Matyus, Chris (Archetype) (May 2002)

The Dawning Of Ohio's Model Band

Among the several self-produced bands that invade the music market, it is always hard to find the ones that are already prepared to compete with the big boys (signed bands). But every now and then you stumble onto one of them, as in the case of Archetype. Hailing from Ohio, the band guided by Chris Matyus can certainly claim the attention it deserves, and this thanks to a third CD, Dawning, very well produced and full of captivating songs. Let's only hope the labels out there are listening...

Igor Italiani: Hi Chris. I've read that Archetype started as an instrumental three-piece. Can you tell us what happened from that point on?

Chris Matyus: We recorded a four song demo CD entitled Archetype in the fall of 1998. After promoting it for a month or so, we hooked up with Intromental Management in Copenhagen, Denmark, and a few weeks later we found our singer Greg [Wagner]. He added vocals to the CD and we released Hands Of Time in the spring of 1999. It received excellent response around the world, so later in the year we signed a "production only" deal with a small studio not far from where we live and started to record Dawning. To make a long story short, the production of the original recording was really bad, but since we were almost done, we finished it up and promoted it to labels throughout 2000 receiving little positive response. Since I basically refused to let the songs be heard that way, I decided to start re-recording the CD and spent most of 2001 doing so. After months of struggle which made me think the CD would never get done, we finally finished the CD with the help of Ed Tomecko at Audioworks Studio and released the official version of Dawning in February, 2002.

II: As you already said, your first full-length CD, Dawning, was recorded two times, as on the first try you were not pleased with the production. Well, now I think you are happy, as the CD sounds very good. What were the main differences between these recordings?

CM: Night and day! The original tracks were done on 1" tape through a semipro mixing board. We didn't know much about the recording process, but knowing what I do today, I would never have let it happen from the beginning. Everything sounded very weak and thin on the original version. It was very dry and dead for lack of a better term. All the original tracks were transferred from the analog tape to a digital system for mixing. This took even more life out of the recording and the levels on each track were barely audible on the digital system. It was basically a doomed project form the start. Since I had no prior experience with recording, it took me quite a while to get into the engineering process with the new tracks. The bass and guitars were redone at my makeshift studio with some gear I had bought. It was hard to get things started, but once it got going, recording went fairly smooth. The vocals were redone at the same studio that the original CD was recorded, of course they upgraded all their equipment after we left (damn them). Once those were transferred onto my system, I started working with Ed at Audioworks and mixing all the songs. I must have EQ'd the individual tracks ten different times each because my ears were pretty much getting fried. The drums are from the original recording with about eight things done to the tracks to get them the way they are now. I could go on forever with all the pain in the ass details we had to go through with the music, since a lot of it wasn't done at a real studio, but I won't bore you. Once we got the mix to where we liked it, we ran the tracks back through a Soundcraft mixing board and onto a 1/4" tape for the final version. The last two steps saved the whole CD and essentially made it sound as good as it does! Although the official version took a long time, it was definitely worth all the work.

II: Chris, I know you are searching for a capable label to spread Dawning even more. What is the feedback you've received at the moment?

CM: The feedback has been fantastic!!! Everyone who hears the CD loves it and it is very gratifying for us to receive such positive response. We are currently in the process of securing deals for Dawning and should have something concrete very soon. Several labels have expressed interest and I'm very anxious to get things moving ahead.

II: Your way of playing reminds me a lot of Iced Earth, mixed with intriguing prog elements. What are your influences?

CM: My first big progressive influence is probably Rush followed by Coroner and Dream Theater. Rush introduced me to the progressive side of music while Coroner just blew me away with their aggressiveness and complexity. Dream Theater came along and really finalized what I wanted to do with music. I would say these bands influenced my direction rather than my style in that we really sound nothing like any of these bands and it's hard to put a direct comparison or label on Archetype. Along with those bands, I was into King Diamond, Savatage, Malmsteen and Annihilator and I've always liked death metal and new age music. Classical music also plays a big role in what I write. Since I studied it for years, you will always hear an influence in the music. I try to listen to things other than what I write, so I can keep being original.

II: I've already been told that the metal scene is way underground in the US these days. Do you think that the condition will improve in the future or not?

CM: Probably not. The music in this country is basically controlled by the labels and MTV. You NEVER hear anything different on the radio and the live scene is horrible for an original band like Archetype. I think it's time that people started promoting good original bands so there can be more of an accessible good metal scene. Sure, there is metal, but it's all the same crap played by all the same crappy bands.

II: Dawning was finished, from a song standpoint, in April 2000, exactly two years ago. Did you write anything else from those days?

CM: Yes, we have an entire new CD ready to go in regards to the music. I'm currently working on lyrics and I'm very anxious to start recording again. It's going to be a lot heavier and more in your face than Dawning. There will of course be some of the same elements, but the music is just as original and will take the listener to many new places!

II: What are the things that inspire you when you write the lyrics?

CM: I am only inspired by the music I write. Once I listen to the music for a song many times, I get an idea for what it should be about. From there it's a gradual process to get the entire song complete. It may take me a while longer to do, but I can never see myself taking some old lyrics and trying to force them into music that I have written. I'd never write lyrics about a movie or politics, that would be so lame and way too "humanized" as I like to say. I try to avoid things that directly relate to people or society and try to make my lyrics more symbolic and thought provoking.

II: I see that you are searching for a second guitarist. Is it to have a better live impact or there is something else implied in this decision?

CM: I've always written music for two guitars, we've just never been able to find a capable player for the band. We've searched high and low and have had a few people join, but they never work out due to one reason or another. I hate playing live without a second guitar because the music suffers in regards to intensity, harmony, etc... I'm trying to fill the position now and hopefully will find someone soon.

II: Now Chris ... can you tell me what country would you like to visit the most and why?

CM: I'd have to say Germany (Italy would be my second choice, of course) because of the large metal scene there. You always hear about bands selling huge amounts of CDs in Germany. Once we get a chance to play there, things might never be the same for us! I'd like to see the rest of Europe also. I went to Austria when I was 11 or so and really want to get back. It would be great to get to tour Europe in the near future and perform in many of the countries. Oh yeah, I hear they have really good beer and really hot women in Europe also!!!!!

II: Before the end I would like to ask if you are a fan of the Cleveland Browns or the Cleveland Indians, 'cause you live near the big Ohio city...

CM: Mmh, surprise question ... well, I am definitely a fan of the Indians and am somewhat a fan of the Browns. I also follow the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are a big rival of the Browns, and everyone here gets on my case for liking them. I don't go to many games mostly because I'm so busy and also the ticket prices are pretty high.

II: It's time to say goodbye, Chris. There's something else you would like to add?

CM: I'd like everyone to check out our site at www.archetype1.com and our manager's site at www.intromental.com/archetype/. Our new CD Dawning will be available very soon once we finalize deals for it. Check back to our site for more information.

II: OK, Chris. Thank you for the great talk. Bye and hope to see you here in Italy sooner or later.

CM: Thanks for the interview Igor, I really enjoyed it. Bye.

Discography:
Archetype (demo) (1998)
Hands Of Time (1999)
Dawning (2002/2004)