Thursday, May 22, 2014

Serpentine Path Interview



1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?

Ryan Lipynsky: Since we recorded the album we took some time off to work on other projects but as of recently we have gone back into rehearsal mode to play our record release show in Brooklyn June 21st.


2.You have a new album coming out in May, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical direction of the newer recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

Ryan Lipynsky: I don’t think the second album is too much different from the first album. It is more of a development on the first. Tighter execution, better tones, better recording quality and possibly more focused songs.
I used a bit more of my harsh vocal range on this one rather than just staying in the lower register. I also played some lead guitar on several of the songs which I did not do on the first. The biggest difference would be the addition of our second guitarist Stephen Flam.


3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the new release?

Ryan Lipynsky: Some of the topics on this album deal with religious control and the rejection of this idea, external forces from other dimensions, crumbling power structures, and the futuristic possibility of the enslavement of humanity. You know, a real uplifting positive christian vibe. hahahha

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Serpentine Path'?

Ryan Lipynsky: It is quite simple: It represents the long and winding path of life. As well as the obstacles, twist and turns that the serpent like path presents to us all and how we overcome and process these things. The process of the journey along this path defines who we are as people.


5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

Ryan Lipynsky: Serpentine Path has only played one show ever. So by default that is our best show. Our stage performance was loud and oppressive. It was interesting for me as it was the first time ever i was on stage without a guitar or bass like I have done for all my previous other bands.


6.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?

Ryan Lipynsky: We only have one show booked that I previously mentioned and there is a chance that will be the only one we do, or there is the chance we will do more. We are more of a studio project rather than a full fledged band.


7.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of doom and death metal?

Ryan Lipynsky: Very positive. I really things it is amazing that so many people in 2014 embrace and appreciate extreme music. Doom fans seem to appreciate that we come from the harsher darker side of things and offer a nice contrast to the silly happy, safe, hippy “doom” that so many people phone in these days. Death Metal fans appreciate the heavy sounds and approach and can related to the thread of 90’s DM influences that is present in the make up of our sound.


8.What is going on with the other musical projects these days that  some of the band members are involved with?

Ryan Lipynsky: I do quite a few bands. I play guitar and sing in The Howling Wind and Force & Fire. I also play guitar in a new band with Jay that is off to a good start. Darren plays drums in a new band called Sheltering Sky and Stephen is still active with working future endeavors with his classic band Winter.


9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

Ryan Lipynsky: I see the band staying in the same realm. We are not trying to “reinvent the wheel” so to speak but I could see us experimenting with more textures, tempos and dynamics. Possibly bringing more sonic color to the palette and being more creative and adventurous with songwriting.



10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Ryan Lipynsky: Mostly doom/sludge and death metal bands like [of course]Black Sabbath, Vitus, Trouble, Pentagram, Hellhammer/Celtic Frost, Autopsy, Morbid Angel, Grief, Burning Witch/Thorr’s Hammer, Amebix [Stephen] and a band called Winter!
Nowadays I am listening to the new Velllenfyre album, Unleashed, Dismember, Rudimentary Peni, Coroner, AC/DC, Dissection, Fleshpress and Oranssi Pazazu to name a few…


11.How would you describe your views on Occultism?

Ryan Lipynsky: Occultism is something that I have been reading about and to a certain extent studying for 15 years + now. The more I learn the more I feel I have so much more knowledge to accumulate. I think the occult is something that should be personal and not boastfully blabbered about,  or used as a marketing gimmick through selling albums or t shirts. Symbols have great amount of power but what is done with that power is the key. My views are very simple: learn, adapt and apply.


12.What are some of your non musical interests?

Ryan Lipynsky: Cooking! I love to cook and it has become a real passion of mine. I have been vegetarian for almost 20 years now and I’m always excited to figure out new ways to cook things and use my creativity in a different realm.


13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Ryan Lipynsky: We are a group of friends not a super group. Thanks.

Dave Brenner | The Earsplit Compound
www.earsplitcompound.com

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