Metal Rules!!:
Chris, first I think it might be appropriate if you could tell readers where
Archetype are coming from musically.
Chris:
Archetype is definitely coming from a new musical direction! Our music is
very original and diverse in it's structure which gives every song something different to
offer. I like to let each song develop to it's fullest extent, never trying to fit it into
some kind of mold. Our songs will have clean and heavy parts and others will be all heavy,
times will range from 4:30 to 12:00 and some will be more technical than others. Any odd
meters we use fit well and allow the songs to maintain their flow. Whatever the case,
Archetype provides an undefinable style of music which can appeal to a wide variety of
listeners. We definitely like to get pretty heavy at times and also mellow out when
necessary, kind of a full spectrum of musical arrangements. Up until now, progressive
metal was the category we were put in. I didn't mind it until every band started calling
themselves progressive. I guess eventually we will be able to classify what we do.
Metal Rules!!:
Your bio mentioned that you started the band after graduating
from the University of Akron. What did you study? Are you also working in the field in
which you studied?
Chris:
My first two years at The University of Akron I studied Civil Engineering.
That didn't pan out to what I thought it would so I decided to take up music. I had played
guitar for several years so I took up Classical Guitar. At first I was in education, but
decided to change to performance shortly afterwards. Well, I guess you could say I'm
"working" in music, without pay for now!! I do also teach at a local store but
put most of my time into Archetype.
Metal Rules!!:
I know this question is typical, but for a newer
band I think it's important. What bands have most influenced your sound?
Chris:
The band that got me into the more technical side of writing is Coroner.
They remain my favorite band and my biggest influence. Also Dream Theater, Rush, Savatage,
King Diamond, Malmsteen and various classical music has influenced me throughout the
years. Everything I write I try to make as original as possible. I don't listen to these
bands exclusively, that would only cloud my mind. For several years now I have mostly
listened to Death/Black metal and New Age music. Listening to these styles of music and
writing another allows for more creativity and originality!
Metal Rules!!:
When I
first put on your CD I wrongfully assumed you were a European band, when I learned
you were from Ohio I was surprised! Do you get this reaction much?
Chris:
From the comments and reviews we have gotten, people seem to really like the CD
and some probably assume we are from Europe. Our style is much more suited for Europe than
the US now, so when they realize we are from Ohio, I'm sure there is some surprise. In the
future I would like to see the US embrace music like ours more.
Metal Rules!!:
I really like your CD, my only small complaint is the abundant
acoustic/mellow intros and interludes...will that be something you will
continue with?
Chris:
If you want to hear raging metal non-stop, I can see where the slower clean parts
would interfere with your listening. Remember, Archetype is a multi-dimensional band. The
monotony of constant heaviness lacks (to me) in originality and diversity. We are a very
melodic, musical band and without these diverse parts, would be just another 'run of the
mill' metal band. I have always enjoyed well structured heavy and clean parts intermingled
with one another. This makes things more musical, more interesting and much more
listenable. Music seems to provide more emotion going from clean to heavy and vice-versa.
It makes songs seem like stories rather than just songs. I feel there has to be both forms
to create something musical! Don't get me wrong, we do a lot of heavy parts, but will
include a well placed, clean intro or interlude. You have to realize that I write what I
feel, not to please anyone else!!
Metal Rules!!:
Where has most of the interest in Archetype come from so far?
Chris:
Without a doubt, from Europe! Since our style is much more accepted there,
we have gotten great reviews and comments from magazines, webzines and a few labels. It
will take some time to get good recognition in the US.
Metal Rules!!:
Do you play much live in and around your homebase? Also, has
their been or will their be any touring outside of the US?
Chris:
We have played quite a few shows around northern Ohio and will be working our way
to other cities and states soon. We will be coming to Europe in mid-November (probably
11/12 - 11/28) for a few weeks to do a small tour with two other Intromental Management
bands, Fifth Reason and Antithesis. We will be in Holland, Belgium, France, Germany,
Denmark and possibly Sweden. Be sure to check out http://www.intromental.com
for more information.
Metal Rules!!:
Has their been any major label interest in the band?
Chris:
Our management is in contact with a few well known labels that have expressed some
interest in us. A lot of labels like the music but are hesitant to work with us because of
our style being so different. In time I think they will realize just how far this music
can go.
Metal Rules!!:
What are your goals for the band?
Chris:
Definitely to secure a record deal and get our music out to as many people as
possible. We have a lot of material and I can't wait to start recording our first full
length album. I would like to succeed in many different parts of the world rather than
just one continent. I don't think it's too far out of reach to go places like Japan, South
America and all of Europe. I have very high hopes for Archetype and seeing all the great
reviews and comments that have all come so fast, this seems very possible.
Metal Rules!!:
As a lead guitar player what other players have you been most
impressed with?
Chris:
It all started with Glenn Tipton of Judas Priest. He is the reason I started
playing. They weren't the best song writers, but every solo he ever did was original and
fit the music perfectly! Tommy T. Baron (Vetterli) of Coroner is another favorite.
His style, ability and originality blew me away. Chris Oliva (RIP) from Savatage was a
player you really saw mature on the instrument from Sirens till his death after Streets,
great soloist and writer. A few more would be Yngwie Malmsteen, John Petrucci of Dream
Theater (obviously) and Andy LaRocque of King Diamond. In the classical realm, Augustin
Barrios Mangore (my favorite composer), Louis Quintero and of course John Williams.
Metal Rules!!:
Are you a self taught player?
Chris:
I was self taught from the age of 16 until I took classical at the age of 20. When
I first started I took two lessons, didn't like my instructor and did it myself. I
progressed slower that way, but wasn't really serious at the time. For five years, ages 20
- 25 I studied classical guitar and played very little electric. The classical playing
helped my electric so I could maintain my current level. Since I graduated, I have been
very serious on the electric guitar and have played much less classical. I'm grateful for
the knowledge I gained in school and realize that I wouldn't be writing what I do now
without it. I think everyone should have some instruction at one time or another, but
everyone also has to find their own place.
Metal Rules!!:
What type of gear and setup do you use? (amps, guitars, effects
pedals or racks)
Chris:
Right now I use Paul Reed Smith and Ibanez guitars. I used to have a Marshall JCM
800 Half Stack, but sold the head due to lack of a clean channel. I currently use a
Marshall Valvestate, a Rocktron Intellifects unit and an Ibanez tube screamer for that
more raw sound. Soon I will be getting into a full tube, rack system.
Metal Rules!!:
Since the recording of "Hands of Time"
you've added a second guitar player? How has this changed your sound both live and
for writing?
Chris:
We started with two guitars originally and when we went down to one guitar, our
live sound really suffered. The lack of harmonies and power became very obvious and made
the music 'hollow'. With the addition of a second guitarist, the music has once again
reached it's fullest potential. I write everything for two guitars because of the
overall musical effect that can be achieved. Rhythm under solos, chordal and lead
harmonies and a more full, heavy and powerful sound.
Metal Rules!!:
Have you written any new songs? If so what are they sounding
like?
Chris:
We currently have about 20 originals completed. Not all have lyrics yet, but the
music is done. I am always writing new material. Right now I am taking apart older songs
and using sections that I liked with newly written parts. My writing stays fairly
consistent and I have come up with a few longer songs and a few heavier songs. It's hard
to say what they are exactly like, but as I said before, there is something new with each
song. We are heading towards a more heavy sound than on the CD and I think this will
better the overall effect of the music. We are doing some rough recording at practice and
should have copies of our new material soon.
Metal Rules!!:
Tell me how you hooked up with Intromental Management (Danish metal band agency).
Chris:
I heard of them through a singer who was with us for a few weeks back in June of
1998. He mentioned them to me and I sent them five instrumental CD's. About one month
later I received an e-mail from Claus Jensen expressing interest in working with us. We
realized that staying in the US would get us nowhere so we signed with them. It's
definitely paying off for us in all the promotion and publicity we have gotten.
Metal Rules!!:
Do you have any hope for a resurgence of interest in metal in
North America?
Chris:
I would like to see things improve in the US. It's almost as if no one cares about
good music anymore. Like our singer said, back in the 80's, clubs were very good to bands
and people came out to see all the shows. Now since there are so many below average bands
playing the same garbage, no one wants to waste their time. All these bands think they are
going to be the next big thing, it really makes me ill! It's hard for good bands to get
good gigs because there are no openings. If you get a gig at a good club, they will barely
pay anything even when you draw a decent crowd. Most club owners and promoters only care
about a few dollars and not the quality of music. If they actually spent time working with
a good band, things might start to turn around, I don't see that happening for a long
time! All of this has led to the downfall of metal. That and the inability of most bands,
both local and national to actually create something worthwhile. Sure, there are a few
really good national bands, but it pretty much ends there, something has to be done before
it's too late!!
Metal Rules!!:
If there is any other news or other information on Archetype that you can pass along
then please let me know!! Thanks again, and good luck with Archetype!!
Chris:
For more band information visit www.intromental.com/archetype
(management site) and www.archetype1.com (band
site, under construction).
Thanks, Chris.
