Since the recording of the new album “Raum” there was a time of a little rest and also time to work hard to let the world know that we will release our 4th album soon. Also we played a few shows and we are trying to establish our own concert series called Mt. Doom.
After this we’re not lazy but thinking about a new video shoot for one song from the new recording and of course starting slowly writing new songs.
2.Recently you have released a new album, what are some of the things the band has done different musically on this recording that you where not able to do on previous releases?
Musically we’ve tried to put in some faster stuff but also I am always on the search of more atmospheric and melancholic tunes what is a growing thing from album to album in my opinion. The faster stuff sound a bit black metal-ish sometimes what is new for us. Not that we never had some harder tunes in our songs but before this record we weren’t that fast. Atmospheric/melancholic-wise we’ve tried to play less notes but let these notes speak for itself. With some reverb, delay or chorus in the guitars... Also this isn’t that new for us but also a growing thing from song to song.
More important what we did different musically was what we did different in terms of recording. With our producer V.Santura we have had some freedom to record the instruments just like they sound in our rehearsal room. V.Santura found a room where we recorded the drums. A real big studio room with loads of natural room in the sound. Also my guitars was recorded a bit different to the last 2 albums. These seem to be just little changes but you can hear the difference in the albums. And as we all know: it is a never ending search for THE perfect sound…
3.Your lyrics cover astronomy and esoteric themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these subjects?
The lyrics our singer Steve writes by himself aren’t that far away from reality. It is about the whole thing, life, the world, may be the existence or the universe. So it may seems to be esoteric but it is close to reality all the time.
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Absent/Minded'?
The name absent/minded just describes the way we go with our music. We try to be absent in our minds and just play whatever we feel in our hearts. And for us we try to have no boundaries in the way we should sound like. So if the last album was more Doom in it and this album contains more faster beats the next one could be different at all. Who knows how we feel the next months.
5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
A friend of us, Ben, who is a good photographer (Golden Shot Photography) took this picture what actually isn’t more than a fence. And after 3 albums of more or less colorfull artworks we decided to go more black and white or grey and white and simple. But the fence and the album title “Raum” (space, room) do not match and despite all the freedoms we have, we are always within any boundaries that we cannot overcome.
6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
We enjoy every show we play. Also when something bad happens there is a laugh at the end… I remember a show the former bassist had to play the gig without his pedals because I forgot those to pick up from the rehearsal room. This show was at a venue we never played before and so we couldn’t find the place immediately. There wasn’t a real backstage area but only an open room with a fence between the “backstage” and the audience. Yes, this BACK-stage was an IN-FRONT-OF-stage.
During the show my guitar stopped making noise because the singer accidently stepped on my cable. After all this the cable was plugged in again and we all started laughing on stage because it couldn’t come worse. And so the rest of the show was great and we have had a lot of fun and also the audience liked it. To name one show we like the most is not possible. But we have played shows that was special for us. My personal highlight was a show last year with the mighty Crowbar.
7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?
Of course we want to play some shows. On November 24 we release the album with a little release party but after this the next shows will come next year. May be somebody who reads this wants to see us playing then just don’t hesitate and get in touch with us. You can find us on facebook or here: www.aminded.com
8.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
We’re not in hurry to find a label but of course we’re interested in. We are a DIY band since the beginning and why changing a running system. All of our 4 albums and our demo before we released with no help from any label. If there is somebody hearing us and has interest in our work of course can contact us. But I think we are not searching that hard as other bands may do just to have a record deal.
9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your newer music by fans of doom and sludge metal?
Oh, what a “hard-to-answer” question. I don’t think that the reaction counts in the way that we hear then and then react to them. In my opinion we were all the time some kind of unique sounding and back in the days we sounded more “metal” what from album to album changed a bit. It is a come and go of musical styles, influences and preferences of every one of us. So maybe there’s a doom fan out there who likes the Earthtone album the most, no matter how much doom is in this album. Or there is the sludge fan out there who enjoys the Alight album that may has less sludgy tunes in it. And then there’s the metal fan out there who loves the new album knowing that the album contains more clean guitars. The resume would be that we do our music as we like it and we are glad to have supporters and fans who like the stuff we record.
Back to your question: we received lots of reviews and when I remember right there was one review out of ten that didn’t liked it that much but still we got 5 or 6 of 10 points in this review. So all we have heard is positive reactions.
10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Well, as I said: head off, heart on and lets go. We do not know what the next album will sound like. May be we have some crust punk influences may be we do have more Joy Division kinda post punk influences… It’ll be a surprise.
But one thing is for sure: it will have the same dynamic range. There will be quiet clean guitars and there will be some loud and heavy distorted guitars too. There will be a crisp snare ghost note and there will be some earth-shaking bass drum hits. There will be whispers and screams. And all together with a bass guitar that goes directly into your stomach with its overdriven tone before it will stroke your ear with a catchy melody.
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?
Oh maaaan… My first big love was the Florida death metal end of the 80/beginning of the 90s. But also this gothic and doom from the 90s, and Crowbar… Nowadays I would name such bands as Monarch! or Chelsea Wolfe or Implore or Amenra.
But this answer would change depending on who you ask.
12.What are some of your non musical interests?
I do not have other interests L Seriously: My daily job has to do with music and musicians, than I have a band and a second band (where I am just the live guitarist), I listen to music and I collect vinyl records and sometimes I do have the time to read some musicians biography.
13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
BUY OUR RECORD! Hahahaa ;)
We would like to hear the thoughts of fans who really listened our new album (or also the old ones). So if you want to let us know your feelings while enjoying (or not) our album just send us a few lines.
Of course we have to say: stay peacefull, love each other and try not to destroy our earth further and further. Everyone can do a bit and may the world will become a better place!
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