BODY STACKER: Having Fun
Denver, CO thrash metal unit Body Stacker has just come up with their new album, a nine-tracker heavyweight champion entitled ‘Drinking Songs for the End of the World.’ Drummer Brian Townsand speaks about the new album in an interview for Prog Sphere.
Define the mission of Body Stacker.
The mission of Body Stacker has always been to create the most intense, interesting and heavy music we could possibly make and spread it worldwide.
What is the message you are trying to give with “Drinking Songs for the End of the World”?
To have fun. When you listen to a Body Stacker album or see us live we want you to let go of the everyday bullshit and just have fun.
Tell me about the creative process that informed your new album “Drinking Songs for the End of the World” and the themes it captures.
Most of our song writing happens outside of the rehearsal room, inspiration doesn’t always hit in the Jam room, sometimes it happens when you’re driving down the road and a killer riff, drum fill or lyric just comes to you. Or you have an intense or emotional experience that conjures music deep from within. This album captures themes of ancient lore, battle and hidden evil…and of course a lot of bodies being stacked really high.
How did you document the music while it was being formulated?
Mostly on a cell phone haha! We send drum parts, guitar riffs and lyrics back and forth via email or private youtube videos to study between rehearsal sessions. We will also individually refine what lyrics or music we have that way we can present something solid to the other guys when we get back into the rehearsal room. The songs slowly build over weeks or sometimes months. Every once in awhile we can rip out a song in a few sessions.
Is the dynamic flow of the pieces carefully architected?
Yes they definitely are, some songs took months just to get the guitar parts right before any drums were even put to them. I construct my drum Parts very carefully and they always change as the song develops, especially once lyrics/vocals are added. Lyrics/vocals typically go last after we get a feel for the atmosphere that song.
Describe the approach to recording the album.
So in the past we just recorded our other demos and EP shortly after writing and rehearsing in the jam room, and later on down the line there was things we wish we would have changed or done differently. With this album we took more time and rehearsed the songs thoroughly, we even played them live at a number of shows. We didn’t hit the studio until all the members were 100% happy with their parts. In the studio we did a live take of guitar and drums. Bass, vocals and guitar solos were recorded later.
How long “Drinking Songs for the End of the World” was in the making?
This album was 2 years in the making.
Which bands or artists influenced your work on the rele
Suicidal Tendencies, Gwar, Slayer, Gojira, Dying Fetus , Mastodon, Iron Maiden, Exodus ghoul just to name a few! We listen to anything and everything that’s heavy.
What is your view on technology in music?
I think its great. All the technological advancements push the envelope of what can be done in music and recording.
Do you see your music as serving a purpose beyond music?
We have a lot of sci-fi and fantasy based lyrics, so I hope it influences our listeners to just have fun, be positive and escape any negative reality when they have our record on.
What are your plans for the future?
Continue to tour like we have been and eventually get to Europe and beyond. Make some more music videos and stack the bodies of our fans nice and high after we blow them away with our blistering thrash attack!
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