So here’s the third and last part of CVLT Nation’s interview with WOE. Re-read the first two parts here: Part One and Part Two. Enjoy the interview, buy WOE’s two albums, go to see them playing live and support this band! CVLT Nation interviews WOE – Part Three: after the jump!
You mentioned that you’re in the process of writing a new album right now, is there anything you want to say about it already? Will the difference between Quietly, Undramatically and the new one be as big as between A Spell For The Death Of Men and Quietly, Undramatically?
It’s tough to say since what I’m working with now, so early in the game, might be very different when we start demoing. I’m hoping to take the best parts of both albums, so the intense ferocity and feeling of A Spell… and the dynamics and atmospheres of Quietly, Undramatically in one place. I have a goal in mind, some things that I want it to achieve, but I don’t want to say too much in case the end product is different from what I’m planning now.
Woe - Quietly, Undramatically
There are some influences. I like a lot of general Rock stuff like Nirvana, Failure, the Foo Fighters; I’m really into Klimt 1918. While finishing the newest album, I was listening to nothing but Tears for Fears‘s first album. Right now, other than Black Metal, all I’ve been listening to is the newest Alice in Chains.
At the same time, Black Metal is and has always been the primary influence and goal. I never wanted and don’t think I’ve ever written anything other than Black Metal, though I have certainly pushed the limits of what is acceptable. The way I feel right now, there will not be anything on the new album like the clean vocal part of the title track.
Woe - A Spell For The Death Of Man
Early on, definitely. There is a song I’m working on for the next record that was supposed to be on A Spell for the Death of Man but I just couldn’t handle this one part, my definition of Black Metal was too rigid. That’s not to say I felt limited by it in a negative way, I just had my rules and I was sticking to them. I still have boundaries, I think it’s important to stay focused and have a sense of direction. Even though my boundaries have changed a bit, they are still there, there are things that are simply not appropriate in Black Metal.
Next one is more of a guitar geek question: What equipment do you use live and why? What equipment did you use in the studio for Quietly, Undramatically?
I mostly play a Jackson Rhoads RR1, one of the real USA-made neck-thru models. Love it, though I’m always a little apprehensive to bring it out because of how attached I am to it. I play through a 100-watt JCM 900 (model 4100) and have an oversized Mesa 4×12 and 2×12. I’ve been playing around with an Ibanez Tube Screamer in front of the head to give it a bit more distortion. The Marshall worked in the early days but I’m trying to get a bit of a heavier, more metal sound. The pedal seems to help but I need to test more. In the studio, one channel was my Rhoads, the other channel was my friend’s Jackson Soloist SR1, both run through my JCM 900 into my Mesa 2×12. Mic was an Audix i5 into a Chandler Germanium and a 421 into… I think it was either an API 312 or a Neotek… something-or-other.
Yeah played a JCM 900 quite a long time, too. I used to boost it with a Boss EQ, but still the sound isn’t really Metal-like. Have you tried a JCM 800? I mean it’s not exactly a high gain Metal amp, but it’s by far the loudest and most aggressive piece of amp I know.
I played an 800 for a show in California and mixed with the Tube Screamer, it was the best I have ever sounded. If only my playing had been better haha! I read somewhere that Slayer used to use that combo, 800 plus TS9, and I don’t think it’s possible to complain about that sound. Ben, our other guitarist, has one. I wish I could get one but those damn things are so expensive, I just can’t swing it. I’d much rather buy recording gear right now.
What was the very first band you played in like? What did you play?
It was a punk band, I played bass. We were called Media Control. It was really crusty, we even covered the same Ausrotten song WOE is doing now. I was probably 15. It was awesome.
Haha no way you’re covering Ausrotten?! Are there any other songs WOE covered?
We are. We have a plan to do quite a few covers, actually, and wanted to have them all recorded around now but our schedules didn’t allow it. Keep your eyes peeled for something later this year. It’ll be pretty cool.
How’s the Metal scene in your city? Any bands worth to check out?
Philadelphia’s metal scene is fantastic. Constant shows, tons of bands. Bands to check out? I always worry I’m going to forget someone haha. Sadgiqacea, Grass, Coffin Dust, Abserdo, Rumpelstiltskin Grinder, Serpent Throne, Infernal Stronghold, Deceiverion, Ominous Black, Rosetta, Unrest. There are a few to get you started.
So I think that’s it. Thanks for taking the time, anything left unsaid, go for it!
Thanks for your time and patience. This took way, way too long to get back to you, kind of a bad habit where I don’t like working on something like this unless I know I have a lot of time to do the whole thing. I really appreciate your thoughtful questions and patience. Looking forward to making it to your side of the pond soon!
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