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by: Jonathan Mariante
ALAS is the brainchild of Erik Rutan,
best known for his ground-breaking work with RIPPING CORPSE, MORBID
ANGEL and HATE ETERNAL. Erik's originality derives from an intriguing
blend of musical styles and influences, an unfathomable youthful energy
and drive to perfect his art, as well as a mature and well-developed
sense of song writing. After having worked for seven years on various
demos with different players he finally discovered the perfect line-up
with the most undeniable chemistry for this band that he simply, yet
appropriately, named ALAS. While traveling throughout Europe on tour
with Morbid Angel, Erik was introduced to Martina Astner. Her siren-esque
voice was something he had admired for some time and after a few heartfelt
exchanges he knew she would be the right voice for ALAS. His close
friend, Howard Davis, a very powerful drummer who had been touring
with The Genitorturers and Die Krupps, had already been involved on
some of the early demos and it is his constant and unrelenting backbeat
which helps propel the album effortlessly from start to finish. The
remaining piece to be added to the puzzle was Berkley trained bassist
Scot Hornick who had known Erik for over a decade and had even played
with him during the final days of Erik's first band, RIPPING CORPSE.
Scot's love for Fusion Metal, Jazz and Classical progressions settled
in perfectly with Erik's vision of ALAS.
Is "Absolute Purity" your first album? Tell us
how the band got started? How long has Alas been together?
"A.P." is Alas's first album. Erik came up with
the band in '94 but it took a few years till the lineup was the present
one. Howard, the drummer, has been with Alas since the beginning of
the band. Erik and me have been working together for 3 years. Scoot
and Erik know each other from Ripping Corpse times and so Erik finally
brought him into the band as well.
Who are your influences and inspirations? Your
(Martina's) voice sounds like Celtic style singers like Loreena Mckennitt.
Is this true? Do you listen to that style of music? What other female
singers do you admire?
I'm more influenced by classical singers, even
though I like the Celtic style, but one of my most favorite singers
is Beth from Portishead. She has such a great range of possibilities
in her voice and her way of expression. Adorable in my opinion.
What would you say to a woman who is an aspiring
rock muscian, as it is a tough business for women? Do you feel women
in rock have gotten the respect they deserve?
Well, the music business in general is a tough
business, for men and women. But it's true women sometimes have to
cope with sexist prejudices. I just wouldn't mind things like that
and keep on going my way. Some years ago women didn't even have a
chance to be respected in this music scene. I think it's a lot better
now.
Has there been any reaction to your CD, from
critics or fans?
Critics have been really good so far.
Do you consider yourselves a "progressive rock"
band or do you shy away from that label?
We shy away from any strict label. It's true
our music is progressive, but there are death metal riffs as well
as melodic parts or classical influences.
All the songs on your album are played rather
slow. Have you thought of writing heavier, faster songs that might
appeal to fans of heavier-style metal?
I think the songs are not really slow. The vocal
lines are slow and melodic but the guitars are pretty fast. Our song
writing isn't based on a certain style on the thought of how many
different audiences we could reach by doing this or that. The songs
just come out the way they are if many different people like are stuff
that's great-of course!
Have you had the chance to play live? M: With
this lineup we haven't played live yet...unfortunately. BB: Your CD
was independently released. Have you had any offers from labels yet?
We chose Hammerheart because they gave us the
best deal.
There is a song on the album called "Loss Of
A Life". Was that inspired by losing someone who was close to you?
Yes, the song is about someone who was very close
to Erik.
Do you have any plans to tour? When can we look
forward to seeing Alas live?
We will definitely hit the road, but unfortunately
I can't tell you anything in detail right now.
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