Interview by Kris Peters
If there's one thing that shits me more than the constant need for music to be labeled and/or categorised, it's when people feel a weird and unnecessary compulsion to try and classify music even further by bringing religion into it.
I can almost hear you screaming 'that's what you just did' back at me, but I have a reason. To stop anyone else from getting in first, so let's clear the monkey in the room straight up.
Exodus Rising are a Christian Metal band. And I only tell you this because during our interview, many references - both musically and spiritually - were made to their faith, which has little to no bearing on the actual musical output of this gifted US metal outfit.
Yes, they believe in God. No, you don't have to, and no, they aren't trying to make you.
True story.
So let's appreciate Exodus Rising for what they are. A great new progressive rock/metal band who have released their awesome and eclectic debut album, The Book Of Life, which is available from the band's website.
As part of the release cycle, Exodus Rising are premiering the second album single, Blazing Love, via HEAVY at 10 am on February 9 and what a masterful slab of music it is.
To find out more about their music and just where Exodus Rising sprung from, HEAVY sat down with the whole band (minus the drummer) for an enlightening and uplifting chat about life, music, and…. religion.
"I love the song," offered bass player NY Charlie, talking about Blazing Love. "When Chris (Zapa, keyboards) and I had the idea of making this song, it was a whole adventure. It was a last-minute thing. Actually, this song was the last song that we recorded on the album. The last song from the 16 tracks that we have on the album. Chris and I were having a conversation and said 'hey, how about doing Songs Of Solomen and let's make a progressive, cool ballad' and that was the last, spur-of-the-moment thing and I think it took us three days to put together. That song is special to our hearts. I love the way that JSlate sings it. It has a special meaning about this incredible love between a man and a woman, as powerful as God's love for us."
In the full interview, the band talks more about Blazing Love and what it's about, why they wanted to release it to celebrate Valentine's Day, how the song challenges convention for the band, writing about what you know and love, a history of Exodus Rising, the stigma attached to Christian Metal bands and why and how it is nonsensical to think in those terms, the full album and what to expect, following your own path musically and more.