Hello, how are you doing today?
Devan: Hey, we’re doing good. We’ve been busy leading up to the release, but things are all in order.
In your own words, how would you describe your sound to people who have never heard your music before?
Devan: Catchy, driving, melodic death metal influenced by Scandinavian melodic death metal.
Overall, how would you compare these new tracks on your forthcoming album, By the Moon and the Stars, to your previous 2019 released EP, Ascension?
Devan: The most distinct difference is the improved production. The upcoming album is much more polished and things are more distinguishable. We actually re-recorded all the songs from the EP because we wanted to do them a bit more justice. Otherwise, we feel the writing is cohesive between the tracks on Ascension and the newer songs that were written a few years later.
Your new album consists of ten songs that touch upon many topics such as nature, human existence, and fantasy. Are you willing to further discuss the album’s lyrical themes and explain the song’s subjects for listeners who may want a deeper look into their meanings?
Devan: A lot of what we write about are things that we’ve experienced ourselves. For example, “Deadwood” is about how even when things are falling apart, there always seems to be someone or something that helps you out. It’s about a shipwreck and clinging onto driftwood to stay afloat. “For a Star” is about not taking the people and things we have in our life for granted because sometimes it’s too late until we realize that. “Lightless” is about depression and how crushing and lonely of an experience it can be.
By the Moon and the Stars incorporates elements drawn from across all sub-genres of metal that showcase commanding harsh vocals, blistering duel guitar solos, ground-shaking basslines, and neck-breaking fast drum beats. Where did this album get its influence from, or was this a work of pure unintentional will?
Devan: Scandinavian melodic death metal is a big influence, for sure. When we write, we try to extract our favourite things about the music we listen to and amplify it. There’s a lot of focus on catchy, melodic movement, but we want to maintain the energy to keep the music powerful. What Weston and JP add with drums and bass really help to reinforce that. Sometimes their additions even take ideas in a totally different direction than what we were initially thinking. It’s really cool how different people will interpret music differently. We think that really makes what we do more than the sum of its parts.
Recently, you stated the album was “crafted with the intent of sending listeners on a journey that will have their hearts soaring over ancient forests and still valleys.” After listening to the album, I believe you indeed reached this feat with a very atmospheric approach including sounds of nature throughout the record. Who’s idea was it to incorporate such a cool concept around the crushing music?
Devan: We’re stoked to hear that! When we write, we try to create things that make you feel invigorated. It was my idea for the rain on “Tempest.”
What are some of your favourite tracks on the album? Are there any that stick out to you that you can’t wait to test out on a live audience?
Devan: Oh man, it’s hard to pick because we love playing all of them. “Reflections” and “Deadwood” are our favourites. We’ve had great responses to all the songs live so far, so we’re excited to see which ones stand out to a larger audience. It’s always really cool to hear what bands certain songs or parts remind people of.
Were there any songs on the new album that you had any trouble writing at all?
Devan: We don’t really try to force anything - all the songs came together pretty easily for us. One thing we’ve found is that it’s really important to re-listen to what we’ve written with fresh ears. Do you have any moment from writing or recording By the Moon and the Stars, that was so profound that it still sticks with you to this day?
Devan: Recording vocals in the sound isolation room at my work was pretty wicked. I work at a tech company and they have a room for testing mechanical devices.
What do you hope people will take away from these new ten tracks?
Devan: We hope that people feel excited and empowered by our music.
Over the years, you have shared the stage with heavy hitters in metal such as Omnium Gatherum, Allegaeon, Wake, TYR, Trollfest, and Aether Realm. Do you have any other artists near and dear to your heart you would love to perform with, if the chance presented itself?
Devan: There are so many, but if we really have to choose: Kalmah, Insomnium, Amon Amarth, and Be’lakor.
Are there any more plans for the rest of the year to support the new record on the road?
Devan: We’ll be doing an album release show in Vancouver on October 5 and we’re just finalizing dates for a mini-tour to Alberta later in October. Hopefully, next year we’ll be able to get out a bit further.
If you can have your fans remember you for one thing, what would you want them to remember you for and why?
Devan: Bangin’ riffs that bring them extreme euphoria!
Thanks for taking the time to talk about the new album, Devan! Before you go, is there anything you would like to add?
Devan: Thanks for having us! And to all the fans that have followed and supported us over the years. We’re really happy to bring you this album after all this time!
Follow Kayas online here: https://linktr.ee/kayasofficial