UNEARTH Interview with John Maggard

XM: Let’s get this interview started by getting our readers up to date on what the band has been up to so far this year.
John: So far this year Unearth has been writing and recording our new album entitled "Darkness In The Light". Aside from that , we have been preparing for our upcoming world tour and we kicked it off with a couple of shows in Alaska.

XM: With “Darkness in the Light ", was it hard to recapture that signature sound that Unearth has become famous for?
John: I don't think so, everyone had their idea of what the right thing to do was, and we all delivered. This album is something we all can be proud of.

XM: Can you tell me a little about the songs on the latest release?
John: Peaks and Valleys. The songs on this record represent a bit more of a roller coaster ride stylistically than the past couple of albums I think. I believe there are many more memorable moments due to the array of elements and contrasts that were used writing this album.

XM: Was your songwriting/recording process for the album any different than usual?
John: The process was much different this time around. Drums were programmed at first and much of the writing was shared via file-sharing. There was very little rehearsal time and most of the preparation was done in our respective homes and studios.

XM: Do you all write the music together or is someone the "boss" when it comes to song writing?
John: Everyone lends their perspective in different ways. Much of the songwriting musically was done by Ken and Buz and then handed down to Trevor and I to add our ideas. Trevor wrote all his lyrics and I wrote all my bass lines and piano tracks.

XM: What would you say is your favorite tour to go on? How does it differ from others?
John: Well it's been a long time since we have done a summer festival tour. In the past I have always loved those because it's a great way to bond with many people and many bands in a "heavy metal summer camp" way. This year we will be back to that type of tour with our appearance all summer long on the Jager stage of the Rockstar Mayhem Festival tour.

XM: Derek Kerswill left the band, what happened? Has anything really changed with him gone, if so how?
John: Derek and the band parted ways due to musical differences. We all get along great still with him! He will always be our brother! As for changes, the rest of the guys in the band still love and hate each other all the same haha!

XM: Got any tall tales from touring? What’s the strangest thing that’s ever happened?
John: Oh boy... there are too many tales and they have all been told... let's just say that this summer we are gonna man up and make some killer new memories!!

XM: What do you personally like to do during the downtime in between albums and tours?
John: I like to do things with my son. He's very young so the whole world is new to him. I love that I can influence him the way that I wish I had been influenced! I just hope I'm not gonna ruin him lol!

XM: Do you guys share any favorites like music, video games, or sports?
John: Our favorite "past time/sport" is our "power hour" before we play our set. This event includes these elements: Jim Beam whiskey, Miller or Bud light, the occasional 40 0z of Malt liquor.... more whiskey... and of course Crowbar. It's a pretty good time I must say.

XM: I ask all bands that we interview this question: “If you could have been involved in the production, recording or writing of any album which would it be and why?”
John: Metallica's Master of Puppets. Do I really have to say why?

XM: When you hear the words X-PLOSIVE METAL what is the first thing to come to mind?
John: Hardcore bondage porn with metal background music.

XM: Any Unearth exclusives you can give us?
John: I'm not sure what would be an "exclusive" at this point... mmmm... you want my address?

XM: Could you just briefly take us through the band’s plans for the 2011?
John: Rockstar Mayhem tour in the US, Hell On Earth Tour in Europe, followed by more world touring yet to be announced...

XM: I would like to thank you on behalf of xplosivemetal.com for taking the time to answer a few questions with us. Anything else you'd like to mention or promote?
John: Thanks for having me! To everyone out there: Please check out our new album "Darkness In the Light", out July 5th on Metal Blade Records!!! Thanks!!!!