by Alexandra Mrozowska
– Senior Columnist —
Influenced with multitude of bands from Iron Maiden to Alter Bridge, their style is a compromise between heaviness and melody. The UK-based act Furyon has created quite a buzz with their debut album Gravitas five years ago and, having it re-released by Frontiers two years later, now they return with a sophomore effort entitled Lost Salvation.
Hardrock Haven discussed all things Furyon with the band’s singer Matt Mitchell, asking about the inspirations behind the new album as well as their concert past experiences, but also looking a bit forward.
Hardrock Haven: With so many enthusiastic reviews of your first album, weren’t you a tad afraid the bar is set pretty high this time? Or was it more of a motivation?
Matt Mitchell: I would say it was more of a motivation. In fact I’m more motivated now than when writing for Furyon’s Gravitas album.
Hardrock Haven: Do you think Lost Salvation is a continuation of Gravitas, or perhaps a whole new chapter in the band’s history? Should the two be compared at all?
Matt Mitchell: I think it’s a new chapter. There are obvious similarities like guitar tunings and style. But I would say there are less progressive elements and more single-style tracks on Lost Salvation.
Hardrock Haven: Many of your peers try to ride a wave of nostalgia, but Furyon is every inch a contemporary band sound-wise. What genres and bands inspire you in terms of music?
Matt Mitchell: We have many influences so it’s always a hard question really. A mixture of old and new. For Furyon I say Alice in Chains, Opeth, Alter Bridge, Ozzy, Queensryche, Soundgarden, Kings X, Shinedown and Mastodon…these were all big influential bands to us through writing stages for Furyon.
Hardrock Haven: Is the Furyon’s sound a resultant of influences brought into the band by all parts involved? If not, who’s a driving force behind the band as far as songwriting is concerned?
Matt Mitchell: Songs for Furyon are mainly written by myself and ex-guitar player Chris Green who I still hold a long-term writing partnership with. Although on Lost Salvation album a third writer graced us on a few of the tracks, that writer being Sam Rupert. But you know … all parts of the band make the songs in my eyes. The mechanics are very important. I strongly believe some songs just wouldn’t be the same without the playing of Lee Farmery and Nickel Bowen.
Hardrock Haven: How did the songwriting process for Lost Salvation look and was it any different than in the case of the first album?
Matt Mitchell: Actually it was much easier. Chris and I just decided to do it, so we did. “These Four Walls” was written first and we have ourselves a pretty steady marker to go by.
Hardrock Haven: The new album is a bit darker lyric-wise. What is your source of inspiration – movies, books, real life…?
Matt Mitchell: To be really honest… It’s real life.
Hardrock Haven: For the production, mix and mastering of Lost Salvation you collaborated with Rick Beato (Shinedown, Fozzy) again. Are you satisfied with the results and do you think this collaboration will continue?
Matt Mitchell: Rick Beato and the unsung hero Ken GL Lanyon did a superb job in our eyes.
Hardrock Haven: What do you think are particularly strong points of the album?
Matt Mitchell: The single style songs like “Lost Salvation,” “These Four Walls,” “All That I Have” … But I also do love “Scapegoat” and “Dematerialize.” I think the album flows very well.
Hardrock Haven: You’re said to have been working on Lost Salvation since 2013 and it’s already been five years since Gravitas was completed. Why does it take you so long to complete an album and don’t you feel tempted to compete with bands who release one album per year?
Matt Mitchell: Well it took time because we had member changes and inside problems, to be honest. By the time we decided to write and do it, it took around 10-12 months all in all.
Hardrock Haven: What about the cover artwork? Whose design it is and how do you interpret it?
Matt Mitchell: Matt Vickerstaff did the artwork and we we’re very happy with what he did for us. I had spoken to him about the concept and he hit the nail on the head by giving us pretty much what we wanted.
Hardrock Haven: I was pretty surprised to learn Furyon was founded on the ashes of the Melodic Rock/AOR band Pride. What was the reason for your shift to more contemporary sound with Furyon?
Matt Mitchell: At the time we felt that style of music had hit a brick wall and we wanted to break out and do something new. Funny really as now that style has made a return in many ways. But still, we are glad Furyon was born.
Hardrock Haven: Since the band’s foundation in 2010, you played a multitude of dates all over Europe. Is there any U.S. tour in the pipeline, or perhaps other destinations?
Matt Mitchell: If we could get over to the States it would be great. If this was possible and the want was there for Furyon to play, we would! This summer we will play the biggest European outdoor festival, Woodstock Festival in Poland.
Hardrock Haven: …in my homeland – I’m sure it’s going to be great! Yet looking back a bit, which concert/festival performances throughout these five years you think were the most valuable experience? Which would you name a breakthrough of some sorts?
Matt Mitchell: High Voltage, Bloodstock and Download were great for Furyon. I think they put us on the map and we enjoyed playing them so much.
Hardrock Haven: You’ve just completed a UK tour. Was the experience any different than before? Is your fan base growing now, with the release of another album?
Matt Mitchell: The U.K. dates were a success and we were pleased to see old fans and new fans coming out to see the band. They all took to the new material very well and seemed to know it well. Good signs.
Hardrock Haven: Is there anything else you’re up to at the moment?
Matt Mitchell: I am writing and recording an album alongside Bruce John Dickinson from Little Angels at the moment which will be out in September this year via Pledge Music. That band is called Colour Of Noise. Our drummer Lee has recently been out playing for a band called 2 Cards of 25.
Hardrock Haven: Any last words?
Matt Mitchell: Thanks for the support and stay in touch.
Visit the band online: http://www.furyon.net/
