ADYTUM Interview with Marko Vukovic

XM: I suppose that a lot of our readers do not really know Adytum. I would like to ask you to give us a small introduction of the band and tell us something about the history.
Marko: The band was formed in 2004 by Brendan Dean, Ryan Lewis and Daniel Bonofiglio. Before releasing their first full length album they let go of their first drummer and brought in Chase Burns. And I joined them a few months afterwards. We had a short tour with Metal Blade’s Epicurean in January 2008 and shared the stage with Augury (Nuclear Blast), Unexpect (The End Records), Ensiferum (Spinefarm), Emeth, Blackguard (Nuclear Blast), The Exalted Piledriver (Northern Storm Records), The Agonist (Century Media), Martyr (Galy), Neuraxis (Prosthetic Records), Necronomicon, and Quo Vadis during the rest of the year.
In December of 2008 we started recording our 2nd album, Island Infinite with Mike Dmitrovic at Voodoo Records. Around March we began talks for a cross Canada tour to promote Echoes of Refuge and the new album but this came to a halt when vocalist/guitarist Brendan Dean decided to step down from the band to pursue a further education. This delayed the process for the release of Island Infinite as we had to find a new guitarist and vocalist to fill the void.
Now we have added David Clipperton on guitar and Mark Johnson on vocals. With the line up complete we are going back to Voodoo Records to finish the album to have it ready for an early 2011 release.

XM: Does the band have any cds released as of yet and if so can you tell us a little bit about the recording process and what the cd is all about.
Marko: Adytum released Echoes of Refuge in 2007 through Northern Storm Records. Right now our current record is something that was a real teaching experience for us. It really showed us how to approach a major label sounding record compared to a regular independent album. We really spent a lot of time listening to how everything sounded and felt. It wasn't like just going into the studio, recording what we wrote and just be happy with it. We would recorded the base of the song, than go back analyze it and try to make it better. Every instrument had to be great and powerful enough on its own before recording the next. It is like building a house, start with a great foundation and just work your way up. Several tracks where recorded quite a few times before we got a performance we got the sound, feel we wanted and felt would deliver the hook we want the listeners to experience.

XM: As far as writing the music is concerned who is the brainchild for all this? Who writes the lyrics? What are they about? What is in the future as to recording more songs?
Marko: Daniel writes majority of the music and we all add suggestions if it needs any. As far as lyrics go Brendan wrote all the lyrics on Echoes and majority on Island. With him no longer in the band we have to see who can fill that spot. There is a lyrical theme going on in Island that is best left for the listener to discover.

XM: What effects do you want to cause in the listener through your music?
Marko: Inspiration

XM: How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
Marko: At this point the music is a very tight mix of progressive/tech with catchy simple structures. The older songs where really progressive and would have over 14 different parts and some only played once which would take the listener several listens to capture everythingthat is happening. The new songs are still progressive and technical but we are shaping the songs more to have a simple verse, chorus, bridge sections. I really see this album as our version of Rush's 2112 where we are showing that we can write very progressive and technical songs while being something that could be on the radio. Its really a great blend. There are songs we've been playing and jamming out for 2-3 years and it still sounds fresh.

XM: Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
Marko: We played a lot in the major Southern Ontario cities and now we want to play more outside our usual stops. Really once Island Infinite comes out we will become more of a touring band, even now we're planning a couple of full week, 2 weeks and longer tours for 2011. Our goal is to get out to Eastern Canada, do a cross Canada tour and hopefully hit up the US before 2011 is out.
We can't really say which venues are our favourites or least favourites because the venue can't really change how the show actually turns out. We could be in a very professional venue with a great sound guy and staff yet playing to 10 people who really couldn't care for the bands playing. Than there are times when we play a venue with a complete opposite situation where everything is stressful and yet we get a huge crowd that is all over it. Venue is a venue, its always about the crowd. I really only care when we have a crowd that is into the music and sends back their energy into us. Its a great full circle.
We just finished doing 3 shows in 5 days. We don't have anything to announce yet but we're working on a couple of new dates. Right now our new focus is finishing Island Infinite before this year is out.

XM: What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
Marko: Our rehearsals are something that is hard to describe. It will be recorded and released one day for fun.

XM: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Marko: Our biggest experience right now has been trying to find a replacement for Brendan. First because he started the band. He was the main vocalist/lyricist and the co-lead guitarist/songwriter. That is a fatal four way in one. Having one guy that did all that and suddenly we have to find a replacement was something that really took a long time. Hence why Island Infinite isn't released yet. We really had to go back, find a new guitarist and vocalist and update the songs to fit Mark's vocals.

XM: I ask all bands this question “If you could have been involved in the writing, recording or production of any album which would it be and why?”
Marko: Hands down Michael Jackson's Dangerous.

XM: What's your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
Marko: As a group we just want to keep pushing ourselves, make better music and improve our stage performance for the fans. It's all about improving everything within the band. Fame and fortune will only come through hard work and perseverance.

XM: If you could earn a living at your music would you do it full time or do you like the balance you have now?
Marko: I would quit my job in a second if I could make a living doing music.

XM: Who was an artist you admired growing up that directly influenced your style of playing and the way that you looked at music?
Marko: The reason why I picked up the bass was because of Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers. The reason why I got into Metal was because of Metallica.

XM: What do you do outside of music?
Marko: When not involved in the music aspect of my day I usually spend my time watching tons and tons of movies.

XM: What is your favorite lyric of all time?
Marko: In my other band, Symetary we have a chorus line which goes “I see the trace of a million broken dreams. Reflected in the tears of a million strangers’ eyes. The kingdom that I hail has long since been decayed. Can I mend my broken heart? ‘Cause I cannot see a way. The ruins of your life have suffocated me. I have so many scars, but you’re far too blind to see. Long enough I have tried to help you out of this. I can see my own demise and it’s sooner than you think.

XM: Thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions with xplosivemetal.com. Is there anything else you would like to add?
Marko: Nothing really to add. On behalf of Adytum thank you for taking the time to do this. We really appreciate it.