Illinois Entertainer February 2014 | Page 41

Continued from page 34 wanted to make sure it was something that people haven't heard covered before and also something that any Crimson fan would know right away when they heard it. Mosh: The Byzantine Monk-like chanting on tracks "Zeta II Reticuli" parts 1 and 2 are a nice touch. What were you going for on these songs? MV: Alex (Perkolup, bass) and I did most of the vocals for that song. It has some heavy influences from bands like Magma, Dün, and a band called Eskaton. If you ever hear those albums from those bands, you'll hear exactly where we got our influences from. That's what we were going for before we even started. We said, 'this is going to be our Zeuhl song, and this is going to be our Magma-esque song.' Mosh: What type of atmosphere were you trying to create on some of the longer, more expansive songs, such as on the 11 and a half minute "Al-Malik"? MV: It's interesting how we put it all together. A lot of those songs were at first, two or three, or even four different songs. It took us about two years to put all these songs together. We had a lot of songs and they ended up being lumped together into one giant song. What we were going for atmosphere wise was to have that '70s prog rock sound. But I also wanted it to be dirty and dark. Mosh: What's next for the band? MV: With this album, I would like for it to reach as big of an audience as possible. I've never really done anything this big before where more than five or ten of my friends are going to hear it! (laughs). It'd be cool to get something I made out there in the world. Going forward, we're just going to get weirder and weirder. MOSH-WORTHY: Disfiguring the Goddess Deprive (Independent), Shrapnel The Virus Conspires (Candlelight Records), Violate Burn The Memory (Geenger Records), Napalm Strike Aiming Down the Sights (Masters of Metal Productions). MOSH-WORTHY… LIVE: Malevolent Creation (Cobra Lounge, 02/01), Amon Amarth/Enslaved/Skeletonwitch (House of Blues, 02/07), Manowar (Concord Music Hall, 02/08), Metal Church (Reggie's, 02/26). MENTION-WORTHY: Suicide Silences' deceased vocalist Mitch Lucker is being honored on a CD/DVD called Ending Is The Beginning: The Mitch Lucker Memorial Show (released Feb. 18 on Century Media). Some big-name metal guest vocalists were joined by Lucker's band mates to create a blistering set of Suicide Silence renditions that was captured on audio and video. For metal-hungry fans who thrive on seeking out new heavy music, check out darkport.org. The site offers downloads from a plethora of bands from all over the world with direct links to each band's personal webpage, Facebook, or (yes) MySpace page. Continued from page 24 into a trilogy!" How did the Feathers arrive at their multiple-singer schematic? It's not like The Eagles, exactly, where each member gets to hog the spotlight. "No one wants to see a bunch of egomaniacs up onstage – no offense to Glenn Frey or Don Henley," says Young, a big fan of The Band and Fleetwood Mac. "We were just trying to make songs that people enjoy, and that we enjoy playing, and hopefully keep ego out of it. Because we really enjoy this, and we're really big fans of each other. And it kind of dawned on us that we could share – not the burden – but maybe that spotlight. And I love singing, and I know everyone in the band does. But it's also kind of fun to just sit back, play your instrument, and listen to your buddy sing." Ultimately, Young agrees with the initial Wild Feathers assessment – these guys just don't look like your typical band. Or even pals. But there's a kinetic spark that brought them together, that keeps them together, as well. "And I don't know if I could put it into words," he says. "But I will say that everyone in the band pulls their weight, equally, in different areas. So responsibility goes all around to everybody, and it's actually pretty awesome to be a part of that. I try to do my best, and everyone else is trying to do their best. And so far, it's working. So I just hope it keeps on going!" But – given their dissimilar appearances – which Wild Feather attracts the most female fans after shows? Young starts guffawing. "Well, Joel's married, so he's been the good guy," he concludes. "And none of the rest of us have girlfriends. But to be honest with you, after the shows we're too busy working, because we still carry all our own stuff. So we're usually selling merch or loading the trailer up!" Appearing February 16th at Double Door, Chicago. Enter to win guest list tickets at www.illinoisentertainer.com/contests 7452 N. WESTERN CHICAGO 773-465-0087 www.candlelitechicago.com WATCH THE BIG GAME HERE & Enjoy Chicago's Best Thin Crust Pizza! Candlelite is a meeting place for family and friends located in Chicago's Historic Rogers Park neighborhood. Our menu features favorites: thin-crust pizza and specialty burgers, as well as a wide sel