Friday, February 28th, 2014
Coming off a highly successful debut album in 2011, “In the Flesh” and a pulverizing live DVD last year, visual artist Nader Sadek, has once again seen the future of his band and is set on turning heads this year! Pushing the boundaries of extreme Metal further, guitarist Rune Eriksen (AVI INFERI, TWILIGHT OF THE GODS, AURA NOIR, ex-MAYHEM) and brainchild of the band, Nader Sadek (ex-visual art director of MAYHEM live performances) sat down with me at a Montreal apartment to discuss the future of NADER SADEK and the intricacies behind this enigmatic troupe!
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How has the recording been going thus far?
Nader Sadek: Well, for the time being, the material is being jammed. Once finished, the drums will be recorded followed by the guitars and then bass and vocals. Sometimes the vocals can be done before the bass.
Rune Eriksen: The songs are flowing well! Flo Mounier (drummer for Cryptopsy) is extremely capable and his style fits perfectly. His drumming is quite progressive and even jazzy. Plus, the chemistry is right, which is essential in composing these songs. We’re focusing on the third or fourth song now.
Sadek: The reason why I sought these talented musicians out was due to their originality. Some bands are content in rehashing old ideas, but I’ve never seen the point in that. All music comes from some source and it’s important to expose yourself to different styles of music and bring those varying ideas into something new and fresh.
What are some of the similarities/differences between “In the Flesh” and the new material?
Eriksen: One of the more obvious differences comes from the fact that (now ex-vocalist) Steve Tucker (WARFATHER, ex-NILE, ex-MORBID ANGEL) wrote some of the music on the album. Now, the songs take things further, including more brutality and atmosphere. There is definitely a different approach while diversifying the music naturally. As Nader was saying, rehashing old ideas isn’t for me either. The new songs will entertain on every level!
Sadek: When I started with my own art and more specifically, visual art, I wanted to spice things up. “In the Flesh” was written in 2006 and between 2008-2009, and at that time I brought in Rune who had his song ideas. These would then need to be compatible with Steve’s. Now, the writing process is freer and incorporates an independent sound.
Why did you decide to record in Montreal?
Sadek: Flo has a monster drum kit with sponsors all around the world and there’s just too much to move. Besides Cryptopsy have all their gear here, so it’s easier for us to come to him.
Who are the principle writers this time around?
Eriksen: We jammed the songs out in one week last year, kind of like playing tennis, the ideas are shot back and forth and they came naturally. Later, I’ll bring some ideas home, send out the demos that are complete and then get back together with the guys and jam them out again until they’re finished.
Sadek: Well for the new stuff, I’m actually writing the lyrics and most of the singing patterns as well, although I’m not singing. Plus, I’ll contribute some riffs here and there but that’s not to say I’m a composer. On “Nigredo in Necromance”, I wrote the song from start to finish. Rune added harmonies while Flo handled the drums. Still, though, Rune is the principle songwriter and will always be. Writing a riff isn’t like writing a complete song.
For NADER SADEK, what are the pressures in recording that “infamous” second album?
Sadek: I don’t think there are any pressures, actually. The first record was my own project and the next one won’t likely be under the same name. Thankfully the members got along. Don’t forget, it was an art project so I was lucky to see the chemistry between Rune and Flo. The new name will be revealed in due time.
How has the departure of Steve Tucker affected the band now?
Sadek: Steve was in the biggest Death Metal band ever. I thought that what he brought to the table was a little “Morbid Angel-y”, which is a bit limiting. Still, he has a great voice but we want to branch out more. The new material really has a different sound, particularly moving away from songs like “Sulffer”.
What are the realities of being in a band with members spread across the globe?
Eriksen: A lot of money and plane tickets (laughs)! We have the Internet and lots of ways to stay in touch and communicate ideas. The world keeps getting smaller and smaller. There’s no problem.
Sadek: I’m the one who puts things together, so it is stressful. In 2013, we were only able to physically get together in February. It’s great if we could manage to see each other twice a year due to such busy schedules. The logistics can take a lot of time, but when it works, it’s amazing!
Are there any developments in being signed to a label?
Sadek: We only spoken to one label, but we may decide to do something else. We can’t talk about it for now (smiling). All I can tell you is that there will be a new way of releasing an album. We’re waiting for news.
Reviews for the live DVD, “Living Flesh” gave the band a reputation for being a formidable live act. Why do you think NADER SADEK is so effective live?
Nader: The people I chose for this project, I chose for good reasons. All are really great players. Recording is one thing, but when you’re in the presence of seasoned musicians, there’s no way of avoiding it, it all comes across very easily on stage.
Where do you see NADER SADEK in the current state of extreme Metal?
Sadek: Personally, I continue to make cover art, merchandise and masks; stuff I think is cool. Bandwise, the music brings a whole new level of exposure from within; to spread our wings, so to speak. There are new songs, live shows and a third video coming out while the music’s being recorded and doesn’t feature Steve. This project was never meant to be thought of as a “band”, per say. However, It’s no longer such. “In the Flesh” relied on my work and fascination with humanity exhuming “rot” and turning it into raw energy. Petroleum is like dead ooze being used to sustain life. If you see it as a morality play, petroleum should be left alone in the ground. Everything contains petroleum. It’s a “ghost” that we’re abusing and is a part of our everyday lives. It was never meant to be a “warning”, but a simple fact. The next step for this band won’t feature anything like that, though.
Well, for wanton fans in search of deeper meaning to their Death Metal lyrics, only time will tell where Nader Sadek plans to veer his musical art/vision. Fans only need to be patient and approach with an open mind and headbangin’ spirit!!! Nader Sadek’s 2013 live DVD, “Living Flesh” is available now along with their debut album, “In the Flesh”, released independently.
