Atrocity and Leaves' Eyes, and that’s when we got back in touch with Trym. The collaboration was meant to be in my eyes. He played perfectly for the album. He played on all songs except “Floods,” “Empyrean” and “Acolytes.” During this whole process, Samus joined the fold, and we wanted him to play a part on this record too. It not only made him feel more a part of the band, but it also acted as an introduction to our fans - here's our new drummer, he destroys!
How did you decide on James Murphy has the producer?
Sorceron: I had been talking to James for a few years about working on a record with us and it just finally came together. We chose him because he is a good friend and a great producer.
What are your expectations for the CD?
Sorceron: We just want to tour as much as possible on it and expand our fan base.
What has been your most memorable tour so far?
Sorceron: They are all pretty memorable for different reasons really. I think Summer Slaughter UK/Europe was pretty awesome though. That and the first time we toured the UK back in 2006.
How did you get started in music?
Plaguehammer: I started as a vocalist in metal bands playing out since I was 14. I also played guitar since I was 12 and drums like my whole life. I started playing drums in metal bands when I was 16. By the time I was in my early twenties I was really sick of only really being able to play metal, so I attended/graduated from Musicians ' Institute (PIT) in '04. I have been teaching drums at home and was auditioning for bands until I got this gig. Mike started taking classical guitar at 16 at the world renowned Cleveland Institute of Music. At the same time, he was playing electric guitar jamming to Pantera and Megadeth. We started playing together around 1999, and haven't stopped since. He graduated college with a Bachelor's in Composition a year or two ago.
Was there a song or album that inspired you to want to perform music?
Plaguehammer: For me it probably started with Anthrax and Metallica's black album. I got that album when it came out in '91 - I was 10 years old. I haven't been able to shake the feeling since.
Sorceron: Tons of things really, I've always been interested in music as far back as I can remember. Some albums that really made we want to follow this path were Pantera – Far Beyond Driven, Morbid Angel – Domination, and watching the year and a half in the life of Metallica and Pantera's vulgar videos.
Who are some current bands you admire?
Plaguehammer: Well they are maybe not so current, although they do have a new album out, but I'd have to say Cynic. Those dudes are amazing musicians and write beautiful music. As far as newer bands go, I really liked Ansur's Axiom record a lot. They are a young band from Norway with a super unique sound. I haven't listened to the new record as much yet, but from the stuff I heard, they really stepped it up..it sounds way proggy. Enfold Darkness (Nashville) are also a cool band. It’s black metal, but also has a technical vibe to it. Also, Krypt, Bergraven, and Forgotten Tomb
Sorceron: Ansur, Satyricon, Decrepit Birth, Dragonland, Despised Icon, Bergraven, krypt, Opeth, Moonsorrow, The Faceless.
