A Dirty Dozen with MIKE MONACO from CRYPTODIRA – July 2025

Photo credit: Sean Ageman

According to a recent press release: “No Monuments is the latest video / single from Long Island, New York-based progressive / experimental metal artisans CRYPTODIRA. Now playing at Metal Injection, the track comes off the band’s Genesis Of Error EP, set for release on July 25th through Silent Pendulum Records. With 2025 comes the dawn of a new era for CRYPTODIRA with the Genesis Of Error EP. Shortly after recording, the band added bassist Vincent Romanelli (Moon Tooth) to the trio of founding members guitarist / vocalist Scott Acquavella, guitarist / vocalist Mike Monaco, and drummer Matthew Taibi, marking a clear divide between the past and present. With their latest offering, CRYPTODIRA are once again pushing themselves beyond the boundaries of metal and into a space of their own.” We get guitarist / vocalist Mike to discuss new music, influences, and more…

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 you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

As is the case with tons of music we are influenced by, there’s bound to be a bunch of little things that you aren’t hearing the first few listens – we are getting better & better at adding more little layers & interesting textures. Greg who produced & engineered the EP had also mentioned wanting to add some gunfire from the HEAT bank robbery scene somewhere low during a heavy part. Not sure if he did!

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

I was incredibly fortunate to grow up in a very musical household. I owe my love of music  to my father. Big moments for me included being shown Sabbath’s “Paranoid” in elementary school, Dream Theater + Porcupine Tree in middle school & his taking me to see countless gigs. He was always on the quest to find something new & I’ve proudly embraced that.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

The first time I was really WOW’d at a gig was seeing Alice Cooper at a young age. Still one of the best shows I’ve ever been to. I think my dad’s discovery of Dream Theater really was the big thing though. I took that to my friends & said “you’ve GOT to check this out.”

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

Pat Metheny & the vocalist on his late 80’s / early 90’s stuff, David Blamires. Such an unreal vibe & I think it would push us in some really unique directions.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour? What do you like to do to unwind?

I’m constantly watching movies & hockey. I’ve also taken up reading. Of the three, I think hockey is the one that helps me “unwind” most. I grew up playing & miss the absolute hell out of it.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

I usually describe us plainly as “progressive death metal” to anyone who is already familiar with heavier music. I know I could get a little more creative, but I like to let the music speak for itself. As opposed to something a reviewer has described as us that I didn’t like, I’ll give you one that I loved – Uneasy Listening.

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

Scott is the cook, Matt & Vin like to party. I would be the first one with a guitar in my hand. I’ve really wanted to learn some cowboy music for instances like this. Tony Rice, Charley Crockett, Rory Gallagher.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

Mikael Åkerfeldt when I was in my early 20’s. I’ve usually been pretty good with that kind of stuff! We’re all just people, right?

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

The best part of being a musician is probably being in the studio for a long stretch of time. I’ve got 3 weeks to do nothing but be creative? I’m watching 3 movies a day in my down time? Now that’s good living.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

I don’t know if I have an answer for this exactly, but I would love to be asked more about composition & song structure. It’s something I think about very, very often. I’m not tired of any questions – you can ask me anything & I’ll happily answer.

11. 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,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

Taking my foot off the gas as good things start to happen. You’ve got to keep pushing, even if it feels like you’re gaining some kind of momentum.

12. 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?

I’ve thought often about this & my answer has never changed – Dark Side of the Moon. This is my dad’s favorite record & hearing it brings me such indescribable joy. “Brain Damage” + “Eclipse” are a dream cover for me.

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Category: Interviews