With more than fifty-thousand followers on Facebook and Reverbnation, it seems quite impossible for a metal fan to have never heard of Absolon. However, for those few who haven’t heard them before, it’s about time to meet them! With Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and Queensryche as their Gods, Absolon are here to convert you to hard rock music. Ken, Ed, Tyler, John and Geoff are coming fast from Orlando, Florida and are ready to spread their music to the world.
Although they’ve only been in music industry for about two years, they’ve already achieved more than most could even dream about. Their music has its origins in the good old symphonic metal, but freshened up to represent today’s tastes, and that’s what distinguishes them from other similar bands.
We had the chance to talk with the frontman of the band, Ken Pike, who is introducing us to the spectacular world of Absolon. But, first of all we have the duty to announce Absolon as Rock Revolt Indie Band of the Week!
What kind of music does Absolon like to play, write, hear?
I can only speak for myself on this one. I’ve always been an old school European metal fan ever since I first heard Judas Priest back in the day. I just never cared much for American metal bands, especially the Hollywood Sunset Strip stuff that later got tagged as Hair Bands. Before getting into metal, I was into what’s called classic rock now. Bands like Styx, Boston, Foreigner. Nowadays I enjoy listening to a lot of different stuff, but I like a lot of the symphonic metal bands like Kamelot, Pagans Mind, Nightwish and I’m a big Rammstein fan. Of course my top favorite band has always been Queensryche.
For somebody who doesn’t know you, how would you describe your music?
Old school European metal meets modern symphonic/goth metal. Pretty much, if you like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Queensryche, Kamelot and Pagans Mind you gonna love us. (laughs)
Give us a little history on the band. Tell us how the band was formed and what you feel you have achieved so far.
I started the band back in late 2012. It was only a thought in my mind then. I had not played music for a little over two years after the breakup of the band I was in previously. For some reason, one night I decided to pull out the guitar and just bang away for a while. I threw on the distortion and the metal began pouring out of me. I wrote Darkness Rising that night. Originally, I was only going to write four songs, record them and put them out there to see if anyone would care. Well, those four songs turned into 16 tracks and Absolon was born. I brought my old friend Ed Dumas who had been in the previous band with me into the project on guitar and then we took it to the studio to record. At that time it was pretty much just me and Ed. We had session players do the drums, bass and keyboards. Later, after we released the CD was when we actually put the band together. Right now we have a large fan base here in the States and in Europe with about 55,000 fans between Facebook and Reverbnation. We’ve sold quite a number of CD’s, received a lot of press and airplay on both physical stations and internet stations.
Darkness Rising: The Tale of Derek Blackheart was based on the tale of The Portrait of Dorian Grey. Why did you choose this particular story?
That’s a good question. I really don’t know why I decided on basing the CD on this story. After I wrote the first four songs, I noticed that there was a theme running thru them and it just grew from there. It reminded me of the character in The Portrait of Dorian Grey so, I went with it. It really is an old story told in many ways: a guy sells his soul for fame and fortune or for immortality and, after living the dream he had, realizes that he isn’t happy with what he’s done, but by the time he figures it out, it’s too late.
Your second CD is also theme based, but this time you chose… zombies! First of all, explain us the story.
(laughs) Ok, it’s a story about a guy and his love who experience a zombie apocalypse. She catches the virus and becomes a zombie but, of course he loves her and can’t let her go. So, he goes though his days trying to hold onto the woman he loves while the world is burning around him. Finally, he decides he can’t live without her so… well, let’s just say he lets her have her way with him at the end. I guess it’s a warped version of Romeo and Juliet.
Absolon “Devastation Suffocation” from Darkness Rising: The Tale Of Derek Blackheart
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Your hero is willing to do whatever he can for the love of his life. How far would you go for music?
(laughs) Hummmm, how far would I go for my music? Well, I’ve been at this music thing for a long time. I’ve been very close to major success twice. I wouldn’t sell my soul or lose my wife for it though. Luckily, I don’t have to worry about selling my soul and my wife is a composer/musician herself so, she totally understands.
I know it’s probably too early yet, but do you have any thoughts about the theme for your 3rd CD?
Oh yeah I do. I want to do an epic metal album about the battle between the angels and mankind. I see a field of angels impaled for the cover art. Sick, I know. (laughs)
What is music for you? Have you ever thought of doing something else?
I’ve done other things besides metal, although metal is my first love and always will be. The last band I was in for about six years was an alternative/pop act. I called it “chick rock” cause we had so many females at our shows. I hated it. (laughs) I even tried my hand a country rock for about two minutes. I really hated that!
What are your musical influences?
Wow, there are so many. Of course, I was influenced by Priest and Maiden. I was super influenced by Queensryche which is probably pretty obvious. Vocally, my major influences were Dennis De Young from Styx and Geoff Tate from Queensryche. But, I would remiss if I didn’t mention the Beatles. They are the reason I got into music at a young age in the first place.
Where do you draw your inspiration for the songs you write?
I draw inspiration from many sources: books I read, movies I watch, listening to other artists. Really, things just pop into my head and it depends on the mood I’m in. Once I get an idea in my head I have to go with it.
What is your biggest dream regarding music?
I have many but, some big ones are…..opening for Kamelot, Queensryche and Rammstein. Getting to do a tour of Europe and playing the Budakon in Japan where my wife is from. Playing bigger shows. Maybe getting a nice label deal. Just being able to make a decent living from doing something I love: music.
What are your next plans?
Right now we are in pre-production on the next CD. The plan is to get into the studio, record and release At the Abyss sometime first of 2015. Then get out and play as much as we can in support of it and continue to build our fan base. We are also shooting our first official video for Darkness Rising so, that will be out there too.
