The Edge of Forever is proud to announce forthcoming interviews with Zero Hour, Power of Omens, and David DeFeis of Virgin Steele. The interviews will be conducted live on the air for the entire world to hear, as in you will hear the band members actual voices blaring from your computer speakers! The chat room will be set up for all to join; feel free to ask questions on it during the interview. Make sure to mark your calendars, as Im sure Dave from Power of Omens has plenty to say regarding their forthcoming release- Rooms of Anguish. Thanks to ALL the bands for offering their time! If you have any questions youd like me to ask any of bands, please e-mail them to me. In the mean time, please check out these bands websites for more information! They are all excellent avant-garde metal bands worthy of your attention!
Concerning Virgin Steel I only have 11 words to say- "I am drowning in your bullshit!! What a way to dieeeeee!"
Date: Saturday April 6th *completed*
Time: 6:00 pm cst/7:00 pm est
Live on the air interview with Chris Matyus, Keith Zeigler, and Jamie Still of Archetype.
Archetype website: http://archetype1.com
You can download the interview at:
ftp://metal:2you4now@metalmp3s.audio-stream.net/upload/ArchetypeInterview2.mp3
Or scroll to the bottom to read the transription
Date: Saturday April 13th,
Time: 6pm cst
Live on the air interview with Jasun and Troy Tipton of Zero Hour
Zero Hour website: http://www.zerohourweb.com
Date: Saturday April 20th
Time: 7pm cst
Live on the air interview with Dave Gallegos and other hopefully more members of Power of Omens
Power of Omens website: http://www.powerofomens.com
Date: Saturday May 4th
Time: 4:30pm cst
Live on the air interview with David DeFeis of Virgin Steele.
Virgin Steele website: http://www.virgin-steele.com/
This Week (Saturday and Sunday April 14th and 15th 2002) on The Edge of Forever:
- Live on the air interview (6pm cst) with Jasun and Troy Tipton of Zero Hour. Zero Hour are technical progressive metal with a chunky epic flavor. On April 20th at 6pm cst, well be interviewing Power of Omens. And on May 4th well be interviewing David DeFeis of Virgin Steele hopefully (fingers crossed). You wont want to miss these interviews!
- Got some new Star One, some Superior- Ultima Ratio, plenty of new Rush from Vapor Trails etc. for you to check out.
- My reviews for Amorphis, Dream Theater, Falconer, Katatonia, Secret Sphere, Silent Force, Sonata Arctica, and more uploaded to prog.web.com Be sure to check out Tobys reviews as well at http://mikemeyer.crosswinds.net/thelight.html
- Im continuously putting up new songs to download. Bradley students, check the Bradley University network and look for the box metalhead!! Click on it and you can download up to nearly 1400 mp3s and 13 music videos- so try out something new that you havent heard before!
Information About Us: The Edge of Forever, Illinois Finest metal radio show coming at you SATURDAYS from 4-8pm and SUNDAYS from 3-5pm CENTRAL STANDARD TIME. If youre from Europe, hopefully youre either an early riser or a real late partier. Come listen to our show after your loooong night of drinking! All you have to do is copy and paste the corresponding links into your plugins for your Win Amp, Windows Media Player, Real Player, or Sonique. Save the plugins as The Edge of Forever and presto- you can tune into the show.
The chatroom is at http://www.buedge.com/listen2/chat/chat.html and will be available for discussion and requests during the show- so please join our chat room and interact with our show!
Time: Saturday 4-8 pm and Sunday 3-5pm Central Standard Time
Request and Discussion Line: (309) 677-3456
E-mail Your Requests: edgeofforeverradio@hotmail.com
Live Chatroom: http://www.buedge.com/listen2/chat/chat.html
TEOF Website: http://mikemeyer.crosswinds.net/teof.html
Station Website: http://www.buedge.com/
AIM: siberiankh
Personal Information:
DJ Michael (Michael): mmeyers@bradley.edu
Michaels Review Website: http://209.120.142.156/index.asp?page=michael.htm
DJ Tobias (1000 Faces): mr_1470@hotmail.com
Tobys Review Website: http://mikemeyer.crosswinds.net/thelight.html
Location:
Real Player
Broadband
http://www.buedge.com/listen/realplayerhigh.ram
Regular Modem
http://www.buedge.com/listen/realplayerlow.ram
Win Amp
Broadband
http://www.buedge.com/listen/playlist.m3u
Regular Modem
http://www.buedge.com/listen/playlist.m3u
Windows Media Player
Broadband
http://www.buedge.com/listen/mediaplayerhigh.asx
Regular Modem
http://www.buedge.com/listen/mediaplayerlow.asx
Sonique
Broadband
http://www.buedge.com/listen/playlist.m3u
Regular Modem
http://www.buedge.com/listen/playlist.m3u
--------------------------------
Interview with Archetype 6-6:30pm Saturday April 6th.
Full transcription by Michael Meyers with assistance from Mark Billie.
DJ Michael: Im on the air with Archetype and am going to ask them a series of questions hopefully theyll be able to withstand the heat! First of all, give us a little background information on Archetype. How did it form and what are you guys about- musically and lyrically?
Chris: Well, we formed officially in 1997, as Keith puts the phone down so I can blab for an hour (laughter). Yeah we kind of just got together. We had a singer and a second guitar player originally, but they both quit. And it was myself Keith and Jaime and we kind of stuck together. We were instrumental for a while. Then we decided to do a four-song demo CD. And we got a singer after that and, in a nutshell, thats kind of it.
DJ Michael: How are things going with Intromental? Are they planning on officially releasing Dawning and future Archetype releases?
Chris: Ah yeah we actually just resigned with them. We were with them for about a year no we were with them for two years. And then all of 2001 we werent signed with them, because we were finishing the CD. So were signed back with them, and things are good. We got a lot of offers on the CD for licensing and distribution in North America and Europe. So were waiting for the best offer to come along before we make any commitments. We probably wont be releasing it through Intromental. Theyre going to be our management this time
DJ Michael: Chris, you're the core songwriter and lyricist for the band. But how do Jamie and Keith feel their contribution shapes Archetype. Will Jamie, Greg or Keith write any songs on future albums?
Chris: Ah never! No. (laughter)
Keith: This is Keith the drummer (laughs). I tried writing lyrics once and I came to Jaime once and I said man look at this I got a half of page of lyrics, this is so easy! And Chris read them and pretty much set fire to them he was on the floor laughing.
DJ Michael: Can you give a few lines from those lyrics? (laughs)
Chris: Oh my god no, you dont want to hearm.
Keith: Oh yeah it was like two year ago and I would have to hide my head under a rock if I did that.
Jaime: I think he conveniently forgot (laughs)
Chris: I can see other people contributing in the future, because there will come a time, you know, when Ill be slightly burned out from doing it all. So I wouldnt mind some help. But for now, I just write the music and the lyrics. And these guys put their lines and parts to it, and it comes out sounding pretty nice.
Jaime: Plus, if I wrote an original piece of music, Im not sure it would sound like something we could put on Archetype.
Keith: Plus, I think all of us agree that most bands have too many guys writing their songs, and the styles sort of clash so we dont really have any egos and no one has any problems with the fact that Chris is the writer and lyricist. But if we ever get stuck or lost, thats when me and Jaime help him out a little bit
Jaime: Yeah, we buy him drinks! (laughs)
DJ Michael: (laughs) I understand Archetype is looking for a second guitarist. What are you looking for in a guitarist? How's the search coming? If per chance any of our listeners are interested in filling the slot, how might they contact you?
Chris: Ah yeah, weve been looking for a guitar play for what now, two years? Probably. Were looking for someone they have to have knowledge of music theory, multiple styles as far as finger style, experience, and soloing. Theyve got to be able to play a lot of hard stuff, odd meter, etc, and they cannot have an attitude. My biggest fear is showing the new guy the parts and having him try to change them or rewrite them or something. And that guy would be out the door. If anyone out there is interested in joining or knows anybody, they can e-mail from website at www.archetype1.com E-mail is archetype@archetype1.com
DJ Michael: Many technically proficient guitarists have suffered muscle or nerve ailments in the hand and wrist from excessive stressful playing. Dave Mustain of Megadeth comes to mind. I understand Chris has struggled with tendonitis. How did you recover from your ailment, and what suggestions do you have for other obsessed guitarists out there on how to avoid it?
Keith: Dont play the classical guitar (laughs)
Chris: Yeah (laughs), I got tendonitis when I was in college playing a lot of classical. I got a degree in it, so I was playing four hours a day at least, and I was doing weightlifting. The combination of the two was just way too much work on my wrists. It flared up pretty bad for about two to three months. Every night I was exercising it. Id lift small weights for like fifteen minutes and then Id have to ice it down and Id use muscle rubs and after, oh heck, a month or two of that, it finally started to go away. I play a lot less classical guitar now so it rarely ever flares up on me.
DJ Michael: I understand you guys are into playing your music at shows as opposed to playing pop rock flavor of the day covers that get the ladies dancing and bouncing around and such (laughter). What songs do you play at an Archetype show? What separates the Archetype live experience from listening to it on album?
Jaime: I think its just a lot more raw, really. And right now, with the one guitar, it sounds a little more stripped down, which is pretty good in a way too. So people get to hear it in a different light, but it makes Chris look a little harder.
Chris: Yeah, tell me about it!
Jaime: Its entertaining. You get to see Chris play, and everyone has his own skill. And you can watch Keith set up his six thousand-piece drum set. (laughs)
DJ Michael: Do you have three bass drums like Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater)?
Chris: Yeah, thats a big influence on his style.
Keith: Oh yeah
DJ Michael: (laughs) Well, I saw Mike on the last tour and he brought three bass drums with; it was basically one and a half kits!
Keith: Yeah, thats his new Siamese monster! (laughs)
DJ Michael: Do you guys have a favorite song you like playing live?
Jaime: Hmm good question. I like Premonitions off the record, playing that live.
Chris: I like playing Hands of Time because its easiest for me (laughs) It allows me to sit back and relax and enjoy the moment while Im playing it.
Keith: Thats funny, three guys here and we all have a different song. My personal favorite is Dawning.
DJ Michael: I agree. Thats my favorite too! I havent heard you live but (laughs)
Jaime: Sometimes we end the show with a cover, like Bark at the Moon by Ozzy and sometimes Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. Those are fun too. But thats about as far as we go with cover songs.
DJ Michael: I know some of you guys are big Judas Priest fans. Any desire to ever do a Judas Priest cover?
Chris: Mmm no. I mean thats the reason I started playing guitar- was Glenn Tipton from Priest. Our singer Greg is a big Priest fan, but well probably never do a Priest song live. It just doesnt fit with what we do.
DJ Michael: Since you're all studly rock stars, are you getting a lot of hot groupies stalking you? (laughter) Are you going after any of them?
Keith: (laughter) Im still waiting for one.
Chris: (laughs) Ah, no weve been kind of laying low as far as gigs recently. But no, I think Dream Theater said it before, its like 95% guys at their shows. So theres not much in the line of groupies (laughter). Im sure Keith would hope otherwise but oh well.
Keith: You can always hope. (laughs)
DJ Michael: (laughs) Have you guys begun writing songs for a second album? Have you considered adding any other instruments like keys or strings or perhaps grim vocals on future albums?
Chris: Ah no, you wont ever hear us do death or black metal (laughs). I listen to a lot more different styles than what I write; I think it keeps my mind fresh for the things that I create. All the music for the next album is done. Right now Im working on lyrics. Basically its going to be really really really awesome. Right guys?
Keith: Thats right absolutely (laughs)
Jaime: Its gonna be heavier
Chris: Its gonna be way heavier (laughs)
Keith: As far as keyboards goes, I dont think a keyboardist would fit this music until maybe on the fourth or fifth album. When Chris does get a little tired, we could maybe add something like that as a special effect. But I dont see a keyboardist being part of the group. Ya know, its just not our style.
Chris: Yeah, it would make us too run of the mill with keyboards in the mix.
DJ Michael: Do you guys want to describe what any future songs are going to sound like compared to Dawning?
Chris: Well, I started writing on a seven string. So, since we tuned down a little bit, the songs are going to be really heavy and aggressive. But theyll still be progressive. But I dont think theyre going to be exactly in the same vein as Dawning. Its a slightly new direction. Therere still clean parts and classical influences, but its definitely more aggressive. And I think a lot more people are going to like the next album
DJ Michael: Any information on when thatll be released?
Chris: Oh, we have no idea right now. Were still working on releasing Dawning, getting it out officially.
Keith: Although we do want to record in probably late Spring, just to get the schematics down and all that.
Chris: I want to get it done next. . .
Jaime: Tomorrow!
Chris: fall (laughs). Yeah tomorrow would be nice! We hope to start recording within say six months . . . roughly.
DJ Michael: Archetype's sound is certainly difficult to label. I always fall back on "avant-garde" metal. What label is Archetype most comfortable with? No band I know is comfortable with any specific label, but reviewers, interviewers, and radio personalities like me have to categorize you some how!
Chris: Well, I think were truly a progressive metal band. Because we are progressive, and we do play metal and we mix in a lot of diverse influences, as opposed to other bands that may play an odd meter here and there. And theyre labeled progressive when theyre really power metal. Its impossible to really put a label on there, but you can call it classical progressive metal. I dont know (laughs).
DJ Michael: Where can our listeners find more information on your band and order Dawning, as it is certainly an album worthy of their collections!
Chris: All the information is on the website, which is www.archetype1.com. We have links to distributors and on-line stores. And you can buy it directly from us right now. But I think once we sign a licensing deal, itll be available in retail stores- probably in then next two months Id say.
Jaime: I always tell Chris, as soon as I walk into a Best Buy and see our CD in there, Im taking the divider that has our name on it (laughs).
Keith: This CD should definitely be a musket for all musicians. Theres some really really good musicianship on this album.
DJ Michael: Well, thats great to hear all my listeners like musicianship (laughs). This is in an important question Id imagine. Where can they get it the cheapest?
Keith: They can wait for someone else to buy it and rob him! (laughter)
Jaime: Theyre almost all priced the same
Chris: Actually, no. I just signed up with this company; theyre called twobigtoes.com You can actually download it and burn it on to your own CD. And you can get the artwork and print it out. Its only like ten bucks I think. But if you want the real package cheapest, oh heck, I dont know, maybe cdbaby.com. They can check all the links on the site; theyre within a buck Id say.
DJ Michael: Thats interesting you brought up the download option. Is downloading music and paying a price for it the future of music . . . I know this leads into the obvious question of your beliefs on file sharing and all the Napster clone programs.
Chris: Yeah, I mean without a doubt thats the future. Eventually youll be able to push a few buttons and out pops a CD.
DJ Michael: Do you think that takes away from the intimacy of an album, back when peopled used to wait for the day a record would come out and all listen to it on the same day?
Chris: Yeah, I think so. I dont know if youll be able to print out full booklets or anything like that, but yeah, I can see it being a big thing in the future. But personally, I like having the actual product in my hands. Its more personal, and actually youre helping the band out by paying a few more bucks for the CD. As far as Napster goes, Im iffy about, but for a band like us, it would be really good.
Jaime: I mean, the more people that can hear us right now, in any form, the better.
DJ Michael: Any future shows coming up that youd like to announce?
Chris: Um, no. (laughs)
Keith: Not right now. (laughs)
Chris: Were working on a couple of things for the coming months . . . but yeah booking things is difficult for a band like us, as we dont play anything truly popular. Its kind of frustrating for us.
Keith: The original music scene isnt that great here in Cleveland right now. If you havent played in a local bar or tavern, its kind of hard to squeeze your way in on the list among the bands whove been there for years. So, it is tough to get gigs here.
DJ Michael: Ive got a really strange question from a chat room participant. One wants to know why you dont write in quintuplets?
Band: (laughter and confusion)
Keith: Honestly, I dont know what hes talking about (laughs). I think our style is very odd with the tempo changes and the odd meters. If you saw our music transcribed, it would probably puzzle most musicians. Rarely will you find 4/4 measures in our music. Its always one odd measure after another (laughs).
Chris: But rarely does it sound like that.
Keith: But yeah, it doesnt sound like that. A lot of times, Chris will introduce a new rhythm and Jaime is good at following it, but Im totally lost most of the time (laughter). But one gift I do have is the ability to transcribe music, and Ill write his rhythm down and hell tell me what kind of odd meter it is. And Ill be able to write my drum rhythm to it and a lot of times if you have a 7/8 and a 5/8 measure, Ill keep the snare straight so it overlaps on the second measure, but sounds like a straight even measure if that doesnt go over anyones head (laughter) . . . I dont know.
DJ Michael: Ive got a few more questions from the chat room. One person wants to know, what are your favorite bands and albums?
Jaime: One of my favorite metal albums of all time is Rust in Peace by Megadeth, which is a fantastic record. Tool I like a lot. Big Wreck, a band out of Boston, theyre good.
Keith: It comes as no surprise that Dream Theater . . . is actually my second favorite band. My first love was Rush, and they always will be. But actually, I used to be a big Nightranger fan back in High School. And Kelly Keegy was one of my favorite drummers back then. As far as favorite albums, I love every Dream Theater album that was ever written. I like the Moving Pictures CD and Power Windows by Rush. I also like the Rush Tribute that Mike Portnoy put together, with a star cast, called Working Man.
DJ Michael: Did you get a chance to hear the new Rush single? (One Little Victory)
Keith: Yeah, I heard that on the radio. I like the double bass drums by Neil Peart, something you dont hear very often from him.
Chris: My favorite band, without a doubt, is Coroner. My favorite album by them is definitely Mental Vortex. I like The Eye by King Diamond. I get into a lot of Cradle of Filth (laughter). Yeah, people wouldnt expect that from what I write. But yeah, I listen to a lot of new age stuff like Enya and Loreena McKennith. A lot of things like that and a lot of classical guitar and some classical music.
DJ Michael: What is your stance on Communism?
Chris: On Communism? (laughter)
DJ Michael: Yep, Ive got some of your fans here that want to know! Though theyre probably just screwing with me! (laughs) These are your fans; I cant deny them!
Chris: Well considering I pay zero attention to politics and things like that, I dont know But I know communism is pretty insane, you know, I would say, as far was what it represents (laughs). We live in the good old USA, so were pretty lucky to live here and be able to do what we do. As far as Communism, I have no comment on that (laughter)
Jaime: Keith told me once in private though that hes actually a red! (laughter). He wont own own up to it now!
Keith: No comment from me (laughter).
Chris: Its definitely not our boat (laughter).
DJ Michael: So you wont have a next album entitled Socialist World Systems Theory or anything like that?
Chris: (laughter) Uhhh no.
DJ Michael: (laughter) Well, thats good to hear, I suppose. These are some weird questions, so perhaps I should stop now. Anything else youd like to add before we rap this up?
Keith: Yeah, I would say please visit our site and download some of the clips! And please visit our guest book!
Chris: Buy our CD!
Keith: Please make some comments on our guest book- so we can see what you think. A couple of weeks ago, on a Saturday morning, I got up and read one of the reviews and was a little ticked off. So I signed the guest book myself, not realizing it went up like boom- right then and there. So I called up Chris and said man I dont know if I should have said this. I was kind of joking around, making fun of some of the critics. So ten minutes later, Chris deleted it. (laughter) So yeah, I would say visit the website and please spread the word. Weve been compared to Dream Theater and Rush and Maiden. Were definitely not a fly-by-night band. Chris music writing is incredible. I personally think hes a marvel of music.
Chris: I just pay him to say that stuff (laughs)
DJ Michael: Who knows, maybe well see you at future Prog Power shows?
Band: Yeah! Anything!
DJ Michael: Ive got more strange questions coming from the chat room. They want to know your position on the legalization of prostitution.
Band: (laughter)
Chris: Well, considering that Ive never been to Las Vegas, I dont know the difference between legal and illegal (laughs). I dont know if its better there than here or what (laughter)
Keith: No, you have to go out and earn it! It should be free!
Chris: Yeah really, whats the point? Theres no thrill or chase involved in that!
Keith: Is that coming from experience? (laughs)
Chris: No comment! (laughter)
DJ Michael: (laughter) Thanks to all the chat room participants for all the interesting questions. Best of luck to your band!
Concerning Virgin Steel I only have 11 words to say- "I am drowning in your bullshit!! What a way to dieeeeee!"
Date: Saturday April 6th *completed*
Time: 6:00 pm cst/7:00 pm est
Live on the air interview with Chris Matyus, Keith Zeigler, and Jamie Still of Archetype.
Archetype website: http://archetype1.com
You can download the interview at:
ftp://metal:2you4now@metalmp3s.audio-stream.net/upload/ArchetypeInterview2.mp3
Or scroll to the bottom to read the transription
Date: Saturday April 13th,
Time: 6pm cst
Live on the air interview with Jasun and Troy Tipton of Zero Hour
Zero Hour website: http://www.zerohourweb.com
Date: Saturday April 20th
Time: 7pm cst
Live on the air interview with Dave Gallegos and other hopefully more members of Power of Omens
Power of Omens website: http://www.powerofomens.com
Date: Saturday May 4th
Time: 4:30pm cst
Live on the air interview with David DeFeis of Virgin Steele.
Virgin Steele website: http://www.virgin-steele.com/
This Week (Saturday and Sunday April 14th and 15th 2002) on The Edge of Forever:
- Live on the air interview (6pm cst) with Jasun and Troy Tipton of Zero Hour. Zero Hour are technical progressive metal with a chunky epic flavor. On April 20th at 6pm cst, well be interviewing Power of Omens. And on May 4th well be interviewing David DeFeis of Virgin Steele hopefully (fingers crossed). You wont want to miss these interviews!
- Got some new Star One, some Superior- Ultima Ratio, plenty of new Rush from Vapor Trails etc. for you to check out.
- My reviews for Amorphis, Dream Theater, Falconer, Katatonia, Secret Sphere, Silent Force, Sonata Arctica, and more uploaded to prog.web.com Be sure to check out Tobys reviews as well at http://mikemeyer.crosswinds.net/thelight.html
- Im continuously putting up new songs to download. Bradley students, check the Bradley University network and look for the box metalhead!! Click on it and you can download up to nearly 1400 mp3s and 13 music videos- so try out something new that you havent heard before!
Information About Us: The Edge of Forever, Illinois Finest metal radio show coming at you SATURDAYS from 4-8pm and SUNDAYS from 3-5pm CENTRAL STANDARD TIME. If youre from Europe, hopefully youre either an early riser or a real late partier. Come listen to our show after your loooong night of drinking! All you have to do is copy and paste the corresponding links into your plugins for your Win Amp, Windows Media Player, Real Player, or Sonique. Save the plugins as The Edge of Forever and presto- you can tune into the show.
The chatroom is at http://www.buedge.com/listen2/chat/chat.html and will be available for discussion and requests during the show- so please join our chat room and interact with our show!
Time: Saturday 4-8 pm and Sunday 3-5pm Central Standard Time
Request and Discussion Line: (309) 677-3456
E-mail Your Requests: edgeofforeverradio@hotmail.com
Live Chatroom: http://www.buedge.com/listen2/chat/chat.html
TEOF Website: http://mikemeyer.crosswinds.net/teof.html
Station Website: http://www.buedge.com/
AIM: siberiankh
Personal Information:
DJ Michael (Michael): mmeyers@bradley.edu
Michaels Review Website: http://209.120.142.156/index.asp?page=michael.htm
DJ Tobias (1000 Faces): mr_1470@hotmail.com
Tobys Review Website: http://mikemeyer.crosswinds.net/thelight.html
Location:
Real Player
Broadband
http://www.buedge.com/listen/realplayerhigh.ram
Regular Modem
http://www.buedge.com/listen/realplayerlow.ram
Win Amp
Broadband
http://www.buedge.com/listen/playlist.m3u
Regular Modem
http://www.buedge.com/listen/playlist.m3u
Windows Media Player
Broadband
http://www.buedge.com/listen/mediaplayerhigh.asx
Regular Modem
http://www.buedge.com/listen/mediaplayerlow.asx
Sonique
Broadband
http://www.buedge.com/listen/playlist.m3u
Regular Modem
http://www.buedge.com/listen/playlist.m3u
--------------------------------
Interview with Archetype 6-6:30pm Saturday April 6th.
Full transcription by Michael Meyers with assistance from Mark Billie.
DJ Michael: Im on the air with Archetype and am going to ask them a series of questions hopefully theyll be able to withstand the heat! First of all, give us a little background information on Archetype. How did it form and what are you guys about- musically and lyrically?
Chris: Well, we formed officially in 1997, as Keith puts the phone down so I can blab for an hour (laughter). Yeah we kind of just got together. We had a singer and a second guitar player originally, but they both quit. And it was myself Keith and Jaime and we kind of stuck together. We were instrumental for a while. Then we decided to do a four-song demo CD. And we got a singer after that and, in a nutshell, thats kind of it.
DJ Michael: How are things going with Intromental? Are they planning on officially releasing Dawning and future Archetype releases?
Chris: Ah yeah we actually just resigned with them. We were with them for about a year no we were with them for two years. And then all of 2001 we werent signed with them, because we were finishing the CD. So were signed back with them, and things are good. We got a lot of offers on the CD for licensing and distribution in North America and Europe. So were waiting for the best offer to come along before we make any commitments. We probably wont be releasing it through Intromental. Theyre going to be our management this time
DJ Michael: Chris, you're the core songwriter and lyricist for the band. But how do Jamie and Keith feel their contribution shapes Archetype. Will Jamie, Greg or Keith write any songs on future albums?
Chris: Ah never! No. (laughter)
Keith: This is Keith the drummer (laughs). I tried writing lyrics once and I came to Jaime once and I said man look at this I got a half of page of lyrics, this is so easy! And Chris read them and pretty much set fire to them he was on the floor laughing.
DJ Michael: Can you give a few lines from those lyrics? (laughs)
Chris: Oh my god no, you dont want to hearm.
Keith: Oh yeah it was like two year ago and I would have to hide my head under a rock if I did that.
Jaime: I think he conveniently forgot (laughs)
Chris: I can see other people contributing in the future, because there will come a time, you know, when Ill be slightly burned out from doing it all. So I wouldnt mind some help. But for now, I just write the music and the lyrics. And these guys put their lines and parts to it, and it comes out sounding pretty nice.
Jaime: Plus, if I wrote an original piece of music, Im not sure it would sound like something we could put on Archetype.
Keith: Plus, I think all of us agree that most bands have too many guys writing their songs, and the styles sort of clash so we dont really have any egos and no one has any problems with the fact that Chris is the writer and lyricist. But if we ever get stuck or lost, thats when me and Jaime help him out a little bit
Jaime: Yeah, we buy him drinks! (laughs)
DJ Michael: (laughs) I understand Archetype is looking for a second guitarist. What are you looking for in a guitarist? How's the search coming? If per chance any of our listeners are interested in filling the slot, how might they contact you?
Chris: Ah yeah, weve been looking for a guitar play for what now, two years? Probably. Were looking for someone they have to have knowledge of music theory, multiple styles as far as finger style, experience, and soloing. Theyve got to be able to play a lot of hard stuff, odd meter, etc, and they cannot have an attitude. My biggest fear is showing the new guy the parts and having him try to change them or rewrite them or something. And that guy would be out the door. If anyone out there is interested in joining or knows anybody, they can e-mail from website at www.archetype1.com E-mail is archetype@archetype1.com
DJ Michael: Many technically proficient guitarists have suffered muscle or nerve ailments in the hand and wrist from excessive stressful playing. Dave Mustain of Megadeth comes to mind. I understand Chris has struggled with tendonitis. How did you recover from your ailment, and what suggestions do you have for other obsessed guitarists out there on how to avoid it?
Keith: Dont play the classical guitar (laughs)
Chris: Yeah (laughs), I got tendonitis when I was in college playing a lot of classical. I got a degree in it, so I was playing four hours a day at least, and I was doing weightlifting. The combination of the two was just way too much work on my wrists. It flared up pretty bad for about two to three months. Every night I was exercising it. Id lift small weights for like fifteen minutes and then Id have to ice it down and Id use muscle rubs and after, oh heck, a month or two of that, it finally started to go away. I play a lot less classical guitar now so it rarely ever flares up on me.
DJ Michael: I understand you guys are into playing your music at shows as opposed to playing pop rock flavor of the day covers that get the ladies dancing and bouncing around and such (laughter). What songs do you play at an Archetype show? What separates the Archetype live experience from listening to it on album?
Jaime: I think its just a lot more raw, really. And right now, with the one guitar, it sounds a little more stripped down, which is pretty good in a way too. So people get to hear it in a different light, but it makes Chris look a little harder.
Chris: Yeah, tell me about it!
Jaime: Its entertaining. You get to see Chris play, and everyone has his own skill. And you can watch Keith set up his six thousand-piece drum set. (laughs)
DJ Michael: Do you have three bass drums like Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater)?
Chris: Yeah, thats a big influence on his style.
Keith: Oh yeah
DJ Michael: (laughs) Well, I saw Mike on the last tour and he brought three bass drums with; it was basically one and a half kits!
Keith: Yeah, thats his new Siamese monster! (laughs)
DJ Michael: Do you guys have a favorite song you like playing live?
Jaime: Hmm good question. I like Premonitions off the record, playing that live.
Chris: I like playing Hands of Time because its easiest for me (laughs) It allows me to sit back and relax and enjoy the moment while Im playing it.
Keith: Thats funny, three guys here and we all have a different song. My personal favorite is Dawning.
DJ Michael: I agree. Thats my favorite too! I havent heard you live but (laughs)
Jaime: Sometimes we end the show with a cover, like Bark at the Moon by Ozzy and sometimes Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. Those are fun too. But thats about as far as we go with cover songs.
DJ Michael: I know some of you guys are big Judas Priest fans. Any desire to ever do a Judas Priest cover?
Chris: Mmm no. I mean thats the reason I started playing guitar- was Glenn Tipton from Priest. Our singer Greg is a big Priest fan, but well probably never do a Priest song live. It just doesnt fit with what we do.
DJ Michael: Since you're all studly rock stars, are you getting a lot of hot groupies stalking you? (laughter) Are you going after any of them?
Keith: (laughter) Im still waiting for one.
Chris: (laughs) Ah, no weve been kind of laying low as far as gigs recently. But no, I think Dream Theater said it before, its like 95% guys at their shows. So theres not much in the line of groupies (laughter). Im sure Keith would hope otherwise but oh well.
Keith: You can always hope. (laughs)
DJ Michael: (laughs) Have you guys begun writing songs for a second album? Have you considered adding any other instruments like keys or strings or perhaps grim vocals on future albums?
Chris: Ah no, you wont ever hear us do death or black metal (laughs). I listen to a lot more different styles than what I write; I think it keeps my mind fresh for the things that I create. All the music for the next album is done. Right now Im working on lyrics. Basically its going to be really really really awesome. Right guys?
Keith: Thats right absolutely (laughs)
Jaime: Its gonna be heavier
Chris: Its gonna be way heavier (laughs)
Keith: As far as keyboards goes, I dont think a keyboardist would fit this music until maybe on the fourth or fifth album. When Chris does get a little tired, we could maybe add something like that as a special effect. But I dont see a keyboardist being part of the group. Ya know, its just not our style.
Chris: Yeah, it would make us too run of the mill with keyboards in the mix.
DJ Michael: Do you guys want to describe what any future songs are going to sound like compared to Dawning?
Chris: Well, I started writing on a seven string. So, since we tuned down a little bit, the songs are going to be really heavy and aggressive. But theyll still be progressive. But I dont think theyre going to be exactly in the same vein as Dawning. Its a slightly new direction. Therere still clean parts and classical influences, but its definitely more aggressive. And I think a lot more people are going to like the next album
DJ Michael: Any information on when thatll be released?
Chris: Oh, we have no idea right now. Were still working on releasing Dawning, getting it out officially.
Keith: Although we do want to record in probably late Spring, just to get the schematics down and all that.
Chris: I want to get it done next. . .
Jaime: Tomorrow!
Chris: fall (laughs). Yeah tomorrow would be nice! We hope to start recording within say six months . . . roughly.
DJ Michael: Archetype's sound is certainly difficult to label. I always fall back on "avant-garde" metal. What label is Archetype most comfortable with? No band I know is comfortable with any specific label, but reviewers, interviewers, and radio personalities like me have to categorize you some how!
Chris: Well, I think were truly a progressive metal band. Because we are progressive, and we do play metal and we mix in a lot of diverse influences, as opposed to other bands that may play an odd meter here and there. And theyre labeled progressive when theyre really power metal. Its impossible to really put a label on there, but you can call it classical progressive metal. I dont know (laughs).
DJ Michael: Where can our listeners find more information on your band and order Dawning, as it is certainly an album worthy of their collections!
Chris: All the information is on the website, which is www.archetype1.com. We have links to distributors and on-line stores. And you can buy it directly from us right now. But I think once we sign a licensing deal, itll be available in retail stores- probably in then next two months Id say.
Jaime: I always tell Chris, as soon as I walk into a Best Buy and see our CD in there, Im taking the divider that has our name on it (laughs).
Keith: This CD should definitely be a musket for all musicians. Theres some really really good musicianship on this album.
DJ Michael: Well, thats great to hear all my listeners like musicianship (laughs). This is in an important question Id imagine. Where can they get it the cheapest?
Keith: They can wait for someone else to buy it and rob him! (laughter)
Jaime: Theyre almost all priced the same
Chris: Actually, no. I just signed up with this company; theyre called twobigtoes.com You can actually download it and burn it on to your own CD. And you can get the artwork and print it out. Its only like ten bucks I think. But if you want the real package cheapest, oh heck, I dont know, maybe cdbaby.com. They can check all the links on the site; theyre within a buck Id say.
DJ Michael: Thats interesting you brought up the download option. Is downloading music and paying a price for it the future of music . . . I know this leads into the obvious question of your beliefs on file sharing and all the Napster clone programs.
Chris: Yeah, I mean without a doubt thats the future. Eventually youll be able to push a few buttons and out pops a CD.
DJ Michael: Do you think that takes away from the intimacy of an album, back when peopled used to wait for the day a record would come out and all listen to it on the same day?
Chris: Yeah, I think so. I dont know if youll be able to print out full booklets or anything like that, but yeah, I can see it being a big thing in the future. But personally, I like having the actual product in my hands. Its more personal, and actually youre helping the band out by paying a few more bucks for the CD. As far as Napster goes, Im iffy about, but for a band like us, it would be really good.
Jaime: I mean, the more people that can hear us right now, in any form, the better.
DJ Michael: Any future shows coming up that youd like to announce?
Chris: Um, no. (laughs)
Keith: Not right now. (laughs)
Chris: Were working on a couple of things for the coming months . . . but yeah booking things is difficult for a band like us, as we dont play anything truly popular. Its kind of frustrating for us.
Keith: The original music scene isnt that great here in Cleveland right now. If you havent played in a local bar or tavern, its kind of hard to squeeze your way in on the list among the bands whove been there for years. So, it is tough to get gigs here.
DJ Michael: Ive got a really strange question from a chat room participant. One wants to know why you dont write in quintuplets?
Band: (laughter and confusion)
Keith: Honestly, I dont know what hes talking about (laughs). I think our style is very odd with the tempo changes and the odd meters. If you saw our music transcribed, it would probably puzzle most musicians. Rarely will you find 4/4 measures in our music. Its always one odd measure after another (laughs).
Chris: But rarely does it sound like that.
Keith: But yeah, it doesnt sound like that. A lot of times, Chris will introduce a new rhythm and Jaime is good at following it, but Im totally lost most of the time (laughter). But one gift I do have is the ability to transcribe music, and Ill write his rhythm down and hell tell me what kind of odd meter it is. And Ill be able to write my drum rhythm to it and a lot of times if you have a 7/8 and a 5/8 measure, Ill keep the snare straight so it overlaps on the second measure, but sounds like a straight even measure if that doesnt go over anyones head (laughter) . . . I dont know.
DJ Michael: Ive got a few more questions from the chat room. One person wants to know, what are your favorite bands and albums?
Jaime: One of my favorite metal albums of all time is Rust in Peace by Megadeth, which is a fantastic record. Tool I like a lot. Big Wreck, a band out of Boston, theyre good.
Keith: It comes as no surprise that Dream Theater . . . is actually my second favorite band. My first love was Rush, and they always will be. But actually, I used to be a big Nightranger fan back in High School. And Kelly Keegy was one of my favorite drummers back then. As far as favorite albums, I love every Dream Theater album that was ever written. I like the Moving Pictures CD and Power Windows by Rush. I also like the Rush Tribute that Mike Portnoy put together, with a star cast, called Working Man.
DJ Michael: Did you get a chance to hear the new Rush single? (One Little Victory)
Keith: Yeah, I heard that on the radio. I like the double bass drums by Neil Peart, something you dont hear very often from him.
Chris: My favorite band, without a doubt, is Coroner. My favorite album by them is definitely Mental Vortex. I like The Eye by King Diamond. I get into a lot of Cradle of Filth (laughter). Yeah, people wouldnt expect that from what I write. But yeah, I listen to a lot of new age stuff like Enya and Loreena McKennith. A lot of things like that and a lot of classical guitar and some classical music.
DJ Michael: What is your stance on Communism?
Chris: On Communism? (laughter)
DJ Michael: Yep, Ive got some of your fans here that want to know! Though theyre probably just screwing with me! (laughs) These are your fans; I cant deny them!
Chris: Well considering I pay zero attention to politics and things like that, I dont know But I know communism is pretty insane, you know, I would say, as far was what it represents (laughs). We live in the good old USA, so were pretty lucky to live here and be able to do what we do. As far as Communism, I have no comment on that (laughter)
Jaime: Keith told me once in private though that hes actually a red! (laughter). He wont own own up to it now!
Keith: No comment from me (laughter).
Chris: Its definitely not our boat (laughter).
DJ Michael: So you wont have a next album entitled Socialist World Systems Theory or anything like that?
Chris: (laughter) Uhhh no.
DJ Michael: (laughter) Well, thats good to hear, I suppose. These are some weird questions, so perhaps I should stop now. Anything else youd like to add before we rap this up?
Keith: Yeah, I would say please visit our site and download some of the clips! And please visit our guest book!
Chris: Buy our CD!
Keith: Please make some comments on our guest book- so we can see what you think. A couple of weeks ago, on a Saturday morning, I got up and read one of the reviews and was a little ticked off. So I signed the guest book myself, not realizing it went up like boom- right then and there. So I called up Chris and said man I dont know if I should have said this. I was kind of joking around, making fun of some of the critics. So ten minutes later, Chris deleted it. (laughter) So yeah, I would say visit the website and please spread the word. Weve been compared to Dream Theater and Rush and Maiden. Were definitely not a fly-by-night band. Chris music writing is incredible. I personally think hes a marvel of music.
Chris: I just pay him to say that stuff (laughs)
DJ Michael: Who knows, maybe well see you at future Prog Power shows?
Band: Yeah! Anything!
DJ Michael: Ive got more strange questions coming from the chat room. They want to know your position on the legalization of prostitution.
Band: (laughter)
Chris: Well, considering that Ive never been to Las Vegas, I dont know the difference between legal and illegal (laughs). I dont know if its better there than here or what (laughter)
Keith: No, you have to go out and earn it! It should be free!
Chris: Yeah really, whats the point? Theres no thrill or chase involved in that!
Keith: Is that coming from experience? (laughs)
Chris: No comment! (laughter)
DJ Michael: (laughter) Thanks to all the chat room participants for all the interesting questions. Best of luck to your band!
Thanks to all our chatroom participants, we did cover a lot of ground with many different questions! We'll have a place to download the interview from soon. And soon after, we'll have the whole thing transcribed. 
