Hyperreal has some trip-hop textures as you mentioned. Would you ever cover a Portishead song?
Yes, we would absolutely cover Portishead. They are a huge influence for some of us and there are a couple songs we've had in mind for a while now.
Redline really peaked my interest cause it sounds like a b-side from Linking Park’s Meteora. Nick's vocals have that Chester Bennington “grit” to them. Was this intentional or did the song turn out that way?
I wouldn't say it was intentional; Nick chooses to sing the way he does to fit the track best.
Down Life has an intro that's in my opinion, a homage to Floods by Pantera. Mainly the guitar sound in the intro and the part right before the solo. How much Pantera were you listening to while recording?
That intro was never an homage to Pantera. Matt wrote that as an ambient sort of interlude that was in 9/8. When we started working on it and added drums we felt it was better in 4/4 and changed it up a bit. During the record I wouldn't say we were listened to Pantera that heavily, although they are one of our favorite bands and the greatest heavy band of all time.
What tunings/pedals were used on the album?
Tunings change between drop A# and C standard. We used a ton of pedals on the record. Notably MXR chorus, Malekko chorus, EHX Lester G, Boss Power driver, Metal Muff, and a few different fuzz pedals.
You have a song called Ayahuasca. Have any of you ever tried it? If so, what was the experience like?
Looking back we actually regret naming the song that as we had no right to. Attributing such a powerful substance that produces a transcendental spiritual experience to that song was immature. None of us have tried it but it's not out of the question.
Did you get to meet anyone that you would consider your musical hero?
We did get to meet Jim Root which was really sweet. Supernormal, down to earth guy. One of the nicest people we've had the chance to meet.
Has Nick switched up his vocal warmups since he's singing a majority of the set?
Nick has always used Melissa Cross vocal warmups since we started touring and still does today.
Do you guys plan to change your sound on the next album?
We don't look at our music as a hard change, it's just what comes out of us when we get together and write. If the songs make us feel good, then they make the cut. I can say the next record won't be an unReal 2.0, but it will still be MTH, and it will most definitely be Puke Rock.