Antithesis is a progressive metal band that has beeen fighting for recognition since 1997 when they first formed. They have an album in stores called "Antithesis" that was recorded in 1999. We talked to bass extraordinaire James Lewis to know more about the philosophy and artistic output of this band.
Is it correct to describe the band as a Christian metal band? Do you lyrics reflect a Christian way of thinking or a positive attitude regardless the religion that anyone worships?
It is more accurate to say we are Christians playing in a band. The lyrics are designed to make people think, be positive, and provide messages of how to be a responsible adult. What religion people choose is of no importance to us. The teachings of Christ apply to all people, not just Christians (in my humble opinion). We have both Christians and non-Christians who like our music.
How was the return of Paul to the band after Tom Guignette departure? Which are the main differences between both players?
The return of Tall Paul to Antithesis has been very good. he and Sean write extremely well together and the entire chemistry of the band has improved greatly. As for the main difference between Tom and Paul...height.
It seems that your main influences are from technical bands...Do some bands that are not so technical influence your music?
I guess. Megadeth is not a really technical band and Sean loves them, some of his writing is influenced by Mustaine. Otherwise, I really can't think of any other "not as technical" bands that creep into our music.
How do you incorporate the jazz influence into your music? Do you feel that jazz influence is really strong in Antithesis music?
Some of the chord progressions are jazz oriented and the insane use of odd time we use (I like odd time and try to write odd time as often as I can) are where the jazz influences lie. I just got a John Patitucci (my favorite jazz bassist) instructional video for Christmas (from Tall Paul) so the third CD should have some even greater jazz influences.
I see that you have toured with bands whose styles are really different: thrash, rock, progressive. With which kind of bands you are most comfortable when you tour?
Doesn't matter really. We play with all sorts of bands because there are few bands around our area who are in the same genre as we are.
Do you feel that the type of music that Anthitesis does is more popular in Europe than in America? Why do you think this happens?
More popular in Europe for sure. I suppose the reason may be that European radio station formats are more open to our style of music, where the U.S. stations are not. There is just not the push and exposure here as there is in Europe.
How are the plans of recording the second album? are you going to release it through Intromental?
The new CD is done, it just needs mastered. Intromental is our management and they will be shopping the disc to metal labels in Europe in January.
A couple of cuestions regarding the debut CD. Why was it remastered? Why were the vocals changed in Sword of Mouth? All Paulīs solos were redone by Tom? How different was the final result?
Because we thought there were some things we could do better. the vocals in Sword were redone because we decided we hated the effect used on the original and that same effect was not reproducible live. The solos were redone, yes. The final result was better production and tighter performance.
What do you think of editing both versions of the debut CD for people to actually listen the changes? That could be quite an interesting experience
That would be interesting but at our stage of the game we wouldn't have the finances to do such a thing. There is 1,000 people who have the first disc, maybe they can hook up with one of the 2,000 other people who have the second version and then compare.
How was the experience in Sonshine Fest and Lifest 2000?
We had a great time! We met a lot of really nice folks and enjoyed talking to all of them The crowds were good sized and the response from them towards Antithesis was overwhelmingly positive! We look forward to the opportunity to do those festivals, and others, again.
Any final words for people in Argentina?
Only that we appreciate the efforts and support of all the fans and media such as yourself. I would also encourage people to check out our web site for MP3's of the new material. I can guarantee the new tunes will blow you away! Go to
http://www.antithesismusic.comWe have about 40 CDs left of the remastered version of our first release, so check out those tunes as well on the site and order your copy today! Thanks so much for your time
Interviewed by Federico Marongiu
ANTITHESIS - DISCOGRAPHY
ANTITHESIS - CD (1999)
ACTUAL LINEUP
Ty Cook - vocals
Sean Perry - guitars
James Lewis - bass
Paul Konjicija - guitar
Paul Kostyack - drums