Archetype is a band that can be defined as progressive metal. Their influences range from metal to classical, from jazz to blues and their music clearly reflects it. We talked to Archetype´s main man Chris Matyus, guitarist from the band.

Yes, we will be releasing it independently after waiting quite some time to get it completed. It has been a long, painful journey with this recording and finally releasing it will hopefully make it all worth while. We originally promoted the first version to labels with no real interest. The main reason was that we had to transfer the original recording to another system for mixing and the whole thing basically sounded like garbage after that. We salvaged what we could for the promo version and have decided to re-record all the guitars, bass and vocals. I decided to undertake the re-recording and mixing myself and engineer the whole thing. I'm planning a large release for the CD and the final version will be unbelievably better than the first! I can't wait to hear the response from the people who have heard the first version when they hear the new one.

What were the troubles in finding a singer?

Since we play such a different style and most bands in our area play popular stuff, there was definitely a clash when we auditioned singers. We were quite desperate at times and even though we knew almost all the singers we auditioned would not work, we kept at it for many months. We played instrumentally for quite a long time, yet still could not find the right singer. We finally found our singer Greg through a classified ad after we had stopped looking for a while. We were sick of searching, but I said we should try one more ad and amazingly it worked out. It's so hard to find dedicated, talented individuals anymore. I find it really frustrating that people only want to do what's popular at the time to try to make some quick money. I guess they soon realize they made a mistake when that style is out and no one cares about it any more.

Do you think that "Dawning" is a major advance respect to "Hands of Time" musically and production wise?

Well, all four songs from "Hands" will be included and the other six were written pretty much in the same time frame, give or take six months or so. They all have their own uniqueness and originality and will always give something new to each listener. As on "Hands", the length of the songs vary, there is a 12:30 epic and an instrumental. Plenty for fans to feast upon! As far as production goes, there will be a massive improvement from "Hands" to "Dawning". I've spent countless hours learning about sound engineering and recording and will not put out an inferior product. Since we didn't re-record the drums, they are the biggest task on the CD. Luckily, I've had some assistance with the system I use and have found out some very cool 'tricks' in getting things to sound better. In general, everything will be on a much bigger scale this time.

Was the first four song demo instrumental? How did it feel to play your music in front of people without a singer?

Yes, our first EP was instrumental. Eventually once we found a singer, we added vocals and remixed it for "Hand Of Time". I found playing instrumentally to be a good starting point for the band. Instead of most of the attention being focused on the singer, people would hear everything we did and it helped make us tighter on stage. Ever since college, I had wanted to play my music in front of people so I didn't mind not having a singer, I though it was a great experience.

What do you think that Greg Wagner has that the other vocalists lacked of?

First of all, the patience and understanding to basically do what I asked him to. There aren't many singers who would join a band and sing someone else's lyrics right away. After searching for an eternity, I sent him our EP and some lyrics. When he sang at the first practice, I knew he would be a good fit. I really liked the power, diversity and range in his voice. Those were things that no other singer we auditioned had. Coming from a power metal background, he had to also adjust to a new style of music which is not an easy thing to do.

How would you define your music?Are any new influences going to surface in your music?

Very original, diverse, melodic, progressive metal. I don't like labels on the music we play, but it's definitely very musical and unique. It's more technical, but not to a point where it can't be followed, it's heavy at times and clean at others and always takes you into something new yet remains within a sound structure. There is a big classical influence in my writing and I strive for originality both in the music and lyrics. My influences are pretty diverse also, but there really isn't a new style that I listen to. I still love death and black metal, progrsssive and some power metal, classical and new age music. Of course I can't do an interview without mentioning Coroner, my all time favorite band and original technical/progressive influence! It would be cool if they got back together even under a new name. I have recently been writing on a 7 string and will definitely include some songs on the new CD.

Do you compose all the songs? Which are your influences as a guitarist and as a composer?

Yes, I do all the composing and write all the lyrics. I started playing after seeing Glenn Tipton of Judas Priest on a live video. After that, I knew what I wanted to do! From that point on I came across players such as Tommy T Baron of Coroner, Criss Oliva (RIP), Yngwie Malmsteen, Jeff Waters, Alex Skolnick, John Petrucci and a few others. They all played an important part in my development as a player and composer. I also can't go without mentioning classical composers such as Antonio Lauro, Agustin Barrios Mangore and J.S. Bach just to name a few.

Are you and the band musically trained? You know, learning musical theory and scales, etc.

I graduated from the University of Akron (Ohio) in 1997 with a bachelor's degree in classical guitar performance. We didn't get into scales as heavily as jazz guitar, but with all the various classes I had to take (theory, fretboard harmony, arranging, etc. ), I learned quite a bit about everything. Our drummer Keith has had drum, percussion and rhythm training (obviously). How else do you think he plays all that stuff!! We're the only two with training, but Jamie and Greg are very talented and we all work well together.

How was your experience at the Powermad festival?

Pretty good, we would have liked to have had a better time slot (first band Saturday -1:00 PM), but I can't complain. Those who heard us really like us and kept asking when the new CD would be done. There were a few label representatives there, but I didn't talk to them because they were some of the labels who denied us (damn them!!!! haha). The whole festival was set up well with a lot of good bands, but we couldn't stay for the whole thing. It was nice to play on a real stage instead of the local bars and the sound system was excellent. If we're available, we'd like to play it next year.

With any luck, yes. We'll just have to wait and see the response from the release.

Are you planning to use another guitarist to add new elements to your music?

Everything I write is for two guitars. Originally, we were a two guitar band, but I haven't been able to find a worthy replacement in a very long time. I find metal to be so much more enjoyable with the power and harmony of two guitars. Our live show suffers a bit in those regards with only one guitar, but the show must go on. The CD will contain a few 'large' guitar sections, but I don't want to give anything away yet. As I mentioned before, I'll be searching for a second guitarist once the CD is complete.

Any final words ?

for more information, downloads, etc..

Interviewed by Federico Marongiu

4 song demo - CD (1997) (as Prototype)

Hands of Time - CD (1998)

Dawning - CD (2000)

Chris Matyus - guitar

Greg Wagner - vocals

Jamie Still - bass

Keith Zeigler - drums