1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?
We've played a few gigs, most notably with Vision Of Disorder on a Temples festival replacement gig, we did a weekender with our friends in Greenhorn and Victorian Whore Dogs in April and we played with Hang The Bastard on one of their final runs as a band. We've been jamming loads and have 2 new songs written, we're hoping to play at least one at Red Sun festival! We've always got band stuff happening, getting tshirts made and looking into other gigging opportunities and the like. Other than that, I'm getting married in July so I've been busy with that.
2. In July you have a new album coming out, how would you describe the musical sound that is present on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
It's a good, diverse album. We try not to play the same riff or style too many times. It's heavier than an anvil sandwich and the album dynamics are a lot more...dynamic I guess! I wouldn't say it differs much from other stuff we've put out, the only real change is that Ant and Tom are chipping in vocally. Our philosophy has always been that nothing is really off limits, every riff, every idea is explored and only the heaviest remain!
3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
We tend to write about the grim prospects of reality, whether that be relating to organised religion, political views, the dangers of solitude, disassociation and depression. It's all the usual nihilistic misanthropy.
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Tides Of Sulfur'?
I found the word 'Sulfur' in an old encyclopedia I think. It said something about Brimstone now being called Sulfur had one of those F's that looks like and elongated S and it just stood out for me. We equated Brimstone/Sulfur/Sulphur being inherently evil and the tides are an unstoppable force so it's like being enveloped in a negative energy.
5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Now that's a difficult question! I wouldn't be able to judge any of our performances as I'm always playing...and personally, I'm always thinking about how we could do better on the next one so am always reflecting in a constructive matter. Our stage performance, I'd say, is usually described as 'fucking heavy' by people who've seen us and that's the only encouragement we need! I always tend to glare menacingly at whoever I see in the crowd; this has made a number of people a little uncomfortable at times but it's all love!
6. Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
We're playing the 2nd anuual Red Sun festival in our home town in July next, after that, there'll be the occasional show here and there. We've got a weekender with Battalions coming up in November and we'll be playing some places we've never played before and we've also been booked for Hibernation Fest in December thanks to our friends at Hibernacula Records. We're hoping to do a few more weekends next year when we can; 2 of us are family men so we have to honour those responsibilities first and foremost7.A year back you where a part of a split with 'The Air turned To Acid', what are your thoughts on the other band that had participated on the recording?
We met The Air Turned To Acid at Doomfest in 2014. We had just finished our set and we're a little exhausted. As soon as they started their set, we all looked at each other with a look of 'what the hell is this?' and we all had to investigate. They absolutely blew us away. I approached them with the idea of doing a split release with them about a week later. They're all great guys and we love sharing a stage with them.
8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of extreme metal?
We've always played what we wanted to play, regardless of the opinions of anyone but the other band members, so if people are enjoying aspects of what we do then that's great, no matter what part of the globe they're from.
9.Are any of the band members currently involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?
We stole Tom from H O M O H who were fucking awesome, but they sadly don't play anymore. I'm involved in a harsh noise project with Dicky from The Drowning/Gorgantuan/etc called Wraiths and Omens. That's pretty much it.
10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
The honest answer would be 'who knows?' Every song we write gets heavier and further away, stylistically, from some of our earliest stuff. We'll keep coming up with riffs as long as we have strings and fingers.
11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Sorry to give you the same, tired clichés that every band gives, but we all listen to a wide variety of musical styles and genres which has a baring on what influences we bring to the table. Mainly it's bands like Crowbar, Neurosis, High On Fire, Unearthly Trance, Acid Bath, Converge and Today Is The Day that have influenced us in one way or another. Currently, I'm enjoying some heavy stuff but it's getting warm again so I might have to break out something a little bit more accessible. I'll go back to all the gnarly black metal once it gets cold again!
12.What are some of your non musical interests?
We've all got other interests but music is something that's never far from our thoughts. Tom is an avid gig attendee, I'm always looking to write and perfect riffs, coming up with lyrics, thinking of interesting samples to put into songs, sourcing artists for future design needs...I also do some reviews and interviews for the Sludgelord so I listen to a lot of music.
13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Support your scene, kill your ego.
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