By: Chris Stead
Type O Negative is a band that has quite a history and is a name known by many in the goth and metal scenes. Known most distinctly for their early nineties hits “Black No. 1″ and “Christian Woman,” they have grown far from those quirky 10-minute songs. Over the past 14 post-Bloody-Kisses-release years, the band has grown and changed quite a bit. With some inner turmoil as well as the effect of time, thier mindset seems to be significantly different now than ever before.
The new album was developed in light of the band’s struggles including spiritual growth, life and substance abuse. Through all of their difficulties, Type O Negative has managed to fully maintain their dark sense of humor, which still shines through from the name of their new album “Dead Again,” the cover art, and how they present the lyrics of their songs. Thankfully through everything, the band still finds a way to laugh and share that with others, in their own way.
Gothic Angst Webzine (GAW): Tell us about the focus of the new album.
Johnny Kelley (JK): There really wasn’t any concept or agenda when we got together to begin the writing process for the new cd. As with every cd we’ve made in the
past, our only goal was to make the best possible record we could.
GAW: What are the lyrics about?
JK: The lyrics are basically about failed relationships, chemical abuse and
spirituality.
GAW: Is there a story behind the album and its message?
JK: Each song is it’s own story. It’s more sharing experiences than it is
relaying a message.
GAW: Having heard one song from the new album, the sound is very different from previous albums. Is this album a departure from the sound of previous albums?
JK: Dead Again is more of a culmination of everything we’ve done on
previous cd’s and I think that it’s given it its own identity.
GAW: What kind of musical direction is this album taking?
JK: I think that this cd has more of a jamming element on it than previous ones. It seems to me that our earlier influences are more prevalent on this one.
GAW: What is the meaning behind the title of the new album?
JK: It’s a play with words like we’ve done in the past. Seriously, how
could one be dead again?
GAW: Dead Again is being released on SPV. What made Type O Negative switch away from Roadrunner Records?
JK: When Life Is Killing Me was released in 2003, we had fulfilled our contract with Roadrunner. We spoke with Roadrunner about the possibility of resigning with them. We also met with other labels and felt that SPV would be the best place for us.
GAW: What are the plans with regard to a support tour for Dead Again?
JK: The US tour begins on March 28th in Providence, RI and runs until May 8th. After that, we’re heading to Europe for a 5 week tour which will include a number of festival appearances as well as our own headlining shows. I’m not really sure what touring plans we’ll have after the European tour. I’m certain that we’ll definitely do something around Halloween in the states like we’ve done in the past.
We’ll all be looking forward to the Halloween show. Unfortunately those of us on the west coast generally miss out on all of the fun since it is across the states from us. For more information about Type O Negative or to hear music from their new album check out the following sites:
Type O Negative Official Website
Type O Negatice on MySpace
