Behold the Arctopus are coming from New York, U.S.A. and they are proposing such an amazing instrumental progressive metal. You definitely got to check this band out!
Behold... the Arctopus is a strange and unique name for a band how did you end playing under such a strange name, how the idea of naming your band like this came to you?
Deep beneath the earth’s crust, the Arctopus lies waiting. In a primordial stew of alien bacterial plasma and raw petroleum it seethes, biding its time before its flesh will be fully reformed, and it will burst through the surface of the planet, triggering humanity’s violent volcanic demise. The band is named after that.
I’ve labeled your band as progressive metal but this genre has a very large spectrum, you know under this label can enter bands like Death, Dream Theater or Enslaved (last albums), all of them coming from different subgenres of metal music (Death metal, Heavy Metal, Black Metal), how do you view your music I mean how do you label the genre you play?
I try not to get caught up in worrying about what specific genre of metal we fit into. It’s not worth the mental effort.
How would you define progressive metal?
“Progressive” is a bastardized term. If you think about it, if “progressive” means that which “progresses” (i.e. moves forward, changes, breaks new ground), then it is completely impossible to have a musical genre of that name, which exhibits defining and recognizable characteristics. If music is progressive, then by definition it should not sound like anything that has come before. So to have multiple bands, which have matching characteristics, all fit into a style called “progressive” is logically impossible.
I think that, because of this, “progressive rock” and “progressive metal” are really hard to define, and, as you’ve just illustrated, bands that sound nothing alike will get labeled “progressive.” The only common thread I see running through most music deemed progressive, is some degree of virtuosity or extra complexity. I think it is important to mention again that virtuosity and complexity do not equal progressive—if every band is complicated then none of them are progressing from or toward anything. All that said, it’s fine to have a term for virtuosic and complex music; I just think that “progressive” is ill-suited. But that is what people seem to mean when they use the word “progressive.”
Do you think it's O.K. to label music?
Yeah, it’s ok, but it is dangerous. Labeling music helps when making comparisons and discussing trends, but language should be used responsibly so that everyone can be on the same page and have meaningful and accurate terms with which to describe elements of music. I feel like many arguments about music stem from everyone have a different definition for a given term and not understanding how anyone could define such a term differently. If we can all agree on definitions for labels and terms, then everyone is on the same page and discussion can actually be insightful.
How do you see the future of metal music, nowadays there is the tendency to go beyond the limits of a specific genre, I’ve seen many bands which are mixing in their music a lot of genres , do you think is O.K. to have influences from various musical genres?
Of course, however going about making music with the intent of mixing specific genres is pretty lame and probably will not lead to anything unique or inspiring. You should just make the sounds you want to make and not over-analyze how they could be classified. It’s fine to do stuff like that for fun, but I would not take anything generated by that method very seriously.
You first material entitled? Arctopocalypse Now...Warmageddon later has been released last year (2003) what were the reactions to it?
Reactions have been fantastic! I have been really amazed at how into people seem to be. That recording is so old at this point though. I would love to have the new album out so people can hear how we have improved.
In a review made by Disagreement you were called the new progressive gods how do you comment this statement?
It is a totally extreme comment, although incredibly flattering.
Can you initiate the readers in the word universe created by your band, I mean can you explain the terms of: Arctopus, Arctopocalypse, Warmageddon, Alcoholocaust and can you tell what’s an Imperial Attack Space Turtle??
Arctopus:
Embryophyta (plants); Angiospermae (flowering plants); Eudicotyledons;
Order: Apiales; Family: Apiaceae; Genus: Arctopus
Arctopocalypse:
The revealing of the Arctopus
Warmageddon:
Combination of the words “war” and “Armageddon.” Implying Armageddon by means of war.
Alcoholocaust:
Holocaust via alcohol
Imperial Attack Space Turtle:
Nuclear space cyborgs, birthed from a firey womb in order to defend the Solar Federation.
The word games made by your band in the titles of the songs are very interesting, why haven’t you used a vocalist for your music?
Thanks. I do not think vocals are necessary for this band. There is enough else going on with the other instruments that adding a forth element would probably clutter things up.
Are there interesting bands in N.Y., can you recommend some?
Yeah, we like Orthrelm, Time of Orchids, Friendly Bears, Stay Fucked, PAK, Hotels, Touchdown in Petto.
Do you play often live? Name some bands with which you’ve shared the stage.
We do play live often. Shows are listed at beholdthearctopus.com. We’ve played with all of the above bands as well as Dysrhythmia, Hella, Cheer Accident, Upsilon Acrux, Pig Destroyer, Ty Braxton, Kayo Dot, Et At It, Psyopus, Snack Truck, Wolf Vs., and many others.
How often did you had the opportunity to play live, are there many concerts in your area , here a band does not have that much the possibility to play live because there aren’t too many concerts around?
We play every few weeks in NY and have done short tours with Snack Truck and Dysrhythmia. NYC has a million places to play and a ton of bands, so it has not been very hard to play out often. It’s an expensive place to live and have a band, but it is great in terms of playing shows.
Have you ever played outside N.Y.?
We have, but only in the north-eastern US.
What the future will bring new from Behold... The Arctopus?
The future is grim (but with a triumphant cast). We have a new EP, entitled “Nano-Nucleonic Cyborg Summoning” that will be out on vinyl this fall on Epicene Sound Systems, and on CD this winter on Vothoc/Troubleman Unlimited. We’re working on new material and will hopefully do some more lengthy touring in not too long.
Do you see your band active in 10 years?
Behold... The Arctopus is immortal.
An ending word?
He who beholds be holdin’ it.
Interview by Cătălin Carlaonţ, August 2004