Elliotts Keep Interview

1.     Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?

The recording of the new album and the accompanying release details have kept us busy this year.  We are very pleased with the album and glad to have it finally released.

2.     Recently you have self released an album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical direction it has taken and also how does it differ from previous releases?

Overall, the songs are a bit shorter and more dense.  Sine Qua Nonwas a bit more sprawling than Nascentes Morimur.  However, the songs remain epic and contain our trademark thrash, progressive, death and black metal signatures.  To borrow and paraphrase a line from Tom Phillips, we have the same elements in our music, the ratios just vary from song to song and album to album.  The one new spice this time is the use of viola on the intro sections for two tracks.  John Perez described the alum as a “crusher” and that was our goal.

3.     What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?

Pain, change, questions in life and coping with great loss - tales of insurrection, grief and betrayal – our usual stomping grounds. 

4.     What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name Elliott's Keep?

We originally played together in a Dallas band named Marauder in the early to mid-1990s.  The fourth member of Marauder was Glenn Elliott, our singer and rhythm guitar player.  As with other great ones, Glenn died young in 2004.  When we decided to reform, we renamed our band to honor our fallen brother.

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?

The Dallas Doom Daze festivals were great fun.  Our stage show is unpretentious and very heavy.

6.     Do you have any touring or show plans for the new release?

We choose to play live only on a sporadic basis.  At the moment, we have no plans but will see what the new year brings us.  Our focus will likely remain on composing and releasing new music.

7.     The new album is self released after releasing 2 albums on Brainticket Records, are you planning on working with a record label again in the future?

Nothing changed in terms of the production of the new record.  We recorded again with JT Longoria (Solitude Aeturnus, Candlemass, Absu, Mercyful Fate, King Diamond, Volbeat) at Nomad studio here in the Dallas area.  The album was mastered by Gary Long, as was the case with the prior two records.  John Perez, doom godfather and head man at Brainticket Records, was globetrotting with his duties on the St. Vitus tour when we recorded this one.  With CD sales and the realities of downloading being what they are, we decided to go this route.  All is good with John.  We were chatting earlier this week about Nascentes Morimur and he will have it available for sale through Brainticket.  At the moment, the current outlet for CDs is  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/elliottskeep.  The album is also available at http://elliottskeep.bandcamp.com/ for free digital download and streaming. 

8.     On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to the new album by fans of extreme metal?

The response to the new songs has been great.  Although we make the music we want to play and would like to hear ourselves, it is very gratifying to hear it resonate with others.  We very much appreciate those who post comments or send us a shout out.

9.     What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

We will stay on course.  

10.   What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Within the band, our listening preferences are not identical, but there is a significant amount of overlap.  Not surprisingly, we listen to doom, thrash, death, progressive and black metal and that is reflected in our music.  We also listen to other metal and non-metal genres.  There really aren’t any new bands that have directly influenced our music, but we do listen to new bands.  There are also many strong releases of late from bands that have been around for some time.

11.   Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Football, fiction and single malt scotch.

12.   Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Thank you for the opportunity to do this interview and for your review of Nascentes Morimur.  Have a great 2014.