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Hi Razor of Occam Congratulation's on your release of “Homage to Martyrs” through Metal Blade Records.
Q. Can you tell us the highlights of Homage to Martyrs how it takes the listener on a journey of the conflict between science and religion are there messages the band wants to convey?
Alex: The question is often asked: if we rid the world of religion, what do we replace it with? It is our view that reason has provided a much deeper and meaningful understanding of the universe, even though this understanding may be of less comfort and is certainly less flattering. The sense of awe invoked by contemplation of the order in nature revealed by the scientific method far exceeds that provided by the various Bronze Age mythologies that make up religious tradition. It is astonishing that these anachronistic views persist into the modern era and perilous for them to sit alongside the power that increased knowledge has bequeathed us.
Q. Each song track is diverse in its themes can you elaborate on how the first side of Homage of Martyrs deals primarily with the threat of superstition, the second with the success of science.
Alex: From the first side, Altar of Corruption describes the early conflict between the church and the nascent discipline of natural philosophy, when many fledgling scientists faced martyrdom by immolation at the hands of the inquisition. The viral theory of religion as championed by Richard Dawkins was the inspiration for Bite of Dogmata, while Day of Wrath describes the perilous position humanity currently finds itself, boasting unprecedented knowledge and power yet still hamstrung by irrationality and mysticism. Heat of Battle pays tribute to the new wave of intellectuals who have publicly led the attack on religion in response to the destruction of the World Trade Centre and the misguided attempt by religious fundamentalists to promote the ridiculous fantasy of creationism at the expense of the undeniable fact of evolution.
The second side attempts to instil a sense of the numinous by glorying in the stunning revelations of the scientific method. Immortal Code examines the small sequence of DNA known as the Y chromosome and the claim that over a million descendants of Genghis Khan are possess identical copies of his chromosome. Pattern on the Stone pictures three key stages of development: the self assembly of the universe, the evolution of mankind under the unguided action of natural selection, and the engineering of superior species through technological advances in biology and artificial intelligence. The precarious balance between genius and insanity evident in so many pioneers of science is treated by Flame Bearers and, finally, Shadow of the Cross explores some of the more startling implications of their discoveries. The title of this last song refers to the chance discovery of radiation in Paris at the end of the 19th century, when a piece of uranium was left next to some photographic paper that happened to be under a cross shaped piece of metal. When the paper was developed an image of the cross was revealed, a crucial breakthrough that led quickly led to the mastering of the atom and the field of quantum mechanics.
Q. What inspires or motivates the band to come up with these intelligent lyrics and do all the band members contribute to the song writing and share the same visions for the bands song themes?
Alex: Matt is the driving force behind the music and lyrics but we all put a hand regarding structures, layers and riff arrangements. Ian deals exclusively with the solos, Pete with his full bodied drum patterns and myself on the bass lines. In other words there is a lot of work to be done before a track is complete and ready to be unleashed. The lyrics are indeed covering a more "intelligent" thematology and I know that at least for this album Matt has been digging a lot of books from Jared Diamond, Peter Atkins and Richard Dawkins to name but a few. Matt in real life is a chemical engineer and has been conducting fundamental research in physical chemistry during the last few years, hence the intellectual subjects within the bands` lyrics.
Q. Will you be producing and music videos from Homage to Martyrs to bring these visions to life?
Alex: For the time being we will let the music do the talk. If there would ever be a Razor video it would probably be live footage orientated. Razor of Occam is a live band!
Q. Can you tell us about your current lineup which members are from Destroyer 666 and which members are from Adorior do all the members share the same influences for their music and do they like to experiment try new things with their sound, how did everyone meet each other was it through touring?
Alex: Matt and Ian are in Destroyer 666 and Adorior. Pete on the other hand is of Dragonforce / Marshall Law fame. All three of them migrated from Australia and ended up in the shores of Albion. I myself am from Greece and have been part of the crew for more than 3 years. The driving force behind the band is mainly Matt but a completion of a track requires the help of all of us.
Matt - Vocals & Guitars
Ian - Guitars
Alex - Bass & Backing Vocals
Pete - Drums
Q. Who helped with the recording, mixing and mastering of Homage to Martyrs and how does this release differ in the sound quality or style than your previous Albums Diabologue and Pillars of Creation?
Alex: The engineer on this album was Tore Stjerna from the infamous Necromorbus cavern in Sweden. Tore has a vast experience when it comes to extreme metal and getting the most out of it. A big thanks to Chris from Destroyer 666 who helped produce the demo version of 6 of the tracks off the album, this helped us get a closer look into each and every layer. The sound on Homage to Martyrs manages to get the best out of a clear production and the nasty feel.
Q. Razor of Occam has been successful in securing gigs, festivals and tours in the UK Europe and Australia which music venue or country comes to the bands mind as being one of their favorite places or music venue?
Alex: Germany is always a great place to play, people like their music there and there is a lot of zeal in the fans. The general rule is that the further south you go the more aggressive the crowd. Australia is no exception to that rule!
Q. Will the band be covering live video footage of their performances at Hells Pleasure Metalfest on July 17th?
Alex: Probably not.
Q. Whats the bands career focus for 2009 will they be concentrating on securing more tours to promote Homage of Martyrs or will the band be working on new material for another Album ?
Alex: There will be some individual dates secured after the summer time and possibly a mini tour in Europe. It is the best way to get the music out there and no internet based trend will ever change that. It is a bit early to be working on a new album but ideas are currently being placed on the table.
Q. Before we wrap up our interview does the band have any shout outs to friends and fans?
Alex: We are very fond of Canada and its breathtaking landscapes. Hopefully we will visit your vast lands one day and thrash you to death. Thanks for the support!
