Arceye made a very successful second step with their new release “At First Light”. Even though they added more groove and melodies to their music they didn’t lose their brutality or the extremeness that characterize their sound. The band’s drummer Craig Mackay was thoroughly interviewed by Grande Rock and he made things clearer about the band and their new album…
Hi Craig… Second release for the band and everything seems to be working great for the band as yet?
C: Yeah the response has been amazing so far. We spent a long time working on this album so it’s just great to finally get it out there and get some positive feedback.
How do you see the reactions of the press and fans so far? Are you satisfied?
C: We couldn’t be happier with the response. When you’re in the middle of writing and recording it’s so easy to loose track of what everything sounds like to an outsider. People would say how’s the new album sounding and I’d reply with I think it’s good but I’m so in the middle of it that I can’t tell. To get the reviews and feedback we’ve had reassures me that we did something to be proud of.
What can you say that has changed in your second album in comparison to your debut?
C: I think the main thing that we wanted from album number 2 was to up our game musically and sonically and I believe that we have achieved that. We added more dynamics and groove to this album and basically if we felt that any part of the song didn’t rock then it was taken out.
What direction did you have in mind to go when you were recording “At First Light”? Do you prefer to let “the music” take you wherever it wants?
C: When we first started writing it was a case of just getting in the practice room and seeing what happens. We’d write lots of individual parts that sounded great and we’d keep them stockpiled to work into songs at a later date. As the album progressed and we were getting closer to finishing, it was then important to try and step back and see what the album was missing and what we could add to make it work as a complete piece.
What “At First Light” states? Is there s specific hidden message behind the album’s title?
C: The whole album artwork and concept is basically about realizing your dreams. It’s about starting the day with a journey ahead of you and doing whatever you can to reach the top of your mountain of goals.
Do give us a hint about each one of the songs…
C: “At First Light”: This is the start of the journey with a hunger to succeed.
“The Storm”: One of the shorter tracks on the album and one that we’re going to shoot a video for.
“The Longest Drive”: This is part of 1 of “I Silently Wait” and some nice acoustic guitar.
“I Silently Wait”: A song about when our practice room was broken into. Bad times.
“Sirius”: An epic instrumental. The name comes from the star constellations that lead the way.
“Brother Disarmed”: Heavy as hell and full of groove.
“Prey Forgiveness”: A short and snappy song with lots of groove.
“Damage Done”: A dark and moody song with lots of dynamics.
“The Thirst”: Another song about the thirst to succeed in what you do.
“Dusk”: This is a kind of cliffhanger that ends this chapter of the journey.
How the cooperation with Scott Atkins occurred? Are you totally satisfied with the album’s production? I think it’s awesome and takes the band a step ahead in general.
C: When we were at a point when we needed to start booking studio time we all sat together and drew up a list of producers and engineers that we admired. From there we looked at cost and logistics and Scott came out on top. We all loved his work on the latest Sylosis album and I had done a fair few gigs with him back in the day when I was in a band called ‘Restraint’ and he was in ‘Stampin Ground’. We’re all very happy with the production and I think it’s helped to bring the songs to life.
Is there gonna be a video out anytime soon? Are you working on something right now and if yes for which one of the songs?
C: We’ve already done a lyrical video for “I Silently Wait” which was out a couple of months ago and we should finish our new video for the song “Brother Disarmed” any day now. Al works for a filming company so he has the equipment and knows how to do a great job. We’re lucky really as I do all of the artwork and design too. It’s nice to keep everything in house and it also saves us lots of money. (i.n.: Yeap, that’s so true…)
I like the way that you blend brutality with melodies and heavy riffs. Can you say that this is the band’s trademark or it’s all part of the general musical evolution?
C: I think Arceye has always been about large dynamics but I just think that we’ve got better at it over time. We all listen to so many different styles of music it’s nice to bring some of those elements into our music whether it’s heavy or not. We just want to write good music and that’s the bottom line.
If you can describe your band’s music in a single line how would you call it?
C: People always want to place you in a certain scene or genre but I would just say that we are a metal band. Sure we have bits of thrash and death metal in there but I’d like to think that we have lots of other sounds too. (i.n.: Yeap, you totally have dude…)
I’ve written that the song “Damage Done” probably gives a taste of the band’s future musical approach… Can you actually say such a thing yourself?
C: I think we all agree that “Damage Done” came out really well but it was a tricky one to write. We knew that when we started writing the album we wanted to try some different things out vocally and this song seemed like an obvious choice to do that. I’m not sure if it’s a sign of where we’re going as a band but I’d certainly say that we’ll try things like this in the future. If it works out then great. (i.n.: Definitely it will work out greatly…)
You have toured a lot the previous years so what are you preparing for the coming months?
C: We’ve done a few one off gigs here and there since the albums release including a few dates in Scotland but we’re now trying to sort out a good tour. We believe that we’ve got a good product to promote so it’s important that we get some good support slots to get our music to a whole new audience. We really want to get over to Europe too as we’ve had a great response from there.
C: Yeah the response has been amazing so far. We spent a long time working on this album so it’s just great to finally get it out there and get some positive feedback.
How do you see the reactions of the press and fans so far? Are you satisfied?
C: We couldn’t be happier with the response. When you’re in the middle of writing and recording it’s so easy to loose track of what everything sounds like to an outsider. People would say how’s the new album sounding and I’d reply with I think it’s good but I’m so in the middle of it that I can’t tell. To get the reviews and feedback we’ve had reassures me that we did something to be proud of.
What can you say that has changed in your second album in comparison to your debut?
C: I think the main thing that we wanted from album number 2 was to up our game musically and sonically and I believe that we have achieved that. We added more dynamics and groove to this album and basically if we felt that any part of the song didn’t rock then it was taken out.
What direction did you have in mind to go when you were recording “At First Light”? Do you prefer to let “the music” take you wherever it wants?
C: When we first started writing it was a case of just getting in the practice room and seeing what happens. We’d write lots of individual parts that sounded great and we’d keep them stockpiled to work into songs at a later date. As the album progressed and we were getting closer to finishing, it was then important to try and step back and see what the album was missing and what we could add to make it work as a complete piece.
What “At First Light” states? Is there s specific hidden message behind the album’s title?
C: The whole album artwork and concept is basically about realizing your dreams. It’s about starting the day with a journey ahead of you and doing whatever you can to reach the top of your mountain of goals.
Do give us a hint about each one of the songs…
C: “At First Light”: This is the start of the journey with a hunger to succeed.
“The Storm”: One of the shorter tracks on the album and one that we’re going to shoot a video for.
“The Longest Drive”: This is part of 1 of “I Silently Wait” and some nice acoustic guitar.
“I Silently Wait”: A song about when our practice room was broken into. Bad times.
“Sirius”: An epic instrumental. The name comes from the star constellations that lead the way.
“Brother Disarmed”: Heavy as hell and full of groove.
“Prey Forgiveness”: A short and snappy song with lots of groove.
“Damage Done”: A dark and moody song with lots of dynamics.
“The Thirst”: Another song about the thirst to succeed in what you do.
“Dusk”: This is a kind of cliffhanger that ends this chapter of the journey.
How the cooperation with Scott Atkins occurred? Are you totally satisfied with the album’s production? I think it’s awesome and takes the band a step ahead in general.
C: When we were at a point when we needed to start booking studio time we all sat together and drew up a list of producers and engineers that we admired. From there we looked at cost and logistics and Scott came out on top. We all loved his work on the latest Sylosis album and I had done a fair few gigs with him back in the day when I was in a band called ‘Restraint’ and he was in ‘Stampin Ground’. We’re all very happy with the production and I think it’s helped to bring the songs to life.
Is there gonna be a video out anytime soon? Are you working on something right now and if yes for which one of the songs?
C: We’ve already done a lyrical video for “I Silently Wait” which was out a couple of months ago and we should finish our new video for the song “Brother Disarmed” any day now. Al works for a filming company so he has the equipment and knows how to do a great job. We’re lucky really as I do all of the artwork and design too. It’s nice to keep everything in house and it also saves us lots of money. (i.n.: Yeap, that’s so true…)
I like the way that you blend brutality with melodies and heavy riffs. Can you say that this is the band’s trademark or it’s all part of the general musical evolution?
C: I think Arceye has always been about large dynamics but I just think that we’ve got better at it over time. We all listen to so many different styles of music it’s nice to bring some of those elements into our music whether it’s heavy or not. We just want to write good music and that’s the bottom line.
If you can describe your band’s music in a single line how would you call it?
C: People always want to place you in a certain scene or genre but I would just say that we are a metal band. Sure we have bits of thrash and death metal in there but I’d like to think that we have lots of other sounds too. (i.n.: Yeap, you totally have dude…)
I’ve written that the song “Damage Done” probably gives a taste of the band’s future musical approach… Can you actually say such a thing yourself?
C: I think we all agree that “Damage Done” came out really well but it was a tricky one to write. We knew that when we started writing the album we wanted to try some different things out vocally and this song seemed like an obvious choice to do that. I’m not sure if it’s a sign of where we’re going as a band but I’d certainly say that we’ll try things like this in the future. If it works out then great. (i.n.: Definitely it will work out greatly…)
You have toured a lot the previous years so what are you preparing for the coming months?
C: We’ve done a few one off gigs here and there since the albums release including a few dates in Scotland but we’re now trying to sort out a good tour. We believe that we’ve got a good product to promote so it’s important that we get some good support slots to get our music to a whole new audience. We really want to get over to Europe too as we’ve had a great response from there.
What do you think about that digital/downloading trend of our time? What’s there for a band when most people are downloading their albums and not even care to listen to them most of the times? What shall change so as to make it through?
C: I think it’s a shame that bands spend so much time and money working on a new album that works as a complete piece of music and people just download a couple of tracks here and there. I think it’s important to listen to an album in full and whether I’m buying a physical copy of an album or downloading it I will still always get the whole thing. Unfortunately, I just think that this is the way that things are now. It’s a tough industry and there are so many bands out there. Great bands can easily be overlooked and it’s a case of just doing whatever you can to get your music out there.
It’s time for the Weird Questions now!!! How did you come up with the name Arceye?
C: Al and Dave came up with the name. They were working in a garage doing welding and were talking about the eye condition you can get from welding called Arceye. They thought it was a good name for a band and it stuck. Simple as that.
What are those things that you do not like in the music industry nowadays?
C: I understand that the music industry is all about making money but sometimes I think that that is the only reason people do it. I think although programs like the X Factor are entertaining they are in fact ruining the industry and young kids think that’s what they need to do to succeed. What ever happened to just choosing an instrument for love you playing music and spending years learning your craft.
Which is the record you wish you had written and why?
C: “Lateralus” by Tool. That album just blows my mind on every level and as a drummer Danny Carey just nails it. Lets hope that whenever they release a new album it’s as good.
Name 3 top extreme metal releases that influenced the extreme metal genre the most…
C: “Vulgar Display of Power” by Pantera, “Master of Puppets” by Metallica and “Reign in Blood” by Slayer.
If music were banned by law (CDs, Vinyl, cassettes, Mp3s everything), which 3 albums would you risk to hide even if it would be a risky thing to do cuz the penalty would be jail?
C: Choosing just 3 is difficult but I’d probably go for “King for a Day, Fool For A Life Time” by Faith No More, “Lateralus” by Tool and “Ghost Reveries” by Opeth.
Death vs Life… which one of the two is the most appealing?
C: At the moment life is more appealing but who knows what’s gonna happen!
Is humanity doomed to fail after all?
C: I hope not but I think eventually we will.
Is there a world of spirits that live among us? Do they actually interfere in people’s lives or not?
C: I’d really like to think that there’s something after we die but I’m a bit undecided. I find ghosts really interesting though so lets hope so.
Why is metal better than sex… if it is…
C: Surely it’s better to have sex while listening to metal. Manowar could be a good choice! (i.n.: Hell yeah!!!)
You have the opportunity to sleep with the movie-celebrity/porn star of your choice. Who would it be?
C: I’d settle with Blake Lively.
Imagine that your girlfriend/wife is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
C: I think I’d go pretty mad. It wouldn’t just be a case of loosing the albums but also that fact that they would do that without asking me first. Fuming!
That’s all for now Craig. Close this interview in your own way... Thx for the music! Take care dude!
C: Thanks for taking the time out to hear what we’ve got to say and thanks for anyone that’s bought our album. If you haven’t a got a copy yet then please have a listen and I hope you enjoy it. Cheers.
C: I think it’s a shame that bands spend so much time and money working on a new album that works as a complete piece of music and people just download a couple of tracks here and there. I think it’s important to listen to an album in full and whether I’m buying a physical copy of an album or downloading it I will still always get the whole thing. Unfortunately, I just think that this is the way that things are now. It’s a tough industry and there are so many bands out there. Great bands can easily be overlooked and it’s a case of just doing whatever you can to get your music out there.
It’s time for the Weird Questions now!!! How did you come up with the name Arceye?
C: Al and Dave came up with the name. They were working in a garage doing welding and were talking about the eye condition you can get from welding called Arceye. They thought it was a good name for a band and it stuck. Simple as that.
What are those things that you do not like in the music industry nowadays?
C: I understand that the music industry is all about making money but sometimes I think that that is the only reason people do it. I think although programs like the X Factor are entertaining they are in fact ruining the industry and young kids think that’s what they need to do to succeed. What ever happened to just choosing an instrument for love you playing music and spending years learning your craft.
Which is the record you wish you had written and why?
C: “Lateralus” by Tool. That album just blows my mind on every level and as a drummer Danny Carey just nails it. Lets hope that whenever they release a new album it’s as good.
Name 3 top extreme metal releases that influenced the extreme metal genre the most…
C: “Vulgar Display of Power” by Pantera, “Master of Puppets” by Metallica and “Reign in Blood” by Slayer.
If music were banned by law (CDs, Vinyl, cassettes, Mp3s everything), which 3 albums would you risk to hide even if it would be a risky thing to do cuz the penalty would be jail?
C: Choosing just 3 is difficult but I’d probably go for “King for a Day, Fool For A Life Time” by Faith No More, “Lateralus” by Tool and “Ghost Reveries” by Opeth.
Death vs Life… which one of the two is the most appealing?
C: At the moment life is more appealing but who knows what’s gonna happen!
Is humanity doomed to fail after all?
C: I hope not but I think eventually we will.
Is there a world of spirits that live among us? Do they actually interfere in people’s lives or not?
C: I’d really like to think that there’s something after we die but I’m a bit undecided. I find ghosts really interesting though so lets hope so.
Why is metal better than sex… if it is…
C: Surely it’s better to have sex while listening to metal. Manowar could be a good choice! (i.n.: Hell yeah!!!)
You have the opportunity to sleep with the movie-celebrity/porn star of your choice. Who would it be?
C: I’d settle with Blake Lively.
Imagine that your girlfriend/wife is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
C: I think I’d go pretty mad. It wouldn’t just be a case of loosing the albums but also that fact that they would do that without asking me first. Fuming!
That’s all for now Craig. Close this interview in your own way... Thx for the music! Take care dude!
C: Thanks for taking the time out to hear what we’ve got to say and thanks for anyone that’s bought our album. If you haven’t a got a copy yet then please have a listen and I hope you enjoy it. Cheers.