Melodic Hardcore Band Alesana Speak to Stereoboard about their February Tour (Interview)
Monday, 12 December 2011
Written by Rob Sleigh
In February, US hardcore sextet Alesana will be heading over to the UK for a number of dates in support of their fourth album ‘A Place Where The Sun is Silent’, the follow-up to last year’s ‘The Emptiness’. The band’s latest offering, which was released in October, is a concept album featuring 16 tracks split into two acts.
‘A Place Where The Sun is Silent’ was recorded with producer Kris Crummett, who previously worked with the band on ‘The Emptiness’ and has also produced releases from the likes of Dance Gavin Dance, Breathe Carolina and The Devil Wears Prada. The new album is also Alesana’s first release with the world-renowned Epitaph Records, with whom the band signed in 2010. Following the album’s release, Alesana also unveiled an eight-minute music video to their track ‘Lullaby of the Crucified’, which is available to watch below.
Ahead of the band’s upcoming European tour, which kicks off in the new year, Alesana vocalist and guitarist Shawn Milke gave a short interview for Stereoboard to tell us more about the forthcoming UK dates and a bit about ‘A Place Where The Sun is Silent’.
You’ll be heading over to the UK early next year for a few shows. How are you feeling about those dates?
It is exciting because we love the UK, especially the pubs, and each time we return it seems our fan base has grown. Also, my wife is coming with me this time around so that will make the experience all the better.
What do you enjoy most about performing in the UK?
I enjoy the atmosphere. It is hard to explain, it is just different than in the States. Plus, we have some good friends there. It is always nice to see old friends.
For anyone planning on going along to one of the shows, what can they expect?
Expect us to give everything we have. Our shows are filled with a lot of energy. Unfortunately, we also tell a lot of bad jokes. They make us laugh, but usually we just get stares. I'll go ahead and blame the acoustics of the room in advance.
Your new album ‘A Place Where the Sun is Silent’ was released earlier this year. What has the response to the album been like so far?
The response has been wonderful. Our most dedicated and devoted fans have responded very positively, which is all we can ask for. Honestly, I couldn't give a damn what critics have to say. They always find something they don't like.
What was the album like to make compared with your previous records?
The experience was very similar to making ‘The Emptiness’ because we returned to Portland, Oregon to work with Kris Crummett. However, I was going mad because I took on a lot of extra work with composing strings for every song, a lot more piano work, horn arrangements and two separate choir compositions. The challenge is what makes it fun and rewarding.
It’s your first album release on Epitaph. How have you been enjoying the move so far?
It is certainly different, but it has been great. The team over there, most notably Tom and Jessica, have been wonderful. It is sort of like moving into a new house - it takes a bit to get used to a new system and approach, new sounds, new smells.
‘A Place Where The Sun is Silent’ Track Listing:
Act One: At the Gate
1. The Dark Wood of Error
2. A Forbidden Dance
3. Hand in Hand with the Damned
4. Beyond the Sacred Glass
5. The Temptress
6. Circle VII: Sins of the Lion
7. Vestige
8. Lullaby of the Crucified
Act Two: The Immortal Still
9. Before Him All Shall Scatter
10. Labyrinth
11. The Fiend
12. Welcome to the Vanity Faire
13. The Wanderer
14. A Gilded Masquerade
15. The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Marionettes
16. And Now for the Final Illusion
Sun February 5th 2012 - Cardiff University CF10, Cardiff
Mon February 6th 2012 - HMV Institute Birmingham, Birmingham
Tue February 7th 2012 - Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
Thu February 9th 2012 - Manchester Academy 2, Manchester
Fri February 10th 2012 - Electric Ballroom, London
Sat February 11th 2012 - Norwich Waterfront, Norwich
Sun February 12th 2012 - Concorde 2, Brighton
Wed February 8th 2012 - King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
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It’s your first album release on Epitaph. How have you been enjoying the move so far?
