SiXforNinE – Metal From A Parallel Universe!
- What led you to the formation of the band?
Our need for a different artistic approach from what we used to have with previous bands. The need to play loud and express emotions without limits. After all, the chemistry between us was exceptional from the first moment so it all came out very naturally.
2. What is the symbolism behind the name of the band?
Everything is dual. Everything has poles. Everything has its pair of opposites. Extremes meet, all truths are but half-truths. Sixfornine is about getting the whole picture, contrary forces are actually complementary. It’s a union, it’s a yin/yang.
3. You have a new album called “Parallel Universe”, would you like to describe it?
“Parallel Universe” is heavy, is rock, is metal, is prog, is melodic, is trippy, is angry. It’s complicated but at the same time so simple. Some tracks differ so much from some others, but that’s exactly how SiXforNinE concept finds its analogy in our music.
4. Can you remember the process of the recording and the gear that you used?
We started with the drums were we used Mapex Saturn IV drumkit with a Black Panther snare made of steel called “machete” combined with Sabian HHX series with sure microphones sm57 on snare, beta 56a on toms and Audix D6 on the kick combined with AKG D112 for more low end.All of these mics were powered through Avalon, TL Audio and Focusrite preamps with a UAD Apollo soundcard and using Cubase as my DAW.
We then recorded bass using Marshall amp and cabinet, miced with an sm57 and D112, and then recorded guitars using a combination of Marshall – Les Paul and Randall amps – Knaggs, through a pretty awesome pedalboard that our guitarist have build and brings this atmospheric feel in some of our songs and at the same time this aggressive massive sound you hear on “Parallel Universe”.
All these guitars were miced with sm57’s two used on and off axis, and a third one behind the cabinet for more low bottom end.
On the vocals I used sure sm7b through Avalon 2022 amplifier and only on one song (Counting Stars) I used a condenser mic AKG 414, cause I wanted a different sound as the song has different atmosphere than the rest of the songs.
I usually record and produce the bands that I have on my studio (DevasoundZ), so having my band standing on the other sode of the control room, looks always weird to me, bit at the same time pretty funny. We had a lot of fun on the recording procedure, I think we should upload some videos “making Parallel Universe”. That would be fun.
5. Who was in charge of the mastering and the mixing and did you choose any special methodology for them?
The mixing process was done by Paul Pavao (The Mixing Room) and the mastering was done by Tom Baker (baker mastering). Paul Pavao is a great sound engineer, a great guy and has A Lot of patience. We mixed the album having a link and streaming the mix online, making tweaks and fine tuning. He understood exactly what we wanted and brought the best result we could possibly have.
6. How was the experience of being a support act at the Disturbed?
This event was amazingly good. We felt really good being part of it and opening for Anthrax and Disturbed. The place was packed with thousands of people, and that would be our first show playing songs from “Parallel Universe”. It was a great experience and even if the album wasn’t released yet, a lot of crazy fans were into our music and new tunes.
7. Do you enjoy playing in small or big venues and why?
We like both. Different conditions means different results which means different kind of experience. Our desire is having a big variety of experiences. We don’t care how big or small a venue will be as long as the people who are in this venue are having fun and enjoy our music.
8. How easy or hard is for a drummer to take over the vocals and becoming the main man of the band?
The stage will always be a challenge for an artist. Whatever the role might be. It was weird at first because I used to sit behind my drumkit and be the backbone of a band. Now maybe this role is different, but sharing my music brings out the same feelings to me. The good thing is that I don’t have to carry too many things on the flights, and that’s pretty cool 🙂
9. You have an agreement with the US label Eclipse Records. Is it a distribution deal only?
We have a worldwide record deal with Eclipse Records, and we are really happy that we are part of Eclipse family.
10. What are the advantages for a Greek band to sign with a US label?
We always thought that our music will be more appreciated overseas. So finding a U.S label was what we mainly wished for no matter if we are Greek or anything else.
11. Have you planned any tour yet?
Nothing to be announced yet. For the moment we are about to plan some gigs around Greece.
12. Do you have a goal as a band?
We want to play as much as we can, share our music with the world. We want to continue seeking inspiration to write more music when at the same time we evolve as human beings through this entity that we call SiXforNinE.
Band Photo credit: John Lieros
Info: www.eclipserecords.com
