By Christine Caprilozzi
Sr. Editor, Christine Caprilozzi caught up with Infinite Spectrum’s lead singer/songwriter, Will Severin to discuss the band’s sound, new album and his top horror moments of all time
Horror News Network: Infinite Spectrum’s music has been described as “progressive metal.†How would you describe the music??
It certainly has elements of that, but there’s also elements of classic prog, too. I think that there’s something here for fans of Dream Theatre and Kamelot, but also for fans of more classic bands like Rush and Kansas. We just went with our influences and created a record that we would want to listen to. A few of the cuts like “The Truth” even have a more commercial spin.
Horror News Network: Tell us a bit about the latest album “Misguided�
“Misguided” is our spin on the concept album and very epic in scope. There’s a lot of detail and recurring musical themes. Raykin and Repetti crafted the music and story over a period of time and I came in later to write the lyrics, dialogue and vocal melodies. The story has a faustian element and the songs are told from the perspectives of four different characters. Because the music has a very cinematic feel, we decided to push it even further into that world with a fair amount of sound design and voice acting to bring the story to life. We actually started referring to the aesthetic as Prog-Drama. Raykin and Repetti do some impressive fret work on this, as well. The album is currently available for purchase at Band Camp, as well as in digital download format on iTunes and Amazon.com.
http://infinitespectrum.bandcamp.com/
Grammy-winner Chris Theis, our co-producer and engineer, got me involved with Infinite Spectrum. Chris and I have worked together for quite a while and he did a great job on the CD.
Horror News Network: How do you feel your passion for horror influenced your music?
Well, there’s definitely a movie-like feel to “Misguided” and the horror element is certainly present, with the dark, gothic, faustian spin of a pact with the devil, a marauding monster, spirits, etc. I’ve always been a horror fan and it does find its way into a lot of projects I work on. One of the latest projects I’m involved in is a new psychological horror film based on a story by H.P. Lovecraft, called “The Thing on the Doorstep.” It’s directed by Tom Gliserman, scripted by Mary Jane Hansen and produced/scored by me. We’re currently making the film festival rounds and talking to some distributors, so we’re pretty excited about it. Yeah, horror is definitely a passion.
Horror News Network: Most importantly, what are your Top Horror Moments of all Time?
Will Severin’s Top Horror Moments:
The Changeling – The 1980 Peter Medak film with George C. Scott had some great moments. It’s a classic ghost story that’s heavy on atmosphere, but there’s a few good chills, like when the empty wheel chair chases Trish Van Devere’s character through the house.
Pontypool – Artful film that uses its one location to best advantage, imparting a real claustrophobic feeling. I love that it’s all about the dialogue. The sequences where the voice of the weatherman relays the nightmare that is transpiring in the small town are chock full of horror.
Don’t Look Now – Nicolas Roeg’s film is beautiful to look at and well acted. A slow burn, but wait for the end. It’s worth it!
Evil Dead II – The best horror/comedy hybrid ever! I remember laughing out loud at too many points. Raimi’s A-Team nod with the Ash chainsaw arm construction sequence is hilarious. “Groovy!”
The Thing – The tension in this flick is palpable and one of Carpenter’s best. I love the scene where McCready performs the test to see who is human and who is not.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers – The 1978 version from Philip Kaufman is paranoia at it’s best. I love the more cynical take on the material. Unlike the original version from the 50’s, this ending is flat out bleak.
Lake Mungo – Excellent Australian-made ghost story. It’s very subtle and they don’t show you much, but it is incredibly creepy.
Phantasm – For me this film has a strange, dream-like quality. Very unpredictable, you’re never sure where it’s going. The relationships between Mike, Jodi & Reggie seem really honest and the Tall Man is one of my favorite horror icons.
Videodrome – A true original. The hallucinatory sequences are amazing. Cronenberg always pushed the envelope. The scene where Max Wren loses his gun in his own body! WTF?
The Exorcist – The whole thing.
Horror News Network: Thanks so much Will!
New York-based progressive metal band Infinite Spectrum; Will Severin (vocals), Alex Raykin (guitar), Alex Repetti (bass), Eddie Redovane (drums) – recently released their debut album, “Misguided.” Check them out at: infinitespectrum.net
