Astrixion is well known for its diverse metal sound, powerful lyrics, aggressive playing style, and theatrical live shows.
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Astrixion? How long has the band been around?
I used to be in a band called Screaming Silence back in high school, back when I had a Laguna guitar and a little Line 6 practice amp. Astrixion was my next band after. While in Astrixion I filled in for Kings of the Air until a while after we opened for Hinder in Killeen. The band has been around since 2014, but we didn’t start playing shows until a couple years later with a solid lineup and show-ready music. Our bassist was apart of band called “Where the truth Lies” a metalcore band in Pennsylvania.
What’s the origin of the band name and have you changed the band’s name before?
Back when we still had our original lineup, we would come up with a bunch of weird names during practices. We had put a whiteboard in our practice space (a U-Haul storage unit in Copperas Cove) and it would get cluttered with names like Vehemia and other nonsense. After a few practices/brainstorming sessions Astrixion was born, and it’s been the same ever since!
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
I’ve written the songs in the past, but for the later material it’s been a combination of all the members. I’ll write all of the lyrics and everyone will have a hand in the instruments. Most of what we play involves enduring and rising above hardship, with occasional songs like Six Gun that are based on real experiences from the band. Honestly, struggle is a bottomless well of inspiration so it could be a while before we switch topics!
What bands are currently inspiring the music you are making?
Silverstein has been the biggest inspiration for me in terms of lyricism and composition. Discovering The Waterfront had to have been the album that shaped the way I approach songwriting. Recently I’ve been jamming bands like Strawberry Girls, Dayshell, and Wide Eyes to get into the creative flow. There’s something about strong choruses and creative harmonies that get me hyped!
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
I remember when Avenged Sevenfold came out with their Diamonds In The Rough CD set with a live performance DVD included (Live in the LBC). After watching it all the way through, I fell in love with the idea of being in a band and sharing the stage with some of my best friends. That fire was further kindled when I attended We Came As Romans’ Houston date for their Tracing Back Roots Tour, which was the date where I got to meet Paul-Marc of Silverstein before the concert.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc…
My prep tile is usually spent drinking a ton of water and softly harmonizing with my favorite music. I’ll avoid singing past a certain level up until an hour before we hit the stage, but I’ll practice some screams during pre-stage warm up to mentally lock in that ‘sweet spot’. Of course, the warm up will also involve a bunch of leg stretching and breathing exercises!
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
I think working together with Fire From The Gods’ manager has been the biggest highlight so far, aside from co-headlining for Motograter. Having the opportunity to work with people who deal with some of the industry’s heavy hitters is something that makes me giddy 24/7!
If you could tour with any bands, past and present, who would they be and why?
Silverstein is on my tour wishlist for sure! They put on a fantastic show, and I’d love to have a chance to harmonize with Shane onstage! I actually had the pleasure of learning some Silverstein licks from Paul-Marc Rousseau in Houston and harmonizing with Shane on the Silverstein tour bus in San Antonio! Another band to add to that roster would be Trivium, just to watch their set every night during the tour.
That, and they’re all super talented! Some other honorable mentions, As I lay Dying, Killswitch Engage , Light the Torch, Demon Hunter and Architects! Basically anyone on Metal Blade Records and Nuclear Blast Records.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
We also have a twitch channel. We are just getting started. If anybody likes Mortal Kombat, Battlefront 2 or even Duelinks we will be streaming there ona weekly basis check us out! https://www.twitch.tv/astrixion
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