 Interviewer:
Thomas MitchellThe Old Dead Tree was quite a surprise when they first came onto the music scene only a few years ago. With their new disc "The Perpetual Motion" they will not only seize the rock and metal scene but also write a new page to it. We now have vocalist/guitarist Manuel Munoz from the band here to respond to various inquiries... Metal Fanatix: WOW! “The Perpetual Motion” is one of the best albums of 2005, in my opinion! So, good job on the whole concept with the lyrics & music and so forth..... Manuel Munoz: Thank you very much for your kind words... Metal Fanatix: Before commenting further on the new album, I'd just like to ask you where The Old Dead Tree got it's name and whence creating diverse metal music to this level? Manuel Munoz: I found the idea for the band name by myself. It’s a name that stays in the head. Some people told us that they reminded the band name right after reading it on magazines, internet... That’s fine because we wanted to find a name evoking something strong in people’s mind. I also like the image of an old dead tree on an esthetic point of view. You can also find lots of interpretations in it, depending on your state of mind at the moment you see it…Regarding your question about the composings, I would just say that from the beginning of the band, we have always tried to build our own unique style. We absolutely wanted to avoid some too obvious influences. The different musical tastes of the band members lead us to mix different varied styles, such as extreme metal, dark-rock, pop-music... Metal Fanatix: Don't get me wrong, the first album was and is awesome as well, but what did you do differently between the two albums? I mean, it seems like “The Perpetual Motion” had much more feel. Did this one take longer to write?  Manuel
Munoz: The new record clearly displays the growth of the
band, both live and in the studio. The musical direction The Old Dead
Tree introduced on our previous Album “The Nameless Disease”
has now been fine-tuned. All songs are definitely more mature. We
recorded very violent songs, but also soft and melodic ones. The guitars
parts are mixing aggressive riffs and softer melodic parts, while
the combination of drums and bass is putting groove and rhythms into
the music! We also decided to add a few samples to some of the songs.
Finally, we did not really care about all the usual artistic limits
of metal and dark rock. Metal Fanatix: This may sound a bit sketchy, but does The Old Dead Tree find peace with any specific metal or rock genre? Or... do you think it is a "persona" for the individual listening? Manuel Munoz: I would personally choose your second option... Metal Fanatix: My favorite tunes are "My Friends" and "Everyday Life". I like how your songs lead into something unexpected almost consistently, if that makes sense. Why did you have a warming-up session in the beginning of Everyday Life? Manuel Munoz: We really wanted the audience to feel like being inside of the music and close to the band while listening to this new record, so… that’s why! Metal Fanatix: You guys remind me ALOT of bands like Anathema, Katatonia, and even System of a Down in the vocals at times... ha! Am I crazy or is there, in your opinion, some inspiration from those bands with the various aggressive riffs to the more melodic ones?  Manuel
Munoz: Thank you very much! I really take it as a huge compliment…
We all listen to many different styles of music inside the band…
so it goes from 70’s pop-rock to black metal. As you can see,
we have a very broad spectrum of influences… Finally, I think
our music can even be described as some kind of a mix between death
metal and pop music!Metal Fanatix: So, who do you like to listen to? Your favorites..... Manuel Munoz: Our main influences are bands like Pink Floyd, Paradise Lost, The Mars Volta, Korn or Opeth! They all created something new, unique and personal. I believe that’s the main goal to achieve as a musician. Metal Fanatix: The future is hard to tell, but would you say the writing from this album will carry over down the road with the clean & death vocals mixed? Manuel Munoz: In fact, this is too hard to tell! Who knows... the future will decide! The only thing I can say is that we don’t want to settle any limits, provided that music is staying driven by strong feelings and deep emotions... Metal Fanatix: I hope everything works out for The Old Dead Tree and I hope that you eventually get over to see us in the States! Is there anything you would like everyone to know on a personal or professional level? Manuel Munoz: We are now working on the promotion of our new Album “The Perpetual Motion”, together with our label Season Of Mist. The first reactions we have from both medias and audience towards our new Album “The Perpetual Motion” are very positive and encouraging. We are currently touring Europe and let me tell you that we just can’t wait for the opportunity of touring North-America also someday! Check-out our official website http://www.theolddeadtree.com for more information. And, last but not least, many thanks to all american fans for their support! Be sure we will come to see you as soon as possible… Metal Fanatix: Later, amigos & thanks a ton for your time! For all the latest news & updates on The Old Dead Tree make sure you check out the following websites: http://www.theolddeadtree.com/ - Official The Old Dead Tree website http://www.season-of-mist.com/ - Official Season of Mist website |
