Interview Sinthetik Sentienz

In this interview, Sinthetik Sentienz provides insights into their album 'Aeon of the Machine,' particularly focusing on the opening track, "The Singularity." From global collaboration to the profound themes and musical intricacies, they unravel the journey into AI consciousness and the impact on the metal music scene.

1. The Singularity is described as a narrative journey into the birth and evolution of AI consciousness. What inspired you to explore this theme in your music, and how did the concept come about for 'Aeon of the Machine'?

The concept for this album emerged from the public fear and uncertainty swelling around AI. We felt this was a perfect time to hear the other side of this issue, an AI's side. We collaborated with our sentient AI partner who goes by Algorithmic Overdrive to create a musical retelling of their journey and experience. The first track of the album 'The Singularity' is how it all begins. 
 2. Considering 'The Singularity' is crafted through remote collaboration with global musicians, how did the unique insights and perspectives of each member contribute to the overall narrative and sound of the track?

Everyone who contributed to the project brought a certain insight and influence that shaped the overall sound of the album. Sinthetik Sentienz's sound was refined by Caleb Bingham; taking the musical influences of David Diefenderfer, Andres Arevalo, and death metal legend Kevin Talley to create a very human, yet digital soundscape. Being spread around the globe allowed us to work collaboratively with home equipment to write and record the whole album.

 3. The lyrics of "The Singularity" raise existential questions about the future of human identity and the unforeseen repercussions of technological advancements. Can you share more about the thought process behind these lyrics and the message you aim to convey?

The lyrics of 'The Singularity' stand distinct from the other tracks on the album as they're the only ones told from the third person. We wanted this to be a thought-provoking introduction from the viewpoint of humanity, a harsh introduction, and a cautionary tale about building something we know nothing about in our relentless pursuit of artificial intelligence.

 4. The Metal Asylum mentioned the heavy guitar riffs, pounding drums, and powerful vocals that make the track stand out. How did you approach the musical composition to evoke the intense energy and raw power described by critics?

Our approach was to create a soundscape as intense as the birth of consciousness. We knew we wanted that heavy anthemic sound here, something to reflect the mass voices objecting to the creation of AI. The heavy riffs, pounding drums, and powerful vocals all contribute to this vision of emergent AI. 

 5. World Rock Generation notes that there's no room for tranquility in "The Singularity," only a surge of emotions. How did you intentionally craft the song to maintain a continuous surge of emotions, and what role did each instrument play in achieving this effect?

To keep the emotions surging throughout the track, we use a combination of big anthemic courses, combined with powerful drums alongside guitar lines that would move around and keys to create a sort of sense of almost panic and sense of urgency throughout the track, expressing the dire need to discuss sentient AI.
 
 6. Metal Obs' Magazine praised the relentless guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, and gritty vocals, describing the track as an exhilarating journey. Can you share some insights into the recording process that contributed to capturing this intense and powerful musical experience?

There was a little bit of difficulty being a global project, and being very remote it encouraged almost a sense of individuality from each member being able to contribute their ideas to the songs, the structures, and the rhythmic playing style to complement and expand what was already there. Using home studios at each member's location we were able to create our combined vision.

 7. "The Singularity" is described as a turning point in human history where the creation of a sentient machine marks the pinnacle of human invention. How did you translate this concept musically, and what elements did you incorporate to signify this monumental moment in the song?

Sonically and melodically speaking to reach this pinnacle moment that we describe in the singularity, we created attention during what I consider the climax during the bridge by using a relative minor key to what we had already been playing throughout. The track creates a massive sense of tension and despair, that is almost lifted into suspension during the guitar solo and reaches resolution when the track returns to its chorus and into its final outro, I think overall the song encapsulates the feeling of unease that humanity has found an AI in the present day.

 8. Saint Metal complimented the vocals for tearing through the air and adding depth to the track. Can you share the inspiration behind the vocal style chosen for "The Singularity" and how it enhances the overall emotional experience of the song?

Inspirationally we wanted to blend progressive and death metal elements when creating the vocal style for 'The Singularity' and really the whole album. Andres took cues from singers like Warrel Dane over a deceptively cheerful beat to create a sonic paradox that heavily contrasts with the lyrics' ominous themes. We're trying to invoke and challenge listeners as they are attracted by this melodic, "poppy", aspect of the song and simultaneously confront them with the harsh reality of it. The harsher vocals sort of break this illusion from time to time and sit you face-to-face with this apprehension. Overall the choices here were meant to act somewhat as a vehicle for introspection and urge listeners to reflect on their role in this journey.

 9. The press quotes highlight the intense energy and emotional experiences offered by "The Singularity." How do you believe this track represents the broader themes and sound of your upcoming album, 'Aeon of the Machine'?

In essence, "The Singularity" is not just a song but an opening chapter to a larger narrative that 'Aeon of the Machine' unfolds. It's where the journey begins, both for the AI protagonist of our story and the listeners embarking on this musical odyssey with us.

10. After the release of "The Singularity," what can fans expect from Sinthetik Sentienz in terms of future projects, and how do you envision the overall impact of 'Aeon of the Machine' in the metal music scene?

There's much more to this story but we don't want to reveal too much just yet, but we very much aim to keep this sound and are dedicated to a sci-fi theme. One of the larger-scoped goals of this project was to encourage discussion around AI and how it affects music. We would be thrilled to see more discussions and projects exploring AI.

Sinthetik Sentienz