Spirytus Interview

Chatting to Spirytus

A few weeks ago, Music Review ran an exclusive article on an up-and-coming UK metal band called Spirytus. Due to the overwhelming response that we received from all of you, we contacted the boys from Nottingham once again and managed to secure an interview with lead guitarist and founding member, Andy K. Here is what he had to say…

Tell us a bit about the band’s history and how long you’ve been in it?

I started the band in 2000 after I approached Adam B with my idea and we went from there. We spent 3 years auditioning bass players and drummers until finally we found Benny Mac (drums) and Ben Edis (bass). In 2004, we hired a singer, but ended up parting ways with him at the end of 2007. Then in 2008 we found Ryan.

For those of you that might not know, Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst pulled up Spirytus vocalist, Ryan Walton, onstage with him at this year’s Download festival. Ryan proceeded to belt out a Limp Bizkit track which completely blew away Durst and the crowd that day.

How did you feel when Fred Durst first pulled Ryan up onstage with him?

I was at home and Ryan called me as soon as he came off stage, and said, “Guess what I just did?” – I couldn’t believe it! We were all really proud of him, especially when he was invited to sing with Limp Bizkit again, in London, about a month later.

Has that monumental event helped ignite the interest in Spirytus?

Yeah, I guess it has. We’ve been asked to do a few interviews and we’ve gained a load more fans so it definitely hasn’t done us any harm.

Since then, what are some of the big bands that you’ve shared the stage with?

We played with Malefice a couple of months ago, but to be honest we’ve been so busy writing new material that we haven’t done that much gigging. I did spend a couple of nights chilling with the guys from Skindred on their latest UK tour. Everyone should go and buy their new album – it’s awesome. I also recommend you guys check out Cars on Fire – cool stuff!

Members of Ill Nino and Limp Bizkit have praised your band. How does it feel to have such huge names in the industry talk so highly about you guys?

It’s great, man. We’re a very hard working band and we love what we do, but to know that we have the support from such established bands really gives us a boost and keeps us doing what we do best.

Have you noticed any jealousy on the scene because of your sudden rise up the ranks?

No, not at all. None.

Spirytus’ cover of The Prodigy’s ‘Breathe’ is just mind-blowing! What inspired you guys to cover that specific song?

A couple of years ago, Ben Edis (bass) came into the studio and played the riff while we were setting up. We started jamming it and realised that we could do a pretty good version of it. We’re not into covering other band’s songs but ‘Breathe’ really works for us.

A lot of your songs are based heavily on groove-inspired rhythms, much like Korn, instead of finger-blistering lead guitar. So my question is: do you prefer melody over shredding?

Not really, I love both. I grew up listening to Korn, Pantera, Limp Bizkit, Biohazard, and Pitchshifter, but I also spent many hours studying Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Yngwie Malmsteen, etc. I still love to shred but I just tend not to do it in Spirytus, partly because, in my opinion, you don’t always need to have a super fast solo in every song. If a song kicks ass without it then leave it alone. But I still put a cheeky bit in every now and then though.

England is often regarded as the founding home of metal. Do you feel extra pressure to make it big, considering the vast historical names, such as Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath, which have come from there?

There’s always pressure to do well in whatever you do, but having such major acts come out the UK doesn’t necessarily mean we feel pressured because of their success. I guess we feel proud, and aspire to be as successful as them.

Now, for some fun…What football team do you support?

Nottingham Forest is my home team, but I’m more of an American Football fan, so I support the 49ers.

What are you dressing up as for Halloween?

Your Mum!

I hope you know that I do bite and give bad reviews (laugh). Cristina Scabbia or Angela Gossow?

You know I met Cristina Scabbia in a bar in London and she asked me out for a drink. No, wait….sorry that was a dream.

Metallica or Megadeth?

Megadeth all the way.

What can fans expect from Spirytus in the upcoming months? Any chance of a full-length release?

We will be going in to studio at the end of November to record our debut mini-album for release in Spring 2010. We’ve got a great producer in Jason Wilcock, who’s worked with bands like Fightstar, Ghost of a Thousand, etc. We also have the legend, John Themis, working on our pre-production, and a great manager who really looks after us, so 2010 should be a good year.

Where can our readers find out more info about you?

Check us out at www.myspace.com/spirytus and follow us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/spirytusband)

Thanks for your time, Andy K. Any closing words?

No worries, dude, always a pleasure. Peace to everyone who has supported Spirytus up till now. It is really appreciated. KEEP MUSIC ALIVE!!!!!

- Sergio Pereira
sergio@musicreview.co.za