When you think melodic metal, minds point toward Sweden, but who knew that besides Bieber and a slew of comedic geniuses, Canada yielded Deathpoint, a melodic groove metal band from Hamilton, ON. Their debut album, Fixation, released a mere three years ago. October 1st of this year they graced us with their sophomore full length album, Sinister, which debuted in the top 20 U.S. Rock Radio. Lucky are we at RockRevolt to have gotten a brief conversation in with them about everything under the sun, and things upon which the sun doesn’t shine as well.
How’s Canada’s music scene doing?
Better since Bieber left Canada. But as far as the metal scene goes, it’s steady and slowly climbing. Bands come and go but the ones that stick around have been really killing it. Especially out of Montreal. There are so many great bands out of that city you lose count.
Tell me about the making of your record, were there many hurdles to over come?
Tim’s a small guy so hurdles are difficult for him. But for the most part it went as smooth as it could go. We really took our time in making sure that everything was perfect. Drums were pounded out quite fast as our drummer is incredibly rehearsed and knows exactly what he’s going to do before anyone could guess it. Guitars were fairly articulate as we were spending hours per song tracking.. Bass was fairly quick because Brad is a monster and has earned his studio name “One Take Brad.” Vocals went over the course of a couple of weeks and was incredibly articulate as well. Tom really likes to do a lot of layering and it goes to show how powerful something sounds when you do that.
Who influences you as an artist?
Some of the few that we all are influenced by are bands such as Mutiny Within, Soilwork, In Flames, Slipknot, Lamb of God and quite recently a band called Dreamshade. The main things that influence our style are the hooks that these artists have. The parts of certain songs that you can’t wait for and don’t get tired of.
Sample Deathpoint’s Between the Lines
Are there any creative pursuits other than music within the band?
Everyone has their outside hobbies. Mike is very active in hunting, baseball, hockey and typical redneck stuff. Henry is trying to learn out to play guitar still. Tim is in a farm city so who knows what he does. And Tom is exceptionally skilled in art. That man can sketch a sketch.
What’s your favorite all-time record?
Personally I’m still in love with Threat Signal’s “Reprisal.” The guitars were crushing and melodic in the most perfect ways. I would say it’s one of the most solid records out there.
If you were made to listen to one of the following artists only for the rest of your life, which one would you pick? Barbara Streisand, Anne Murray or Pink?
All I know about Pink is that in high school, her diary was taken apart and posted all over her high school. Props to her after being bullied as a kid and becoming successful in the end.
Describe your genitals in three words.
Ask my doctor.
Tell us more about the development of the band. How did it all start?
It started as a typical high school band: friends getting together and jamming some riffs out. Brad is the only original member, but as each member came in and out it progressed to a point where each musician is a master at their own game.
What’s your favorite 80s film?
Indiana Jones. I grew up watching those movies and still am not tired of them.
Tell me the worst pick-up line you’ve ever used and whether or not it worked?
“Nice pants! They would look good on my floor,” and no, it never works.
Listen to Deathpoint’s “Sick Sick Sick”
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/113342013″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
What’s your after gig routine? Do you have any particular beer you like to hammer down?
Coors Light, Budweiser or Sleeman. Depends on what the bar has on tap.
On the topic of gigs, what are the best and worst experiences you’ve had?
There’s no single best experience, but every time I’m about to play a solo and I hear the crowd cheer, it doesn’t get better than that. The worst experiences are mostly due to wireless problems. Embarrassing.
Lastly, what’s the greatest piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
Don’t drop your gun to hug a bear.
Deathpoint is: Tom Emmans (Vocals), Henry Joldersma (Guitars), Tim Ross (Guitars), Brad Gold (Bass/Vocals), Mike Labate (Drums)
By: Rob Ryles, Contributing Writer
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