Check out this band from Canada as the Independent Band of the Week from September 26 through to October 2, 2011!
Scythia was formed in 2008 and is a five-piece Canadian band that combines haunting Folk melodies (emphasized by keyboards and oboe) with the driving force of Modern Progressive Metal to form a raw and powerful sound that is all their own. Scythia is not your older brother’s Metal band (unless that band had an oboe of death, echoes of thunder, and a knack for writing Folk Metal tunes). Headed up by vocalist/guitarist Dave Khan, the band’s music demonstrates his infatuation with creating a very ancient, sometimes medieval sound, attributable to ancient civilizations.
In 2010, Scythia released its debut, …Of War (originally with violin), which was produced by Shaun Thingvold who has engineered projects with SYL, Fear Factory, Darkest Hour, and many more. Now, following some lineup changes, Scythia has just released its second album, …Of Exile, on September 23, 2011, which was again produced by Shaun Thingvold.
Dave Khan had the following to say to Metal Express Radio…
MER:
How did you come up with the band name?
SCYTHIA:
It’s based on an ancient empire from the time of the Romans. Scythia covered a vast portion of central Asia ranging from Iran through Kazakhstan and Russia up into the eastern reaches of Finland. We chose the name because our earlier works had Slavic/Cossack melodic motifs. Not to mention the ever-inspiring Cossack riders painting (i.e., the bearded warriors riding bears into a winter battle).
MER:
What are 3 bands that you feel were most influential to your band, and why?
SCYTHIA:
Symphony X: Definitely the imagery and sonic soundscape they weave had a huge impact on Scythia. Not to mention Classical + Progressive Metal is always a win in our books!
Iron Maiden: These guys get thrown out there a lot, but hell… we all listened to them non-stop growing up. Plus we have some Classic Metal moments that are completely Maiden-inspired.
Blind Guardian: Need we explain?
MER:
What are the 5 best Metal/Hard Rock albums of all times, and why?
SCYTHIA:
1) Dream Theater – Images and Words… My God, not only can these guys rip, but this album is filled with passion and great ideas that led Dream Theater to become the most successful Progressive Metal band.
2) Black Sabbath – Paranoid… Talk about a record where every note is in the pocket! This one oozes both groove and vintage heaviness. It is a classic and the band tells a story with the instruments. Ozzy’s voice just creeps you out for his own kicks.
3) Porcupine Tree – Signify… This album was released before they became a Progressive Metal band or even a Progressive Rock band! It’s borderline Psychedelic, but the way that Steve Wilson effortlessly commands massive soundscapes is truly impressive. He enraptures the listener into his world… a world I’m still trying to figure out.
4) Myrath – Desert Call… Might be a brand new album, but holy F**K!!! These guys combine Symphony X-style Progressive Metal with Middle Eastern Folk music. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but this record sends shivers down my spine. It literally feels like you’re in the desert the whole time it’s playing.
5) Yngwie Malmsteen – Rising Force… He might get flack for being fat and washed up nowadays, but in his prime, he could not only shred your face off but also write driving Hard Rock/Classic Metal tunes. I still have “I Am A Viking” running through my head on a daily basis.
MER:
What is the best concert you’ve ever attended, and why?
SCYTHIA:
Opeth at the Commodore in Vancouver, Canada – 2005. The sound was so hi-fi that I could hear every subtle nuance. Not only was the band so spot on that they made playing flawless look easy, but it was as though they were reading my mind. I have never been so engaged in listening to music as I was at that concert. The technique and performance was perfect and the band was able to access something deeper — something on a level that left an impression with me for a very long time.
MER:
What was the most memorable gig your band ever played, and why?
SCYTHIA:
Cthulupalooza — it was a concert at a Horror/Sci-fi convention. We didn’t expect a big crowd. No one had even heard of Scythia, but we got asked to play because we were the only available costume wearing Rock/Metal band in town. Anyways, we catered our set to a general audience (i.e., we played more of a Progressive Rock set than a heavy set). We were shocked when we received the full, undivided attention of the entire venue. There must have been 250-300 people watching us intently and cheering at any opportunity when we ceased to make noise. Not only was it flattering, but they bought so many CD’s and t-shirts that we spent the remainder of the night at the merchandise booth!!!
MER:
What is the craziest thing any member of your band has ever done for the sake of Metal/Hard Rock?
SCYTHIA:
Morgan left her cozy life on the west coast to pursue a career in Metal in Montreal. When she didn’t find a band there and I phoned her up to invite her to join Scythia, she once again packed up her belongings and moved back to Vancouver from Montreal just to rock out.
MER:
If your band was appointed Rulers of the Metal World, what is the first law you’d make?
SCYTHIA:
Sweep arpeggios become the fifth food group!
MER:
If you could tour with any band, who would that be, and why?
SCYTHIA:
Spock’s Beard because I could honestly listen to their tunes night after night and be fully satisfied.
MER:
What do you think your fans and the music industry will say about your band in 10 years?
SCYTHIA:
“Damn, Scythia looks about 10 years older then when they started!!!” Just kidding… I think people will remember us as a band that had a vision of combining the catchy-ness of Folk melodies with the conceptual nature of Progressive Rock and the intensity of Metal. Hopefully, we will be remembered as a band that fearlessly pursued their own vision in spite of the underground Metal trends.
MER:
If you could have any wish fulfilled for the band, what would it be?
SCYTHIA:
That we make the right contacts to bring our stage show to the rest of the world!
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