CONTORTION – interview

Introduce your band, and describe your latest release:
Contortion is a versatile metal band from Southern California. We strive to break the norms of conventional subgenres by blending styles and sounds to create something unique and powerful.
Our latest album, “Thw Common Thread,” weaves together Thrash, Djent, Metalcore, & Groove Metal to create a pulse pounding rollercoaster of a record. We also harnessed the talents, riffs, and voices of many of our good friends in the underground metal scene to add more diversity and flavor to the record. Members from bands like: Cattle Decapitation, Allegaeon, Butcher Babies, Brujeria, & God Forbid, to name a few. The Common Thread is one hell of a ride.
 
What’s the hardest part about being a band in this day and age?
I would say it’s the juggling of tasks. We bot only have to be musicians now, but our own marketing team, content creators, PR guys, booking agents, everything. It gets daunting.
 
When did you realise that your project had the potential to be much more than just a fun idea?
I remember it distinctly. My buddy Darian Rundal, the producer/engineer for Dokken, Suicidal Tendencies, & others, was the guy I’d reached out to to do the final mix down for our first EP. He’d asked, “What’s this new project? And when you’re ready to record a full album, I want to be on the ground floor with this. It’s epic and powerful! You have something really cool here.”
That for me was a huge compliment, and a personal driving force to make more music.

Tell us about your latest release, why should we check it out?
Other than my PR sales pitch that I’d stated before, it’s important to realize the strains and struggle it was to create this record.  First, The Common Thread is something of a concept album. It talks of both my own struggles of growth and perseverance in 2019/2020; as well as the global issues we were all facing.
It’s relatable. The songs and messages grip people, and can be a universal message for all that see this rigged game for what it is. This is no longer a left/right dichotomy we live in, but an us vs. them world…. and the focus seems to be eschewed for those in power to shift focus and blame…
It’s also a f*cking gnarly musical performance!! So much time and effort went into making this: 5 years, 4 studios/producers, 12 guests, and thousands of man hours writing and creating.
 
How does a song typically come together for you?
It varies from song to song. But, more over, we will build around a solid and beloved riff idea, and then everyone adds something unique to the mix. We feel out what might be missing or add something we’ve never done, in an effort to draw out more creativity. It’s an arduous process, but bears some serious metal fruits.

How would you describe your sound to an unfamiliar reader?
Simultaneously like nothing you’ve ever heard, and all your favorite bands in one band.

What do you want listeners to take away from listening to your band?
The fact that there is literally something for every metal fan. Maybe you don’t like the first song on the album because it’s too Djent… well, the next track is more tech-death, and the following one is Groove… you never know what to expect…. so feel it all out.

Where would you really like to tour that you haven’t done so yet, and why?
Asia! I’ve never been, but I hear there are loads of metal fans there, and that they are very welcoming to new artists. I’d love to see and perform in Japan, Thailand, India, all of it!

How would you say that the sound of your band has progressed over the years?
Contortion has consistently pushed the boundaries of our technicality and talent. All while staying true to feeling, hooks, and a catchy vibe that keeps fans returning to the songs over and over.
 
How excited are you for 2025, and what can fans expect from you?
 We are pleased with how 2024 went, and looking to expand on our tour spectrum in 2025! New nations, new horizons, all while working on new music. 🙂
I am including our website here for your reference. and readers. 
contortionofficial.com

FB: @Contortiontheband
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2VObHl9AXyyg2taHRhX170?si=W5tVMyhnTUWTdWfU5djIHA