17-12-2009Artist focus - The Freezing Fog

Ex members of Beecher re-unite and take the path less trodden

The North West is more usually famed for its 'Northern Soul' than its Southern Groove but The Freezing Fog haven't let that bother them. Infact they seem to have embraced every element of big grooves, dirty licks and ass kicking grit found in the sound of raw distortion. The band feature ex members of Beecher and other noteworthy acts to come from the city although if your expecting a noisenik screamathon to the most discordant of guitar pieces then you may be dissapointed. There is no disfunction in the riffing that works to provide the uneasiness instead it is concentrated on an all out inclusion of big swelling guitars, drums that pound but not rapid fire and a vocalist who has enough natural gravel to his voice to rival some of the US's greatest exports.

Having been around now for a while and releasing two full lengths alongside a split the band are refining their sound and are also making huge waves on the live circuit. Recent storming support slots alongside seminal rockers Electric Wizard and other shows across the North West and beyond are cementing the bands place as definate up and comers. The thing that separates this band to most others is that they are actually doing something different, completely bucking the trend for screaming vocals detuned deathstyled riffery or atmospheric laden soundscape riffs being imparted into more hardcore metal tendancies. It was the first thing that got me hooked when I saw them supporting some metalcore band in Manchester. Above all it was a breathe of fresh air.

Guitarist Ed takes some time out to answer a few of Rocksnail's questions.

How best would you describe the music of The Freezing Fog?
I would probably go for hard rock, but we do take influence from heavy metal, blues, stoner rock and doom as well. Our most recent material is quite upbeat and energetic, with a nod towards 70's classic rock. We've also just recorded a 20 minute prog number, so I suppose we're fairly eclectic!


You guys sound pretty different to most of the 'new' bands coming out at the moment, what was the intent when starting up the band?
The intent was to start a band that produced good times! We intended to ape the likes of Black Sabbath, but as time has passed we've certainly evolved into a band of our own, with 70's rock being a starting point. There are other bands doing similar things, but I'm pleased that you think we exude an amount of originality!

What bands do you take your influences from or is it a totally personal evolution of the songs?
Of course we're influenced by other bands, from Camel to Goatsnake, Level 42 to Metallica, but we're very much taken with the idea of a personal evolution. If you listen to our back catalogue I think you can see how the band has progressed.

Youre tracks have some really heavy grooves as opposed to the typical metal blasts how do you guys feel about the riffs and melodies that you create for the songs?
We're not really into creating brutal, metallic blasts, although we all like metal in some way, shape or form. This band is definitely more concerned with melody, catchy hooks and riffs that blowing peoples' heads off with heaviness. That said, we do have our heavy moments!

Do you have any particular ethos that you subscribe to and the governs your actions in some ways?
No, not really. Not as a band.

Regarding your current status you have some affiliations with some really cool underground labels, would you prefer to stay this way or is it the goal to one day reach that 'next' level?
I think we're just planning to carry on as we are and see what comes our way. We don't have a grand plan or any ambitions to merge business and pleasure, but we're always looking to move forward and grasp any opportunities that present themselves to us!

Where did you record the new LP and how was the whole process, do you feel happy with the results?
We recorded our latest LP at Foel Studio in Powys, outside Llanfair Caereinion, with Chris Fielding, but it was mixed in Salem Massachusetts by Kurt Ballou, and mastered in Cambridge Mass by Nick Zampiello. It was an 'all over the place' job and we're very happy with the results, especially considering the nature of the songs - it's the most accessible work we've produced. We just recorded the follow up, a 2-track EP, one song from which is the aforementioned 20 minute prog epic, and we did the whole thing, aside from the mastering in Wales. It's come out edgier, heavier and darker, which is what we wanted!

You guys are recieving good acclaim across the board do you feel this puts extra pressure on the band or is it something your already equipped to deal with?
There's no pressure - good reviews are helpful and we're grateful for them!

How would you best describe to our readers the live show of The Freezing Fog?
Tight, loud, gimmick-free and very enjoyable!

What are the plans in your camp for the summer and the rest of the year?
We're just going to carry on as normal! Hopefully we'll be playing in a town near you very soon!

To hear more from The Freezing Fog check out their website THE FREEZING FOG