Throne of Eden are an Alternative/Metalcore band from Jasper, AL.
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Carmen Childers -Vocals
Justin Harris -Guitar/Backing Vocals
Kyle Stough- Guitar
Cody Eldred- Bass
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Throne of Eden? How long has the band been around?
Each of us come from a musical background. We’ve each been a part of several local bands under various instruments (I used to play guitar and bass, while Cody used to play guitar). This band came about during 2012 under the name Martyr’s Minefield and had a slightly different lineup with Storm and Cole Wade and vocals and drums, respectively.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
With the addition of myself (Carmen) to the group, we knew we needed to change the name relatively early in the process. We were stuck for a while and actually didn’t make a decision on the new name until after our …And No One Knows EP was finished. The name itself comes from the idea of having the most perfect, beautiful scenario anyone could imagine and understanding that there is still a governing force above it, whether that be something as simple as Mother Nature or a person’s religious beliefs. We’ll leave that to the listeners.
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?
As of now, the majority of the songwriting comes from our guitarists and founding members, Justin and Kyle. Through time it’s definitely become more of a group process with Cody becoming another songwriter and myself having more lyrical control, as well as creative input. I would say it’s kind of hard to put a finger on what exactly our lyrical themes would be. It honestly just comes from whatever we’re feeling in the writing process. Just from our EP alone, we have a song on the passing of a loved one, a fast paced, angry song standing up to being held down or discriminated, and a love ballad. As far as the future is concerned, we’re almost done with the recording process for our full length and I’d say things are getting more story driven. Not to the point of a concept album, but each individual song kind of contains its own unique story.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
Once again, it kind of comes from everywhere. For instance, Justin and I are both classical trained musicians in our instruments, but we listen to everything from A7X, to Steel Panther, to Periphery, so when we’re writing, we kind of pull influences in from wherever. I’d say people would be surprised at some of the progressive metal influence that we’re bringing to the table with one of our new songs. It’s definitely not to be expected from a “Classic-style” Metalcore band.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
For me, the one reason I ever got into music was Linkin Park. I had the idea in my head from the first time I heard Hybrid Theory that I wanted to be a singer. Little did I know that it would not only become true, but I would actually meet my idols on several occasions. It’s a super humbling experience. As far as the rest of the band, as I’m sure you can tell, we’re all highly influenced by Avenged Sevenfold and other Metalcore bands of that time (Bullet For My Valentine, Atreyu, As I Lay Dying, etc.)
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc. …
It comes from a lot of stretches, vocal warmups, running scales, and just getting in our zone. There’s a place your mind has to go before you perform, whether it’s in the studio or in front of an audience.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
There have been several, actually. The past few months since we’ve released the EP have kind of been crazy. We’ve given a copy to wrestling legend, Mick Foley, we’ve had our music approved by Eric Dover (Slash’s Snakepit, Alice Cooper) and Mark Zavon (Kill Devil Hill), been featured in Stencil Magazine alongside Bring Me the Horizon, added to the incredible roster at Defiled Management, become #1 locally on ReverbNation, had our music played on British and Australian radio, and we may even have a secret one involving a special guest on the album. It’s hard just picking one.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
I’d say pretty much across the board, we would all say Avenged or Bullet, but individually, I’m sure we all have one or two artists that would be on our dream list.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just stay tuned! There’s a lot more music coming very soon, along with a few surprises. Our new single, “House of Fate” releases October 31, 2014 and our album is looking to be released in Winter 2015.
Until then, you can hear us regularly on XRP Radio and All around Locals on Station 4 The Nations Radio. Our debut EP, “…And No One Knows” is available for FREE at throneofeden.bandcamp.com