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ODIUM: "Burning The Bridges To Nowhere "

ODIUM and their second album "Burning The Brides To Nowhere" - strickly metal for the real metal fan! Find out more about the band and their latest album, here's original member and drummer:  JOE MULLEN...

How has the reaction to your latest CD been?

It's been great! Getting lots of positive feedback and some really good reviews as well. Seems like our fans really enjoy the new album.

How long did this CD take to make from start to finish, recording-wise?

We split up to record one instrument at a time (as the studio is in Brampton) and it took between 2-3 weeks.

What kind of 'sound', production wise, did you have in the back of your mind, prior to entering the studio?

We all had a pretty clear vision for how we wanted the overall sound to be, which was crisp, audible, and most importantly thick and full sounding.

What kind of input did the producer have during the process?

Tons of input. We love working with Greg "Gerg" Dawson and he's always got lots of great suggestions. Doesn't hurt that he's all about the meat and potatoes either.

And are you pleased with the final outcome? (sound - production wise)

Absolutely.

Did the producer (you) use any (weird) experimental miking and/or recording techniques?

Every time I go into the studio with Gerg, he always has new ideas to try. For room mics on the drums, he had the usual stereo set up several feet back from the kit but also used 2 57’s pointing into the far corners of the room. It really helped to create a larger sounding kit s a whole.

How did you go on about capturing your 'live sound' in the studio, or perhaps you didn't

This is one of the many things Greg Dawson is a master at. Keeping "feel" while still making a punishing record. Basically, instead of the drums being comped and quantized, he comps the drums usually from 2 or three takes of a whole song and only really touches up the kicks here and there, maybe tightening up a few fills. That way a lot more of what I play ends up on the record. Also, he uses samples for kick and snare but they are made of my actual kit and are multi-sampled to keep more of a natural sound.

Please inform us about your favourite songs and lyrical highlights and why?

One of my favorite songs from the new record is the opener, "Burning the Bridges to Nowhere". It pretty much sums up what the whole record is about. It’s heavy, epic, has that wicked middle bridge, and overall is just punishing! My lyrical highlight would have to be, "I stare blankly into you, process my world the way you present it". It's about how many people arebrainwashed by tv and media. They create their whole sense of self fromwhat is being shown to them on TV. It's a very powerful lyric that resonates well with today’s mainstream culture. As our time moves onhowever, I believe more and more people are beginning to awaken from this type of mindset.

Any overall theme of mood that you're trying to capture while writing songs?

Generally, we wanted to keep the record dark and heavy but still have a hopeful side to it. The mood is one of "meat and potatoes" heaviness with a deep lyrical content centered around self-discovery and awakening of the soul.

Did the record company interfere with anything on your "sound" and songs?

Definitely not. Ultimately what we write is what we want to write. We've never been asked to change our writing style and if we did we wouldn't listen.

Are there any 'crazy' behind the scenes anecdotes from these sessions that you can share with us?

When we are in the studio, we are all business. We are intensely focused on our performances and making sure our record ends up as punishing as possible.

How would you describe the sound of your new CD to any potential new fan? 

A very melodic and epic journey through the swamp of satan.

Who are your influences and heroes? (music-wise)

We have a variety of influences from Nothingface to Black Dahlia Murder, but we also enjoy the classics like Pantera and Pink Floyd.

If there's anything you'd like to add, say, please do:

Thanks for your time and keep listening to metal!
Cheers!
Joe Mullen/ ODIUM

Interview by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom,
Photos from   http://www.facebook.com/OdiumMusic/
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