Hi again readers, time for another Winter’s Wake band interview!

As I’ve been saying, with so many people to talk to, I tried to keep these short and sweet. Just long enough for you (the reader) to get a bit of a lesson about each band’s history, to learn a little about where they came from and what they’re doing now, so that you can be as excited about seeing all of them this weekend!

Here’s what Vince Verkay, drummer for Evoken had to say…

VOS: Hi there, thanks so much for talking to me today! How are you?

VV: A bit stressed from daily everyday life having its way with me by building one problem after the next without any end in sight. Other than that, looking forward to this weekend and letting some of this stress go.

VOS: Would you mind introducing yourself for the readers?

VV: Sure, my name is Vince and I am the drummer of Evoken.

VOS: I’ve seen the words “death-doom” and “funeral doom” thrown around a lot, but in your own words, how exactly do YOU describe your band to someone who’s never heard your music?

VV: It really depends on whom that person is. If it’s someone who is familiar with metal or any form of underground metal I would describe us as doom/death. For an individual who is completely outside the realm of metal I tend to describe us as the musical representation of anger, hatred, sadness and the negative side of life. Then, I’ll tend to begin naming some bands or songs they maybe familiar with that MAY be close to our arrangements.

VOS: I understand the name Evoken was taken from a song by Thergothon, who I assume you’d also say has been a big influence on your band. What are some of the other influences that have shaped your sound over the years?

VV: There are many bands throughout the musical spectrum that have influenced us. From bands like Winter, Dead Can Dance, Portishead, Bathory, Celtic Frost, Hellhammer, Autopsy, The Beatles, Hawkwind, Black Sabbath, Paradise Lost (old), Pink Floyd, Rush, Lustmord, Lycia, The Cure, Monumentum, various classical music, various music from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, Type O Negative, folk, blues, trance…..the list is endless really.

VOS: I know the band has been around for quite some time now, although it seems like many people have just discovered you within the last year after your Profound Lore debut. Can you briefly describe some of that previous history, please?

VV: It’s extensive, so this is really the shortened version. We started in 1992, with our first release coming in 1994. We have 5 full-lengh releases, 2 EPs, 3 contributions to tribute albums, a flexi-disc covering Paradise Lost with various demos in between. We’ve toured Europe in some capacity twice, various cities throughout the US, and Canada once. Our biggest shows were at Roadburn Festival, Firebox Metalfest, Decibel tour as well as their 100th edition show. As well as some incredible shows in between.

VOS: Atra Mors has landed on quite a few best of 2012 lists from various magazines and websites. Were you at all surprised at the reception for the album?

VV: We were surprised by the number of positive reviews and the influx of new fans that continues as we speak. We felt quite confident in the music, so we never had any doubt that our fans would enjoy it, but we did not expect this type of reaction. Our albums have always received positive reviews to some extent, but has surpassed those albums in every way when it comes to the attention it has garnered.

VOS: What can we expect in the future from you guys, any plans for working on new material?

VV: We have quite a number of big shows lined up over the summer, and we’ll continue to look into shows large and small all over the world really. We do intend on working on new material at some point, but that will only happen when we can completely concentrate on writing. Once we finish playing live in support of Atra Mors, we will sit down and focus our attention on new music.

VOS: And finally, is there someone else playing at Winter’s Wake that you especially look forward to seeing?

VV: Dream Death, Derketa, as well as all the bands really. Some I have heard, some I have not. Either way, I’m looking forward to the entire festival. So, if you’re attending make sure to arrive early to check out the opening bands. They deserve just as much attention as the headliners.

VOS: We will look forward to seeing YOU on Saturday, and thank you again for taking the time to do this!

VV: We look forward to playing for everyone. The end draws ever closer.

 
More Evoken: Facebook, Myspace, webstore (CDs, LPs, t-shirts)

Evoken are playing at Winter’s Wake on Saturday, 23 February 2013, at 6119 (6119 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh).

View the full line-up of the festival here, RSVP to the Facebook event here, and get your advance tickets here: Friday only, Saturday only, 3-Day Pass.