Lauren Wise of the Phoenix New Times recently conducted an interview with drummer Jordan Mancino of San Diego metallers As I Lay Dying. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.
Phoenix New Times: On the [Decas] album, you guys cover Judas Priest‘s Electric Eye and Hellion, Slayer ‘s ultimate metal anthem War Ensemble, and Descendants, Coffee Mug. How did you choose the covers?
Jordan: The Judas Priest song was Phil‘s [Sgrosso, guitarist] idea, which was ultimately supported by the band. We are all fans of Judas Priest and felt we could put a tasteful twist on the original while keeping it respectful to the original recording. The Slayer cover came up as a covered single for a video game soundtrack. We thought it turned out so well that we would put it on Decas. Plus, Slayer is one of our many influences, so we thought it was fitting to pay our respect with cover of one of their greatest songs. The Descendants cover came up, since we most of us grew listening to them and other punk bands. We also liked the lightheartedness of the song and the fact it was only 30-seconds long.
Phoenix New Times: How do you think As I Lay Dying‘s sound has evolved over 10 years and five albums?
Jordan: Well, when you listen to the albums back to back the evolution of our sound is fairly clear, that is we are always trying to get heavier and heavier while writing better songs. I think with Frail Words Collapse and Shadows Are Security, we concentrated more on the melodic side of our sound, and An Ocean Between Us and The Powerless Risewe focused more on the trashier side and layering side of our sound. I certainly plan and hope to continue to evolve as songwriters and musicians.
Phoenix New Times: What’s the one message you think As I Lay Dying‘s music brings to society?
Jordan: I think there’s easily more than one message to society brought by our band, but all of those messages provoke some sort of thought. People need to think a little more and question the norm.
Phoenix New Times: I know that statements have been made in prior interviews that Christian views come across often in the lyrics. Do you guys keep Christian values in your actual lifestyles?
Jordan: Definitely. That’s not to say we are perfect by any means. We all make mistakes, but we try to learn from them. I think the most important thing for us is personal and spiritual growth.
Phoenix New Times: What else can fans expect from you guys within the next couple years? Another full-length album? More touring?
Jordan: They can expect both in 2012. We are heading in to the studio around springtime and plan to start the touring once we’ve finished the record.
Read the entire interview from Phoenix New Times.
[click image to enlarge]
Decas tracklisting:
1. Paralyzed
2. From Shapeless to Breakable
3. Moving Forward
4. War Ensemble (Slayer cover)
5. Hellion (Judas Priest Cover)
6. Electric Eye (Judas Priest Cover)
7. Coffee Mug (Descendents cover)
8. Beneath the Encasing of Ashes (Re-Recorded Medley)
9. The Blinding of False Light (Innerpartysystem Remix)
10. Wrath Upon Ourselves (Benjamin Weinman Remix)
11. Confined (Kelly “Carnage” Cairns Remix)
12. Elegy (Big Chocolate Remix)
As I Lay Dying will be heading out on A Decade of Destruction Tour November 30th-December 16th with guests Of Mice & Men, The Ghost Inside, IWrestledaBearOnce, and Sylosis. Dates are below.
A Decade of Destruction Tour Dates:
12/14 Scottsdale, AZ Venue Of Scottsdale
12/16 San Diego, CA SOMA
12/17 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues
*Tickets on sale now
Related articles:
As I Lay Dying – The Powerless Rise [album review]
New video interview with ‘Nick Hipa’ (As I Lay Dying) [Aug. 2011]
New Audio Interview With ‘Jordan Mancino’ [As I Lay Dying] [Nov. 2011]
‘As I Lay Dying’ ‘Decas’ First-Week Sales Revealed [Nov. 2011]
‘As I Lay Dying’ ‘The Blinding Of False Light’ Available As A Free Download [Nov. 2011]
Surtur Rising – European Autumn Tour 2011 [Review Nov. 2011]
‘Tim Lambesis’ Answers Questions Regarding ‘Decas’ [Nov. 2011]