The brilliant duo from Estonia have been together as band for a number of years now. They have released two brilliant albums so far - EOS and Scaled. Their latest – SCALED – is probably their best work to date.
I recently described it as:
"Scaled is a brilliant and highly original album and one that will enhance Talbot’s reputation even more. Talbot can now be considered true pioneers of the Sludge/Post-Metal genre. Talbot are now a force to be reckoned with in the realm of extreme music.
Scaled is a brilliant album and one that will be called a classic in the years to come."
Talbot are a DIY Band in the most truest sense. They pay for everything themselves Tours, mechandise and albums. No Big Deal you say. Well they have toured the world to places such as Europe, Australia and Japan. And they have received a whole load of praise in return. Check the various YouTube videos of them in action. Be prepared to blown away on how much noise a duo can actually make
Q1 – Hi guys, Thanks for doing this. How are things with yourselves Today.
Magnus: Hi there! Things are fine, thank you. Just finished working with the new album and now we're making last preparations for the upcoming tour.
Jarmo: Hey. Doing just fine, yep.
Q2 – For people not in the know, can you give them a brief bio on how the band came about.
M: The band was activated in summer of 2008. It seemed to be a perfect time and place to form a 2-piece noise-doom group.
J: The discussion about this came while we we're on the beach, walking into the sea to have swim.
Q3 – Which bands and artists influence you directly as musicians.
M: It's really hard too say because there has been many different kinds of bands that has had an affect on my development as a musician. Probably it all started from early Metallica, which I've been listening since was a kid. But there's also a strong "Sabbath" and "Seattle sound" influence in me.
J: Genrewise it's usually minimal techno and ambient for me. Psychedelic and not so psychedelic black metal too.
Q4 – You have just released your excellent new album – Scaled – which I think is your best work to date. Very heavy and psychedelic in nature. Was it an easy/hard album to record for. I know you spent a year recording it. Congrats on the album. It's brilliant.
M: Thank you! Well… actually it wasn't easy work at all. Compared with our previous albums it's more complex and needed more dedication than ever.
J: Took some time in deed. We started working on the Shadowbird in the summer of 2011 already.
Q5 – So what is the meaning behind the album. As I said before it's very psychedelic. Was that part of your sound you wanted to explore more on the album.
J: Took some time in deed. We started working on the Shadowbird in the summer of 2011 already.
Q5 – So what is the meaning behind the album. As I said before it's very psychedelic. Was that part of your sound you wanted to explore more on the album.
M: I think there's never been a plan for our overall mood on the album. It's just that this time it turned out to be more aggressive on our sound. But in the other hand, there's more melodic parts to equalise the heavy bass-driven wall of sound.
Q6 – Are you happy with the final product. Would you change anything looking back on the album.
Q6 – Are you happy with the final product. Would you change anything looking back on the album.
M: I am totally happy and wouldn't change anything.
J: Same here.
Q7 – Now you guys pay everything for yourself. A true Do-It-Yourself Band. How do you guys do that. Pay for recording, tours and merchandise. Is music your full time job or do you have regular jobs as well.
M: Well… I do have a day job at this moment, but it's really hard while touring quite often.
M: Well… I do have a day job at this moment, but it's really hard while touring quite often.
J: I'm working as a tattoo artist. All this carouselling with Talbot haven't been the easiest task in deed, but it's all worth it.
Q8 – Your music has received a whole load of praise within the Sludge/Stoner/Doom/Post-Metal community. Especially EOS which is a great album. Were you surprised with the reception you guys received.
Q8 – Your music has received a whole load of praise within the Sludge/Stoner/Doom/Post-Metal community. Especially EOS which is a great album. Were you surprised with the reception you guys received.
M: Yeah… I had absolutely no expectations and hopes for the feedback we received. So it was surprisingly positive.
Q9 – I have seen you guys perform on YouTube videos from all over the world. What equipment guys use to get that distorted bass heavy sound.
Q9 – I have seen you guys perform on YouTube videos from all over the world. What equipment guys use to get that distorted bass heavy sound.
M: I'm using a custom fretless bass through a custom modified "diSTORKtion" preamp. On an album I'm using as well Mesa Boogie Dual rectifier and Big Muffed bass amp.
J: Unfortunately one can't distort the drums….
Q10 – It must be exhausting for both of you when you perform live. The amount of instruments and equipment you have on stage is unreal. You must be finely tuned Olympic Athletes.
M. Yes It's true. I've heard that there's gonna be a new event in next Olympic games… The two-man band competition :) But seriously, for me its really important to be in fit when touring and playing. Otherwise it's not possible to set up a quality show.
J: In deed, although for me it's definitely easier task than for Magnus. Luckily the tour itself is quite an "exercise", so you're more stage-fit when coming back from the tour.
Q11 – I know you perform gigs all over the world. Is that hard to organize visiting different countries with just the two of you involved. The stress must be unbearable at times.
M: Well, actually there's usually three of us. We prefer to travel with our sound-guy. He's a really important part of our live show. I'd say its a stressful if there is no sound-guy with us :)
J: And he's a good company too, so it has worked out just fine for us.
Q12 – What is the gig scene like in Estonia. Do you have venues to perform your style of music in your homeland.
Q12 – What is the gig scene like in Estonia. Do you have venues to perform your style of music in your homeland.
M: Yes, we do have a quite many clubs to perform in, and the scene seems to be blooming and growing in every year.
Q13 – Have you toured with any famous bands or artists. If so who have been your favourite.
M: Not so many famous bands, and usually we tour alone. But we had two shows in Finland with Karma to Burn. That was cool.
Q14 – What has been your favourite place or country to visit so far. And the reasons why.
M: It's a hard choice because every corner of the earth seems to be unique and incomparable. I really can't choose between Japan and Russia, Balkan countries and Australia. They are all different in their own way and they have been really cool experiences.
J: I've always been very happy when being in Finland. This country somehow makes me feel very good. But yeah, every place has it's own charms.
Q15 – What is the song-writing process in the band. Is it a group collective or is it down to one individual
M: Usually it all starts with some bass-riff or a drum-rhythm. When the idea looks promising, then its all about arranging and experimenting.
Q16 – Can you advise if there are any other bands our viewers can check out from Estonia.
M: Worth checking: Tolmunud Mesipuu, Nevesis, Pedigree, Smõuk, Highmachine, Estoner.
J: Shelton San too.
Q17 – What are your favourite bands around at the moment. Do you listen to modern day rock/metal or do you just listen to the classic era of Stoner/Doom Metal.
M: Actually I haven't listened any music since started recording and mixing our album. There's just no energy left after an audio-working session. But generally speaking, I often find myself listening from some 70's psychedelic music to an extreme metal sort of stuff.
J: I seem to listen to a lot of The Young Gods. And the latest two bands that have really shaken my world, would be the alternative/western/surf band Get Your Gun and an electro/technoish duo Rangleklods. Both from Denmark.
Q18 – What are your views of blogs featuring and reviewing your records, as opposed to mainstream music magazines?
M: I guess blogs and online magazines are more reachable for younger generations, thats why its good and seems like it's a future thing.
J: Yes.
Q19 – What are the most and least rewarding aspects of participating with the band.
M: For me its a not a question of a reward because its a lifestyle anyway. Being in a band is a choice with its highs and lows. Every moment on a stage is a huge reward for all the work what's been done.
J: Can't say it better. It's a lifestyle in deed. You just make the music cause you feel the need for it.
Q20 – Apart from the album, do you have any future plans for the upcoming 12 months or so. Anything we should be excited about.
M: There's gonna be many touring, a few festivals…
J: Yep, going to be few months of touring in the fall, some festivals here'n'there. Going to spend a lot of time in the tourbus once again. Home is where the van is.
Q21 – If you could provide any advice to people wanting to start a band, what would it be.
M: Do it with a heart and don't give up. If possible - tour often!
J: Yep, just do the band.
Q22 - Finally, Do you have anything to say your fans
M: Hope you like our new album and see you on tour!
J: See you soon!
Thanks for doing this. Best of luck with the new album. We are big fans of it here at Sludgelord. I hope you guys come back to the UK one day so I can see you finally live on stage.
M: We'll do!
J: I think we have some news about the UK dates soon. Cheers!
Well thanks to the guys for a great interview. Best of luck with the album. Hopefully I will see you in concert this year. Thanks again. Steve.
Well thanks to the guys for a great interview. Best of luck with the album. Hopefully I will see you in concert this year. Thanks again. Steve.
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