LEVIATHAN PROJECT – The Solar Storm Of Metal!
Leviathan Project is a powerful new Metal ensemble, featuring, Bobby Koeble (Death), Matt Nardo (Producer), Tk (Britny Fox) and Tim “Ripper” Owens (guest vox, x-Judas Priest). Matt Nardo (Bass/Co-writer) answered the questions of Skylight Webzine.
1. How did it all start with the project Leviathan?
Leviathan Project actually started with Tommy messing around in his home studio. He was trying to get some old-school thrash metal sounds on his guitar. His goal was to achieve a tone like Testament or Death Angel etc. Once he arrived at capturing these sounds, boom, inspiration came quickly and he started laying down tracks. It kinda took off from there.
2. Why did the band decide to release an EP instead of a full album?
Well that was really up to our label, Deko Entertainment. They had some marketing ideas that involve some new ways to get our music out to people.
3. Moreover, why did you choose the cassette format for a limited edition (100 copies)?
This was Tommy’s suggestion to our label regarding our first EP. This goes back to the days in the 80’s where tape trading was a big thing. Today, if you go into a Walmart, they are selling blank cassettes and even boom boxes! I think that there is a trend of people wanting to get something in their hands today that is tangible. This rings especially true for music. They want to see the artwork, photos etc. It seems to be generating a good amount of interest so far. We are pleased.
4. You have released a lyric video for the track “Solar Storm”, why did you choose this song as your first lyric video?
Well. It is one of our favorites but that was again up to Deko. They will be releasing a lyric video for another one of our songs very soon. Keep an eye out for that!
5. What about the lyrics behind the other tracks?
We write lyrics that have several meanings. Art is interpretive, you know? On the surface, Leviathan is a monster. However, if you look under the surface, anyone can experience their own personal Leviathan. It can be an addiction, a co-worker, a relationship. If you look closer to the lyrics you will see that they can have a meaning that may be very relatable to human experiences.
6. How did you approach, musically speaking, the composing of the EP’s tracks?
Tommy really came up with all the song structures. He is a very prolific songwriter. He then enlisted me to write some melodies and expand upon some or the lyrical ideas. After we hashed those out, I would record the vocals as a guide track for Ripper and he would do his thing. Bobby would then put his lead guitar on top. The icing, so to speak.
7. Which is the concept behind the cover artwork of the EP?
That was really Tommy’s baby. He wanted an image of magnificent destruction. It is really something. When you look at it, you know that the music will be bold and melodic. The digital art is by world renowned artist, Les Edwards and the Cassette gives you different art. Something for the collectors.
8. The whole material sounds awesome, do you intend to bring the band on the road?
Wow! Thank you so much for that! Well, that may be a challenge as Ripper is heading out in the near future with K.K.’s Priest. But who knows!? I could see this in a festival, perhaps Europe. I’d love to play these songs live. I think people would be excited ,man!
9. How did Covid-19 affect you as a lyricist and musician?
Great question. This whole Pandemic really brought about a lot of change. For me, it shifted my focus from playing live music to jumping head first into studio recording. It’s so strange. I think if the Pandemic never happened, Leviathan Project may not have transpired at all. I know that my world has opened up since I shifted my focus toward studio work. We just had to adapt to carry the music forward. A lot of folks feel that way, not just me! Think about it…In terms of this group, we had 4 people recording at separate locations, across three states. Yet we still managed to come up with some great songs. We just like to keep moving stuff forward. In the end, music is what we love. We won’t, or at least I won’t, ever stop creating.
10. What about your next musical move?
We plan on releasing more songs soon. There will another EP, and then, at the end of the summer, we are going to release the full length disc. That will include some additional goodies for people to enjoy. And to all of our fans, I want to sincerely say “Thank You SO Much for your support!”
Information: Music | Leviathan Project (leviathanprojectband.com)
