Hey guys, It's Aaron again for another thrilling instalment of 20 Questions with... So, we're all big fans of Doom right?! Well, this year we have been extremely fortunate to have reviewed some high quality records and bring them to your attention. We're good to you, but I'm sure you already know that.
In terms of Doom metal, perhaps one album that we felt particularly impressed by, was the second record by Akem Manah from Oregon, USA. Not to be confused with the Belgian band with the same name. Akem Manah have released arguably one of the best Doom metal albums I have heard in a very long time. Night of the Black Moon is a monumental record and if I had to use one word to describe it, it would be 'Epic.!
Steve reviewed the album a few weeks back and he was glowing in his praise for this fantastic record here. What makes this band so unique is that for all intents and purposes, Akem Manah is one man and that is Aaron Nedry. It is his dedication and DIY ethic which has brought this master class of Doom to the masses and that is an achievement in itself.
So, because Akem Manah released such a monstrous record, I thought it'd cool to talk to Akem Manah e.g. Aaron Nedry himself. So here is my 20 Questions with...Akem Manah. Enjoy and spread the word about this brilliant band. Thanks for reading.
Hey Aaron or do you prefer Nedry?
I choose Nedry or Dead Nedry for the
sake of privacy or mystery...
I’m stoked that you agreed to talk me;
it’s a real pleasure to talk you because you’ve released one of the best albums
I’ve heard over recent months. Where are
you at the moment and what you up to in terms of the band?
Currently living on the Oregon (USA)
coast. Since our original drummer Brian and long time bassist Robert left the
band to focus on going to college. I have been running the band by myself.
Working on a new EP with Ivan de Prume, the original Grammy nominated White
Zombie drummer (85-92). Also Chris Lollis, former bassist for the death metal
band Nile.
We had the pleasure of reviewing your
2nd record, Night of the Black
Moon recently, however for those people who missed that review and who are
unfamiliar with your band, could you tell me a little bit about the history of
the band? Where you're from, current band members, when you formed?
The band originally formed in Seattle,
Washington in 2009. We started with 4 guys, me included. But shortly after
forming, in 2010 our first bass player Kyle left the band. Our original second
guitarist Mike also left due to some creative differences. Although he came
back briefly in 2011, mainly just a few jam sessions. We found Robert to take
over on bass in January 2010 and he, Brian and myself are featured on all the
Akem Manah releases to date. Our music is a mix of doom metal, sludge metal,
death metal and psychedelic rock. I prefer using the term psychedelic over
stoner as I am not weed smoker or use any drugs or alcohol for that matter.
Has it always been an ambition to
start a metal band?
I have always enjoyed doing music.
Metal mainly, although I have branched into other forms of rock music. But
since I was at least 16 I have wanted to start a band. Had many false starts,
many never went anywhere. Metal is definitely the musical style I wanted to do.
Is Akem Manah your only full time
project at the moment?
I also have a solo project under the
'Dead Nedry' name. Actually as of right now, I am putting my finishing touches
on a new solo EP called "The Twisted Skin" out in August. But Akem Manah
is the only other project that gets main focus. Any other projects I do are
just side, whenever I get a chance sort of projects. Like Cataclysm is a solo
doom / heavy metal project that i will be working on a 2nd album very soon.
There is one full length out called "Death Becomes Us".
When do you find time for the band if
you have to work? You work too right?
Yeah, unfortunately I still have to
work. I work as a cook to a medium end restaurant here in Oregon. Luckily I
have some recording & mixing equipment so I can record at my home. Ivan
& Chris live elsewhere, so they are doing their parts for the new EP where
they are. But I always find time for Akem Manah, promotions and hitting
Facebook / forums and writing music.
How would you describe your sound?
Kind of dirty doom sludge metal with
death metal attributes. Electric Wizard, Black Sabbath, Sunn O))), Ramesses,
High On Fire, Skepticism, Amon Amarth, Type O Negative, My Dying Bride all
found their way on influencing the Akem Manah sound.
Why did you decide upon the name Akem
Manah, what are the roots behind it?
I used to make list of names that I
thought would suit a band. I would go online and research names of things like
demons, evil places or ideas and Akem Manah was always the one that stuck out.
It is a name of a demon in the Zoroastrian religion meaning "Evil
Mind" or "Evil Purpose". And I thought that suited the ideas of
the music we were creating.
Are you aware of another band with the
same name? Has that caused you any
problems? Did you consider changing the
name?
We discovered them a little while
after we released our debut album "The Devil Is In All Of You" when
they released their debut album. Our paths had never crossed until late May of
this year when the website Metal Underground, Listed "Night Of The Black
Moon" as their new album. They contacted us thinking we just formed and we
were using their name. Which isn’t the case. It was just pure accident. But
after the release of the debut album and the 2011 EP "Horror In The
Eyes" We were too invested in the name, we were getting reviews and
mentions and thought that we couldn't change our name now.
You have had your fair share of
misfortune when it comes to line up changes since the inception of the band,
did you ever think about calling it a day?
Did the loss of members affect your confidence as a musician?
After the first album I moved back to
Oregon from Seattle, I thought that would be the end. Had almost 500 miles between
us. Myself working full-time and those guys working and going to college. The
EP "Horror In The Eyes" was going to be the final release. It was
just music that we held back from the first album to save for a new album. But
we thought that day wouldn't come. But it did later in 2011 when we started
shooting ideas back and forth for the "Black Moon" album. But
overtime someone leaves it can shake things up. When Kyle and Mike both left in
January 2010, we thought we would end it then, but decided to keep on. It
doesn't affect me as a musician since I always have other projects to work on. And
I have always felt very good about Akem Manah, that I couldn't end it.
Is there a rock/metal scene in your
hometown?
Very tiny, I mean like a few people.
Bandon is the town I live in and it is only like 3000 people. But I have people
I know and jam with. A new musical project may be under way soon with local
friends.
What's it like being in an underground
rock/ metal band? Is it a struggle?
It can be. It is hard to bring doom
metal out to an audience when everyone wants straight death metal and just the
fast pace in your face metal. Which I like but I love doom metal too. I think
it just takes persistence. I go on to forums and put money out of own pocket
for ads online to help build on the fan base.
It states on your facebook page your focus is
mostly on being a studio band, rather than touring a lot, is that true and what
is reasoning behind that?
Touring right now is definitely hard,
with myself being the only official member. I want to build up a larger fan
base before going out on the road. I want to know there are fans out there so we’re
not playing to 10 people in some dive bar. But Chris gave me advice about
trying to hit up the European summer festival circuit. Which is something I am
shooting for in 2013. I know Europe is huge on doom metal and other forms of
metal that aren't as big here in America.
What are your influences musically and
artistically?
Myself personally ranges from bands
like Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Motley Crue, Metallica, White Zombie,
Pantera, Soilwork, Xasthur, Sunn o))), Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Electric
Wizard, Thergothon, Skepticism. Just a wide range of music in the rock and
metal genres. I don't limit myself to ideas. I brought many ideas into the
"Night Of The Black Moon" album including a little thrashy parts.
Were you in any bands before Akem
Manah? If so, what were they like and
how has your style changed since then?
I had some projects and ideas that never went
anywhere mainly groove / thrash metal. Done a lot of solo recording. But Akem
Manah is the real first band I have been a part of. But I can tell since I have
started playing I am 1000 time better than I was, but I also know I can improve
and grow as a musician. I am only 25.
Night of the black moon is your 2nd
full length, do you feel it is your best work and why?
I think it is so far. The new Akem
Manah EP and my new solo EP are very excellent. But on "Night Of The Black
Moon" we seemed more focused. We had an idea of what we wanted the sound
to be. The first album was almost like an experiment for us. I felt the riffs
had more substance and power behind them on this album than before or any other
project I have done to date. A song like 'Into The Darkness" being 20 +
minutes and bring the depth of super slow riffs and almost thrashy riffs and
trying different arrangements just helped the album. I felt my vocals were
better than before. Everything just seemed so smooth and came together so well
while recording we knew we had something special.
Given that Night of the black moon has
only been out a short while, you’re already in the process of recording another
E.P. what was the thinking behind that?
I have always done that. Just whenever
I have an idea for riffs or whatever I start recording. This time it just went
a little faster. Just had an idea, a concept that I didn't want to hold off on
and lose the idea or spark.
For those people who don’t know,
former White Zombie/Prong drummer Ivan de Prume is playing on the new EP as
well as former Nile bassist, Chris Lollis, how did that come about?
I remember years ago. I think 2006 or
maybe 2007 I was recording some solo demos while living in Los Angeles and I
came across Ivan's Myspace (when people were still using myspace) and saw he
would do music recording for projects he liked. I contacted him when Brian
& Robert left the band and gave him a copy of "Black Moon". He
came back to me with tons of ideas and people who he thought would be great on
this project. And Chris was the main guy he wanted. After talking to Chris I knew
he was the guy for this project. Ivan enjoys doing stuff like this, especially
because I gave free range for ideas. Allow him to do what he does best. Did the
same for Chris, told him he could do what he felt comfortable with. So it seems
to be working well.
 |
| Upcoming EP scheduled Oct'12 |
I was and still am a massive White
Zombie fan, that must be an honour for him to play on the record?
White Zombie is one of the reasons i
started music. And I was always partial to the early stuff. "La
Sexorcisto" is still my favorite Zombie album next to the 1989 album
"Make The Die Slowly". So it is great to have him on board. And just
crazy to think that he will be playing drums to riffs I created.
Are Chris and Ivan full time members?
Will they tour with you?
They are just session members now. That’s
all I am doing for now. But it would be great to tour with them and even if
things go well bring them on board officially. Just playing it slow right now.
Although i have brought up the idea of shows with Chris for next year. But we
will see. I definitely know I want them to be on the next EP in 2013.
What sets your music apart from other
heavy music, in terms of getting people to listen or buy your music?
I can't really say. I just do what I
can to get people interested. I go on to forums, have songs on internet radio,
have a page Jango.com that I send fans messages, runs tons of ads, and submit
music everywhere to get reviews. Planning on releasing a free EP of 1 or 2
songs from all 3 current releases. Possibly in August. Just do whatever I can.
But I can't really say anything sets us apart. We all do what we need to do, to
be heard.
What sort of feedback have you
received for Night of the black moon? What are your thoughts? Are you pleased
with it? Do People get what you’re trying to do?
This album has had the best feedback
yet. I haven't seen any negative at all. Hell, I saw a term that just posted on
"A Metal State Of Mind" website that said "The epitome of doom
metal, Akem Manah defines the genre.". As well as the mass praise from
Sludgelord. Still working on getting
more reviews. But it is fantastic. I think everyone understands the ideas
behind the music. I love the thought of people comparing the riff ideas to Tony
Iommi of Black Sabbath. He is definitely a huge influence on me. So that is
really great. Overall I couldn't ask for any better.
Given that essentially you’re the only
member of the band, have you written all the music and lyrics? What inspires you as you seem to be pretty
prolific?
All songs are mainly by me as far as
riffs go. I never really pushed any ideas for bass or drums. Let those guys do
what they feel. Just an occasional idea here and there. But they do mainly
build their playing around my riffs. All lyrics are by me. Lyrics are always
weird for me. I never know what to write. But I want to push myself to have
something great. I have always told people, if I can't sit and listen to my own
songs and enjoy them, then I shouldn't release them. I can't write just plain
lyrics. When telling a story, I really want to tell a story. And I work hard to
get it. One thing I also feel for Akem Manah lyrics is that its entertainment.
I may write stuff about God or Satan but that reflects nothing on myself or
others I know. To me they are just figureheads to be written about.
Is Freak Metal Records your own label, if so
how do finance the records and release them?
It is. It is all out of my pocket. I
have always been good with money. So whenever a CD needs to be printed I had my
portion of the money. I do all deals though CD Baby who then submit to all
digital partners like Amazon & Itunes and to any physical locations.
I saw that you were asking people to sign an on line petition to get
signed to Roadrunner Records, if they or another label approached you, what
would you want from them and how could they help you?
I doubt the Roadrunner thing will work
as they never sign anyone off of that. But if we were approached, I would want
the band to have all creative control over the music. That’s the reason we were
approached. If someone else is trying to tell me how to run my band and write
music it would take all the fun out of it. I would love to have the use of
connections they have and the better promotion, better recording facilities and
distribution that is harder to get from being underground. Plus the money so I could
quit my cooking job and be a full-time musician.
What do think of services such as
Pledge Music, where fans donate money to their favourite artists to help get them
get their music recorded?
Never heard of this before. Always
funded everything out of pocket. That is one of the reasons I didn't call it
quits back in April when Brain & Robert left the band.
What are your ambitions for the band?
I want to be able to make a living off
of touring and the music. No job. Just music. I would love to see us hit the
billboard top 20 just for the hell of it. Headline some doom metal festivals.
Just make it big with the band.
Do you get to tour much? If so, where
have you toured? Who are your favourite bands to tour with?
Haven't toured yet. Have done a few
shows early on in the Seattle area. Last show was really just a party where we
jammed a few old songs and 2 new songs the night before we entered the studio
to record "Night Of The Black moon" in January. So, not really any
experience yet. I hope that can change as there are a ton of band I would love
to tour with like Electric Wizard, Ramesses, High on Fire, Novembers Doom,
Moss, Evoken, Skepticism and so many others.
What are your immediate plans for the
future, any plans for new material after the upcoming EP, another full length
perhaps?
"Demons Of The Sabbath - Part
1" in October. Part 2 is planned for early 2013 release. Ideas are
floating around as far as riffs but nothing has been recorded. Hopefully some festivals and touring in the
spring / summer of 2013. Outside of Akem Manah there are plenty of things. Like
my new solo EP and the full length Cataclysm album I mentioned earlier. Also
some singles from other projects all within the next 6-8 months.
What do you think to people
downloading music for free? Would you consider releasing your album for free to
get more people listening to your music?
I don't think I would release a main
album or EP for free. I have done singles and I am planning a free EP / sampler
of songs off the previous releases that will be free to get people interested.
But I feel that bands put time into their work, pay for studios, printing CD's,
getting the CD released & promotion. So there should be something coming
back. Especially if you are underground or a studio only band.
Any plans for shows in the UK?
Would love too. 2013 is when it will
happen. Either with a band put together here or a special line-up just for European shows. I
would love to hit the festival circuit, especially Download Festival. That and
some of the clubs and such. Just have to work out ideas and get promoters and
all that business stuff lined up first. But it will happen.
Last question, you got anything you
like to say to your fans?
Thanks for the support. Many people
out there that help keep the band alive by just sharing post on Facebook, and
on forums. It helps build it up. I need you to keep helping spread the word of
Akem Manah. Without you Akem Manah would not be. You are all great. Don't stop
on us and we won't stop for you. Long live doom metal.
It goes without saying, that I need to say a massive thank you to Nedry for taking the time to talk to us, here at The Sludgelord. If you haven't heard this band before, please check them out, they are amazing. You can read Steve's review here. Please show your support by checking out the links below for info on where you can buy Akem Manah's music, as well checking them on the usual social networks. Thanks for reading guys. More from 20 Questions very soon.
Facebook
CD Baby
Soundcloud
Jango
CD Baby
Soundcloud
Jango
