This week we’re featuring the British group Subservience in Meet The Band. After several EPs, they just released their full-length debut album Forest Of The Impaled. Bassist Scott Bishop introduces us to his band.
Chad Bowar: Give us a brief history of Subservience.
Scott Bishop: We formed in 2010 and have undergone a few significant lineup changes to the band we are now.
Describe the songwriting and recording process for Forest Of The Impaled.
The songs were written over a long period of time, mostly back and forth over recordings at home. Once the tracks were ready we recorded most of the music at home, then we took it all to a proper studio for Paul “Win” Winstanley to make it sound good!
How has your sound evolved from your EPs?
We have changed members every time so the sound has naturally evolved due to this. It has definitely become much more brutal and darker, not sure what that says about the members who are involved now.
What lyrical subjects do you tackle on the album?
We’ve covered real life stories, the kind of things that people have done to each other, so as you can imagine that’s some pretty messed up stuff.
How did you come to sign with Black Bow Records?
A few of us also play in a doom/sludge band called Grim Ravine who released an EP on Black Bow Records earlier in the year, so from that we had Jon’s details and sent the album over to see if he was interested. He was!
After being around for a while and releasing several EPs, what are your goals and expectations for your full-length debut?
Our goal is already accomplished, to write the best album we could, so we’re happy with whatever happens after that. We’ll just crack on with writing the next one and trying to better ourselves.
What has been your most memorable Subservience live show?
Has to be our appearance at Download festival, certainly the most people we’ve played in front of!
What are your upcoming show/tour plans?
We have an album launch show in Brighton on September the 15th and then playing London supporting Abhorrent Decimation on November 5th. More to be booked, so keep an eye on our social media or get in touch if you want us to play.
How did you get started in music?
Just picked up a guitar and got on with it really, taught myself using guitar tab books. Then just started writing and jamming with friends, and that is still pretty much the case right now! We do have a couple of people who have been professionally taught and actually know what they’re doing too, it’s a good mix.
Who were your early influences and inspirations?
To be honest I can’t listen to any musician and not be inspired, no matter the genre. There are so many influences and inspirations to take from everywhere that I wouldn’t round it down to a certain few people.
What was the first metal concert you attended?
There have been too many gigs and years for me to specifically remember this one. I remember going to a lot of small local shows, but one of the guys remembers seeing Metallica at the Milton Keynes Bowl in ’93, so we’ll go with that one.
What’s the metal scene like in the Sussex area?
Non existent, unfortunately. Many have tried but it never seems to stick. We are in between London and Brighton, so it seems everyone just heads to either of those.
What’s currently in your heavy musical rotation?
This will change daily, but at the moment: Artificial Brain – Infrared Horizon, Gatecreeper – Sonoran Depravation, Necrot – Blood Offerings, Full of Hell – Trumpeting Ecstasy, Wiegedood – De Doden Hebben Het Goed II.
Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
Just a huge thanks to those people who support local bands and head out to shows, pick up merch etc. You keep the scenes alive!
(interview published August 19, 2017)
