Brooklyn-based heavy metal trio SANHEDRIN returns with Heat Lightning, out March 14 via Metal Blade Records. We discuss the album’s themes, evolution, and their upcoming European tour with Jeremy Sosville.
1. Your
new album, Heat Lightning, is set for release on March 14th via
Metal Blade Records. What themes and ideas inspired the record, and how does it
differ from your previous album, Lights On?
JS: I think
the big difference between this record and Lights On is the production, which
will be very obvious as soon as anyone familiar with us listens for the first
time. Also, Lights On came together during the pandemic, further exacerbated by
each of us going through some personal turmoil that was outside of the band’s
control. Heat Lightning was created in a period where things were a bit calmer
and less chaotic and I think the strength of our vision reflects that. In terms
of themes, there are a few recurring ones. For example, there are many songs
that explore the hypocrisy of religion in its current forms while also
exploring its origins.
2. The
title track, "Heat Lightning," is a metaphor for our relationship
with nature and climate change. Can you elaborate on how these themes shaped
the album and your songwriting process?
JS: Erica
is our primary lyricist, so I don’t necessarily want to speak for her directly.
I can say that there was a higher level of focus this time around on ensuring
certain musical passages and moments reflected the lyrical themes of the song
in a more dramatic fashion.
3. Your
latest single, “Franklin County Line,” has an interesting backstory about Amish
girls sneaking off to party. What inspired you to tell this story, and how does
it reflect your personal experiences or observations?
JS: The
song’s music was written as a gift to our A&R rep at Metal Blade. We had
sent him a demo with the 8 songs we thought were going to complete the record.
He replied with enthusiasm but suggested we add an uptempo ripper to the mix. I
accepted the challenge and came up with the riffs and arrangement.
Lyrically,
the song is a result of Erica and Nathan coming up to where I live in northern
New York near the Quebec/Ontario border. We spent a week up there rehearsing
and they noted the Amish population and were fascinated by it. Erica then wrote
the lyrics as an homage to that week together as well as a fun fantasy of what
could happen when religious youth rebel.
4. You
rehearsed for Heat Lightning in a kerosene-heated shack during
one of the coldest weeks of winter. How did that setting influence the album’s
sound and energy?
JS: I’m not
sure it influenced it in that way. The album was basically written and demoed
by then and those rehearsals were really to prepare us for our time in the
studio. Being in a remote setting far from civilization helped in the sense
that we could really focus on our playing and not be tempted by any kinds of
distractions, so I suppose it influenced how efficient we could be when it was
time to record in a proper studio.
5. The
album was recorded at Utopia Bearsville studio with producers Matt Brown and
Jerry Farley. What was the recording process like, and how did they help bring
your vision to life?
JS: It was
a definitive decision in relation to how this record turned out. We have always
been satisfied with our previous recordings, but we wanted this album to have
more clarity and punch than those records. Bringing in two great engineers who
were totally in sync with our vision and had the skills to execute it was
incredible. Working in a space where so many legendary records have been made
brought out a little extra in each of us. We worked long and hard hours in the
short time we were there. It was quite intense but the results are something we
are all very excited about.
6. SANHEDRIN has
always blended traditional metal and hard rock with a modern approach. How do
you strike a balance between honoring classic heavy metal influences while
keeping your sound fresh?
JS: We
definitely make a conscious effort to keep away from tired cliches when writing
songs. We are certainly influenced by classic sounds, but we don’t want to
sound like we belong in a museum. It’s important to us that our songs and
recordings stand the test of time like so many of our favorite records do. We
want the listener to hear what we’ve done at any given point of time and think
it sounds fresh and sincere.
.jpg)
7. The
album artwork, created by Johan Prenger, is striking. Can you tell us about the
concept behind the cover and how it connects to the themes of the record?
JS: Johan
is a friend and a big supporter of the band, so it was a real treat to be able
to collaborate with him on the cover. I think it’s best for the listener to
hear the record, read the lyrics and interpret the album cover’s meaning with
their own imagination. Erica and Johan definitely had a clear vision when they
worked together to make the cover you see, but I think it’s more interesting to
keep those secrets guarded and see how people outside of the process interpret
it.
8. You’ll
be hitting the road in 2025, including a European co-headlining tour with
Savage Master. What can fans expect from your live performances on this run?
JS: They
can expect a band that’s excited to be back on stage and proud to show off some
new material. Our live show is something that people seem to really get excited
by. We don’t come out with fancy lights or gimmicks. We just go up, rock hard
and hopefully leave the crowd feeling like their time with us was well spent.
9. With
a decade of making music together, how do you feel SANHEDRIN has
evolved both musically and as a band? What have been the biggest challenges and
highlights along the way?
JS: The
biggest challenges have been adapting to changes in personal lives. None of us
are living the same lives we were 10 years ago. Another challenge is that I now
live 400 miles from the other two band members. As such, we have had to adapt
our methods of collaboration. The fact that we have is a testament to the
dedication each of us has to the band.
Most of my
best memories involve playing live. There’s no feeling like that of playing
songs you wrote with your friends and having crowds of total strangers singing
those songs back at you with smiles on their faces. It’s a humbling feeling
that we are lucky to experience.
10. Beyond Heat
Lightning, what’s next for SANHEDRIN? Are there any other projects or
collaborations in the works?
JS: We’re
not looking too far ahead, as we are pretty wrapped up in this current moment
of getting the new album to people. We have some dates in the US in the next
couple months and then a European tour with our friends Savage Master. After
that, we shall see what the world brings to us.
Post a Comment