1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?
We’ve been performing at a handful of one-off shows and producing music videos for a few songs off “What’s Beyond The Light”. I’m currently finishing up the album cover artwork: a 25x25in painting made exclusively with my blood and semen reminiscent of Gustave Doré or William Blake.
2.You have a new album coming out in August, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
“What’s Beyond The Light” has a bigger dynamic range than our debut album, “Kill The King”. I wrote all the music with our drummer Robbie Young and bassist Terran Fernandez, so there’s literally more flavors on it. I think this album appeals to musicians as well as fans of extreme metal.
3.The band was broken up for a few years, what was the cause of the split and also the decision to reform?
We disband after our first tour was cancelled in 2002. At the time we were all about 16 years old. Our drummers dad, that had agreed to be the parental chaperone, cancelled the tour on us a few days before we were scheduled to leave. We were crushed. The band felt like a race car taking off in the lead then smashing into a wall going up in flames - there was no more room for the band to grow at the time. It was honestly the most depressing time of my entire life.
In 2012, Mike Radford (original drummer) and I recorded a couple of old Mindscar songs just for fun. The tracks led to irrefutable performance and touring opportunities. In March 2013, I resurrected the band and we have been going full force ever since.
4.I have read that the band started out in more of a regular black metal style but the newer music has a variety of many different metal style, what was the decision behind going into this musical direction?
Actually the band started out sounding more thrash metal. When I was 14 I obtained a copy of the book Lords Of Chaos and quickly fell in love with black metal. That’s when we started blending thrash, death and black metal together. We’ve always been about variety and have never belonged to a single genre. I like to explore musically with every release simply because it’s more fun.
5.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?
There’s a lyrical blend of reality and imagination with no boundaries. “Headless” is about the film Headless by Arthur Cullipher. “I Am The Bad Man” is about a film called The Bad Man that Scott Schirmer is currently making. There is a lot of poetic wonder of the grand mystery of death throughout the album. The title track is about where we fit in this world. It’s a song that I hope brings release to those struggling with painful circumstances in their life.
6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Mindscar'?
Our original drummer (Mike Radford) came up with the name when we were kids. It just sounded cool to us at the time so we stuck with it.
7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Some of the best crowds have been in San Juan (Puerto Rico), Los Angeles/Hollywood (CA), Albuquerque (NM), Louisville (KY), everywhere in Texas and of course everywhere in Florida. Our stage show is intense and precise - three guys playing as hard as they can.
8.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?
We have plans to tour the US and Puerto Rico. All of the dates will be posted on www.mindscar.com. We are currently in the process of acquiring passports for all of the band members so we can begin booking outside the US.
9.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
We have been in contact with a few people but have not received an offer that we are interested in. We always have the door for opportunity open.
9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of extreme metal?
I am happy with the feedback, publicity and merch sales from international fans of extreme metal and look forward to performing with Mindscar outside the US.
10.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?
I play session guitar for Nader Sadek. We recently completed a Mexico tour and will be performing with Sepultura in Cairo, Egypt next month. Terran plays bass for Infinite Earths and Visioner. Both bands are currently working on new releases and playing one-off shows.
11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
I think we will refine the dynamics that we started exploring on the new album while continuing to explore new musical territory. We are always pushing each other to grow and progress as musicians so I think the level of musicianship will improve. My writing and voice continues to evolve over time, introducing new attributes.
12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Our musical influences span too many genres to list. Lately we’ve all been listening to King Crimson and Oingo Boingo.
13.What are some of your non musical interests?
Film, artwork, books, cooking, craft beer, poetry, occult, philosophy, science and sex.
14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thank you for talking with us! Keep kicking ass!
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