Despite not coming over to the UK to support Himsa on their recent tour, Planet Loud still manage to have a chat to Mike from The Agony Scene about their impressive new album.
Planet Loud – Hey guys, thanks for your time. How’s things today?
The Agony Scene – Not too bad.
Planet Loud – You’ve got a new label for 2008, how did you end up back at Century Media?
The Agony Scene – We were originally with Abbacus Recordings which was a sub label of CM and, when they went out of business, we were moved over to CM proper.
Planet Loud – Your previous album was released on Roadrunner, was that a frustrating time for you?
The Agony Scene – well we played somewhere around 288 shows on that record cycle so it was more exausting than anything. It was a mutual break from Roadrunner. We both felt we would be better off without each other.
Planet Loud – Why did you choose Century Media ? What are you looking for in a deal?
The Agony Scene – They have a pretty insane line up of bands on their roster. We felt we would be a good fit and it’s been a very good working relationship so far.
Planet Loud – Also, for the new album, you’ve had a line-up change, can you tell us the story there?
The Agony Scene – We parted ways with Brent Masters, our longtime drummer, after the tour cycle for The Darkest Red. We’re still on good terms but as far as a working relationship goes it just wasn’t happening anymore. We found Ryan Folden through a friend of a friend and he’s been great. Great guy to be on the road with.
Planet Loud – What can you tell us about your new drummer Ryan’s background?
The Agony Scene – He played for a band called The Takeover from Spokane WA. He didn’t have a lot of touring experience before he joined TAS but he fits right in. It’s been great.
Planet Loud – What do you think he brought to the band?
The Agony Scene – Youth. He’s not nearly as jaded as the rest of us. And he’s much better looking.
Planet Loud – Okay, going onto the new record, is there a meaning / story behind the title?
The Agony Scene – Not really. We thought it was funny. Kind of a play on words directed towards get saved. We had other names in the works like Setting Kids On Fire For God a common saying in Christian youth groups talking about igniting the holy spirit but, if taken literally, it’s pretty funny.
Planet Loud – What did you want to achieve with the new record?
The Agony Scene – Really we just wanted to make a record we wanted to listen to. Bring in a little more of a hardcore sound and be as pissed off as we could be.
Planet Loud – At what point of the writing/recording cycle did Ryan come into the band?
The Agony Scene – He joined after the record was recorded.
Planet Loud – Lyrically, your lyrics have always been pretty dark, what inspired you on this album?
The Agony Scene – I read a lot of Anton Lavey, I’m not a satanist just found it interesting and I found myself really interested in cults – Jonestown, Heavens Gate, Manson Family. Kind of looking at organized religion like you would see a cult. Makes it a very scary thing.
Planet Loud – Okay, there is quite a shift in direction from the last record in terms of the music. What prompted that shift?
The Agony Scene – My love for punk rock. We all wanted to simplify the music and i wanted it to be faster and more pissed. Something that would be fun to play live.
Planet Loud – Do you think people will be surprised by the rockier sound?
The Agony Scene – I don’t think so. It feels like a natural progression to me.
Planet Loud – What sort of music are you listening to at the moment?
The Agony Scene – Personally – Heavens, I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness, Milemarker, Poison Idea, Propaghandi.
Planet Loud – Okay, thanks for your time, good luck in 2008. Anything else you’d like to say…
The Agony Scene – Thanks for the interview…
Interview by Graham Finney
