[IMGLEFT]http://www.npearce.ultimatemetal.com/trephine1.jpg[/IMGLEFT]By Jason Jordan
Like quirky, instrumental bands? In that case, allow me to introduce you to Trephine, who have been assaulting the metal press as of late with Trephine, which seems to be impervious to any sort of negative press. Funnily enough, there hasnt been any negative press regarding the band, and I for one am positive that itll remain that way. Listen intently, metaphorically speaking, as members of the aforementioned spew out information about various topics. But, above all, listen to the new record.
I know that Trephine means: a surgical instrument having circular, sawlike edges, used to cut out disks of bone, usually from the skull. How did you come about choosing this name? Why add the MD behind Trephine, other than to distance yourselves from that other band with the same name?
Chuck: We went through a lot of name ideas in the beginning Frog Skin Teepee, Dimpled Wrangler, Brittle Tooth, Moose Knuckles, etc. and none of them seemed to fit the mood of what we were doing. A friend of ours suggested the name Trephine. Trephine seemed to fit, and who else would use that word. Well a couple years later we added the MD so as not to be confused with the Trephine from Michigan. Unsane were Unsane NYC for a while, so we could be TrephineMD. It works as Maryland or Medical Doctor, either way its fine.
Dave: Malevolent Benefactor and Benevolent Malefactor were two of mine that got shot down.
I know Trephine has been around for a number of years, and the bands biography can be read just about anywhere. But, when you formed, did you know you wanted to play instrumentals exclusively? Either way, how was that decision reached?
Chuck: Weve always been an instrumental band. We messed around with vocals early on, but stopped.
Dave: They hated my voice. Said I sounded like Carol Channing.
Did you always want to include a custom percussionist in the instrumentation? I think that aspect works really well, and makes the music even more enjoyable than perhaps it wouldve been without the extra oomph.
Chuck: We always wanted and always had a custom percussionist. It adds a great new dimension to the crap that we play.
Chris: It definitely emphasizes the songs with its broad range of sounds. There is a lot more potential for the rhythm section and Ive enjoyed writing with a second percussionist.
Have you ever listened to metal bands that utilize custom percussionists such as Slipknot and Living Sacrifice? Are there any instrumental groups you feel compelled to cite as a major influence, worthy peer, or both?
Chuck: Never listened to either. As far as groups with auxiliary percussionists, were big fans of Skeleton Key, The Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, King Crimson, and when Ruth Underwood played with Zappa, holy shit. As far as instrumental groups, Pelican, Dark Water Transit, Keelhaul (mostly instrumental), Stinking Lizaveta, Breadwinner, Buzzard, Suzukiton, Happy Family, the list can go on and on. There are tons of great instrumental bands that we can cite as influences or worthy peers.
Dave: Havent heard em either. Swans, Cop Shoot Cop, Distorted Pony, Slug, and Skeleton Key I consider my main influences.
Speaking of bands, since the new record seems to have been influenced by several different kinds of music, what were some of your influences while writing/recording it?
Chuck: We all have very diverse music tastes, and as some of this album was written over seven years ago, and the album was recorded over two years time, there are tons of potential influences aside from all of the aforementioned bands: the Melvins, Voivod, Miles Davis, Meatjack, Barkmarket, Cephalic Carnage, Cop Shoot Cop, old Yes, Mr. Bungle, Floor, Slayer, etc., etc.
Ive noticed the accolades that have been thrown on you for Trephine. Ive yet to see an unfavorable review. What do the press opinions mean to you? Have you seen any negative feedback?
Chuck: The press weve gotten so far has been pretty unbelievable. My head is so big I can only wear those gigantic novelty foam cowboy hats. Its been great so far, and unexpected. The only negative feedback we have gotten seems to come from people who dont really like the genre of music, whatever that is, that we play. Its great that people dig what were doing, but all press aside, were still gonna do what makes us happy.
Chris: The album was very impressive to me but I wouldnt have expected it to be praised as highly as it has been. It has helped me get even more excited to be a part of the band, if not the recording.
A sound clip begins Devils Activist. Whats the soundclip from and whyd you decide to use it?
Chuck: It comes from a dubbed version of an old Italian horror film called the Devils Nightmare. Great Italian horror/porn.
Just for kicks, off the new record, whats your favorite song? I think mine is Metal Detector, cause everything about it is just so damn cool.
Chuck: It changes from time to time. Im personally very happy with the way the record came out. Cheers to our engineer, Jon Smulyan. If I had to pick one, it would probably be our magnum opus, Goes to Hell, Mr. Wiggles (Part Two).
Chris: Wiggles (Part Two) and Metal Detector.
Dave: Goes to Hell, Mr. Wiggles (Part Two) as well. I copied off them.
Since Trephines discography isnt too expansive, Id imagine you guys would tour in an opening slot for a larger act. There are rumors floating around about a potential tour of the U.S. in September/October of this year. Can you shed any light whatsoever? What acts would you like to tour with and/or envisioning Trephine accompanying on tour?
Chuck: We are in fact touring most of the U.S. this fall. Were going out for six weeks starting September 1st, and are going to try and go out again before the end of the year and hit the Northeast part of the country. Brian Daniloski from Meatjack is going to be our touring bass/baritone guitar player. Wed like to tour with any of the bands mentioned earlier in the interview, and were hoping to hook up with a bunch of them on the fall tour.
Any last words for our UltimateMetal readers out there?
Chuck: Eddie lives! Rock out with your cock out, thrash out with your gash out. We like to rock and metal hurts. Thank you, good night.
Chris: Have fun please.
Dave: School is for fools! Im a tank!
Thanks again guys! Appreciate the cooperation!
All: Jason thanks a lot. We really appreciate it.
UltimateMetals Review of Trephine Trephine
Official Trephine Website
Official Public Guilt Website
