Hath is a four person death metal band from New Jersey. We're just trying to make great, heavy songs.
2.In April you have your first full length coming out, musically how does it differ from the ep you had released in 2015?
Our Hive EP was pretty "safe" for us, but we wanted to try things we've never done this time around. There's a lot more focus on dynamics on this release, new approaches to the vocals, and some things people might not expect after hearing Hive. It's definitely more diverse but still heavier than before.
3.This is your first release in 4 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?
Life happens, I guess you could say. AJ, our drummer, opened a studio and was working hard on that. I (Frank) moved a few states away for a job, but now I'm back. Peter (guitar) joined the band between Hive and this upcoming release. We all have different musical side projects as well.
4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you have explored with your music so far?
Our first EP's content was all one concept, mostly telling one story. That was a fictional one about the folly of one person's lust for power. This album is a little more varied. Some songs explore dark feelings or experiences I or people I know have had, and the rest are inspired by works of fiction that we enjoy.
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Hath'?
'Hath' just jumped out at me one day and I wanted to use it immediately. We brainstormed a large list of names but Hath was the one. I believe a band's music should speak for itself, and I didn't want a name that was distracting. Also it's an archaic form of "have" and to me represents possession in a way that I hope our music can.
6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover/
We wanted something that stood out, but represented what the songs are. So we wanted something bleak and ruined in atmosphere, yet eye-catching. We were browsing Adam Burke's artwork because we liked his pieces for Vektor and some others, found the perfect piece, and that's what you see on the cover.
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?
We've only recently started performing live, so there aren't many to choose from, but I feel our recent shows in North Carolina and Florida have been turning points for us. Our live performance is still evolving, but those shows were key points in that growth. We enjoy bringing energy into everything (I've developed a habit of screaming at the audience) and not wasting time with filler.
8.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?
We're currently on tour, as I'm answering these questions, but after this run we don't have any plans set in stone. We do intend to do so, I just can't say what those plans are yet.
9.The new album is coming out on 'Willowtip', how did you get in contact with this label?
Simple story, really. I'm not sure how but Jason found us on Bandcamp and was listening to us. He sent us messages on Bandcamp and emailed us, and we ALMOST didn't see them. Good thing we did because here we are.
10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black and death metal?
We're still growing so it's hard to say, but we haven't heard anything negative yet. People seem to dig it, which is great, but we'd just continue doing what we like regardless.
11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
We've already started working on songs for the next release, some before Of Rot And Ruin was even complete. I can say that it's definitely going in a darker, bleaker direction so far, but we want to continue pushing the boundaries of what we did on this album.
12.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?
We could talk about this for days, there are so many. The big ones for me, a lot of death metal and black metal, but mostly bands like Nevermore, Bloodbath, Nile, Gorguts, Ulcerate, there really is no shortlist. These days we're still listening to those i just said, Slugdge, Beyond Creation, Ulsect, Zhrine, Fleshgod Apocalypse, The Ocean, Dimmu Borgir, Alkaloid, and I'm a big fan of bands like Tribulation, The Great Old Ones, Akhlys, Svart Crown, Mgła, Deathspell Omega, I'm sure there are a thousand more I can't think of right now.
13.What are some of your non musical interests?
We're all gamers to an extent, so a lot of video games, and I'm big into tabletop gaming. Peter plays hockey in his spare time, and I'm training to wrestle in mine. AJ runs his own studio as I mentioned before. We're all pretty busy.
14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Black and death metal are constantly evolving. Embrace it. Support the bands you love, but don't shut yourself out from all the new good stuff coming out.
https://www.facebook.com/HathNJ/
Listen https://youtu.be/TOaS5cPbmIY
Order via Willowtip https://tinyurl.com/ybvwfrlo
Order via Bandcamp https://tinyurl.com/y9l5hxhs
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