Some time ago The End released their new album Elementary through Relapse Records and I had the honour to review it. A mail-interview could be arranged as well, so of course I took the opportunity to do so. My questions were kindly answered by guitarist/lyricist Andrew Hercules.

 

For those who don't know you guys, could you introduce yourselves to our readers?

’We are five dudes Aaron, Anthony, Steve, Sean and Andrew that when put together make a Voltron like entity known as The End.’

The previous album, Within Dividia, was far more hectic and chaotic than the  new one. Elementary has more eye for songwriting, was a this a decision that was made by the band or a just a natural process?

’Every part of the songwriting process is decision making so I would have to say yes. We've certainly never been one of the bands that casually write songs. It's very serious and so we all knew what direction we were moving in, that's the only way it could work and sound proper.’

 Is this also the reason that there are more melodic vocals on the Elementary than before?

’Well, now that you've heard the album what would be the point of not having clean vocals to me it seems nonsensical. It's just brings so much more diversity to the music, much like what happened with the instrumentation.’

Do you guys have any European touring plans soon?

’Yeah we're definitely going to be there before the end of the summer. I'm not sure if things are confirmed so I won't say exactly what, but definitely we'll be there for something.’

I witnessed you show in Holland quite some time ago; does your bass player still run through the crowd every now and then?

‘Sean Dooley is a classic individual if you ask him nicely or bring him a coffee, I'm sure he would be more than happy to oblige your request.’

You seem to sympathise for the Skate For Cancer cause, do you care to explain why exactly?

’Most specifically Sean's Dad passed away from cancer about 4 years ago; it was a really emotional time and we all felt the repercussion of the events. There's no reason not to care.’

There's an interesting story in the 'About The End' part on your MySpace, care to explain what modernity exactly means to you guys?

’It means we're dated. Ha ha. It's rhetoric, that supposes we are a product of the times. I just go along with it.’

How do you predict 'the end' will happen?

’Man has displayed incredible resilience. I would have to lean more towards a man-made disaster followed by a slow fade into eternity as the species whines down.’

’Simplicity/The Ideal and Humanity. Those are some of the consistent themes in the album.’

How have the responses about Elementary been in general?

’Mostly great, all of the people and musicians we respect have been genuinely impressed and excited for our band. That's all that matters to me.’

 In movies, who do you prefer; Arnold Schwarzenegger or Sylvester Stallone? Motivation?

’Schwarzenegger, there is something about his acting that at the same time as being so earnest and selfless, it's just beyond hilarious. He's one of a kind. I was watching the commentary to Conan the Barbarian the other day and I pretty much died of a comedy overdose.’

 Do you have anything else to add to this interview?

 ‘A lick of the lips followed by a devilish grin, see you on the road.’