1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
We’re a new band, but we’ve all been or currently are active in other bands: Chad currently drums in Necrot, Mortuous, Rude, and Caffa and used to be in Vastum and Bruxers, James used to play guitar in Moral Void and Black September, both based out of Chicago, and I currently play in Abstracter and that has been my main band for almost six years now. Sam was never in active bands and I believe this is the first time he takes his time to record and play live in a band. As far as how Atrament came to be, while I was in Abstracter I started to really get into faster and more raw forms of punk and metal. Since Abstracter isn’t really the right outlet for that, I decided I would try and give it a shot with another band. So I started looking for people to jam with, and after about a year of disappointments I met James on Craigslist who in the meantime had left Moral Void in Chicago to move to the Bay Area, and was looking to do something similar. I love Moral Void and that band was more or less in the style I was trying to go for, so I got really excited to meet him. After hearing his demos I immediately thought about Chad, a huge d-beat enthusiast. But mostly he’s an insane drummer, so I pitched the idea to him sent him James’ demos and he was into it. Sam’s an amazing bass player that I had tried to get into Abstracter before so asking him to join on bass was a no brainer. He was into the jams as well, and this time had some time on his side during the week, so here we are.
2.Recently you have released a demo, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?
It’s D-Beat Crust done the classic conventional way. I don’t think this band it trying to change the rules of the game. We love the classic sound, and this is our way to celebrate it. However, a darkness and grimness came into play as James is a huge Darkthrone fan who loves to throw in some evil riffs and some minor discordant chords here and there, Chad is really into old school Death Metal and Grind so at times his drumming gets really menacing, and I have a fascination with darkness and despair that probably came over from Abstracter. So the end result is definitely something that stands on its own.
3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
Just one mainly: the disease that is mankind in all of its possible declinations - ranging from animal abuse to war, disease, pain, suffering, pollution etc. but it’s all drenched in apocalyptic and surreal commentary.
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Atrament'?
“Atramentum” is latin for “blackening”. The noun “Atrament” in modern english therefore stands for something - a substance - that blackens, that turns things black. The word “atrocity” comes from the same latin word also.
5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
We’ve only played one show with False from Minnesota, Gloam from Santa Cruz and Pale Chalice from San Francisco, and it was a killer time.
6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
Not at the moment, but definitely thinking about it.
7.The demo was released on Sentient Ruin, are you happy with the support they have provided you with so far?
Well, Sentient Ruin, is my label, haha.
8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black, death metal and crust?
We’re still very new, have only played one show and the demo just came out, so its hard to tell and too early to say. All our friends in other bands here in Oakland are excited about us doing this and are supportive though.
9.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?
Chad is always the busiest with Necrot, and they are going to tour the Northwest soon and are working on new material. I believe Caffa will have a new release out soon as well. Abstracter is going to record a split in the beginning of September, play Southwest Terror Fest in Arizona in October, and then tour Europe in Spring of 2016. I think James is looking to form a doom metal band on the side here in Oakland but I’m not sure how far into it he is. Sam is busy with this band and making beer with his friends, haha.
10.When can we expect a full length album and where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
It is already recorded and will be announced soon.
11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
As far as Atrament goes: Early Napalm Death, Bolt Thrower, Darkthrone, Burzum, Skitsystem, Discharge, Doom, Early Dismember, Tragedy, Amebix and Axegrinder. Lately I’ve been really enjoying Column of Heaven, Knelt Rote and Gehenna.
12.What are some of your non musical interests?
Unfortunately I think music takes up all of my time outside of work. I like to try new food, I love movies and I love the outdoors (hikes etc)
13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Yes - thanks to you for your time, to to anyone reading this, and to anyone who has shown interest in what we do.
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