It was their 2005 effort entitled Undoing Ruin that really put Darkest Hour on the map of metal. Their solid riffs and powerful lyrics really brought the band to life, and people started to take more notice.
After almost a two year wait, Darkest Hour released their follow up to Undoing Ruin entitled Deliver Us with good, if not a better reception than their previous. After the release they have been on numerous tours including Sounds of the Underground, Europe with As I Lay Dying, America with Unearth, and more.
Ultimate-Guitar.com correspondent Evan Greenblo spoke with Mike Schleibaum, the guitarist of Darkest Hour.
Ultimate-Guitar: So the obvious way to start off this interview is to talk about the new record. How did the recording process differ from the last time you worked with Devin Townsend?
Mike Schleibaum: We went into it and knew Devin right away. We knew how the process was going to be and we knew exactly how to work together. That was a good way to streamline the process so it really made everything jell and gave us a chance to help develop the band even a little more.
The music is more mature compared to your previous effort. Was there a different mindset and song writing approach compared to Undoing Ruin?
I think what you hear is a product of an open mind. We really had the ability to work long on the stuff because we were more prepared, and as I said before kind of knew how we were going to go about it.
Did you intentionally try to write more challenging, melodic riffs?
Nah not really, but I think the overall sound, that is the sound of the record, is what we initially set out to do for sure.
How much detail of the record got changed whilst in studio?
Well we always change the songs a bunch, so I would say it was not really too much different but it just meant we had more time to experiment and try new things. We didn't use every new thing we tried either. We just had the time to try new stuff and that was really fun.
The semi-humorous chaotic start to full imperial collapse, was it planned beforehand or in the studio?
Yeah the truth is yeah it's a skit, it's not real. But the idea is fun and totally goes with the theme of the song. We really like stuff like that too, and I think it just makes the record more well rounded. I think it just shows we don't take too much of this totally seriously, you know it's like we still will take the time to make a skit that makes us look like we are shit heads. I mean that has to count for something.
So the majority of your catalogue has been released on Victory Records. You're obviously happy with the way they do things?
We signed a 5 record deal with Victory in 1999. We have one more to do and then we will see what is next.
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| "We just had the time to try new stuff and that was really fun." |
Did Victory Records not want to release the Archives compilation?
Yes, Victory wanted to release it, but we felt it was better suited for AF records.
Are you looking to appeal to the typical Victory Records fan, or do you not believe a label is associated with a certain type of person?
Ah, I don't know what the Victory Records fan is, but I can tell you that for sure we make music that the 5 of us love first. That is for sure.
Have you ever been curious to release a record by another label, to go through the whole process differently?
Sure, and we may have that opportunity very shortly. As we only have one more record with Victory. But most record labels are the same, there are a few saints and much more sinners!
How do you currently feel about the recording industry as a whole? There are a lot of bands like Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails who are fed up and looking to do things differently…
Sure, I am actually releasing a record of another band I am in called Man and Wasp. We recorded and mixed the whole thing ourselves in our basement. And now we are going to put it out on iTunes ourselves. A bit like the other bands you mentioned. To us we just want to see. Can we record a record, promote a record, release a record, and distribute it all ourselves in the digital age?
We are interested so look for it on iTunes. Man and Wasp! It's not metal at all but some might find it interesting, plus with the ease of iTunes you can hear before you buy!
What are your thoughts of getting rid of the middle man (the label)? Do you see the music industry changing in the future?
Oh yeah, this industry is changing, but we will see if it's for the better or not.
Being in a metal band you're already set back in becoming relatively successful. What keeps you driven even though it is almost positive you will never be really, really big?
Well first it's because I actually really, really love music. And I love metal so it's just a trade off. Can you make enough money to survive and do what you love? How do you do that without compromising your art at the same time? These are the questions I have to ask myself all the time but they are the same questions any musician must ask I guess.
Let's talk about touring. How has 2007 been?
Great so far. We did Sounds of the Underground, Europe with As I Lay Dying, and the US with Unearth. We are going to do a headlining US tour this February so look out.
How does a tour like Sounds of the Underground compare to a headlining tour?
It's a lot more work. Longer days, less rider shit. But there are a ton of bands to hang out with. I mean, I love the perks of playing last but none of the responsibility. It just sucks playing last until you are rich and don't give a fuck. Cant wait till then I guess!
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| "Being in a metal band you're already set back in becoming relatively successful." |
Are any of your songs, especially the newer ones, which are hard to play live?
Sure, but that's the most fun. Playing the new shit live. That's the best rush in the world!
Are you guys taking a break until the start of 2008? Will you be working on any side projects from now until then?
No ways, no side projects. I am working on the new Dead to Fall record right now. I am co-producing it with Brian Mcternan. Darkest Hour is going to South America for the first time next weekend so I will take a break form the studio to do that. Paul is at home chilling with his family. Kris is expecting a new baby. Ryan is going to travel in South America and John Henry is partying his ass off and jamming with friends. So we will be ready to go in January no problemo!
The Jägermeister sponsorship, how long have you been associated with them? Any negatives with drinking copious amounts on tour?
Sure there is too much drinking, smoking and partying everything, but shit this is a metal band and we tour all the time. What do you expect but a big ass party!
Ever gotten in to trouble on the road due to substances or alcohol?
Sure we have been arrested, jailed, fined, and even deported. But it's life on the road as they say.
I saw a couple of months ago Darkest Hour promoted the idea of using reusable shopping bags. Are there any other issues the band is outspoken about?
Oh yeah we are outspoken about many social and political issues. But I like people to explore those ideas and such through the music so I think it is best to encourage people to check the record out and read the lyrics. It's so sad with downloading that lyric reading has become less important. Please read the lyrics kids. It takes John to write all that stuff man. He has got some good things to say so check it out!
Do you have any tips for guitarists who are looking to find their guitar character and roots?
Just get out there and jam with people. Make friends and connections. If you want to survive out here you got to make friends most of all. Cause there will always be a better guitar player than you, but there just might not be someone that fits in better with a band and that is what really matters.
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