Bleeding Through’s influential fourth album, The Truth turned 15 last year and we have commentary from vocalist Brandan Schieppati. Check it out below and let us know your thoughts on the record!
First of all, how does it feel knowing The Truth turns 15 this year?
It feels like it was yesterday to be honest. Personally, it was such a hectic ride for all of us that it just flew by. Also it makes me feel old!
How did you feel when the album came out?
Now, looking back, it was just such an exciting time in our genre of music. Smaller bands were getting more press and push by labels. It was just a different time and it blows my mind that it was just 15 years ago. Our mindset of being in a band had to change with the times. Things moved so fast. It was overwhelming because it forced us to look at music as a business which is great but it wasn’t why we started the band in the first place. Just a crazy time.
Where do you think the album fits in the band's legacy?
As for the record, I think that it helped push the band to a higher level of success. I think it was an influencing record for other new bands to know that this type of underground music could travel you all over the world and go on a great journey through music. For us, I think it gave us more responsibility and a different perspective. It made us focus on this like it was a job. We embraced it so I think it was an important record for our legacy mainly due to the timeframe that it came out.
How did the band approach writing? What inspired the lyrics?
The lyrics were all salt and vinegar about heartbreak, loneliness and betrayal. I think collectively we wanted to still write aggressive music that struck an emotional nerve with people because we felt that was our connection to the people who supported us. We wanted to grow as a band on this record and I felt that we put together a record that reflected what we wanted it to reflect.
Do any of the themes touched on the album still hold relevant for you?
I do think so. Even though lyrics are from mainly past experience I look at every record as the bands narrative to where we are now. So I think we still feel a themes of our records to an extent.
What were your hopes and expectations for the record during the writing and recording process?
Honestly I know that more people were going to listen to the record above all. We just always wanted to put the best Bleeding Through record forward. I representation of us to new listeners. Everything after that goal was just a total bonus for us.
When you were in the studio, how was the morale of everyone?
It was a hard record to do. It took 8 months. We wanted it to take 6 weeks but the first 6 weeks took to long because of multiple reasons. We didn’t mesh well with our producer at first so it got drawn out a bit. We went on a 6 week tour and during the tour, our producer got really sick so that killed another few months. Finally getting back to the record, there were a bunch of scheduling conflicts with our producer and ourselves. Finally, we pulled it all together but it was extremely stressful during that time.
When was the last time you listened to the record? Are there memories and emotions that come back?
I listen just before we start rehearsing for live shows and when it comes on Spotify or Pandora randomly at my gym. That’s about all though. The memories were just about how that process and tour cycle really made us a fucking tank! We felt like a well oiled machine after those days. We also got to go on a bunch of really cool tours with some great bands and friends.
What do you remember most about making the album?
Being stressed out mostly hahaha. I personally didn’t have fun recording the record and I’m actually not a huge fan of the production. I think live those songs are great and have the aggression that I think lacks on the record sometimes.
Were there any bands in particular you enjoyed playing with while touring for the record?
Yeah off that cycle we got to tour with great bands like Every Time I Die, Between The Buried and Me, Marilyn Manson, Slayer, HIM and also Ozzfest.
How did things change for the band after the album came out?
We had the time of our lives but sort of made us jaded. I just think the business side started ruining the fun and we realized just how fast things can change.
Do you remember what you were listening to at the time?
Lots of black metal per usual! Hahaha
Do you think of the album any differently now than you did when you recorded it?
I just think it could have been a better representation of this band. Wish it sounded better to capture more of our vibe. I think you get a sense by listening to our next record Declaration what vibe we were wanting to convey.
Did you ever expect the album to have the influence it did?
I didn’t. I hoped of course. I’m very proud of this record and what we accomplished even though it wasn’t my favorite. We grew and got stronger. We influenced other bands in a positive way and that’s amazing. I think it cemented our legacy and it’s awesome that we pioneered an awesome genre of music.