KREPUSKULUM : In ARCHETYPE compositions present very inspired
and complex arrangements, did you study classic music? Which are your musical formation of
the members and influences? ARCHETYPE
Krepuskulum interview CHRIS MATYUS, guitar and leader of ARCHETYPE, melodic, progressive Metal from Ohio (Usa). Great band with complex, dynamic and technical music work !
KREPUSKULUM - What is the meaning of name's band: ARCHETYPE???
Archetype means the original pattern or maodel after which a thing is made; a model or first form; prototype. In Jungian psychology, an unconscious idea, pattern of thoughts, image, etc., inherited from the ancestors of the race and universally present in individual psyches. After searching for a name for months, we all agreed that Archetype was very original and fit us quite well.
KREPUSKULUM : In ARCHETYPE compositions present very inspired
and complex arrangements, did you study classic music? Which are your musical formation of
the members and influences?
Yes, I did study classical music for about five years at the University of Akron in Ohio and graduated with a bachelors degree in classical guitar in 1997. Musical influences started for me with metal bands like Judas Priest, King Diamond, Annihilator (at the very beginning) and progressed thouth bands like Rush and Coroner, both of whom really got me interested in odd meters and more complex song structures. Of course Dream Theater came along and presented even more complex music which I really began to enjoy. All thoughout my years in college, classical music obviously became an influence along with some new age styles and I even got more into Death and Black metal along the way. I'm thankful that I didn't dwell in one style for years, this variety has allowed me to write in a unique way that covers a wide range of influences and styles. As for the other members, Keith our drummer cites major influence from the true masters - Neil Peart and Mike Portnoy for starters. Without his knowledge of rhythm and ability to create, our music might be nothing like it is today. Chyle our vocalist has a big list of influences from Paul Stanley, Ozzy, Rob Halford, Geoff Tate and many others. These have provided him with great diversity and range. Jamie our bassist cites Geddy Lee (master) as a major influence. I think our range of influences as a band contributes greatly to the overall sound of Archetype providing more diversity and depth in the music.
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KREPUSKULUM - How did it go the reception to the MCD "HANDS of TIME"?
"Hand Of Time" received great reviews world-wide from just about everyone who heard it! Although I had it in the back of my mind, I never thought it would bring such a positive response. We landed some European distribution for the CD, got on a couple compilation CD's, had some label interest and I got to do many interviews. I think back to last year at this time when we just found our singer and he was laying down vocals for the CD with only about two weeks of rehearsal. He even did two of the songs unrehearsed in the studio. Now since we have evolved as a band, Our new full length (which we are recording now) should really bring us a lot of serious recognition!
KREPUSKULUM - Talk us a little about the process of musical composition in ARCHETYPE.
For me, composing can take a very long time. Once I figure out what kind of song I want to write, whether it be the tuning, the feel, heavy or clean parts, length etc., I just start laying groundwork for the song. I might have ideas from before or just play around until I get something started. Some parts just come into my mind when not playing and I'll have to run and get my guitar and write them down. Other times it's very grueling as I will seemingly never be able to find the right part. As the song gradually comes together, I constantly analyze everthing that is done and adjust things here and there until I'm happy with it. Of course, jamming with the other guys always helps along the way. I never think of what the song is to be about when writing music, that comes afterwards with the lyrics because I don't want lyrics to interfere with song structure. This may be odd to some people, but I really believe that within all the music I write there is some meaning just waiting to come out.
KREPUSKULUM - What is the reason of DENMARK label??? Why american labels don't interest for power metal at this time...??
We decided to sign with Intromental Management in Denmark because we realized that the situation in the US for our music was hopeless. They have really helped us out with promotion throughout the world and without them, we would be nowhere. In out situation, I think labels weren't going to sign a band that had only a four song EP out in such a different style. As for the American labels not wanting power metal, I don't pay to much attention to them (until they are interested in us!) or what they sign seeing that there are only a handful of american metal bands that I really like.
KREPUSKULUM - Who writes the letters in ARCHETYPE? What is the inspiration for beutiful song Dissension's Wake??
I assume you mean lyrics, I write all the music and lyrics. (Thanks for the compliment) Let me think... that was one of the first songs I wrote lyrics for. I must have listened to it 100 times before getting an idea. Here is a condensed translation.. It's basically about redemption - about an individual (for example) gradually changing or transforming thought, actions etc..from something negative into something better (i.e a better person). Upon looking back and seeing where and what they came from and that believing and following this change is the only way out, they realize, although tempted to return, that this is the right way to go.
I like to write thought provoking lyrics that are slightly more abstract, where they can be interpreted differently by different people.
KREPUSKULUM - Talk to us about ARCHETYPE plans for the next album.
We have waited a long time to get this new CD started. I wanted to get a second guitarist who would join the band permanently, but we decided after going through several guitarists, that we would do the CD like before with just myself on guitar. Excitment is the only word for now, after such a positive response from "Hands Of Time", we can't wait to get this new one out. Most of the material was written at the same time the songs on "Hands" were, so it will be very consistent. It is going to be a 'real' full length, not some 40 minute album with a few more songs. Let's just say it's going to be a lot longer! It probably will contain the songs on "Hands", because we have such higher expectations now and not very many people have heard "Hands Of Time". It should about be 10 songs with much better production, artwork and layout. We don't have a title yet, but that will come soon enough. With any luck, we'll be done recording about mid-January and it will be available sometime in February.Please check out http://www.archetype1.com for more information, reviews, downloads etc...