Portland, Oregon gothic-metal masters Unto Others dropped their new album Strength via Roadrunner Records on Friday. Produced and mixed by Arthur Rizk, Strength is a genuine album-of-the-year contender, that has been receiving widespread praise from fans and critics alike.
The metal press has been passionate in their praise for Strength, Decibel affirmed “it’s obvious that Unto Others are aiming high. Lucky for us, they have the songs to back it up,” while Metal Hammer declared Unto Others “the underground's next breakout band.”, “For a metal album that will define 2021, look no further,” raved SPIN with Heaviest of Art proclaiming, “With this album, Unto Others takes a bold and dangerous step towards stadiums everywhere.”
At Maniacs, we think it is the finest gothic-metal/rock crossover album in recent memory, a genuine stunner with the potential to bring gothic-metal back to prominence.
In the lead up to the release of Strength we were fortunate enough to pick Unto Others brains, getting them to go deep on goth culture, inspiration, creativity, their visual presentation and touring with King Diamond.
Both Unto Others aesthetic and sound seem to indicate a keen interest and love for goth metal and goth culture. This has lead to people comparing you to the likes of Type O Negative and Sisters Of Mercy, we're curious are those the touchpoints that inspired Unto Others or does the influence come from elsewhere?
I’m honestly not a massive Goth aficionado, but I do appreciate most of what I’ve heard. I’m a massive Stephen King fan and have dabbled with HP Lovecraft and Poe as well. Movie wise, never been a big horror fan, but there are a few that stand out.
Sisters of Mercy – 'First And Last And Always', Cradle Of Filth - 'Midian', 'Cruelty And The Beast', 'Dusk And Her Embrace, 'The Principle Of Evil Made Flesh'. Heroes Del Silencio - 'Senderos De Traicion', Stephen King - 'Salems Lot', 'The Long Walk', 'Misery', 'Pet Sematary', 'Cujo'. HP Lovecraft - 'At The Mountains Of Madness'. In film my favourites are more horror/thriller, Scream, The Descent, Signs and Penny Dreadful.
That's an interesting list that really showcases that it is not just music that inspires an artist. Can you go a little deeper on what else has influenced Unto Others’ sound and general aesthetic?
Movies, television, film, literature. The stuff I listed above and so much more. My favourite movies are the Lord Of The Rings trilogy, Gladiator, Predator, The Terminator, The Matrix. I grew up watching a ton of the Simpsons and that’s like half my personality. I also loved playing games like Pokémon, Diablo II, Final Fantasy, the scores in those games are so impressive musically, most people would write them off but there’s much to learn from there.
We are absolutely loving the film clips from Strength, how did you decide on the overall visual that brings the music to life?
Brock Grossl was the main man there, He directed and did a great job. I am not a big cinematography dude, I generally just ask him to make us look cool!
What was it like to tour with King Diamond? Was he someone you listened to growing up?
"Yes, I think my buddies showed me 'Them'and 'Abigail' when we were about 16 years old, I remember jamming that stuff every weekend with the guys who would later become my bandmates in my old band Spellcaster, so it was a trip going from this person being so larger than life, to straight tangible right in front of you complimenting your music. I am grateful for the opportunity we had a blast".
What are some other bands you are listening to right now? They can be new or well-loved favourites?
I’m really enjoying Cemetery Echo from Buffalo, New York right now. They are pretty much completely unknown but their music is great. I have been rocking a lot of Rush, Eternal Champion, Tribulation, Tom Petty, The Highwaymen, Poison Idea, the list goes on, anything with some attitude.
Strength is out now via Roadrunner Records.
Buy Unto Others - Strength in the Maniacs store now.
Listen to Unto Others - Strength now.
