1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?
We are Solace and Stable from Kansas City, MO. We started in August of 2008 when Gabe Fry left Toledo, Ohio’s From The Shallow’s to start something more progressive, and technical. Like many other bands, there have been multiple member changes trying to find the right lineup. Since then we have released 1 full length album; “Adaptation and The Seclusive Remedy” in which dropped in the summer of 09. That album was completely written, recorded, and produced by Gabe. We are finishing our second full length "The Systematic Erosion Of Integrity" and plan do as much support for that as possible the 3rd quarter of 2012.
2. How would you describe your musical sound?
I think it's difficult to seperate our sound from many other extreme metal bands today in words. We have elements of technical death metal, thrash, jazz, hardcore, and classical just like many bands do today. Our songwriting is extremely focused, and is the aspect of most attention in this band. We feel that there are many, many more imitiators than innovators in just about any genre, subgenre, or any classification for that matter. So we do our best to write what we feel is missing, and or we would want to hear as a listener. I think if you were to do the old 3-4 band mashup it would probably look a little something this like this. For fans of "Between The Buried and Me", "The Red Chord", "Necrophagist", and "Misery Signals"
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
Well on "Adaptation and The Seclusive Remedy" the lyrical themes ranged from personal struggles, to persecution as a Christian, to lost love. The lyrics were meant to have a personal and relatable touch, as well as to stimulate thought. "The Systematic Erosion Of Integrity" is a much more focused album lyrically, and conceptually focuses on the shift that we believe to be taking place in which Christianity, and faith are actively pursued to be irrelevant, and erased. In some songs we make a personal case for our faith, and it's relevance in which we believe in. We are very passionate about our beliefs, and hope to inspire others spiritually, positively, and musically.
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
Solace and Stable basically derives from the concept of being brought through difficult times, and balancing stability after facing challenges. Gabe came up with the name, and believed it to be a great anthem for the band, and a reminder that stability is the final stage of overcoming trials, and not the calm after the storm.
5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
We've played with some great bands and some that we looked up to when just starting out such as Living Sacrafice, War Of Ages, Stick To Your Guns, Shai Hulud, and Oceano. We also have some great local bands in Kansas City we enjoy playing with time, and time again. Our stage performance is probably more focused than alot of bands in our genre. We don't really get to move around a whole lot as most of the music is fairly demanding, and technical. Our focus when playing live is to execute, and interact when we can.
6. Do you have any future touring plans?
Nothing is set in stone right now, but we plan on doing as much weekend touring as we can to support our latest release.
7. Currently you are unsigned are you looking for a label and if so, what kind of label do you feel that would be a perfect fit for your music?
I think we are a little indifferent on this one right now. We aren't really sure what's best in this current economy, and state of the music business. DIY'ers have the most tools available than ever before, but the market is oversaturated. Label's are offering 360 deals, and tightening up in which making a living as a touring metal band is next to impossible as it is. We think we could make a good fit possibly on Sumerian, or Metal Blade. I guess Victory would be another compatible label possibly.
8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of extreme metal?
It's been really good for the most part. Our first record didn't have the best production, but I think alot of people felt like we had potential, and if they could get past the production greatly enjoyed it. Because there is so much music out there, and I think just the times we are living in, people are very jaded (ourselves included). It seems like it gets more, and more difficult to get new people to listen to your music, especially when social networks rise and fall. The freshly released material from TSEOI has been very well receieved so far, and we are excited to hear the consensus on the full album.
9. Are there any other projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?
Our vocalist is in another band called "Damp" in which we aren't sure how they got Meshuggah to give them rights to so many of their riffs. KIDDING! We love you Damp.
10. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
Well we definitely want to keep regurgitating the same stuff over, and over again. But we feel that so many times bands experiment so greatly that the magic that was once there vanishes with new direction, and new releases. If we have any magic, we hope to not stray too far, too quickly from what we do best, and what other's love. I know we will do our best to focus on those aspects, and always keep them as relevant, and apparent as possible.
11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music andalso what are you listening to nowadays?
Between The Buried and Me is by far the biggest inspiration for this band. The Silent Circus was a release that changed us as musicians forever. In most of our opinions we believe it to be a perfect album. We have, and always will look up to great prog/tech metal bands like The Red Chord, Into The Moat, Necrophagist. We definitely allow some melodic hardcore influence in as well which we feel kind of helps seperate us a bit from the pack. As far as what we are listening to right now we all listen to different things now days than what brought us together in the first place. Fleshgod Apocalypse, The Ghost Inside, Spawn Of Possession, and Carach Angren have been some late favorites.
12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
Most of us really enjoy sports anything from MMA to Baseball. Most of us have a video game console to ourselves on off days. Some of us dabble in wood work, and others are completely musically focused.
13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Thanks alot for letting us do this interview. We really appreciate any, and all means of support. Please add us on facebook if you like what you hear, and check out "The Systematic Erosion Of Integrity" when it's released! Thanks, and God bless!
** Any views regarding religion is of the band and not the editors of the zine**
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