The Total Sound Of The Undergound

Lelahel Metal

Traverse the Abyss ignite 2025 with “Pursuit,” the explosive opener to Memento Mori: Chapter 3. We dive into the track’s meaning, creation, and the band’s relentless drive and vision.

1. “Pursuit” kicks off Chapter 3 of Memento Mori with pure intensity. Can you walk us through the inspiration behind this track—both musically and lyrically? The lyrics dive into chasing dreams and battling self-doubt. Was there a personal moment or story that sparked the creation of this song?

Pursuit, as well as the rest of Memento Mori was created on the idea of writing a series of songs that flowed into each other seamlessly. The lyrical content came from the book The 5 Major Pieces to the Life Puzzle by Jim Rohm which I (Eric) was reading around the time. I was consistently in a negative mindset and was looking for outlets to help get me out of the mental rut I was in. That book alongside others helped, and I wanted to use the fire sparked from it to help others. Another reason all the songs have lyric videos to correspond since I read the text I wanted the same for the listeners. 

2. From a production standpoint, “Pursuit” is a beast. What was the recording process like, and how did you approach the arrangement of such an explosive track?

Our guitarist Jamie recommended Clyde of Republic Audio Studio to take on this project. He worked with Clyde with an older band he was in and felt he could really capture what we were going for with this release. We took our time with this one, perhaps a bit longer than the industry would like, but we wanted everything to be right. Clyde spent endless hours working different ideas to life and creating Memento Mori, We are grateful for all his heart and soul to bring Memento Mori to life.

3. You’ve released a lyric video, a guitar playthrough, and live performance clips alongside the single. What was your goal in creating this multi-angle experience for fans?

We performed most of the EP for the past few years, once Justin and Nick joined the band when we were sculpting the middle section of the record. We wanted the fans to be able to read the lyrics and build their own interpretation and inspiration from them like from the books, but we wanted the fans to see all the edges with the songs, from seeing how the guitar lines are performed to live shows that they might have been at and want to go back to that time and place when hearing the songs/ seeing the videos.

4. The Memento Mori series has been unfolding in chapters—what’s the bigger picture or concept driving the full project?

To live your life to the fullest, Remember You Will Die. The idea was for the songs to all flow seamlessly as their lyrics flowed to tell each piece of the puzzle, as in the book, but in our own words.

5. Your sound is a potent fusion of metalcore, thrash, and groove metal. Who are some of your biggest influences that shaped that blend—and how do you keep it fresh and uniquely Traverse the Abyss?

We stay pretty open influence wise throughout our music, We all love Rock/Metal music as well as other genres and we love to display that. We want each song to be fun and different from the last, while utilizing influences from bands we might be really into at that moment in time or an idea that sparked from another artist/entertainer.  Our influences collectively are all over the place, there isn't a whole slew of bands that we all agree on, but a few stand outs would be Lamb of God, Trivium, Avenged Sevenfold, and Bullet for my Valentine.

6. Scranton, PA might not be the first city that comes to mind when thinking of metal hubs. What’s the scene like there, and how has it shaped your evolution as a band?

Scranton is big in the art community, the music scene is very supportive of each other across the different genres, especially within the punk, rock, metal, hardcore scenes. It shaped us as a band to show respect to other musicians regardless of genre, everyone is in the same swimming pool. We also learn different aspects of the arts from working cohesively to grow. 

7. You mentioned 2024 was a huge year for the band. What were some highlights that really fueled your momentum going into 2025?

We had a huge 2023, performing at Inkcarceration Festival , Louder Than Life and doing a national tour. We had several bus breakdowns and other hindrances throughout 2024, but it allowed us the time to focus ourselves in different areas and plan an even stronger 2025.

8. “Pursuit” feels like a rallying cry. What message do you hope listeners walk away with after hearing this track?

Don't play to anyone else's rules, Live your life on your terms and race toward your goals. 

9. What can fans expect next from Traverse the Abyss? More singles? A full album? Tour plans?

We will release "Memento Mori" on April 25th, from there we have a few tour legs spanned throughout the rest of 2025. We will have variations of the EP on the horizon, currently working on finalizing more new music, an appearance at Michigan Metal Fest this August and showcases in our hometown, such as the EP Release Show at The Ritz in Scranton, PA which is our first headliner in a venue that regularly houses national bands. Follow us on Bandsintown, our website and any social media for updates! 

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