Zero Tolerance feature, September 2005
[Zero Tolerance]
Roll on winter! Season's End hail from Hampshire, and - perhaps inspired by the joys of living in Farnborough - play melancholic gothic metal. Ethereal female singing, prominent keyboards and melodic guitars are all central to their symphonic sound. ZT caught up with keyboardist Dave Smith to talk about the re-release of their debut album 'The Failing Light' and their extensive touring regime.
Season's End originally released 'The Failing Light' last year to almost universal critical acclaim. "The original CD that we put out was really less of a 'self-release' and more of a glorified demo," Dave explains. "We put a lot of effort into that recording, a long while writing the songs and then six months recording in our own time. The material is really quite varied. Each song has it's own place and it's own feeling - it all contributes to a really well-rounded album." A fact that the brand new 1 Records Worldwide obviously picked up on, as they are to re-release the band's debut on 19 September. The keyboardist explains, "We played an industry showcase and some of the guys there were sorting out a brand new label, 1 Records Worldwide. They were impressed with our performance and offered to launch 'The Failing Light' professionally. The new release is being put out initially in a limited edition enhanced CD digipack, including the video for 'Ghost In My Emotion'. The updated version of the album is superior to the previous demo in so many ways. It's been completely remixed and remastered, all new artwork. It's a professional package now." The video for 'Ghost In My Emotion', Dave explains, is meant to reflect the meaning of the lyrics. "The 'grey man' as we call him, represents the ghost, and the pictures on the floor show memories. The idea was Alex's, one of the producers of the video. He must have been really stoned at the time! We chose the track because it has always been a popular one with our followers and it's the most direct song on the album, with a big bright chorus and a good mix of atmospheres. Also, at six or so minutes, it's one of the shorter songs." The band are planning an autumn tour in support of the album, kicking off with an appearance at Bloodstock 2005. "Playing the Bloodstock second stage last year was an amazing experience, not to mention very successful. It's rare in the UK to find such a huge congregation of likeminded metal-music lovers and as a result, the atmosphere was really great. We really are priviledged to be playing on the main stage this year, and therefore we've developed some very special plans for our set - definitely one not to miss." You have been warned.
Russell Garwood of Zero Tolerance
http://www.ztmag.com
