Influenced by modern metal superstars such as Evanescence, Lacuna Coil & Bullet For My Valentine, Perth melodic metal band Icarus Lives perfectly combine clean, catchy vocals with crushingly heavy riffs, blistering guitar solos and pounding drums. Their new album Vantablack was released last year with a tour that followed and coming up they will be supporting Swedish metallers Pain in Perth on May 26th. We get a few words from drummer Naomi Treacy to find out a little more on the band and the new album.
Tell us about the process of writing and recording the new songs for Vantablack.
We’ve been sitting on a lot of these songs since 2015, but we wanted to release something bigger than an EP, so we were initially aiming for 12 songs on the album. The thirteenth track came around when Tav (Guitar) mentioned one of the songs we were working on was initially written as an acoustic, so we decided to do both, why not! When a new song comes across the table, it’s usually from either Tav or Cam, and they will work together structuring solos and editing bits and pieces that they think could be improved. Then it comes to the rest of us and we say “we like this part, but this part could sound better like this” or something to that effect. So as a whole, we all get a say in how the songs should sound. Especially now that we are working on the next release too.
What were some of the things you wanted to achieve with the release?
With Vantablack, first and foremost it was important to re-establish ourselves as a band to be taken seriously. I personally feel like we let ourselves down with the limited identity that our EP Rising gave us. So born afresh with Vantablack and with a totally different sound, I feel like we are able to raise the bar again with anything else we work on. It almost feels like we’ve awakened the beast, and she wont stop until she’s satisfied.
Do you enjoy the process of creating? Are you someone who continually writes or does the best come out under a little gentle pressure?
The whole process of this album was difficult, there was a lot of stress induced tension during the recording process, between financial hardship and the biggest mistake of skipping pre prod, we made it hard on ourselves. At the end of the day, we’re incredibly happy with the result, it’s always good to see something you work so hard on, finished.
What does it feel like as an artist waiting for the songs you’ve lived with for some time to get released to the fans? Is there a sense of excitement or a little panic in there too?
I suppose there’s a bit of both, are people going to like what you’ve just driven yourself crazy to create? But at the same time, you can’t wait to show everyone just how proud you are of the result. I like to think there’s something for everyone on Vantablack, no song is the same.
How does Vantablack compare to previous releases/songs?
I would say that Vantablack is A LOT heavier and full of ridiculous lead guitar from both of the boys, the whole album harder hitting than the EP.
Any favorite moments or songs on the release?
It’s almost like picking your favourite child. In saying that, if there were three that stood out the most for me: Never Enough, Disease and Haunting. All completely different songs, but the music speaks to me, and I thoroughly enjoy that I helped them come alive.
Tell us about the live show experience for Icarus Lives and what people can expect to see.
A lot of windmilling and headbanging. To those who have seen us live, they would know how much energy we exhort on stage. And to those who haven’t yet seen us, we hope you come and join the fun soon! It keeps getting better and better, actually. The more we play, the more tricks we come up with. On one hand it’s about the music, but it’s also about the entertainment factor. You have to do your best to interact with the crowd, feeding off each other.
What is your favorite song to play live? Any covers in there too?
Oh no… Uh, probably Never Enough, it’s one of the more complicated songs on drums, which is super fun to nail. We covered one song way back in our first year, we’re a big fan of pop songs going heavy. We covered Don’t You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds… It was… ok, hahaha!
Any favorite places to play live and personal highlights to mention?
At home, Amps for sure, not sure why, hahaha! The Bald Faced Stag is a wicked stage to play as well, but it’s a little early in our careers to say as yet. [For highlights] Definitely Rock to Westdale 2015. As our intro track was playing, I walked out on stage, got up behind the drums and threw my fist into the air and was met with THE LOUDEST cheer I have ever heard. Absolutely surreal.
How did the band form and get started?
We met at the music course at North Metro Tafe in Leederville as a part of our course. That’s where we wrote and recorded the EP Rising.
With technology changing so much over the last few years and seemingly not slowing, and TV force-feeding us the lowest common denominator, what hope is there for rock & metal music?
A great deal, I believe. With tools such as Apple music and Spotify, it gives listeners a risk free opportunity to listen to unsigned bands. There are always going to be ways to be heard, it all just depends on your budget and your determination.
From what you’ve learned so far what is the most valuable advice you’ve been given so far as a musician?
“What set’s you aside from the rest of the bands in your scene? Why should people be interested in you?” That definitely changed the way we marketed ourselves.
Who are some of your main influences?
Personally, Drummers from bands like Bullet For My Valentine, In This Moment, Lacuna Coil and Nightwish. Also a guy names Matt McGuire, who is just shit hot at drums, it’s incredible to think he’s only 24.
Who or what inspired you to be in a band and/or play music?
I have honestly never been able to answer that question myself. It’s always been a calling, all I have ever wanted, and all I hope to do.
How do you feel about the current music scene right now?
Well, it’s there. I’ve seen a decline of attendance at shows, but I would still say it’s a strong scene. Hopefully I’ve just been there on the off nights.
Do you believe music can still change the world?
The music industry is one of the biggest in the world, music is everywhere. It changed my life, and will probably continue to change many others. I just hope I can be a part of the music that helps others.
If you could be a fly on the wall for the recording of any album in history, what album would it be?
Delicate Sound of Thunder by Pink Floyd, hands down. Close seconds would be any Bowie or Queen album.
What is the meaning of life?
To do the best you can in your time on this rock, and be the best person you can be. Don’t let ideas just be ideas, and don’t let dreams stay in you head. Try.
