Thrash outfit MISFIRE returns with Living The Dream, a blistering new single that sets the tone for their upcoming album Product Of The Environment. We spoke with drummer James Nicademus.
James - The
riffs have been around for while. I want to say that was written in 2020 or
2021. It is a good representation of where we are and where we are headed.
2. Drummer
James Nicademus mentioned the song has “been a long time coming.” Can you tell
us a bit about its evolution from idea to finished product?
James - It
is very similar to what it was when I first wrote it music-wise. Originally the
chorus riff was a bit simpler. Kosta threw in a tail on that riff and made it a
bit stronger. We also shortened up a couple spots to make the song move
quicker. Lyrically the concept stayed the same from the beginning however the
original version was a lot more wordy. Less is best sometimes.
3. The
album Product Of The Environment is
dropping May 2nd. How does this release differ from your 2021 debut Sympathy For The Ignorant in terms
of sound, songwriting, and vision?
James - It
is similar approach but these songs push the limits of what we did previously.
In every sense. The fast stuff is faster. The catchy stuff is catchier. The
riffs are sicker. It is a big step up in my opinion and I'm very proud of what
we accomplished.
4. The
record features guest appearances from some legendary names like Rob Dukes and
Rob Cavestany. How did those collaborations come about, and what did they bring
to the album?
James -
Kosta became friends with Rob a couple years back and asked him if he would be
interested in singing on the record. It is absolutely A dream come true for us.
Those Exodus records with Rob are some of the albums that shaped my taste in
metal. Our management also manages Death Angel So they asked Rob if he would be
interested and after hearing the track he agreed to lay down a solo. Now we
have super epic solo section on the record that wasn't originally planned and
It's one of my favorite moments on the record.
5. James,
you’ve been a driving force since the band’s formation. How did you steer the
band through the lineup changes and challenges leading up to this album?
James - It
was tough. I wasn't sure what was going to happen. A lot of what went wrong was
simply not having the right people in this band. So when Kosta and Tim joined
it felt like there was a light at the end of the tunnel and we got through it
together. Without them this this would have completely fallen apart.
6. Tim
and Kostadin joined just before a major tour with Warbringer, and Dan came in
not long after. How did the new lineup find its chemistry so quickly, both on
stage and in the studio?
James -
Dan, Tim, and I have known each other for a long time. We've all played in
different bands in chicago/Joliet so we were pretty comfortable right away.
Kosta is a professional and a killer player with similar influences so he fit
right in.
7. Tracks
like “Artificially Intelligent” and “Privacy” dive into modern concerns like
digital surveillance and tech overreach. How important is it for MISFIRE to
reflect current issues in your lyrics?
James - I
don't want to be one of those bands that sing about castles and dragons. Not
that there is anything wrong with that. I prefer topics that are more thought
provoking and subjects that either come from life experience or the world
around us.
8. “Twist
of Fate” was described as a personal vent. How much of this album is rooted in
individual struggles versus broader social commentary?
James - The
entire album is rooted from personal struggles. Some just have more social
commentary than others.
9. Tell
us about working with co-producer John Douglass and mixer Alex Parra in
Atlanta. What kind of energy or perspective did they bring into the sessions?
James -
Well they are both amazing musicians and have worked on a lot of killer
records. They were like the 5th and 6th band members. Making sure everything
was as solid as it could be and had great suggestions while tracking. They also
both have a guitar solo on the record which was a treat!
The
experience over all was great. We went down for ten days and recorded nonstop
until we finished everything. It was an intense couple of weeks but the result
was worth it!
10. With
the album release lining up with your tour alongside Exodus and Havok, how are
you preparing for this run? What can fans expect from MISFIRE on stage?
James -
Well we are of course practicing more together and getting the songs as tight
as can be. We have been playing mostly new songs but we will be adding in a
couple from the first album every night. We can't wait to get on the road with
this new record.
11. The
title Product Of The Environment suggests
a reflection on your surroundings and experiences. How much of this album is a
reaction to the world around you versus what's within?
James - The
concept is that you are who you are because of where you come from and what you
have experienced. Your perspective and the way you see the world are rooted in
your environment. Most of these songs deal with what is within but there are a
few like Privacy, A.I. and End of an Age that are more of a reaction to the
world around us.
12. Lastly,
what does “Living The Dream” mean to you personally – and is it as sarcastic as
it sounds, or is there still hope at the core of MISFIRE’s message?
James - It
is 110% Sarcasm. That's what we say in the Midwest when asked “How are you?”
That being said if you keep a blind eye to the things in your life robbing you
of your happiness maybe you should wake up instead of living that same dream
and making those same mistakes over and over.
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