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Serpent Underground
Can you tell me the history of your group how did you
meet, when did you decide to start playing together and so on...?
Ralph: I had been trying for several years to form a band that would stick.
Something dark and heavy, but with a lot of soul. In 2003, our former guitarist
Bryan and myself began working on such a project. About six months after writing
and putting together a unique sound we brought our current drummer Rich into the
project. After many attempts to bring in a solid bassist that would work with
what we were doing, we found Tony "The Bone". Things were going well when we
recorded our first album "Devils of Flesh" and began the onslaught of shows and
myspace fan base. About a year ago we found Cody Walker (our lead guitarist). We
all felt this was the missing link we were looking for in order to complete our
sound. Shortly after that time our former guitarist Bryan decided to leave the
band. We then were very proud to add Jason Walker to replace Bryan as our second
guitarist. What can I say? Serpent Underground is now complete and ready to
crush any obstacles in our path.
How did the name Serpent Underground come about?
Ralph: I saw the name in some lyrics from a song by The Doors. I thought it was
extremely cool and unique, and it just happened to fit perfectly with the
message that my lyrics were sending out. It's kind of symbolic of man's downfall
and his struggle with his sinful nature.
When will the new album, "The Lie" be out?
Ralph: Currently there is no solid release date, however we are pushing towards
an early summer release.
How do you go about the process of composing songs? Do you
do all the lyrics?
Ralph: I wrote all of the lyrics except for the songs "Your Sin" and "The Lie"
which is on the new album. That was written by Cody. Usually the foundation, or
the idea is initiated by me. The rest of the band writes their parts during the
creative process. Cody and Jason have been contributing a lot to the writing
process on the new album.
What are your thoughts on metal today? Do you feel that it
is close-knit or are there more separations these days?
Rich: They're closer knit. More for promotional and networking purposes. Bands
are working together to help each other out.
Jason: It's harder to get noticed these days with the way the industry is.
People are sticking together and trying to collaborate more.
Rich: The only way around the obstacles in the industry - especially in metal is
for bands to help each other out.
What kind of response to your music are you experiencing
from your audience?
Cody: We have been getting excellent response. It's amazing. Every show we play
gets better and better. The fans are wonderful. Every one of them are the reason
we're out there giving everything we got. The more they give us, the more we
want to give back to them! And I couldn't thank them enough!
How did "Devils of Flesh" do for you? How will this new
album differ? And which songs in your opinion represent Serpent Underground's
sound the best?
Bone: Devils did very well. The response was overwhelmingly positive. On that
album, the songs "Devils of Flesh" and "Tangled" are essential Serpent. "The
Lie" will feature quite a bit more guitar work than Devils and we stretched our
sound a little more. All of the songs on "The Lie" represent where our sound has
gone.
Cody: This album is a new chapter in Serpent Underground, and it will show how
much the band has grown!
: How would you describe your live shows?
Bone: Loud, Aggressive, Intense, Heavy and Melodic. Our goal is to move the
people in the audience from deep down. We want them to walk away not only
entertained but with a feeling that what they saw meant something. We want to
give them something they won't forget 2 days afterwards.
What was the most exciting moment of your life/career?
Ralph: Seeing the look on Metal Sanaz's face after she saw us open for Five
Finger Death Punch. When she said we rocked, you could tell she really meant it.
I think we took her by surprise.
Jason: Getting compliments from random people. When they ask us to sign
drumsticks, or album inserts. All of the positive energy.
Who were your biggest influences in music, and was it
always metal? Are there influences that may not come from metal?
Ralph: Trent Reznor...Nuff said
Cody: I have a ton of influences, both metal and non. Classical, Funk, Jazz,
Country, Fusion, Blues, Rock, Metal...Anything and Everything. The List Is Huge!
Bone: Cliff Burton, Steve Harris, Rudy Sarzo, there are a lot that aren't metal.
Flea, Jaco, Stu Hamm. These guys aren't metal but still influence my playing
style.
Jason: I'm influenced mostly by anything rock, jazz and blues. Some of my
favorites are: Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, Phish, Dio, Ozzy, Randy Rhoads, Zakk
Wylde, Satriani. Also a lot of technical progressive death metal: Chuck
Schuldiner and Craig Locicero.
Cody: We can't forget Dime.
Thanks so much for your time, are you willing to say
something more for our readers?
Jason: We are thankful for the gigs we have, and we hope a lot of people will
turn out to support us and the other great bands we're playing with.
Ralph: Once again we'd like to thank you for this interview.
Bone: I want to say thank you to all the fans who've bought the cd and come to
shows. And all the media who have helped us out in recent months. Without you we
are nothing.
Cody: Thanks to everybody for their continued support. I'd also like to add that
once we release the new album we are planning to go on tour. So please hit up
our myspace and let us know where to play. We have a demand it section on our
site!
Rich: Serpent Underground is coming. Spread the Warning!
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