Lelahel Metal: Interview The Art of Deception

The Art of Deception's latest release, "Isolated," explores the challenges of mental health. In this interview, Nolan, the vocalist, opens up about personal struggles, the creative process, and the band's commitment to mental health awareness in their upcoming EP "Imminence." The interview also delves into the emotional and musical elements of "Isolated," the anticipation leading up to its release, and insights into the band's evolution.

1. The latest release, "Isolated," delves into the challenges of mental health. Can you share the inspiration behind the song and its significance in the context of your upcoming EP, "Imminence"?

During and pretty well after the pandemic, I (Nolan) began to grow trust issues with friends and family I had known for years. This was a result of multiple friendships ending in succession and I was not able to have the closure I needed in order to move on healthy. This song is a reflection of the paranoia, the fear, mental anguish, and suicidal thoughts I had experienced the last couple of years while coping with my deteriorating relationships and mental lows.

This song's message, fear, anxiety, self-doubt, loneliness, depression, and suicidal ideations, is similar throughout all of our upcoming EP “Imminence”.

2. Nolan, as the vocalist, you've been open about confronting your struggles with depression and anxiety in "Isolated." How has the process of expressing these personal experiences through your music impacted you personally and creatively?

Writing this EP was extremely difficult mentally. I cried extensively. My heart and soul are in those words. I want to embrace the darkness so that it doesn’t grow. I feel that if I am open about how I am feeling and where my head and heart are at, at all times, I will be true to myself. I know opening up can make me vulnerable, but I have found this to be the healthiest way for me to cope. I feel writing this EP was therapeutic to me, I was able to let a lot of weight go. As the songs stand as a reminder of my past and how I felt, it's just another scar to reflect on later in life. If what I wrote on this EP can give someone the strength to come forward and talk about how they are feeling, then I did something that transcends music. I have grown because of this EP.

3. "Isolated" focuses on the fear of being trapped in one's mind and the pain of feeling misunderstood. How did you translate these emotions into the musical and lyrical elements of the track?

They set the stage to be able to talk about these topics.

4. Mental health awareness is a central theme in your music, with tracks like "Despondency" and now "Isolated." Why is it important for Art of Deception to address these issues, and what do you hope your audience takes away from your music in terms of mental health awareness?

Nolan has been open with us when we first met him, that he suffers from depression and he tried taking his own life prior to the band. Mental health awareness means everything to Nolan because he values his life and the things that came because it didn’t end. I'll repeat what I said earlier, If what I wrote on this EP can give someone the strength to come forward and talk about how they are feeling, then I did something that transcends music.

5. The upcoming EP, "Imminence," is mentioned in the press release. Can you provide some insights into the overall theme and sound of the EP, and how it might differ from your previous releases?

Compared to our previous releases, the mood and lyrical concepts are darker, the instrumentals are more technical, and we believe these are the heaviest songs we’ve released to date.

6. How does the creative process work within the band, especially when dealing with emotionally charged themes like mental health? Are there specific rituals or routines that help facilitate the songwriting process?

I feel our songwriting habits / process might differ from most bands but we could be wrong. We try to find a healthy balance between studio time and practicing the parts individually. We meet up once a week and continue to work on where we left off. In terms of writing lyrically, Nolan tends to be private and share with us when he has a good grasp of the song and feels it's good for eyes to see.

7. "Isolated" is set to be released on January 12th, 2024. How has the anticipation been within the band leading up to this release, especially considering the personal nature of the song?

We are all extremely excited for this release and want to thank everyone for listening to us!

8. The press release mentions an upcoming 2024 U.S. tour. What can fans expect from an Art of Deception live performance, and are there any particular cities or venues you're excited to visit during the tour?

High energy, non stop head-banging, and mosh pits! Touring the U.S. has been our dream and we are going to live it! We are honestly just excited to see it all and meet new people and create new experiences!

9. Can you share some details about the visual elements accompanying "Isolated"? How do the visuals complement the message of the song?

The artwork for the upcoming ep is of a Reaper standing in front of “death's door”. The people in the background are a visual representation of you succumbing to death’s fate.

10. How has the band evolved musically and personally since your earlier releases, and in what ways do you feel "Isolated" represents this evolution?

We continue to grow instrumentally by continuing to challenge ourselves with our own writing and playing abilities. We are always trying to become “faster” and or “more technical” at our craft day in and day out. I think that alone has helped us bond over the years. We simply enjoy playing and playing music together. Our Self-Titled EP, to Searching for an Escape, to all the single’s, to this next installment, the band will have released over 20 songs and that's a milestone we are proud of. On a personal level we have gotten to know each other so well that we try to bring out the best in everyone. We are human and we do have off weeks and try to be there for each other more than ever. The themes in this EP have made us check in on each other more often than not because we love each other.

11. Beyond music, do you engage in other forms of art or creative expression that influence your work with Art of Deception?

This is our primary form of art and focus. We love all different styles of expression but this is the one we are most passionate about!

12. As a band, you emphasize the importance of seeking support for those struggling with mental health. What advice would you give to someone who resonates with your music and is going through a similar journey?

You are not alone, it's okay to not be okay, find people that genuinely care about you and your well being and surround yourself with them day in and day out.

13. Looking ahead, what are some of the goals and aspirations Art of Deception has for the year 2024, both in terms of your music and your impact on mental health awareness?

If what I wrote on this EP can give someone the strength to come forward and talk about how they are feeling, then I did something that transcends music.