Chad Bowar: You’ve had a lot of lineup changes since your last CD. Why did Michael leave, and how did you go about finding the new guys?
James Malone: Michael Van Dyne left the band to continue with his education. All the members we have had since, have either been friends of the band or were found through the wonderful world of MySpace.
How has the band’s sound progressed from United In Regret to We Are The Nightmare, and how did recording with a full band influence that sound?
veryone had input on We Are The Nightmare, and I definitely think it shows. While We Are The Nightmare is the most varied Arsis album to date, I feel it is also the most focused. When recording the album, we were four minds with the same goal in mind. It could not have worked out better.
What does the title signify?
It was inspired by a very dark period of my life. I was struggling with problems related to alcohol and various other hardships.
You worked with Zeuss on this album. How did the collaboration come about, and how was the studio experience?
Zeuss was originally recommended to us by Nuclear Blast. After listening to the records that he had worked on we decided recording with him would be a great idea. I am so glad we listened to ourse;ves because it was possibly the best recording experience that I have ever had. Zeuss made everything comfortable for us and we definitely benefited from his experience. I am cannot say enough good things about Zeuss.
I understand you had an accident during the filming of the video for “We Are The Nightmare.”
For starters, I was chased by pit bulls before filming ever began. I should have taken this as an omen to be careful, but halfway through shooting I took a wrong step and feel through the floor of the abandoned church in which we were filming. I didn't die, so it could have been worse.
Was it strange having Mike Parks doing vocals for the band for a couple tours, since you had done them since the beginning?
Mike Parks and I had been such long time friends that it really wasn’t strange for me at all. I think it was more of a shock to the fans than to anyone in the band.
It’s been a difficult couple of years when it comes to touring. Talk about your bad luck with vans and accidents.
It has been difficult to say the least. In the past couple of years we have been through three vans, just as many trailers and I am sure just as many band members. It is all I know, so I just have to press on and learn from the experiences.
There were even rumors of the band breaking up. What started them, and what difficulties did it cause for you guys?
The rumor only really made things difficult for a few hours and we corrected all the press statements regarding the issue. It is amazing what the words of one jealous (jerk) on a message can do. The internet rules!
Getting back to touring, and on a more positive note, who have you had the best time touring with?
Enslaved and Keep of Kalessin. They are without a doubt some of the most genuine people that I have ever met.
Your music has been used by Ballet Deviare. How did you hook up with them, and do you anticipate doing more stuff with them in the future?
We hooked up through a message board initially and have been great friends ever since. I would love to do some work for them in the future; let's hope our schedules will allow it.
What CD is playing in your version of hell? How about heaven?
Hell: Any material by Simon and Garfunkel
Heaven: Mercyful Fate – Don’t Break The Oath
What CD do you own that people might be surprised about?
The entire Birthday Massacre catalog.
What's the biggest misconception your fans or friends have about you?
That I actually plan anything
Have any nicknames?
Jim-Bob
What's the best advice someone gave you?
Diet and exercise.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you so much for the support, hope to see you at a show!
