Tom Nolz and CJ Scioscia the founding members of Skullshifter were more than eager to answer to the MER questions regarding the very good debut release Here in Hell and almost everything about the band.
METAL EXPRESS RADIO:
MER: Congratulations for the Here in Hell release. What is the latest news regarding the full length album?
CJ SCIOSCIA:
We’re in a holding pattern at this point. We’re working the EP hard so we’ve put the full-length off to the side for now. That’s fine since we are continuing to write new songs.
TOM NOLZ:
Tom: We believe we’ve made a pretty strong statement with the EP, and for the most part, it’s done a lot to build anticipation for a full length. Since we’ve never stopped writing, you can be sure that we’ll be able to pick and choose the absolute best material once we’re ready to do the full album.
MER:
Have you faced any difficulties yet, during the recording of the new album?
CJ:
Most of it is done. When we went in to do HERE IN HELL it was originally to do the full-length, so we recorded 10 songs. We then decided to switch gears and release an EP, to give the world a taste of what we do. The other 7 songs are sitting in the can. One song, “Positively Negative”, will need to be re-recorded though because we’ve made extensive changes to it.
TN:
The recording went very smoothly, actually. Because CJ owns and operates his own professional studio, we had the luxury of time… something most bands can never get enough of. We didn’t rush any aspect of the process and made sure that every performance was the best we could do without any compromises. I think the results speak for themselves.
MER:
Are there any musical differences between the EP and the full length album?
CJ:
The full length will give a broader picture. While still intense, there is more atmosphere.
TN:
All the songs were developed over time and reflect many different moods and influences. Mainly dark and darker! There are faster tunes and slower tunes, more dynamics and some surprising production bits that should combine to make a very interesting album.
MER:
Can you please introduce the band to the MER readers?
CJ:
Tom Nolz, guitar and vocals; CJ Scioscia, lead guitar; J. McCaffrey, bass; Dan Davie,drums.
MER:
How did you all come together?
TN:
CJ and I have worked together in various bands and projects for more than half our lives and we’ve known J. as a bassist and friend for almost as long. We hooked up with Dan when he wasn’t even old enough to get into the clubs we were playing. All in all, it’s hard to remember a time when we weren’t working together in one form or another. That’s why we can work so well together and be so productive.
MER:
Can we consider Skullshifter as the continuation of Insaniac?
CJ:
I’d say no. Insaniac had its place and time.
TN:
While we’re still proud of what we accomplished with Insaniac and remember those days well, Skullshifter is completely different. Our approach to writing, our ability as musicians, and our experience in life in general gives us a new energy and focus that is all about moving forward and not rehashing the past.
MER:
The EP has been on stores for quite a while. What is the reaction to it so far?
CJ:
The reaction has been very positive – although we’re only selling the CD through our web-site and at shows.
TN:
Our focus has been mainly on distributing the EP to the press, and as CJ said, the reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Fan reaction has been great as well. We would like to be able to do more shows and reach more people, however, because we aren’t selling the EP through retailers.
MER:
Did the EP convince any record label to offer you a contract?
CJ:
We’ve just started to shop it around to labels in the last 2 weeks.
TN:
Our effort will be to get packages to any label that we feel might be a fit for us and see where it goes from there.
MER:
How difficult are things for a band without a record deal?
TN:
It’s easier to make a name for yourself now than it was in the past, but having a record deal means getting your music to more people all over the world, and that is still the biggest key to success for a band.
MER:
What is your composing process? Do all the band members contribute to songwriting?
CJ:
In the very beginning, the first 4 months or so, it was just me and Tom. Once Dan came on board he became part of the process, and everything we started with was transformed into something very different. J. was the last piece of the puzzle, although most of the material was already written. However, upon his arrival things morphed again. And nearly all of the material written since has been fully collaborative. J. is a prolific writer, riffs spill out out of him all the time. He was the main writer in Chronic Breakjob, back in the mid ’90s. Danny was on drums in that band, and I produced them.
TN:
Having everyone involved in the process allows for more creativity and a better environment for the smallest ideas to develop into something really good.
MER:
How important are the lyrics for you? Where do you find the inspiration when it comes to lyrics?
TN:
To me, strong lyrics are equally important to solid musical ideas. Any song is just a collection of notes and riffs until the words bring it to life. I like lyrics to tell a story and create a connection to some emotion with the listener. My inspiration can come from anywhere…people that I’ve known, my reaction to something I’ve seen, etc. It is a very powerful thing to be able to move someone with your words and I do my best to make the lyrics provoke thoughts and feelings that people can relate to.
MER:
There is a lot of anger in Skullshifter’s songs. How difficult is to express this anger in every live performance?
TN:
The difficult part is not being able to express these feelings in everyday life! When we’re onstage, all the aggression, anger and passion pours out naturally, so much so that we have to be careful not to damage ourselves or our instruments in the heat of the moment! What you hear on the EP is only part of it. When we do it live the songs take on a life of their own and we feed off their energy.
MER:
With which bands would you like to tour with and why?
CJ:
Napalm Death, they are the kings!!
TN:
I’d like to be able to tour with any band that shares our spirit and love of pure balls-out metal. Overkill comes to mind for me. But I think our style makes us a good fit with just about any heavy band.
MER:
What are your main musical influences as a band and as a musician?
CJ:
As a band it’s hard to pinpoint. But as a guitarist, that’s easy – David Gilmour, Alex Lifeson, Gary Holt, James Murphy, Ritchie Blackmore, John Petrucci, Steve Morse & Tony Iommi. I draw a lot from them. Of the newer players, definitely Jeff Loomis & Steve Smyth from NEVERMORE they are monster players.
TN:
We all have way too many influences to count, and I think that’s what helps us keep our own music from becoming repetitive. Ace Frehley made me want to pick up a guitar in the first place, and watching James Hetfield gave me the confidence to become a singer/guitarist. In my mind, Blitz from Overkill is one of the best frontmen ever.
MER:
Can you make a living by playing/writing music when there too many bands in the Metal scene?
CJ:
99.66% no. It would be nice, but I don’t see it happening. That’s not being negative, just realistic.
TN:
All of us have regular jobs and there’s no sign of being able to quit them and do music full time anytime soon. We continue to write, play and perform simply because it’s what we love to do. Money has never had anything to do with it.
MER:
What is the situation in the Metal scene in the USA?
CJ:
There are definitely some excellent newer bands around – Misery Index for sure, and from our area Dirt Church, Majur Bludd and Delian League. To me, these bands stick out from the pack and offer something unique. However, too many bands sound the same, trying to jump on the latest (dead) trend. When has that not been the case, though.
TN:
What scene? Like everything here, music is more about following trends than actually doing something of value. Nothing lasts here for very long, and the so-called fans keep jumping on the next bandwagon that comes along.
MER:
What is your opinion about this Nu Metal trend?
CJ:
With very few exceptions I don’t dig it, there’s no soul. The very first Korn record was good, very different. Maybe they’ve had 4 or 5 tunes I’ve liked since. Some of Godsmack’s material is of quality.
TN:
Its demise can’t come soon enough.
MER:
Can a band survive without following the current trend?
CJ:
Yes, absolutely.
TN:
As long as the will exists, yes. But it isn’t easy.
MER:
What do you expect from 2006?
CJ:
I just want to have people dig what we do, maybe play a few more shows. And get the album finished, before we have too many songs. 😉
TN:
I don’t expect anything, but I’m hoping to continue to reach new fans that like what Skullshifter is doing and want to hear more. I’d also like to see us be able to put out a full-length release that isn’t financed by the band!
MER:
Thanks for your time. I wish you the best for the New Year. The last words are yours.
TN:
Thank you Dimitris, and thanks to all at Metal Express for introducing Skullshifter to your readers.
Be the first to comment