California metalcore band Scoundrel releases a new colossal, fast-paced experience, "Ides Of March," showing off a more bombastic, gravid, and intense sound than ever previously done.
California has always been known for its great talent when it comes to the scene, emerging or otherwise established. If we look into the heart of Fresno, often known as "Grizzly City," California's metalcore band Scoundrel would be founded in October 2018. Regional touring group Scoundrel has performed on stages with renowned acts like Carnifex, Oceano, Left to Suffer, Alesana, Nonpoint, and many more. Adding to their list of credentials Scoundrel would release singles "La Bruja," "Skeleton Crew," and the Dead EP to jumpstart their path forward in the emerging metalcore scene.
"Ides of March" is dealing with a story/song about cold mountains, giants, and a man’s will to free his people and be king. I’ve always had an interest in the Middle Ages, and the fantasy and lore that came from that period, storytelling is one of my favorite ways to write lyrics, so when I heard the hard hitting fast paced instruments for the song I knew I had to put the two together so it was something as epic as they were." Cody Jeffers (Vocals)
Now the band kicks things up a notch with their new single experience, "Ides Of March." The massive, frantic, and crushing soundscapes in "Ides of March" is designed to stimulate and get the listener's heart racing. An epic struggle between a man and fearsome giants over a lengthy period is the subject of this tale. Exceptional breakdowns, a shredding guitar solo, infectious rhythms, and furious screaming vocals complemented by soaring, melodic choruses are all present in this song, showing the band's growth as artists. If you thought you knew Scoundrel, this searing new energy proves they are just getting started.
What made Scoundrel what it was? What made you guys want to develop this band?
Steffen Clark (Bass): Scoundrel was initially supposed to be a "HEAVY Nu-Metal'' cover band that ended up turning into an original Metal project. We felt our style of metal provided a good mixture of metal sub-genres, as well as incorporating a nostalgic sound with a modern twist. The fact each song tells a different story that is so relatable and it resonates with our fans live, it's a constant motivator for us as a band.
What are your musical influences? How did those take effect for your new single, "Ides Of March?"
Chris Bradburd (Drums): A big part of Scoundrel is the chemistry we obtain through our musical influences. Bands like Lamb of God, Gojira, and Killswitch Engage to name a few. With "Ides", I'd like to think that we did a good job of harnessing all of our styles and influences, staying unique, and not falling under such heavy plagiarism. As a band, we aspire to create music that makes us feel how we did when we first heard all of our favorites, and I believe with our release of "Ides of March", you get a full taste of where we come from and where we're headed.
How was this creative process different from anything you have experienced in any other release? I know the last time we spoke "La Bruja," and since then "Skeleton Crew" and EP Dead have been significant releases up to this point.
Eric Gutierrez (Guitar)- Just like with most Scoundrel songs, the instrumental was written back in 2015/16 for my old band and was molded just a bit to fit the Scoundrel sound. I really aim to push my boundaries with each song I write and this one challenged me with its intensity and non-stop energy. I remember my left-hand cramping in the early stages of learning this song, and now playing it is second nature.
Regarding the video; this is our biggest project to date. We wrote out an entire screenplay for it because we really wanted to; again, push our boundaries and our capabilities. From the storyline to filming, to the logistics with the 30-something people involved, to editing, and ultimately, the PUSH once the video was released, we really stepped out of our comfort zones and did things that we had never done before. I’m incredibly proud of us as a band for successfully pulling this off.
Lyrically speaking, what is "Ides of March" dealing with? Can we talk about that? It's a story that deals with a millennia-long battle for land against terrifying giants. What made you guys want to talk about this?
Cody Jeffers (Vocals) - "Ides of March" is dealing with a story/song about cold mountains, giants, and a man’s will to free his people and be king. I’ve always had an interest in the Middle Ages, and the fantasy and lore that came from that period, storytelling is one of my favorite ways to write lyrics, so when I heard the hard hitting fast paced instruments for the song I knew I had to put the two together so it was something as epic as they were.
What is next for Scoundrel?
Steffen Clark (Bass): Next for Scoundrel, we are releasing a few singles/videos in the new year. Possibly as soon as February *fingers crossed*. We are working with producer Cody Fuentes (SPITE), at Rapture Recordings on this next single. Our "DEAD" EP and "Ides of March" single was mixed/mastered by Fuentes, so it was an easy decision to just go back and do it again. Also expect us to be on the road ALOT more this next year, now that COVID is gone! (or so they say).