Periphery
Event on 2017-04-13 18:15:00
with The Contortionist, Norma Jean, Infinity Shred
The process of innovation doesnt sit still or sleep. Instead, it relies on constant motion. In 2015, Periphery landed two albums in the Top 20 of Billboards Top 200 chart as Juggernaut: Alpha and Juggernaut: Omega respectively bowed at #15 and #16 during the same week. Meanwhile, the intertwined conceptual epic garnered praise from Rolling Stone, Alternative Press, Outburn, and more. Only months after the release, the Washington, D.C. progressive metal disruptorsMisha Mansoor [guitars, programming], Jake Bowen [guitar, programming, backing vocals], Matt Halpern [drums], Spencer Sotelo [lead vocals], Mark Holcomb [guitars], and Adam Nolly Getgood [studio bass, guitars, programming]collectively decided to start creating what would become their 2016 full-length, Periphery III: Select Difficulty [Sumerian Records].We ended up with a bit of downtime, so we wrote, explains Misha. Were always working on ideas, and you want to bring them to life when you can. We saw a window of opportunity where we had a little bit of space in the schedule, and we thought, Lets get to work on new music. Juggernaut was so long and comparatively stressful. It took six months. Initially, we decided to try and make an EP. Everybody was down with that. With this fresh start, we were all hooked. This was our first stress-free experience. The time crunch actually helped it become the most cohesive too. It all turned into Periphery III. We write what we feel, adds Jake. It came together very naturally. Normally, we stick to the cycle of put out an album, tour for a year, and then record another album. This time, we felt an itch and just kept moving forward.Forward progression defines Peripherys trajectory. Since the release of 2010s self-titled debut, the band has covered magazines such as Guitar World, Revolver, Modern Drummer, Bass Player, and more. Boasting a relentless touring ethic, theyve packed venues on bills with everyone from Deftones and Dream Theater to Between The Buried and Me. In addition to performing at festivals such as Rock on the Range, Chicago Open Air, Download, and more, the musicians lead their own summer camp: the Periphery Summer Jam. Going into their latest offering, the boys would continue to embrace that evolutionary spirit. Expanding the sonic palette, Misha bought a Moog synthesizer and incorporated it into the framework of the album. He also drew from orchestral libraries to infuse a cinematic scope. I wanted to get the hang of synthesis and learn how to use it a little better, he remarks. I didnt expect it to be on the record, but now its on every song! The orchestration really adds something as well.Periphery III kickstarts on the chugging smash of the first single The Price Is Wrong. Driven by an artillery of neck-snapping guitars and a stunning groove, it immediately sets the records tone.Its like handing somebody a grenade, smiles Jake. Its so in-your-face and brutal for us. It was a great way to start.Every one of our albums has a nice long intro, and we were like, Lets kick this off with a drum fill and a pissed-off riff, laughs Misha. Its something we havent done. It was fun.On the other end of the spectrum, the seven minute-plus closer Lune marks a first for Periphery. The sweeping orchestral climax actually saw its genesis during a jam in Mishas apartment. Its a special one for a number of reasons, admits Misha. Were attached to it. We literally never jam, so we did the next best thing at my place. I setup all of the amps and pedals. Matt was drumming on his legs, and we started playing one by one. It was such a cool experiment. Its a love song. Remain Indoors unloads a striking sonic schizophrenia, while Flatline showcases a precision polyrhythmic pummeling evocative of the bands most beloved sonic hallmarks.Its a killer, Jake goes on. We actually tracked the first three riffs backstage in Pittsburgh on tour. We never get to do that. Its broken up into two sections with this normal Periphery energy and this mysterious build-up at the end.Once again, Misha and Nolly spearheaded production and engineering. Another change occurred following recording though, when Nolly announced he would remain a studio member based back home in the UK, but no longer tour in order to focus on his production work and family. Hell still be there and write with us, affirms Misha. Hes such an important part of the process. We dont want to change that dynamic. We have him where hes most important.Hes a good friend and a brother, and he brings something to this music nobody else can, agrees Jake. Charging full speed ahead, Periphery continue to make seismic impact with Periphery III: Select Difficulty.I hope everyone thinks this is fun and enjoyable to listen to, Misha leaves off. We enjoyed making it, and I still love listening to it. We want to share that.Im so happy with how it came out, concludes Jake. This is Periphery being Periphery. This is all we know how to do.
at Mercy Lounge / Cannery Ballroom
One Cannery Row
Nashville, United States