For newcomers, how would you describe your sound and who are your main influences?
Our sound is best described as fast and technical, but we can have our anthems as well. Kaan from Heart of a Coward described us as “Thrashy Metalcore”, which I would say is an accurate description. Our material has spanned through many genres of metal but we always try to write technical music, mainly because we find it more interesting to play and love the challenge. Our newer material is a step forward for us from playing in Drop D – as we will be incorporating more downtuned instruments and 7 string guitars. Some of our main influences at the moment are Veil of Maya, Dayseeker, Monuments and August Burns Red.
You’re about to release your new single, “Self Reflection”, how are you feeling?
We’re pretty excited! We have been working hard to bring our fans our best work yet and are looking forward to sharing what we’ve been working on. The future is very promising and we are very enthusiastic about going forward.
Apart from the obvious, what are the themes behind “Self Reflection” and can you give us a standout lyric from the track?
The idea behind “Self Reflection” is when catching a glimpse of yourself, what are you thinking? Are you negative towards yourself or positive? Do you like who you’ve become? All of the split-second questions that pop into your mind. Is that something you would think about yourself if you saw yourself as a child? “These demons are taking over”, sticks out in our minds.
Your last album release was in 2017, can we expect a new album on the horizon?
As we mentioned, we have been working very hard and have a lot of material ready for the studio. We have enough for another album, but in our opinion, albums are dead in 2020. Going forward instead of releasing an album where some of our proudest work may not even be heard, we are deciding to start releasing more often with singles and smaller EPs.
What bands or songs do you have on repeat right now?
Eljay: I’ve currently had the ‘Good Tiger’ discography in circulation for about a month, their sound seems so unique and well thought out as well as their singer having an amazing set of pipes, I just can’t help but come back day after day. The other artist I’ve been listening to a lot is ‘Joey Bada$$’, specifically the ‘All-Amerkkkan Badass’ album.
Si: I’ve been listening to a lot of Jacob Collier recently. I saw him live at a small venue in London before he blew up. It was an incredibly personal experience and he is just leagues ahead in terms of musicality than anyone else I know. The new Veil of Maya track “Outsider” is awesome as well and that chorus got stuck in my head after one listen.
Kris: I have been going through a bit of a nostalgic period myself. Going back through artists that had an impact on me. Terror, Dapsbefallen, Unearth, Job for A Cowboy, The Red Chord, Tony Tap Dance Extravaganza, Despised Icon. Even non metal artists such as the Hives, Crystal Castles, Boards of Canada and Aquabats have been in my mix as well.
What has kept you sane/motivated throughout the lockdown period?
Learning new skills and trying new things. If you’re not trying to improve yourself during this time, then you’re going to be left behind. We have been learning new software, coding, working out indoors, practising, and even learning new languages. It’s obvious that staying sane during lockdown is difficult, so we’re focusing our insanity onto our new music.
Can you describe Death Remains in 3 words?
DESTROY, REBUILD, REFLECT
Finally, is there anything else you want to say to the All Punked Up readers?
We hope everyone is safe and healthy in these confusing times. Take this time to improve yourself, your relationships and your hobbies. You’ll earn maximum life points for checking out our new release “Self Reflection” on June 12th on all platforms.
Pre-save Death Remains’ new single here!
For more APU interviews, click here!
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