Interview

I.N.C. Guitarist Erik Barath Talks New Album "Black Hearse Serenade"

Reforming in 2010 after two decades of inactivity and dropping the comeback album "Heaven Sent...Hellbound" the next year, Indestructible Noise Command (I.N.C.) just dropped fourth full-length album "Black Hearse Serenade" at the end of the Fall.

We caught up with lead guitarist Erik Barath (who recently shared a pit story with us about an over-eager fan wearing nothing but a sock) to discuss the album, I.N.C. embarking on a tour with a band of a very different style, and what classic band he'd like to see reform.

xFiruath: You guys just wrapped up a tour with Tantric, how did the trek go and where there any particular best or worst stops on that tour?

Erik: The tour went surprisingly well. We weren’t really sure what to expect since we are a thrashy, heavy metal band and Tantric is more a hard rock band, but we won over the crowds every night. We accepted the tour as a challenge in many ways, wanted to see if we could convert the masses to the dark side and it went pretty swimmingly me thinks.

xFiruath: The “Black Hearse Serenade” album is out now – where did recording take place and who did you work with?

Erik: We recorded the new album at Dexters Lab recordings in Connecticut with Nick Bellmore from Toxic Holocaust. It was a fantastic experience, would love to work with Nick again.

xFiruath: What's happening as far as lyrics and themes on the album?

Erik: This album is a little different from the others, I decided to use a short story I was writing as the basis for the album, so in the end it turned out being a concept album about a man who’s childhood has shaped him into the man he is. A broken man with a need for retribution from religion, so he uses religion as a front to his murderous finality.

xFiruath: Who created the artwork and what is its connection to the music?

Erik: Sam Shearon created the artwork, he also created the artwork for “Heaven Sent, Hellbound.” The cover features a crucifix that is made up of gears and blades, this represents the weapon it will become in the story.

xFiruath: Sound-wise, how do you feel this album differs from the last release and the classic early albums?

Erik: “Black Hearse Serenade” has more modern feel from our early material, this was the case for “Heaven Sent, Hellbound” as well. Our style still holds some classic forms in it but it also branches out into some newer, fresh take on our style so the sound reflects this.

xFiruath: You guys also recently released a new music video taken off the album.

Erik: “No Turning Back” came out badass. I wish there were still metal shows on TV like “Headbangers Ball” so we could showcase it there as well as the net. The video features Michael Rodrick from the TV series “24.” Our director, Thomas Mignone, who has directed some of the coolest metal videos ever, hooked us up with Michael.

xFiruath: Do you have any upcoming tour dates or festival appearances lined up yet?

Erik: No set dates to announce but we are planning on going out again in the spring.

xFiruath: I.N.C. had its own reunion a few years back, and this year plenty of other bands have followed suit like At The Gates and Slipknot. What's been your favorite reunion album of late and what band would you like to see get back together?

Erik: At the Gates was a very solid release so I would say this year, that was the best reunion. I would love to see the original Mercyful Fate get back together and make an album.

xFiruath: We're at the year end now – care to share your “best of” list for heavy music in 2014?

Erik: My favorite album was “Deathless” by Revocation. After that I would put Machine Head’s “Bloodstones and Diamonds.” Exodus’ “Blood in Blood Out” was one of their best ever, really lovin’ that one. I also really dig Opeth’s “Pale Communication” although some will argue it’s not metal, no matter, it’s awesome. I would round out my top 5 with “Exit Wounds” by The Haunted.

xFiruath: Are any of the I.N.C. guys active with other musical projects right now?

Erik: Not really. We stay true to this marriage, I mean once in a while we may fuck around to have fun with some side thing but it’s never anything serious.

xFiruath: Anything else you'd like to add?

Erik: 5+19, I always wanted to add that, and now, thanks to you, I did!

xFiruath: Thanks for your time Erik.

Erik: Thank you too and may God Bless The United State Of The Underground!