Cape Coral, Florida (USA) melodic metal act EKOTREN first began in 2000, quickly setting a standard for live performance that all upcoming acts will have to live up to for many years to come. The band released 2008′s Light The Fire via Blind Prophecy Records and received critical acclaim from all corners of the metal world and followed that up with 2009′s self-released The Confessions of Gladys White EP. They are back in 2011 with their second full-length The Dead Of Night via Burnhill Union Records… and the word is it’s their best work yet.
The Metal Den’s Randy “Rocket” Cody has conducted an EXCLUSIVE interview with EKOTREN lead guitarist Kieth Finnell for TMD’s loyal following of DEN HEADZ all across the globe!
Rocket: First off, I just wanted to say that it was almost 5 years ago that we conducted our very first interview together (back in April/2006) when I was writing at metalunderground.com. Man, how time flies when you’re kicking ass in the metal world, huh?
Keith: Yeah man, it does fly haha. You’ve been supporting Ekotren for a long time now, so thanks for the continued support.
Rocket: Congrats on getting signed to Burnhill Union records. How excited were you guys
when that came all about?
Keith: We were very happy when things came about, and we still are. We are working with a lot of cool people behind the band this time out, so it’s pretty killer. Thanks for the congrats, it’s really nice to sort of have a fresh start, and to have the experience to know what needs to happen, and having things done right.
Rocket: EkoTren is getting ready to release a new album here early in 2011, what’s the title and what can fans expect with the new music? Are you going heavier, or maybe more technical?
Keith: Our new CD drops January 25th, and it’s called The Dead Of Night. We are so proud of this new album. It’s an overall stepped up record compared to Light The Fire. It see’s the band clicking tighter than we ever have, and I think it reflects the ups and downs this band has gone through. It is a faster, heavier record, but also more focused, and still melodic. We took our strong points, and basically sharpened them.
Rocket: Where was it recorded and who produced it?
Keith: The album was done by Paul Trust, we worked with him on Light The Fire. We did the record in August and September of 2010, then mixed and mastered in October.
Rocket: How did the songwriting process work this time around?
Keith: The songwriting process wasn’t any different then when we did Light The Fire. We all just went into the practice place and worked on songs. Typically the songs start with a riff idea on guitar, and it is either brought in before a practice, or comes out jamming. Everyone throws their two cents in, and it’s very collaborative. I think the only big difference would be that on Light The Fire, there were mostly songs we had written over the years on that CD, with like 3 that were written during pre-production, where as The Dead Of Night’s songs were all written before we did the record, with the exception of 3 songs that we wrote and recorded last summer to shop for a deal with.
Rocket: What kind of guitars are you currently playing live and in the studio?
Keith: The only guitars I play on stage and recorded with are ESP guitars. I use the LTD H series on the road and on the record, and they are amazing guitars. They take the abuse and are quality, and reliable. I started on an LTD H 14 years ago, and I wouldn’t want another brand of guitar in my hands. I also used their LTD EC series and an ESP KH-2 in got when I turned 16 when we did the record.
Rocket: What kind of amp rigs?
Keith: Live and in the studio I still use my Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier and cabs, but on the new record I also used a Peavey 6505+ and a Marshall TSL 2000 head. In my new live rig, I have also incorporated the 6505+ to help beef up the sound since there is only one guitarist in the band. The rig is a two headed beast now haha.
Rocket: What brand guitar strings do you prefer and what gauge?
Keith: I use GHS strings on all of my guitars. we tuned down to drop G (low to high GDGCFA) and they are the only company I know of to make the 70 gauge strings I like (low to high 70-52-36-26-18-14) and the strings hold up like crazy. I never break a string (knock on wood) and as long as the guitar and strings get wiped down after I sweat all over them for the set, they will last me 2 weeks worth of shows.
Rocket: With all the killer metal that was released in 2010, what were some of your favorite albums?
Keith: I liked the new As I Lay Dying and new All That Remains record for 2010, and the new ILL NINO record. they are really the only 3 records that stick out in my head, but with so many releases in 2010, its’ hard to keep up. It’s been a long year, man.
Rocket: The metal world lost a giant in 2010 when Ronnie James Dio passed away. Do you have
a favorite Dio song or from when he was with Black Sabbath or Heaven and Hell?
Keith: We were in Parkersburg, WV when I heard the news, such a bummer. At least he got to accomplish so many great things in his career, and there are so many fans of his that will keep him living on for so many decades. I think Rainbow In The Dark is one of his best pieces.
Rocket: EkoTren shared the stage in 2010 with a lot of upcoming talent. Who are some of
the other metal acts that are starting to hit the scene that you think people should
watch out for?
Keith: My favorite band out there is Straight Line Stitch. They are amazing guys and gal. We have shared a lot of great times with them, and they are amazing musicians. I feel proud to call them my friends, and everyone should go out there and support them. If you are gonna buy 2 records in 2011, buy Ekotren’s The Dead Of Night, and Straight Line Stitch’s The Good Fight.
Rocket: With it being a brand new year here in 2011, did you make a personal resolution of any kind?
Keith: My personal resolution is to do everything I can to make it happen for Ekotren. This record and this band is the most important thing for me right now, and I just wanna get out there and campaign the new album The Dead Of Night.
Rocket: What kind if touring does EkoTren have planned for after the new album drops?
Keith: We hit the road on January 18th on the Restore The Insanty Tour with ILL NINO, Anew Revolution, Ekotren,and Fashion Bomb. The tour goes coast to coast from Jan 18th through Feb 19th, so hit up our websites for more details, and when we will be in your city. After that tour, we will be heading back out. More details are in the works.
Rocket: Anything else you want to mention to your fans?
Keith: Our new CD The Dead Of Night is in stores January 25th, 2011 so please go out there and pick it up in stores (fye, best buy, etc), on itunes, or on amazon.com. You can also pre order on amazon.com. We also have them at shows, so you can buy them there. It’s so important to support bands you like, so buy there stuff so they can keep making the music you love.
Rocket: Thanks for rocking this out with me, brother. Best of luck with your music in the New Year. Go ahead and give special thanks out to your biggest supporters.
Keith: I wanna thank all of our fans and supporters out there for sticking by Ekotren. Spread the word, and we will see you this year! Special thanks to you Rocket for the time, and continued support. ROCK!
http://www.myspace.com/ekotren
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