This week we’re featuring the British duo Chandrian Kill in Meet The Band. Their debut EP is Bring Out Your Dead. Vocalist Nic Whitmore introduces us to his band.
Chad Bowar: Give us a brief history of Chandrian Kill.
Nic Whitmore: Brief I can do, conceived by Ted and inspired by The King Killer Chronicles in 2016, joined by me in 2017. Combine the firing of creative synapses generating a cacophony of ideas to subvert the norm equals 2018 Bring Out Your Dead.
Describe the songwriting and recording process for Bring Out Your Dead.
A non conventional approach, or is it the norm these days? The demo process was completed long distance via email, text, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger. Riffs, beats, vocals fired back and forth, structures developed and fine tuned to the point we both felt we had something we could get together, commit to and polish in Ted’s studio.
We both felt that if we’re going to do this it has to be on our terms, in our time and something we feel comfortable with doing. Ultimately though it was about satisfying our creative outlet to produce music we wanted to hear and were happy with, not at any point did we consider “I wonder if anyone will like this?” It was all about enjoying the process, without pressure to produce something we’d enjoy listening to.
How would you describe the album’s style/sound?
A recent review described us as nu-metalcore, which if I’m not mistaken is an entirely new sub genre, and you know what, I think we’ll take that all day long. Drilling deeper though, I’d say dark, heavy, considered, textured, contemplative, deep, negative, positive and everything in between.
What lyrical subjects do you cover?
Wow, where do I start? I tend not to have anything particular in mind as everything is an option. I’m generally inspired by Ted’s creativity and when I hear the riff, the melody, it moves me to develop something I may have been thinking about or experiencing at the time. Absolutely nothing is off the table. Creation, the universe, life, death, love, experience, emotion, feelings, uncertainty, trust, distrust, betrayal, faith, existence, purpose, awareness, who, what, where, why, when and how, believe nothing, trust no one, question everything, believe everything, trust everyone, question nothing.
What has the early response to the EP been like?
Generally very positive, which I think we’re both extremely pleased about, beyond our expectations to be honest. Like I said earlier, our sole objective was to create music we that would give us a sense of satisfaction listening to, it was truly selfish goal but if anyone else liked it then we would consider that a great compliment, a huge bonus. I really love that some of the reviewers haven’t quite known what to make of it, hence creating that sub genre for us which is the greatest compliment of all.
What are your goals and expectations for the album?
It will be what it will be. We’ve enjoyed the entire process and continue to do so on our terms. We love what we’ve created. I don’t think we have any expectations and moving forward with that mindset there’ll be no disappointment.
Will you be playing any live shows?
There are no plans at the moment to take this to the stage. We’ve both been in live bands over the years and toured extensively and intensively and with that can come burnout. I certainly experienced that and because of the pressures involved with that I kind of fell out of love with the creative process. I don’t want to go back to that place, but it all depends on what develops in the future, never say never.
How did you get started in music?
That’s a broad question. I think for the same reason anyone does, for the sheer love of music. My mum and dad loved music and as kid and I was exposed to all types of artists: Bowie, Abba, Blondie, Tina Turner, T-Rex, Black Sabbath, Thin Lizzy, Led Zeppelin, Motorhead, Frank Zappa, Hawkwind, Deep Purple, Rainbow, Dio to name a few.
As a ten year old kid I discovered music on my own terms and all I wanted to do was be in a band. First band I was in I was 13, doing early thrash covers, we were shit!
Who were your early influences and inspirations?
All the aforementioned really, but please be warned, guilty pleasure alert coming up. I always loved early Nik Kershaw, and still do. However, when I discovered Maiden then Metallica, that was it an absolute obsession with all things heavy began. I wanted to be James Hetfield.
What was the first metal concert you attended?
Xentrix at Preston Guild Hall Foyer. when I was 13. I’m sure Slammer were supporting but I only have a vague recollection as I was absolutely pissed out of my mind on special brew. I do remember Xentrix doing a Metallica cover and being absolutely convinced Metallica were surprise guests before emptying the contents of my stomach all over the floor. My parents bollocked me and I was in school the next day.
Seen any good movies/DVDs lately?
The Night Eats The World, a very interesting take on the zombie genre and A Quiet Place which I thought was excellent. Check out Wind River too, which is an excellent thriller. I love true stories too, so Stronger, based on the Boston Marathon bombings is very good as is Bleed For This with Miles Teller based on boxer Vinny Pazienza’s rise to World champion. I’m a massive nerd though and love all the current DC and Marvel superhero flicks.
What’s currently in your heavy musical rotation?
I’m currently listening to Machine Messiah by Sepultura. “Vandals Nest,” what a tune!, as well as the latest Life of Agony and Obituary albums. Pretty much anything by Gojira, Klone, Ghost Brigade, Pantera, Faith No More, Rollins band, Metallica, Sevendust, Alice In Chains, Morbid Angel, Death and Fear Factory and a few others are on constant rotation. Check out Suburban Breakdown by Misery Loves Company, fucking great!
Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
Chandrian Kill Bring Out Your Dead is available now at all the usual outlets.
(interview published September 8, 2018)
