interview

» Noah Martin - Arsis

When I saw Arsis live last month, and originally met their astounding bass player - Noah Martin, I knew instantly that I definitely wanted to interview him. He is a multi-talented musician who has performed with Avian, Suspyre, and Dark Empire. Unfortunately, that week I was overburdened with other scheduled interviews. Noah agreed to a phone conversation two weeks later. Reluctantly, I had to postpone this due to illness. Finally, Friday March 2nd, I called him again and was successfully able to conduct our engaging interview - of mettle marriage bedlam. Our systematic bold persistence is why we are united in respect, and bonded by the blood promise. I invite you to read, react, and relish in all the wondrous things this youth said in the pursuit of hope blessed truth - Oh the Humanity!

Noah: Hello? Hey man how's it going?

MettleAngel: Much better, I'm sorry that we had to reschedule. This time I wanted to be more prepared for this interview. Now that I'm feeling better and I've had a chance to play all the Arsis titles, I'm ready to drill and thrill you. Now, I understand that you played on the United In Regret CD, is that correct?

Noah: Yes, that's the one. I've had a chance to check out the Metal Covenant site, you guys really have it going on! That interview with Gus G of Firewind was awesome!

MettleAngel: Oh yeah, my fellow writers Michael the photographer and Niklas worked on that and did a great job. I'm grateful because we really have a wonderful staff of talented and ecclectic writers. Isn't Gus G your hero and inspiration?

Noah: Definitely, I totally love him and all the bands he plays in. I was really surprised when he declined the offer to join Arch Enemy, but after hearing the Allegance album by Firewind, now I can see why.

MettleAngel: I was not too thrilled when he left Dream Evil either, but I agree he has finally found his niche in Firewind. This type of band will appeal to many aspects of metal appreciation; whereas, Dream Evil enlisted the Power Metalheads, as did Mystic Prophecy; and Nightrage drew the death thrashers. I've noticed that in every review I've read about Arsis, most of which are quite favorable, you're often compared to the German band Necrophagist. It is like your two bands are bookends; although, Arsis has received some perfect scores. Lyrically, I would suggest that Arsis writes more intelligent and thought provoking, epistomological based lyrics then Necrophagist, who deal in gore. So what made you want to join Arsis?

Noah: I really like that thrash formula. I really like music with thrashy melodic musical elements.

MettleAngel: When I first met you and Jim Malone, you explained to me that Arsis is derived from the musical term. I corroborated this, and suggested it's Greek roots. When I hear Arsis, I detect all that '90s era technical death musicianship, like Sadus, Atheist, early Dark Tranquillity, and especially Death - Human, and Individual Thought Patterns. You mentioned you were working on a new project with James Murphy, please tell me more.

Noah: I've been a friend of James for quite some time. He is really a great guy who does great work, he is comparible to Andy Sneap; actually, he was the understudy for Andy and he is just such a personable guy.

MettleAngel: I agree I first met him when he toured with Testament for The Gathering. He seemed so cool. We compared our Chuck Converse footwear together and, along with Steve DiGiorgio, we discussed the declining health of Chuck Schuldiner. Who would've thought that just a few years later James would also be stricken with cancer! I remember reading the liner notes to my Disincarnate re-issue, when James referenced his Cancer but informed us not to write a Testament to his Death in an Obituary, just yet. I both laughed and cried because I know he played in all those bands, how ominous is that! I know he wanted to concentrate all his efforts on Disincarnate, but was surprised to learn he also contributed his artisan to Agent Steel and Hallow's Eve.

Noah: Yeah, he did that when he was still young. It is peculiar, but it sucks how all these dudes suddenly got cancer, including Chuck Billy of Testament.

MettleAngel: So how is James feeling today? When I watched the live Testament DVD, I was grateful to discover that Chuck Billy has recoverd and is doing much better with the Testament reunion on tour and all. Last I heard though, James was still suffering and still not 100% cancer free.

Noah: Healthwise, he is doing better, but he is still on his medication. Overall he is back on track and striving to get his life back together. Currently, he is building his own home studio while helping out several bands with their recordings.

MettleAngel: That is so good to hear. I was truly hoping he would pull through.

Noah: The Disincarnate liner notes seem quite odd, but James has a positive outlook and is living his life to the fullest. Although, I must say he can sure cuss up a storm! When I was on tour with my band Blood Promise (formerly Lilitu) I witnessed firsthand his swearing antics.

MettleAngel: Foul verbal conflagration is part of the metttle spirit. My wife calls my anger profanations and vicious vociferations - creative swearing. With me, it's like Tourret's Syndrome, I'm quite irascible like St. Jerome, I really don't think, I just react. If you were to analyze what I just said sometimes it's mere nonsense, and really rather humurous. Other times I have no recollection of what I spew forth. Here are two shocking examples of my expository expletives: "God blowing the cock of Christ!" "Cum soaked anal fuck vibrations!" Alright, let's continue, what is the name of this new project which James is producing.

Noah: Well it is Jonah Weingarten from Pyramaze album actually. He is my roommate and essentially it is his project.

MettleAngel: You mean the band Pyramaze on Nightmare Records? I understand Lance King is no longer their vocalist and is working on his new project Krucible. This must explain why you were able to do the Avian project with Lance. Dude, you are connected! You also explained to me that you just laid down the bass tracks for the new Suspyre album - A Great Divide.

Noah: Yes that is true. But Jonah's project is currently nameless. We have come up with a few suggestions like Carnival Of The Incomplete, Eternal Oath, and Arkanny, although nothing is confirmed as of yet.

MettleAngel: Ha, ha, Arkanny? I like that name, as in the Ark of Tyranny? I just discovered an amazing band from the Czech Repulic that has been around since '82 called Arakain. You would probably really like them because they sing in their native language and thrash fast like early !Turbo and Artillery, while maintaining the early elements of ARIA.

Noah: Dude, I just love hearing new bands! Currently the new Ensiferum is blowing me away, it is absolutely amazing!

MettleAngel: I agree! While currently talking to you on the telephone, I am listening to the new Mendeed CD - The Dead Live By Love. Watch out for my review of this coming very soon. This young band from Scotland has a promising future for those who relish classic thrash and power metal. They remind me of older Children Of Bodom, Arch Enemy, and Dragonforce. I too am celebrating the new Ensiferum. Many critics felt that they could not top Iron, but in many respects, Victory Songs is just better.

Noah: I thought Iron was awesome! I bought it because of the Metallica cover of Battery. My friend Ed Prevenslik, you know Ed right? He sent me the Guardian Of Fate song, and then I became a fan. I was a little concerned after the Dragonheads EP, but the new CD has completely reaffirmed my love for this band.

MettleAngel: It is interesting how you mentioned Ed, in fact it was Ed who informed me of your presence in Arsis and encouraged me to meet you and say hello on his behalf. In some ways it is because of Ed that this interview is actually happening, so let's raise our horns for Ed! I might also add that Wuthering Heights selected his Prog. Power photos to appear in their new album Shadow Cabinet, the album that we here at Metal Covenant chose as the album of the year for 2006. Incidentily, Ed also sent the Tales Of Revenge - Ensiferum EP to me, and thus, introduced me to the band, as well. I likewise purchased Iron from The End to get the digipack with the Metallica cover. Although the dead space at the end of the CD was quite annoying. Allow me to vent for a moment, but I need to get this off my chest! The hidden/bonus tracks hype was popular in the '90s,. but with today's technology, this is becoming so frustrating; especially when you want to import a CD into your computer, or play it in your car. Candlelight just sent me some new power metal band called Paganize, whose vocalist reminds me of Toxik's Mike Sanders. The music was decent, but the last track was super long, clocking it at almost 20 minutes, replete with empty air space and a lame coda. Bands, please enough with the hidden tracks! Save it for the DVDs, make them Easter Eggs! OK, now that I've mega-digressed, let's talk about Arsis. Now, am I to understand Arsis is your primary focus.

Noah: Yes Arsis is it, I am dedicated to Arsis full time.

MettleAngel: I ask you this because I was curious how you can play in Arsis and Dark Empire at the same time when they both have tours coming up simultaniously. For Arsis is going to play in a California Metal Fest headlined by Testament, Sadus, and Flotsam; yet I also noticed that Dark Empire are scheduled to play a European festival, seems like next month you are going to be really busy.

Noah: Well yes and no, actually I recently left Dark Empire.

MettleAngel: Oh really, this is news to me?

Noah: Yeah, I got a call recently from Matt Moliti, and we discussed this. He needs commitment and is striving to put together a solid lineup, it was my decision to leave, but we are still friends.

MettleAngel: Well that's good that it was an amicable departure. I assume then that you did not record on the new CD - Humanity Dethroned. I'm curious how Jens Carlsson will handle this, as I just heard that Sacred Steel and Persuader are coming to the States this fall. Man, I am so psyched about seeing both bands!

Noah: Well, Matt definetely has his hands full, because he's also working on Texas Metal Fest and I think Outworld is suppose to be playing that, and Magistral too.

MettleAngel: OK, let's discuss your bass playing. Like Steve DiGorgio, your talent seems to be in mega demand. Earlier you suggested to me that you were offered a position in Cellador to replace Valentin. Is this still a consideration?

Noah: I'm sticking with Arsis for now, I told the guys in Cellador if their current touring bassist does not work out, I will help them play at the Massachusetts Hard Core Fest, this spring.

MettleAngel: That is so generous of you. As Cellador primarily plays Power Metal, could you learn their songs quickly?

Noah: Yes, I could learn those songs after only a few days.

MettleAngel: Wow that is truly amazing! What is with this awesome talent of the metal youth born in the '80s? My friend Shawn Vanek of Eternal Legacy, recently joined Cleveland's Wretch and he learned all their songs in only three days. Vocalist Colin was just blown away! You already cited Gus G as an inspiration, but who motivate you to play bass?

Noah: That would be Cliff Burton! At the dawning of the internet I discovered Metallica and instantly became inspired by Cliff's playing. I went on a quest for every project involving Cliff, I listened to Trauma, Agents Of Misfortune, Easy Street, and Spastik Children - that stuff he did with Jeff Martin of Faith No More. I love the Orion demo, after this I discovered all the guitar virtuosos and bass Gods like Randy Coven and Steve Howe. Then I heard the guys from Symphony X. Later I got into Maiden and Steve Harris. I like Steve DiGorgio, but he did not influence me.

MettleAngel: So it seems that the thrashier bass playing is what really motivated you. Most musicians like to cite Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy, Geddy Lee of Rush, or even John Myung of Dream Theater. You claim Cliff Burton as your idol, what about Lemmy, DD Verni, Dan Lilker, or Tom (Angelripper) Such?

Noah: I definitely prefer the thrashier bass sound. I first discovered thrash, then classic rock. Strangely in High School I played bass in a Steve Vai/Joe Satriani cover band. I also like the stylings of Alan Holdsworth, later on I found out about Billy Sheehan. After that, I just started to develop my own sound. I do like John Myung's style, but not his tone.

MettleAngel: When you go to your My Space site you can see that you really have an ecclectic music taste, which expands beyond metal. What music do you most prefer?

Noah: I enjoy epic and intense music; any theme which is larger than life, no matter what genre. This is the music I choose to listen to, whether it be metal or a movie score.

MettleAngel: That reminds of John "Slo" Maggard from Unearth claiming that he likes to listen to the "heavy shit". I get such a kick out of all these youth filled terminologies. Music is so subjective and I despise all the journalistic/media labels. Here I am jamming to Mendeed and in the press sheet they are compared to Killswitch Engage, or Chimaira, when, in fact, on their newest CD, they are totally dissimilar on all accounts: Chimaira annoys me, Mendeed inspires me. Now did you contribute to the Arsis EP - A Diamond For Disease? I love the Alice Cooper cover for Roses On White Lace.

Noah: No I didn't get to play on the EP, but this is how I got the offer to join Arsis.

MettleAngel: Oh really? Do indulge me and tell me more about this opportunity.

Noah: Well I'm really good friends with the guys in Daath. Their guitarist Eyal Levi produced the EP and the new album. James Murphy mastered the EP. Eyal informed me that Arsis was looking for a replacement bass player.

MettleAngel: So how long did it take you to learn the Arsis catalogue?

Noah: About a week. Fans really liked the Alice Cooper song, so recently while we were drinking and discussing this, we decided that we are going to cover Madonna's - Papa Don't Preach.

MettleAngel: Well, afterall, in your live set you threw in Michael Jackson's - Beat It. I might have totally missed this but Wendy heard it and called it to my attention. Wendy and I both wish for a Metal Tribute to Michael Jackson as we both love the Abba Tribute. So I say go for it, and don't worry about what your fans may think. This is what we told Alexi and Janne of Children Of Bodom, even though they got so criticiszed for covering Britney Spear's - Oops I Did It Again and Poison's - Talk Dirty To Me.

Noah: Yeah, I love Nation's cover of Waterloo on the Abba Tribute, that song is awesome. This may surprise you, but none of us guys in Arsis really listen to straight Death Metal. There is more of a common ground appreciation of hair metal, you know bands like Cinderalla and Skid Row.

MettleAngel: I think that is awesome! But your hardcore fans may be a bit dismayed. I remember when I used to dismiss the '80s MTV 'cock rock' nonsense. I would sit through hours of the Headbangers Ball B$, just to catch a Powermad or Exodus video. Now, go figure, I really like several of those bands. In fact, I would much rather listen to Slaughter (from Nevada) or Danger Danger, than say Chimaira and Linkin' Park! Wendy actually introduced me to several big hair bands which I use to mock, but now really adore and enjoy. We both totally love Stryper!

Noah: Jim started Arsis because of his love of Cinderella and Skid Row.

MettleAngel: And yet, when I listen to United In Regret, all I hear is Death, Cynic, and Pestilence worship. Big surprise! If Arsis sounded like Guns 'N' Roses or Poison you probably would not generate the fan base you currently have; but, I'm discovering that several bands, like Unearth and All That Remains, totally dig that '80s heavy hair sound.

Noah: Yeah man, no doubt. Arsis has that Gothic and Epic Metal sound which you mentioned, with a taste of poetic and cerebral metal stylings. Jim started the band when he was 17. Actually in 1997, he began playing with Gus G who was only 16 at the time. Gus moved to the US to attend the Berkely Music School summer program. Together they wrote music on line. Actually Jim founded Firewind. Gus wanted to use the name Nocturnal Symphony, but Jim liked the name Firewind. Jim actually contributed one song to the first Firewind demo which would then be called Nocturnal Symphony. Jim did not pursue Firewind and later joined an Emo band called Scarlet.

MettleAngel: No wonder you were so inspired by Gus G! I did not know Jim was part of Firewind, I have not seen any reference or allusion to it on the internet. I've only recently discovered Firewind myself. Four years ago, when I heard the name, I got it confused with Firebird, the band Bill Steer began when he left Carcass. Actually it was Ed again, who introduced me to Dream Evil and The Book Of Heavy Metal. I learned about Firewind shortly thereafter.

Noah: Yep, it's all true and as I mentioned, I was always into thrash first and foremost. My Dad was in the military and stationed in Germany. When I was 11, I began to listen to all the great Bay Area thrash. Some Punk and a little Ska. Hell man, I didn't even know about Van Halen until I was 17!

MettleAngel: Well, I can definitely relate, as my voracity for veracity has me listening to and discovering artists still; many of whom have been around for two decades. For example: this week I finally got to listen to Picture, that's the band Hammerfall covers with the song Eternal Dark. I also finally got to hear Demon, who's song Don't Break The Circle is covered by Blind Guardian. This present technology has finally allowed me to discover all the amazing classic acts. Also, just recently I obtained Killer from Belgium titles and some vintage Krokus. So when exactly did you officially join Arsis?

Noah: It was late in 2006. Elay from Daath invited me to join Jim in the studio, so Jim had me come down to the studio, bring my bass and judge for himself. Once I arrived he had me lay down an improvisational track, and then a track off United. Apparantly, I improved upon the song, which he thought was just awesome. So I learned the whole album and began to record.

MettleAngel: Well if I got my facts right you were still with Blood Promise at this time, correct? Did you know that Arsis had been offered a deal with Nuclear Blast?

Noah: Actually no. Jim had me do the whole album and join before telling me about the Nuclear Blast deal.

MettleAngel: I guess he wanted to be sure of your commitment of which you have now truly proven. Did you always play bass? What other musical instruments can you play?

Noah: My dad was in a professional military band for 30 years, so that also makes me a band dork. I played French horn, trumpet, piano, drums, etc. I have received formal music education.

MettleAngel: So that means you can actually read and write music? You'd be amazed how many metal musicians out there who are not able to read tablature or write music; yet they play so well by ear without having taken a single lesson.

Noah: Oh definitely. I do read and write music, in fact I was offered a performance scholarship to the Universtiy Of Arizona because I played French horn. Overall, I chose not to do that so I could focus on my bass playing. My parents totally supported me in this decision.

MettleAngel: So, essentially bass guitar is your instrument of expertise. You remind me of Ronnie James Dio.

Noah: How? I don't really sing.

MettleAngel: Dio began his career playing trumpet, then bass and singer in Elf, before he became the vocalist for Rainbow.

Noah: Wow, I did not know that!

MettleAngel: Dude, Dio is amazing, he is the great-grandfather! Here he is about to embark on a world tour with Heaven And Hell, although is it Bill Ward who is sitting that out?

Noah: Yeah, they got the drummer Vinnie Appice, who has played with them before.

MettleAngel: My point is, Dio does the Tenacious D - Pick Of Destiny movie, singing that opening track Kickapoo which features both Jack Black and Meatloaf; and now he is doing the real Sabbath reunion. People seem to be amazed that the Stones and The Who are still touring - look at Dio - he is older than Pete Townsend and Mick Jagger! Anyway, we have to rap this up or I'll go on forever. Any last minute comments?

Noah: Yeah, actually I want to ask you a question, well it's two questions really.

MettleAngel: Sure, go ahead...

Noah: What is something you always wanted to ask someone and what is something you have always wanted to be asked?

MettleAngel: Wow, that's heavy. Basically the answer is really subjective and depends on the individual with whom I am interviewing. There are so many musicians that I have longed to meet and even interview. When I finally do so, either professionally or personally, I usually have a bevy of questions to ask. Like last summer when I met Schmier from Destruction, he was more impressed with me than the guy who interviewed him from Metal Maniacs, and in fact, suggested that I should write for Metal Maniacs. Believe me I've had offers from some noteworthy websites and print magazines, but I am pleased to call Metal Covenant my home. As for your second question, what I've always wanted to be asked and in fact have been asked several times is "why I do this?". My answer is always the same: first and foremost I am a fan and I love metal! I was the one who arranged this interview with you on my own initiative. I prefer being my own boss and not the slave to others' intentions. Last year I was planning to interview Alice Cooper and even "Weird" Al Yankovich, but in the end their management decided they were not Metal Covenant material (as if)!

Noah: No kidding man, I fucking love "Weird" Al! Everyone loves "Weird" Al.

MettleAngel: Yep, so do I. Anyway, thanks for your time, and the best of success with everything you do. Later!