Midhaven Interview

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

Midhaven has been really busy over the past few months! We're working on a music video, tour dates and merch! We had a tour last year and it went really well so programming some more for 2015!


2.Recently you have released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

Spellbound was written over a period of 2 years where the main song writing was done in 2013. Our previous release was Tales From The Tide (EP) in early 2013 as a teaser to the main album. There are three songs on the EP but 9 on the album. The two big jumps from The EP to the Spellbound were - Production and Going heavier. I could say we're closer to finding our sound!


3.Your lyrics cover both Hindu and Greco-Roman Mythology, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these topics?

Well, I've always been interested in different cultures, especially ancient civilisations that had an important role in modern society. We're from India and our history of Hinduism dates back to ten thousand years. Older than almost every other civilisation in the world, the similarities to Norse Mythos and Greek Mythos is not even funny! Conceptually, we wanted to create a universe where each of our albums can grow and their stories can be told. So in Spellbound, the story unfolds through each song as it takes you on a journey where Shiva brutally kills Apollo, by infiltrating his abode in Olympus. Heaven is corrupt and the prophecy claims that Shiva will take down the mighty Sun-God.


4.Originally the band was known as 'Temple Smoke', what was the decision behind the name change and also the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Midhaven'?

We didn't have a fixed name for the band. Ideas always floated around about using a mythologically based character or word, even infusing them together to make one. Sadly, none of them stuck. After a few months I came up with the idea of combining the astronomical term 'Midheaven' and the word 'Haven' to make it 'Midhaven'. My interest in astronomy got us the name!


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?

We've had some amazing memories that we carried back home from tour. Recently, we played in Guwahati where the energy of the crowd was electrifying! Our stage performance to me, is a mixture of extreme energy as well as laid back. The contrast of our album's different genres gives us time to breathe between heavy songs. A ton of fun for me, hair everywhere!


6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?

Can't reveal just yet! But yes, this year seems busy for us!


7.The new album was released on Universal Music Group, how did you get in contact with this label and also how would you describe the support they have given you so far?

Universal Music Group has been our label since December 2013. They originally contacted us for a meeting about the indian metal scene, and soon after we struck a deal and signed! Spellbound was released and they've been a great help in releasing it worldwide. It's tough to do it on your own, especially with getting it into stores, that's where they come in!


8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of metal?

It's been great. I've read most of the reviews and articles about us, from places like Rolling Stone to independent music journalists. Fans have been very active in our sales and we're really happy that there's a good buzz around for us, but the more the better!


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

Hopefully a few albums down the line, our genre will have changed once again, for we're ever-evolving musicians with a history in many different genres and sub-genres.


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

Most of Midhaven's music is inspired by prog rock and prog metal but we all sub genres of metal have influenced us. From death metal to power metal, each one of us has a different genre as a background. I've been listening to a lot of contemporary classical music and a ton of jazz recently!


11.What are some of your non musical interests?

Besides music, I've always been interested in gaming, science and poetry. Astronomy has inspired me to write a ton music!


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

Hope you enjoyed the album! Thanks a ton for the interview.