Lelahel Metal: Interview Paroxysmal

Paroxysmal, born as a solo project in 2007, evolved into a formidable force in "Unrelenting Brutal Death Metal." Founder Tim Bee, guitarist Ryan Boesch, drummer Billy, and producer/guitarist Josh Alvarado delve into the band's origins, musical evolution, and the unique elements shaping their intense live experience. Discover their DIY ethos, geographic influences in San Diego, and a sneak peek into their future endeavors, including a 5th album and EPs.

1. Can you tell us about the origins of Paroxysmal and how the band came together back in 2007?

I started it as a solo project, released the Supreme Revulsion demo in 2011 just to put all my material “out there”, and that’s when Josh and our original drummer Nacho joined.

2. "Unrelenting Brutal Death Metal" is a powerful description of your music. What influences and inspirations led to the development of this intense sound?

Originally, hatred was the inspiration for the band. The music was a representation of hatred for everything and everyone, I was young and full of vigor, you see. Eventually, you just stop caring, and that hatred becomes indifference, peppered with feelings of annoyance and mild disgust.

3. Tim Bee, as the mastermind, vocalist, and songwriter of the band, can you share some insights into your creative process when crafting the lyrics and music for Paroxysmal?

I just like writing heavy music. Death metal vocals have always been my favorite aspect of the genre, and doing them is really fun. I write music so I can put my vocals to it.

4. Sensei Josh Alvarado, you handle live guitars and serve as the producer of the band. How do you strike a balance between your roles as a musician and a producer to create the trademark Paroxysmal sound?

When producing a Paroxysmal record, it’s equals parts practicing the music, and producing it. When it comes time to mix, I drop the practicing part, and focus on creating a soundscape appropriate to how the music should sound.

5. Ryan Boesch, as the lead guitarist, what techniques and approaches do you employ to achieve your signature shredding style, and how does it contribute to the band's overall sound?

As far as techniques mainly being used there is a combination of relentlessly fast alternate picking interspersed with pinch harmonics and complex heavy rhythm sections made up of everything from dissonant chords to fast tremolo picking parts and sweep picking. My approach is to play extremely fast while staying precise, so I think that contributes to the overall sound.

6. Billy, The Boy, is the percussive mastermind behind Paroxysmal's intense rhythms. Can you shed light on your drumming style and how it shapes the band's relentless and groovy energy?

I take what Tim writes for me, then I add in some John Longstreth ditties, and that’s a wrap.

7. Paroxysmal has been a part of the metal scene for over a decade. How has the band evolved musically and personally since its inception?

It was Death Grind in the beginning, now we play music that’s a lot more fun to listen to, in my opinion anyway. There’s a lot more going on. The early stuff was fun to jam, just limited.

8. Your music is often described as leaving listeners "sweaty, disoriented, soiled, wanting more." How do you aim to create such an intense live experience for your audience?

We play our music, if you want to get sweaty and mosh, and have fun, do it. If you want to stand there, with your arms crossed, do it.

9. San Diego, California, isn't typically associated with Brutal Death Metal. How has your geographic location influenced your music and your place in the metal scene?

It has great bands, there’s really talented musicians out here, making music. We rely on our fans in other cities to show up and party. L.A. and basically anywhere in Arizona is great for metal; we focus our energy on those places.

10. Paroxysmal is known for its aggressive vocal perversity. Tim, can you share some insights into your vocal techniques and how you maintain such intensity during live performances?

I’ve always had a big voice, I think I found my niche doing extreme vocals. You’re encouraged to be loud and abrasive, which I am.

11. What are some of the challenges and rewards of being an independent band in the metal genre, especially in terms of recording, promotion, and touring?

We do almost everything ourselves, which is great. Not having to rely on anyone is nice. We produce our tunes in house, we promote in house, and we don’t tour, so that’s not a concern. The labels we work with release hard copies of our albums, and promote for us, as well, so that’s cool.

12. Sensei Josh Alvarado, as the producer, how do you approach the studio environment to capture the raw power and energy that defines Paroxysmal's music?

I start with a clean, comfortable environment and slowly ease into it. I make sure that the musician is good, not hungry or experiencing anything that will get in the way of getting good takes. If it’s not happening, I’ll send them home and reschedule for another day. My goal is to get the best possible takes possible.

13. Ryan Boesch, can you tell us about your favorite guitar gear and how it contributes to your unique sound within the band?

The combination of equipment I use definitely helps to contribute to the overall sound. My current setup (which is my favorite) is an ESP USA guitar with EMGX pick ups and an Engl Fireball 100 amp paired with a maxon OD808, boss tuner, and boss ns2 pedal. My ESP USA is set up with 56-10 gauge strings with medium-low action which, in my opinion, helps with the aggressive picking and style of music. The EMGx pickups are high output with clarity that articulate individual strings especially well. The Maxon pedal helps tighten up the bass frequency of the Engl while also enhancing the mid-range and helps add an extra push to the gain while not sacrificing clarity. The equipment combination definitely contributes to the overall tone.