We had a quick Q&A with Alex, the guitarist from Brisbane band Chronolyth. You can check out what’s happening with the band at all times HERE.
The Band
How did the band first come to exist?
Since high school the other guys and myself had been in and out of smaller bands. Hamish and I were in a particular group which eventually renamed and recruited most of our current line-up. Somehow we managed to stick around and grow from the 17-19 year old’s that we were into the band we are now!
Is there an interesting story behind the name?
It was actually influenced by the “Cannabis Corpse” song ‘Chronolith’. None of us are familiar with the band’s music, we just thought the name was kind of cool! Nowadays the name is a brand for our music to me rather than a story. The music tells the real story.
What’s your most recent release?
We have a new record entitled ‘Atrophy’ which will be out by the time Heavy Mag listeners are reading this! I feel as though it contains tighter song development, melody and aggression in comparison with our debut record. Different members collaborated on the music throughout the album, so you’re in for a refreshing take on the Chronolyth sound. It drops on the 29th April 2016 and we’re currently celebrating the music video launch for the track ‘March of the Forsaken’. We got to experiment with some debatably controversial themes involving religion and war amongst the clip, which was pretty rad too.
What’s the one must have item on the rider?
To get us through a show we need at least a case of beer and water, a hand written joke by the promoter or a poster of Katy Perry to be pinned somewhere in the Green Room.
Any pre-show rituals?
There’s this ritual we do during the intro prior to walking on stage. We form a circle, cross hands and do this weird alternate hand shake motion 20 times without counting out loud. Hard to describe, but it’s stupidly cool when everyone counts correctly!
What do you think is the hardest aspect of being in a touring band?
Keeping everyone happy with every decision made can be a very difficult task. There’s a lot of management tasks which effect more than just the band’s time schedule, it can actually effect your entire life. It’s sort of like being married to 4 guys at once in a MOSTLY non-sexual way!
What’s on the cards in the next few months for the band?
As of tomorrow we’ll be hitting the road for the “Atrophy Australian Tour” which we’re all very excited about. We get to kick things off in Brisbane, our hometown, so that’s a pretty sweet way to start. I believe some of the other boys are working on some new demos already, which is also really cool. We’ve got more touring on the cards in the later part of the year if all goes to plan too.
The Music
Any band, album, or song that you personally credit as a major influence?
Phil and Nick from As I Lay Dying/Wovenwar had a huge influence on the melodic approach to writing this album, but not limited to. We drew influence from anywhere between black metal, punk through to pop elements to blend with our original melodic groove sound.
Most prized music related item you own?
Oh man, that’s a tough one. I’m really loving my ESP/LTD EC-1000 SSB at the moment. Ben and I also picked up Line 6 HD POD500 processors to trial on this tour, so I’ve been tweaking that a lot lately. I’d have to say it’s a tie between those 2 items at the moment!
Last album you picked up?
Violent Soho’s ‘Waco’. That album is pure fire. I can’t get enough of it! It’s great to see a Brisbane band getting recognised so highly across the globe.
What album is currently on high rotation?
Trophy Eyes’ ‘Mend, Move On’. I’ve been sweating their music since we played Borkfest together in Newcastle a couple of months back. Those boys are going places!
What do you think of online music sharing?
It’s a blessing and a curse. It’s never been so easy to get music to listeners, although it’s also a lot harder to keep their attention and sell music when it’s so easily accessible. It has very well contributed to the death of the industry as we know it, but the future will tell whether a compromise is met to keep artists and fans happy content.
The Man
Who are your non-musical influences?
My close friends and family are a huge influence on me. I’ve never really taken influence in idols outside of music, but rather the people I know. They know who they are.
What are some of your pet peeves?
People who offer an opinion on an issue but refuse to find a solution. There’s no point complaining if you won’t work towards a better picture, right? (YES! – Ed)
When you’re not with the band, what are you usually found doing?
I’ve been teaching myself photography in recent months, so I’m generally looking out for opportunities to improve on that!
AFL or NRL?
If I had to pick, I’d say NRL. My buddy Rhys (A Breach Of Silence) gave me a rundown to the basics of Basketball recently, I found that more interesting than either of the fore mentioned. Top lad!
The Final Say
Thanks to the readers for supporting Heavy Mag, Chronolyth and keeping the music scene alive. Come out to a show on the Atrophy tour and share a beer jug with us, let’s party!
Chronolyth: Tour Dates 2016
29 April – The Brightside, Brisbane
30 April – Ballina Hotel, Ballina
06 May – The Helm, Sunshine Coast
07 May – Lounge 1868, Maryborough
13 May – Bass Bar, Wagga Wagga
14 May – The Vault, Newcastle
20 May – Molly Malones, Townsville
21 May – Billabong Kuranda, Cairns
03 June – Enigma Bar, Adelaide
04 June – The Basement, Canberra
10 June – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
11 June – TBA, Melbourne
12 June – Musicman Megastore, Bendigo
17 June – Flamingos, Rockhampton
18 June – TBA, Gladstone
19 June – Railway Hotel, Bundaberg (All Ages)
24 June – Bald Faced Stag, Sydney
25 June – Leagues Club, Woy Woy
