SOURCE – What should the fans expect of this new album Eternal Steel and how would you describe it to the fans that have not listened to it yet?
Andrew Hileman (Vocals) – Grab a hold of something because you’re going for a ride with this new album. We spent so much more time creating this monster and really dialing in our sound. It really feels like the next level for us and it’s going to knock people on their ass.
SOURCE – Did you find yourself wanting to try anything differently musically with Eternal Steel or add new elements for this album compared to your previous albums?
Andrew Hileman (Vocals) – We found ourselves really wanting to come into our own on this record and the years it took to create this really shows through. In general we have just become better musicians so we were really able to push the limit of how far can make this the sickest I AM record.
SOURCE – The upcoming album was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Randy Leboeuf [KUBLAI KHAN, SENTINELS, THE ACAIA STRAIN]. What were you going for sound wise?
Andrew Hileman (Vocals) – First off, Randy is the fucking man! All the respect goes to him for helping us bring our vision to life. We wanted to push for a sound and tone that we don’t really hear nowadays with recording being so clean and cut perfect. We were focused on making sure it had all the raw qualities to make a nasty sounding record without sacrificing listening quality.
SOURCE – Are there any of your albums that didn’t get the response they deserved at the time, but in retrospect have really held up well?
Andrew Hileman (Vocals) – I would say our previous record is one that has been burning slow and bright throughout the years and only growing more popular as time goes on. It’s a perfect segway into Eternal Steel giving hints of what was to come. We’ve yet to notice any dropoff and it’s only getting stronger.
SOURCE – Have you experienced any differences in how the foreign press treats you and the band compared to how native press and media treats and writes about you?
Andrew Hileman (Vocals) – I would say that foreign press interviews have a lot cooler questions than some of the states guys. Most everybody from the press has been really cool to talk to and I really enjoy the conversation. Just the fact alone that we can reach people so far away that it gives press the opportunity to do this blows my mind sometimes.
SOURCE – Have you filmed any videos for this new CD?
Andrew Hileman (Vocals) – We have filmed 3 visuals for the new album so far! Go check out The Iron Gate, Surrender to the Blade, & The Primal Wave.
SOURCE – I Am’s music combines different elements, but which bands you would name as the dominant influences and that perhaps come to someone’s mind while listening to your music?
Andrew Hileman (Vocals) – Few of the big ones that are very prevelant are Pantera of course, Iron Age, and Megadeth.
SOURCE – Do you have anything else that you want to talk about or promote?
Andrew Hileman (Vocals) – Just that we can’t thank all these metalheads enough for giving a shit and are able to let us keep doing what we’re doing. The support for this new album has been incredible and we are so grateful for it. GO LISTEN TO ETERNAL STEEL & WITNESS IT LIVE.
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