Believer
Believer has gained worldwide recognition for their boundary-breaking, artistic form of extreme metal. Joined by bands Cynic and Pestilence, Roadrunner Records pushed a prog-metal/thrash campaign with the three bands called, “The Breed Beyond” and solidified Believer among the ranks of unique, creative musical acts.
I caught up with Elton Nestler and Kevin Leaman for a little chat about music…
Hello there pretties, how are things going in your lovely world?
Elton Nestler: Couldn't be better, and we're honored to be able to do this interview with you. Thanks for the time and appreciation!
Kevin Leaman: Pretties, feeling pretty great right now.
We are proper 100% loving your super hot new record, tell us a bit
about the inspiration behind it?
EN: I think the inspiration varies from one of us to the next. I was a fan of the earlier Believer albums and I went into the project just
hoping that the sound would be a consistent progression from where the band left off 16 years ago. Through the process I was inspired by just that, the growth of the material being recorded.
KL: I agree, the growth. While retaining that undeniable Believer sound.
To anyone who hasn¹t heard of you yet, how would you describe your sound?
EN: Who hasn't heard of Believer before?
KL: HEAVY!
Haha, I love it, and if you were going to give us just one song of yours to listen to so that you would become our new favourite singer, what would it be?
EN: I'd have to pick 'Redshift'
KL: Yep!
If you could cover another band¹s song, what would it be?
EN: I would want to do something that isn't expected...maybe Hall and
Oates, 'Maneater'...or Peter Gabriel 'In Your Eyes'.
KL: I would love to do Sabotage by The Beastie Boys.
And can you sum up your good selves in just five words?
EN: Always on time for dinner.
KL: Yes! You know it man!
What makes you stand out from the crowd?
EN: I don't know that I want us to stand out in a crowd...I'd rather
blend in and be able to sneak up on people.
KL: I usually stand out in a crowd, at a show or something the kids
wonder who brought their dad.
Aww, I know loads of old people that go to gigs... anyway, you know we’re having a bit of an economic crisis here at the moment, if people wanted to spend their last £10 on a cd this weekend, why
should they buy yours?
EN: The album is filled with plenty of aggression and shifting moods. Pick up the album and funnel your anger through the music instead of your neighbour. Note: I made no mention of not funnelling your anger toward politicians of any type.
What three bands would you have to headline your dream festival?
EN: 16 Horsepower, Johnny Cash and Oingo Boingo.
KL: Mine would have to be the original 'Breed Beyond' Cynic,
Pestilence and of course Believer!
What has been your favourite musical memory to date?
EN: So far, it's been falling into this project and being blessed with
the friends I have in the band.
KL: I Agree with Elton. Although I did open for Jucifer in my prior
band which was amazing.
If all of the bands equipment was on fire, what one piece would you
save and why?
EN: My laptop....or maybe Jeff's laptop. Either way, one of the
powerbooks would be saved.
Who do you think is the greatest artist around at the moment?
EN: Danny Elfman
If you could only listen to one CD for the rest of your life, what
would it be?
EN: 16 Horsepower 'Secret South'
KL: Cynic 'Focus"
Okay, now we want to ask you some random questions;
Tell me about the most terrifying experience of your life?
EN: When I was young (6) I helped with chores on a farm. I would often help milk the cows, corral the horses, feed the animals, bail hay and do anything else the grownups were doing. I vividly remember the day the vet came to check the cows. I saw the gentleman put on a shoulder length rubber glove and had no idea what was coming next...that poor cow. Sure, it doesn't seem terrifying at all, but that image has stuck with me for a very long time. Maybe too long.
KL: You really don’t want to know.
What’s the most stupid purchase you¹ve ever made?
EN: A kayak rack for my truck...I haven't been able to get a kayak
yet...it's been 2 years. One day that kayak will be mine.
Why go to the top of a tall building, only to put money in binoculars
and look at things on the ground?
EN: 2 Reasons. 1) Because there's nothing to look at straight up. 2)
It's fun to imagine who or what you could land on if you'd jump.
KL: I would look up to look for UFOs
Haha, Brilliant, well thanks for taking the time out to talk to us!
FemaleFirst - Ruth Harrison