Frontwoman Britney Slayes of progressive metal purveyors Unleash The Archers checked in for a conversation with Beez on the latest segment of Mosh Talks.
Currently riding high from what has been a universally-praised showing of their most recent studio effort, Abyss, Slayes talked about the band's multi-genre approach to making this particular record and how that loans itself to giving the band much more room for growth.
Incorporating elements of folk metal, black metal, and the band's first foray into synth, there is a general sense that Unleash the Archers have just scratched the surface in terms of their creative potential.
UTA's versatile approach to songwriting results in the band being able to venture outside of the boundaries of any genre-specific style. While it makes the band tough to categorize, it's a problem that Slayes feels comfortable navigating. She really understands people are going to call them whatever they choose to, so long as they are listening, that is what is the priority.
Slayes also discussed the band's theatric quality to their brand. Versed in musical theater and appreciative of the stage spectacle that comes with that, there is a conscious effort within the band to pair some spectacle with their sound. Utilizing a theatric approach to songwriting really does allow for the band to build narrative and emotion into the finished product.
As for the narrative, Slayes detailed how the band's 2017 release, Apex, sets the stage for the current release, Abyss and introduces the saga of "The Immortal" and "The Matriarch." Cursed as birth the protagonist in "The Immortal" must serve whomever awakens him - in this case, its the antagonist, "The Matriarch." Misleading The Immortal with the promise of freedom, The Matriarch has the Immortal do her evil bidding only to be placed back into an eternal slumber.
Abyss, finds the Immortal some 50 years later, far removed from the Matriarch and awakened on a starship. The Immortal finds that he has a new master, one who is hellbent on teaming up with The Immortal to rid the universe of Matriarch for good.
It's that kind of forward-thinking and restriction-free practice that really reiterates that Unleash the Archers has a different consciousness than most of their contemporaries. Less a deliberate effort to being different, Slayes explains that their collective headspace is about exploring their own individuality in their craft and less about holding their art to any comparison.
What the complete interview with Brittney Slayes of Unleash the Archers below.
