10 Quick Ones with IMAGES OF EDEN – August 2018

According to a recent press release: “Images of Eden is a fearless concept band that brings together familiar, well-loved elements of metal and rock combined with their own unique vision, message and delivery. The result is a distinct musical hybrid that speaks directly to the struggles and tribulations of the listener. Musically, Images of Eden draws its inspiration from a hybrid of modern hard rock combined with classic metal, creating a modern sound rife with progressive elements and impassioned, unfeigned vocal delivery.”  We get Gordon and Steve from the band to discuss new music, influences, and much more in our 10 Quick Ones…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets the band put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

Gordon: Soulrise is a very accessible album to both modern rock fans and classic hard rock/ metal fans.  However, beyond the surface of a heavy sound, there is a very uplifting message (and narrative) that might take several listens to grab.  We don’t exactly “spell out” what is happening and how the message is being conveyed, but if the listener follows the narrative, it will become very clear. There is also a much deeper meaning behind the cover art.  As far as “hidden nuggets”… there are plenty.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

Gordon: I have been listening to music my entire life and as far back as I can remember.  It started with my Uncle Kenny’s record collection (Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Jethro Tull, The Beatles, etc) when I was in an early single-digit age, but I actually knew what I wanted to do after hearing Kiss Alive! at the age of 5.  Also, when I was 15, I played for my first live audience of about 300 people.  That sealed the deal for me.

Steve: Just being exposed to live musicians at a young age always intrigued me. I knew right away that’s what I wanted to do, and the drums just came as a natural instrument for me… a very expensive one I might add.

3. Who would be your main five musical influences?

Gordon: In no particular order… John Arch, Geoff Tate, Peter Steele, Bruce Dickinson & Mark Tremonti

Steve: RUSH & Neil Peart, Charlie Benante, Greg Hall, Gene Hoglan, Iron Maiden

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be?

Gordon: Mark Tremonti.  His riffing/ songwriting is top-notch and really high-energy.  Love his work in Alter Bridge but even more so in Tremonti.

5. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before?

Gordon: Heavy/ high-energy music but very inspirational.  Musically, we mix a modern hard rock sound with some classic (and progressive) elements, but with very inspirational, uplifting lyrics and an extremely unique delivery of the message.  The hybrid sound is really working for us because it has created appeal from both modern rock fans as well as classic/ prog-metal fans, and we are just different enough to stand out in both “genres”.

Steve: Heavy guitars, pounding drums and soaring vocals with a special twist that has a positive overtone. It’s just a little different than the rest out there.

6. What’s the best thing about being a musician?

Gordon: Writing music and giving life to something inanimate is probably one of the best feelings.  But more importantly, seeing how some of our work has lifted people and made a positive impact.  We have had many testimonials from fans about how our music has changed them in some way- from carrying them through dark times to helping them overcome addiction, etc.  This is priceless!

Steve: Moving the fans with your music. Causing a change and making someone feel better…what more could you ask for.

7. When the band are all hanging out together, who cooks; who gets the drinks in; and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Gordon: Steve?

Steve: We eat out a lot, lol. Carlos our guitar player would be the first to bust out a guitar. When the time does come and we have to cook for each other…we will see who’s got it lol.

8. If you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream job?

Gordon: If I weren’t a musician, I would go back to school and get a degree in Veterinary Medicine then open my own practice.

Steve: Film Director & Producer

9. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over”?

Gordon: I don’t really think there were any moments that I’d like to do over, specifically because every event that took place eventually led me to where I am now, and I would not change where I am or the direction we are going for anything.  But, there is a album that was released where I would have re-written lyrics to 2 songs and would have spent more time tracking vocals and mixing.  Not going to say which one as to not draw any negative attention to it.

Steve: I would say no! Because if I changed any part of my past it would definitely affect my current status. All things that happen and all decisions made in the past (good or bad) are all learning points and building blocks for who I am today.

10. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

Gordon: I would love to have been a fly on the wall when John Arch tracked his vocals for Fates Warning’s Awaken The Guardian album.  It has been my #1 favorite album since I was 16 and had the most impact on my musical direction.  It was specifically this album that made me want to become a vocalist.

Steve: Iron Maiden Powerslave album! One of my all time favorites.

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Category: Interviews