INTERVIEW: COUNTING DAYS

Having just released their debut album, Liberated Sounds, UK hardcore metallers Counting Days have made an impressive statement. Formed just over two years ago, they are one of the most talked about heavy metal acts in England, blending old school thrash with elements of punk and death metal. Consisting of Thom Debaere on vocals, Charlie Wilson and Bobby Daniels on guitars, Alex Dench on bass, and Lasselle Lewis, drums, they are ready to move beyond the borders of their native country and introduce the world to their New Wave of British Hardcore Metal. Produced by Fredrik Nordstrom (In Flames, Opeth, Bring Me the Horizon), Liberated Sounds deals with everyday complexities including relationships, religion, and mortality. We had a chance to talk with Counting Days about the recording process for Liberated Sounds, the history of the band, and their live performance.

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Let’s talk a little about the history of the band and how you formed?

We formed in 2013, but it was mostly just a recording project at first with just me (Charlie), Lasselle, and Thom. After a few months, we asked Bobby to join, and then he had the idea of bringing in Alex. We recorded an EP, which we self-released and did a couple videos. We played a few shows, festivals, and a tour, and then we got signed.

How long after you formed was it until you played your first live show?  

About six months, I might be wrong. I remember it felt like a long time. It was with Your Demise on their farewell tour. We had a tough time launching the band, as some scumbag messed us around with our first video. We really wanted to hit the ground running with it, so we wanted the first thing anyone saw to look as professional as possible. So, we released a music video first, but there were a lot of delays with that.

What are your memories of the performance?

Well, as I mentioned, it was with Your Demise on their farewell tour. They were a band we had all been friends with for years, and it was real nice for them to put us on their goodbye tour as our first show. There was a mixed vibe there as YD seemed a little sullen with the band breaking up, and we were really excited, as it was just the start for us. I remember it being a fun evening, and kids were getting pictures with us, buying merch and getting stuff signed, which was strange as we didn’t have any music out at that point. I guess they were just excited from our past project and liked what they had heard.

 How did you come up with the band name?  

There is no real story to this; it was just something that stuck. I don’t think band names are very important. Some of the best bands have the worst names. People soon just associate the name with your band and don’t think too much about the meaning behind it. We just wanted a neutral name that we could use for a long time and wouldn’t sound out of place if we ever changed our style in anyway. It’s not that we’re planning to, but we’re not ruling it out.

Can you tell us about the recording process for your recently released debut album, Liberated Sounds?

It was pretty straight forward. Fredrik and I conversed over email about the track before we went over to Sweden, so we knew what we were doing when we arrived. We were very open to what Fredrik and Henrik’s input on the record would be, but we more turned to them when we were unsure. They have a great set up, and I can’t speak highly enough of those guys. It was also great having Tomas Lindberg come down.

Liberated Sounds was produced by Fredrik Nordstrom; he has an impressive resume, including Arch Enemy, In Flames, and Opeth. How did working with him come about, and how was the experience?

He is a guy I have always wanted to work with for years and years, so when we got signed we had the budget to go. I have been recording with bands since I was very young, and I had the best experience with those guys. Fredrik is a wild guy, always cracking jokes, and Hendik is really quiet and cool, so it was good to get two ends of the spectrum. We were very overwhelmed at first, but we felt very much at home by the end of it.

“Counting Days” – Liberated Sounds – Trailer

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Does the entire band contribute to the writing process?  

Yes. Although it is mostly me, Lasselle, and Thom, but Alex and Bobby add to it and throw the odd riff or lyrics in. For the next record, we plan to write more as a unit.

For those who do not know Counting Days, how would you categorize your music, and are there any bands you might compare to?

It’s metalcore. I hear that is a bit of a dirty word nowadays, but we’re proud of that title and genre. A lot of people feel we lean more on the metal side. If I had to compare us to some bands, I’d say Slipknot, Parkway Drive, Lamb of God, While She Sleeps, Architects, Slayer.

Who came up with the idea for the string quartet in the song, “Die Alone”?

Um that was me. It’s something I had done in past project and have always been drawn to since hearing S&M by Metallica. I’m a big fan of classical music, as is Thom, so it was a nice touch for us. I think it’s something we’ll be doing more of on the next release.

Who or what inspired you to become a musician; what is your musical background?  

So many guys. I say my top musical influences are James Hetfield, Tony Iommi, Dimebag, Jade Puget. The first bands I got into were Metallica, Sabbath, Rancid, AFI, and then later on into more hardcore bands like Terror and Knuckledust.

Do you get nervous before a live performance?

I don’t know about the others, but I know I do I get really edgy and anxious but still very calm. It’s strange; I think Thom does, too, haha.

Is there a past performance that stands out above the rest? If so, why?  

Our release show was amazing. We did a free show in London. We were really worried about the turnout, but we ended up going way over the capacity of the venue, so that was really cool.

Do you have a favorite song you like to play live, yours or a cover?  

They’re all good.

What two bands in existence today would you like to tour with?

We get asked this a lot, and it’s a tough one, but Metallica and Slipknot. We know one of Slipknot‘s members quite well, so maybe we can make that work one day.

Thanks for answering these questions. Do you have any last comments or words of advice for people trying to get into the business?

Just work hard on your music, as that is what is the most important, A lot of bands can get wrapped up in the aesthetics of a band, but make sure your foundation – your music – is the best it can be before you worry about that side of it.

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