[This was my first published article]
It's nearing two years since Canberran progressive metal quartet ALCHEMIST released their sixth studio album, the cryptically titled Tripsis. Now, after two European tours and a national tour with Meshuggah, Alchemist appear to be working on a new offering that, if it follows the success of their previous releases both in the national and international market, should garner some much deserved and anticipated praise from old and new fans alike.
"The ideas are really strong and should see an interesting and evolved new record," says guitarist Roy Torkington. "It won't be another Tripsis - we have a bunch of songs in prototype stage which just keep building and building. This will probably be a more organic, rhythmic and experimental release but it is still early days, we're all pretty excited by the new music."
In 2008, Alchemist toured Europe extensively following the release of Tripsis. "We got an amazing response in Europe last year," says Torkington. "We toured in their summer and played three enormous open air festivals - Hellfest, Graspop and Waldrock - in between our own shows." The band got to play with legendary acts such as Iron Maiden, Slayer and Death Angel - just a few of the bands that the guys in Alchemist listened to when they were growing up.
So where are Alchemist at now, 16 years after their first release?
"We have always been expected to be experimental and explorative in our releases," muses Torkington. "It's almost the band's style, so every new release is a new challenge. It's not like we are just recreating the last record." So how do they maintain the group cohesion and dynamics that make such a band work? "We really don't know any better. I have been in this band since I was 17 and still love doing it. We are like brothers and share a clear vision for the band and the music."
After years of rumours and on and offs regarding the band's DVD release, it appears that it's finally going ahead. "It's all done and is a pretty interesting doco. We are going to release it sometime - perhaps as a bonus, maybe a standalone release," Torkington reveals. "It is on Youtube and is getting a bit of attention." This documentary can be found easily on Youtube, but a physical release will be a great addition to any Australian metal collection.
According to Alchemist's Myspace blog, they're going to hit the studios towards the end of the year to record the new album and will follow the release up with another European tour, an Australian tour and hopefully also include New Zealand and Japan. It certainly seems that great things are afoot.
When asked about what is in the future of Alchemist, the band had this to say: "More good times, more good music, travel, adventure, fun! It's going to be awesome and hopefully take us somewhere new."
Catch Alchemist in home territory at the Basement on Saturday September 12.
It's nearing two years since Canberran progressive metal quartet ALCHEMIST released their sixth studio album, the cryptically titled Tripsis. Now, after two European tours and a national tour with Meshuggah, Alchemist appear to be working on a new offering that, if it follows the success of their previous releases both in the national and international market, should garner some much deserved and anticipated praise from old and new fans alike.
"The ideas are really strong and should see an interesting and evolved new record," says guitarist Roy Torkington. "It won't be another Tripsis - we have a bunch of songs in prototype stage which just keep building and building. This will probably be a more organic, rhythmic and experimental release but it is still early days, we're all pretty excited by the new music."
In 2008, Alchemist toured Europe extensively following the release of Tripsis. "We got an amazing response in Europe last year," says Torkington. "We toured in their summer and played three enormous open air festivals - Hellfest, Graspop and Waldrock - in between our own shows." The band got to play with legendary acts such as Iron Maiden, Slayer and Death Angel - just a few of the bands that the guys in Alchemist listened to when they were growing up.
So where are Alchemist at now, 16 years after their first release?
"We have always been expected to be experimental and explorative in our releases," muses Torkington. "It's almost the band's style, so every new release is a new challenge. It's not like we are just recreating the last record." So how do they maintain the group cohesion and dynamics that make such a band work? "We really don't know any better. I have been in this band since I was 17 and still love doing it. We are like brothers and share a clear vision for the band and the music."
After years of rumours and on and offs regarding the band's DVD release, it appears that it's finally going ahead. "It's all done and is a pretty interesting doco. We are going to release it sometime - perhaps as a bonus, maybe a standalone release," Torkington reveals. "It is on Youtube and is getting a bit of attention." This documentary can be found easily on Youtube, but a physical release will be a great addition to any Australian metal collection.
According to Alchemist's Myspace blog, they're going to hit the studios towards the end of the year to record the new album and will follow the release up with another European tour, an Australian tour and hopefully also include New Zealand and Japan. It certainly seems that great things are afoot.
When asked about what is in the future of Alchemist, the band had this to say: "More good times, more good music, travel, adventure, fun! It's going to be awesome and hopefully take us somewhere new."
Catch Alchemist in home territory at the Basement on Saturday September 12.
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