Melik is the new band from the former vocalist of the Atlanta based metal band, Gored by a Deer. We'll be exclusively premiering their debut single here on Halloween.

Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.

Currently, I am the only member but I’ll be looking to start auditions in the near future.

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Melik? How long has the band been around?

I am the former vocalist for the band “Gored by a Deer”. GBAD was around since 2008 and I joined in as the front man in mid 2009 and we officially broke up in early 2014. “Melik” has been a thought in my head for a few months but I would say that it truly became a reality starting in September of this year.

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?

The origin of the band name actually has to do with the deity worshiped by the Phoenicians and Canaanites “Moloch” from the bible. It’s semitic root actually means “King” and I just changed the spelling a little.

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 am currently the song writer. The topic of the single “IGNORANCE” is about my opinion on the fanatic religious mindset. I can definitely see my writing changing over time and to be honest in this project I’m actually looking to step away from the mic so the song writing may change entirely because of a new lyricist/vocalist.

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

Well currently I’ve been listening to “Born Of Osiris”, “Within The Ruins”, and other bands of that nature. I’m trying to get my feet wet in the more technical metal side of things.

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?

Well, I picked up the guitar at about 12 and I can honestly say that “Pantera” is the most likely culprit to me wanting to get into the music scene.

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …

As a vocalist I use to do a lot of stretching and vocal exercises. With guitar I typically run a chromatic warm up that I picked up from “Michael Angelo Batio”.

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?

Since this is a new project the highlights are yet to come. I do have a lot of plans for this project in the near future so hopefully a lot of fun things will be happening soon.

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

Well with these guys being a huge influence to me as a musician I’d have to say “Pantera”. As far as the currently touring bands in the metal genre, at the risk of sounding cliche, I wouldn’t mind touring with any of them.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I’m excited to get the ball rolling with this project and like I said I’ll be looking for new members in the near future. The single will be premiered here on “Kill the Music”, it was recorded at “FaceForward Studios”, and finally I’m just happy to be getting back into the scene.