Feature by Andrew - April, 2003
With Dead Hands Rising's technical prowess and unbridled heaviness has built a strong reputation for the band in their local Minneapolis scene, but these boys doesn't plan to stop there. "Behind Inquisition," With Dead Hands Rising's latest release, is a thouroghly engaging journey through treacherous melodic death metal and furious breakdowns. From interesting song structures to slick transitions and beefy recording quality, With Dead Hands Rising has shown commendable progression since their earlier material. Learn more about the band in the interview below.
Andrew: Many know that With Dead Hands Rising has been around for a while now, but when did the band originally form, and has their been more member changes other than Dave Balaski taking over the drumming work?
Ned: We have been together since January 2001. Dave is our 3rd drummer. Other than that we have had the same core lineup since we started.
Andrew: How did the band members initially meet?
Ned: Ty, Matt and Colin were in previous bands together and were looking to start a new project. I had recently purchased some guitar equipment and they asked me to come jam at their studio. After that, things just started coming together. 2 years later, here we are.
Andrew: We'll get right down to business here. With Dead Hands Rising recently released their debut full length, "Behind Inquisition." What was it like to write and record an entire full length for the first time? How was the studio experience?
Ned: It was definately a great experience overall. We had been playing shows for quite a while with a small 5 song library, so we decided to take a couple months off and write a full length album. The songs came out very naturally and I think showed a definate progression from our earlier work. The studio experience was great. We were very pleased with the finished product. Hopefully we can continue that progression on our future releases.
Andrew: Are you satisfied with the overall product that you've recorded?
Ned: Overall, yes. No record is ever perfect, I just hope we can improve on our shortcomings on our next record.
Andrew: What is the song writing process like for With Dead Hands Rising? Is there any aspect of the music that you guys try and exemplify when writing (vocals, guitars, lyrics, etc.)?
Ned: Usually, Ty, Matt and I will write some riffs and try and piece things together. In the past we would write a lot of the guitars first and add drums afterwards, but with the addition of Dave as our new drummer, he is just as involved right off the bat. He has been an amazing addition and provides great insight on our music. We all give the same effort, and you can definately see our influences in our music. Especially our new songs. When we write, we don't try and emphasize just 1 aspect of the music. >Each member and instrument is equally important, so we try to give each instrument its own room to shine.
Andrew: From what I've heard, the production is really full and intensifies the heavy tone. Was there a certain sound that the band was attempting to attain during the recording process?
Ned: We just wanted the record to sound heavy. We wanted clarity so you could hear all the instruments, and I think we succeeded with that.
Andrew: With Dead Hands Rising also contributed four songs to the "Words As Weapons Volume 1" split CD for Life Sentence Records. Has there been notable progression since recording those tunes? Were the new songs well-received in a live setting, before the album was released?
Ned: I would say we have definately progressed since the split. The new CD has definately helped our fanbase grow, and the new songs have been very well received live. I think we have all grown on our instruments, and I definately think we write stronger songs now.
Andrew: Okay, so, With Dead Hands Rising's music has a lot of metallic influences. But, kids are still probably going to consider the band "hardcore." Does With Dead Hands Rising more closely identify with the metal, or hardcore scene?
Ned: We definately identify more with metal. If you look in our CD cases, they are filled with death metal, grindcore, black metal, thrash, you name it. In our past our drummers were definately more into hardcore and I think thats were a lot of that influence came from. Dave is definately a metal drummer and it has taken our music to that level. I think its a better fit for us.
Andrew: I also have to point out the lyrics -- they are relatively dark and seem to reflect some personal issues. Are there any certain topics that the band feels strongly about and reflects in the music? More specifically, when writing the lyrics, are there any certain influences that determine what has been written?
Ned: The lyrics are 100% Colins perspectives and emotions. There isn't a particular message passed in our songs. It more poetry in essence. There is definately some personal reflection in his lyrics, but they are pretty open to interpretaion.
Andrew: Now that the band's material is more widely available, and definitely receiving more attention, are there plans to travel more of the United States on a more extensive tour?
Ned: We are touring late this summer. Check our website, or www.lifesentencerecords.com for more details on that.
Andrew: When I listen to With Dead Hands Rising, I always sense sincerity and honest enthusiasm, which seems to be well-reflected in a live setting. The kids really have fun and break out the hardcore dances. Is there a certain show or memory that really sticks out in the band's history?
Ned: We have had so many awesome shows, its hard to pick out just one. One that sticks out in my head was our CD release show. The venue was packed, kids went nuts and we had a blast playing. The vibe was just perfect. I wish every show could be like that one.
Andrew: How do you feel about the current metal and hardcore scenes in Minneapolis? Are there any cities that you'd like to play in?
Ned: I think that the scene is definatly growing. There are a lot of awesome bands starting to come out of here that people need to check out. I know we are hoping to get out East sometime and play out there, but we are touring the west coast this summer so we are super excited about that.
Andrew: How has your stay with Life Sentence Records been? Has there been a pretty noticeable increase in distribution since releasing the full length on Life Sentence?
Ned: I think LSR has done a great job for us. They have kept their word on everything they promised us. Their distribution has definately increased since we signed and it has helped a lot. I would definately recommend working with LSR to any bands looking for labels.
Andrew: How did you end up landing a deal with Life Sentence Records in the first place?
Ned: He heard a song of ours on mp3.com and contacted us. We met with him, a couple times, and it just sort of worked out from there.
Andrew: What bands are you guys finding yourselves listening to a lot?
Ned: Too many to list. I would have to say the most common ones are bands like Unearth, Lamb of God, Arch Enemy, God Forbid, Norma Jean, Between the Buried and Me, The Red Chord, Dying Fetus, Cryptopsy, gosh, there are so many great bands out there!
Andrew: Do the band members have any interesting jobs outside of the band, or other bands that the members are in?
Ned: We all work full time, except for Colin who is in school full time, and works part time. We are all pretty busy outside of the band.
Andrew: Are there hopes to one day be supported financially by playing music?
Ned: I think thats just about every bands dream.
Andrew: If you guys have any goals or hopes for the band's future, what are they?
Ned: I just hope our music can reach a wider audience, and that we can keep growing musically. I know we definately hope to tour a LOT more and keep writing music. I know we all want to grow on our individual instruments, and I hope our growth is steady as we progress with our music. Only time will tell.Big thanks go out to With Dead Hands Rising for doing the interview. Pictures from the band's official website.
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