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WITHIN THE RUINS Talk Summer Slaughter 2014, Metallica Covers, and Their New Album Phenomena

By capitalchaostv on July 17, 2014 • ( 0 )

We caught up with Within the Ruins’ own Tim and Joe on opening night of the Summer Slaughter Tour 2014 at the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco. The band is back with a brand-new album, Phenomena, and ready to tear up stages across the country. We talked past tours, new music, gear, and more.

Back on the Slaughter

Todd: You guys were on the Summer Slaughter Tour back in 2011, right?

Joe: Yeah, and we did a short guest run in 2012 as well. Just about a week that time, but it was a blast.

Tim: It’s awesome to be back on a full run this year. We’re pumped to hang and play with bands like Dying Fetus, The Faceless, and Origin every night.

Joe: And Fallujah really surprised me. I’d been hearing about them but never saw them live until tonight. Super tight set.

Throwback: Metallica, Kansas, and Covers That Turn Heads

In 2011, the band released a four-song EP featuring two originals and two covers—Metallica and Kansas. So what made them go in those two very different directions?

Joe: We’re all huge Metallica fans, so that was a given. But we also wanted to cover something that people wouldn’t expect from us—and Kansas fit that idea perfectly.

Todd: What’s your favorite Metallica album?

Joe: …And Justice for All.
Tim: I bounce between Master of Puppets, Ride the Lightning, and honestly… Reload. I know it’s not the usual pick, but I love it.

**New Album Phenomena Out July 22**

The band’s new album Phenomena is dropping just five days after this show, and the guys are excited.

Tim: It’s been a little over a year since our last album. We all decided to take winter off and go all-in on writing and recording. The goal was to have something fresh for this summer tour.

Joe: We weren’t sure we could pull it off, but after six months of hard work, it came together. We’re really proud of it.

The Writing Process: Digital First, Then Everyone Jams

Todd: What’s your songwriting process like?

Joe: I usually write guitar parts and lay down demo tracks with programmed drums. Then I send them to Tim and the rest of the guys. We all listen, make tweaks, and then start jamming together to refine things.

Tim: Once we’re in the studio, it becomes a full group effort. Everyone brings their piece to the table, and we shape the final version together.

No, They’re Not on Victory Records

Todd: You’re still with Victory Records, right?

Joe: Nope! That’s a super common misconception—we’re with Good Fight and E1 Music now.

Tim: Google keeps saying Victory, and we’re trying to fix that. No disrespect, but yeah… f*** Victory Records.

From Westfield to White Plains

Todd: You guys are based out of Westfield, Massachusetts?

Joe: That’s where our drummer and I are from. We grew up there and started the band. It’s a small town—nothing like San Francisco.

Tim: I’m from White Plains, New York, just outside of Manhattan. Born and raised there. I love it—New York is home.

Sports & Gear Talk

Todd: Any sports fans in the band?

Joe: I’m a big New York Giants fan. Also played hockey most of my life, so I’ve always been into that. Grew up watching the Boston Bruins.

Todd: What gear are you guys using?

Tim: I use a Shure SM58 Beta mic. It’s simple and durable—does the job perfectly.

Joe: I’ve always used Mesa Boogie cabs and a Mesa power amp. I run an Axe-Fx for my live setup and use a few pedals here and there. It’s a clean, efficient rig.

The Road to San Francisco & What’s Next

Before kicking off the tour, Within the Ruins played a few shows across the country on their way out west.

Joe: We hit some cool off-market spots like Fargo, and mountain towns we’ve never played before. It was a different vibe but really fun.

Tim: Lorna Shore was out with us as direct support. They’re a killer young band and brought out a great crowd.

Todd: After Summer Slaughter, what’s next?

Joe: We’ve got a fall U.S. tour lined up. Can’t announce it yet, but it’s another package deal.

Tim: We’re also looking at going back to Europe in the winter or early next year. We’ve done Canada, Mexico, and a short European run before, but we’re ready for more international dates.