How do you dispel the Satan-obsessed image associated with heavy metal music? It is certainly one of the aspects in this certain sub-genre that puts many off from exploring it. Surely then, you innovate and experiment, presenting the public with something new that will appeal to them yet continue to honour this often misunderstood nephew of rock music.
Mute The Maker has done just this. They are an aspiring technical death/progressive metal band, who also incorporates different styles of metal, like thrash metal and metalcore into their songs to make them, as the band claims “audibly a more interesting experience”. Arguably, however, the best innovation by MTM so far has been inviting a new guitarist in the form of seventeen-year-old Ashton Sheriff into their roster.
“The band had already been established before I joined them,” recounts Ashton “I met the band through a website called Joinmyband.com and I didn't think twice about meeting 3 guys I'd only spoken to over the internet! I went in for an audition and learnt some riffs they were working on and they liked what I was playing so I got in.”
He continues “Without sounding egotistical the band had more of a 90's style influence before I joined, but I brought some more modern influences along with me, and as a result we're creating the music we're creating now.”
MTM draws inspiration from a host of bands, including Veil of Maya, Sylosis, Nevermore, Periphery and Dream Theatre. But they are also keen experimenters, and are not afraid of breaking out of the norm. As Ashton notes “Joe (the lead guitarist) creates some crushing riffs but you'll occasionally hear elements of his classical guitar background which spices things up a bit”. Ashton himself is partial to sparks of creativity that colours his creations “I once got a rhythmic idea from that clunking noise a train makes going over the tracks!”
But it is an unspoken truth that every band must have their own questionable exploits during their down time. However, Ashton firmly believes that there is real value to having fun and working on band chemistry. When there is harmony between band members, there is surely harmony in their music. “We laugh all the time! It was funny when the band discovered I have a bit of arachnophobia when I screamed a higher note than the singer could reach because a spider appeared in front of my face.” He also commented “Seeing James [the vocalist] in a Borat-style Mankini on his 21st was hilarious!”
With all the success both in and out of studio, Mute The Maker will be holding a debut gig at the Dublin Castle on Wednesday 27th March 2013 from 7:45pm; their ultimate goal being to build a “large devoted fan base and just make music that people can enjoy”. Only if they succeed that, will they try to get onto the national stage: “Being signed and touring with our favourite bands would be a dream come true!”
