Chad Bowar: How has the band’s sound progressed/evolved from Ithyphallic to Those Whom The Gods Detest?
Dallas Toler-Wade: We are always working on new ideas, and we practice quite a bit.
Was your songwriting/recording process any different than usual?
For the songwriting process nothing was really different. We recorded in different places this time. We did the drums at Erik Rutan’s studio called Mana Recording. We did the rest at Karl’s house. That was cool to be at home for a lot of the recording.
How do you guys divide up the guitar and vocal parts?
It all depends on what guitar part or vocal line works best with Karl, or if I do it. Karl will say, “I think you should do this part,” or I will say “I think this is a good one for you,” or whatever. Then we will ask Neil Kernon what he thinks. It’s good teamwork to get the best from everyone. It has always been a really fun process.
Since your music can be very complex, do you concern yourself with how you will play the songs live when you’re writing them, or do you worry about it afterwards?
We don’t worry about it. We always love a challenge.
Who’s playing bass live with Nile these days?
Chris Lollis will be doing bass and vocals for us live.
You worked with producer Neil Kernon again. What is it about his style that works with Nile?
We love Neil, and since we have done two albums with him we felt we knew what we wanted with the new stuff. Things just keep getting better working with Neil, so we really wanted to work with him again. He is a great inspiring person. He is a team player and he wants the best for any project he works on. My two favorite Neil Kernon mixes are Macabre albums Dahmer and Murder Metal. Those are brutal records.
What inspired bringing in Erik Rutan to record drums, and are you satisfied with the result?
We wanted to record the drums somewhere different, and Erik has a great studio and a great set of ears, and he knows what he is doing. When Erik walks into a room, the walls turn into iron. He is metal. Yes, we are very satisfied. Erik and Neil worked very well together and they pushed George over the edge and got the best from him.
What are your upcoming tour plans?
So far we have Europe in November/ December, and a U.S. tour January/ February. I think there is talk doing Japan and Australia in May.
Do you have any pre concert rituals?
I like to practice and warm up my fingers, and drink lots of water all day.
When you’re packing to go on tour, what are your van/tour bus essentials?
I bring some books, and a video game or two. If there is a working television on the bus then we will watch some movies. I bring some music to listen to also.
What’s the craziest thing that’s happened to you on the road?
We had a band at a show one time that would not leave us alone. They kept waving little bags of cocaine at us, and even after we said no they were still doing this. Me and the drummer from Finntroll were like, these guys are out of their minds. We had to lock the backstage room to get away from those fools.
What’s the most unusual venue you’ve played?
We almost played a place in the states one time back in 2002 called The Three Chopped Grill. It was a total craphole. A big fight broke out before we could even play the show, so we left.
How did you get started in music?
I got started on the drums when I was 7 years old. When I was 14 I started playing the guitar. Just about everyone in my family plays an instrument, so it was just a way of life for me.
Was there an album or artist that inspired you to want to perform music?
I was really into Rush. I think that was the band that motivated me to learn. I still listen to them from time to time.
What was the first concert you attended as a fan?
Rush.
How did you come to join Nile?
A friend of mine back in ‘97 told me they were looking for a guitarist. I tried out for them and it just fit.
Who was a key mentor or motivator in your life?
One of my older cousins played in a rock band in the ‘80s. I used to go to their shows quite a bit.
What's your favorite hobby away from music?
Lately it has been online gaming.
What television show won't you miss or always record?
I do not really watch much television. I thought the new Battlestar Galatica was pretty cool.
What's your guilty pleasure?
Video games.
Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
I would just like to say thanks to all the fans of real metal for supporting it, and we hope to see you at the shows!
