Abiotic is an American progressive, technical death metal band from Miami, Florida that has recently signed to Metal Blade Records. The five-piece group consists of vocalist Ray Jimenez, bassist Alex Vazquez, drummer Andres Hurtado and guitarists Matt Mendez and Johnathan Matos. The band has released two singles and a seven song studio EP entitled 'A Universal Plague'. "Vermosapien", the second track on the EP, has recently been featured on the quintet's first music video, directed by Dan Drescher. Now they got another release under their belts called " Symbiosis" so the band goes on to discuss the all new material and how it feels to be a part of a label such as Metal Blade Records.
1. Who was it that decided it would be an insane idea to form Abiotic?
It was generally the bass player Alex and I who were in a previous project and wanted to do something more technical.
2. What ís the origin of the bands name?
The name means antagonist to life or opposed to it. Anything non-living.
3. You guys have a unique sound, which bands would you say influence you the most?
Bands like Necrophagist, The Faceless, The Black Dahlia Murder, and Death are huge influences on us.
4. Can you think back to how life was for you before joining the Metal Blade Records family and think how things changed for you once you joined?
Life before joining the Metal Blade family was full of trying to accomplish short term goals as a band to get there. I personally worked a 9-5 and hated it. Once we joined the family, I (gladly) had to quit my job and make this a full-time endeavor. One of the greatest things that have ever happened to me.
5. Why did you pick To Burgeon and Languish as your single?
We felt it would show listeners what we were all about and would be a real attention grabber.
6. Tell me about the song To Burgeon and Languish.
To Burgeon and Languish is one of my favorite songs on the record. Musically, I feel it portrays everything we're going for as a band. It's heavy, it's melodic, it's technical and I think our fans, new and old will be able to relate to it.
7. How has the band ís sound evolved from A Universal Plague to Symbiosis?
Because 7 of the 10 songs on AUP are on Symbiosis, you won't see too much of an evolution composition wise, as the additional three songs we wanted to keep in context, but there's a huge change in production. It's much clearer and just sounds devastating. We also tweaked the older songs some and gave them some new flare.
8. What are your expectations for the CD?
We don't really have expectations. Just hopes and dreams. We hope the record does well and hope that we are put on some tours after it's release that will allow us to spread the music to as many people as possible. Of course, no dreams are realized without hard work and dedication, so you won't see us slacking!
9. As an up and coming band and part of Metal Blade Records - what do you think you can bring to the music scene?
I feel like we can mix a few genres that aren't normally mixed together. We can bring together technical, melodic, and heavy aspects of music that I feel will satisfy the newer metal listeners as well as the older crowd.
10. Your are currently on tour in support of this release, how has that been going for you guys?
The tour has been amazing so far. We've had the pleasure of sharing the stage with great bands every night and visiting cities we've never been to before. We've met so many of our fans on the west side of the US and we're grateful for every day we get to play to new faces.
11. What did you do to prepare yourselves for this tour?
We generally practice 5-6 times a week in preparation for tour. Gotta try and stay as tight as possible!
12. Is there any other song that when you play it live on stage makes your adrenaline levels kick in and make you want to go hyper?
I'd have to say our opening song "Vermosapien" definitely gets me going and ready to put on a great show!
13. How easy is it to keep the motivation going on a daily basis for Abiotic?
With the support from our friends, family, fans, and label, it's as easy as it can possibly get, I think.
14. Do you guys have any plans to pig out on candy or celebrate Halloween this year?
We just might! We'll be doing a couple of dates with Six Feet Under during Halloween, so let's see how those guys party.
15. What else do you have lined up for the rest of this year?
Aside from the release of our debut record, we've got some stuff under wraps right now as far as some tours go and things like that. Check our Facebook page for details!
16. Want to say or add anything else?
You can pre-order our debut release Symbiosis at Metalblade.com/abiotic. We love all of our fans and hope that all of you will continue to help us spread the shred!
