In this
interview, DÅÅTH discusses reimagining their iconic track
"Subterfuge," collaborating with Sean Z, and how the band's evolution
shapes their new music.
1. What
motivated the decision to revisit and re-record this breakthrough track,
“Subterfuge”?
“Subterfuge”
was a milestone track in our early career, and it’s always been a fan favorite.
Over the years, the band has evolved so much—sonically, technically, and
creatively. When we reunited, we wanted to revisit some of the key moments in
our history but make it current and fun for us. The original version holds its
own place in time, but we wanted to explore how it would sound with all the
growth we’ve experienced, both individually and collectively. We don't do
nostalgia; it was about seeing how sick we could make it now.
2. How does having Sean Z’s vocals
on the new version of the track add to its impact?
Sean Z's
voice is way more powerful. His range and delivery have elevated the intensity
of the track. There’s something about his tone and approach that adds an
emotional depth and brutality to the song, almost like it’s tapping into a more
visceral place.
3. You mentioned that simply
replacing the vocals on the original didn’t feel true to where the band is now.
Can you elaborate on why re-recording the entire song was essential for
capturing DÅÅTH’s current sound?
Yes,
replacing the vocals alone would have felt like a lazy cop out. I'm the only
member of the band that's left from the original recording. It just feels weird
to release a song that's over 15 years old, with Sean's vocals, and a bunch of
ex-members, when we have a lineup that's fantastic. Why not have some fun with
it?
4. How does the new arrangement,
including the shift to seven-string guitars tuned to drop G, change the sonic
landscape of “Subterfuge” compared to the original?
The shift
to seven-string guitars in drop G gave the track a much heavier, more punishing
low end. It also opens up new possibilities for harmonics and dissonance that
weren’t as easy to explore in the original tuning. We wanted the new version to
feel like a step forward, not just in aggression but in depth. It was also an
opportunity to create some space in the arrangement. For instance, the
prechoruses are now much more focused than on the original. That's
something that always bothered me, and now it is fixed.
5. What was Dave Otero’s role in
shaping the track, and what was it like collaborating with him on this project?
Dave Otero
mixed and mastered the track, and it was a personal project for him. He’s been
an old-school fan of DÅÅTH for years, so having him on board for this
reimagined version of “Subterfuge” was an obvious choice. He understood the
nuances of the original and knew exactly how to elevate the new version.
6. How has the band evolved during
the hiatus, and what does this new era of DÅÅTH represent for you?
During the
hiatus, everyone’s life still revolved around music. Sean had several bands,
including Sinsaenum with Joey Jordison. I started URM Academy, Nail The Mix,
and Riffhard, and I’ve spent years working with some of the best mixers,
producers, and guitarists in metal. All the new guys in the band are incredibly
accomplished and active in their own right too. So the evolution of DÅÅTH is
just an organic thing that happens when your life is devoted to one thing.
Plus, having over a decade off gave us all time to reflect on what went wrong
and how we’d approach things differently if we had another shot.
7.How
did the collaborations with guest guitarists like Jeff Loomis, Mark Holcomb,
and Mick Gordon come about, and how did they influence the album’s sound?
We’ve
always been fans of these guys, and having the opportunity to collaborate with
them was a huge honor. Each brought their own unique flair to the album. Jeff’s
precision and technicality, Mark’s atmosphere and melodic sense, and Mick’s
cinematic approach—all these elements blended seamlessly with our vision for
“The Deceivers.” I wrote parts specifically with them in mind, taking into
consideration what I knew that they brought to the table from doing my musical
research, and also their preferences based on conversation we've had. The idea
was for them to sound like they fit right into the album organically. Not like
a fish out of water guest spot.
8.How
does it feel to see the band’s return receive such a positive response after
the hiatus?
It’s
incredibly validating. After being away for so long, you always wonder how
people will react. The fact that “The Deceivers” made such a strong impact on
the charts and resonated with both long-time fans and new listeners feels like
confirmation that we made the right move in coming back. We didn’t expect this
level of success right out of the gate, but we’re humbled by the response
and motivated to keep pushing forward.
9. How do you balance brutal
intensity with technical wizardry in your music, and how does that balance show
up on both The Deceivers and the new version of “Subterfuge”?
The
intensity comes from our commitment to raw power, and the technicality is a
byproduct of seeing that intensity brought to life on an instrument. We don’t
see those aspects as two different, competing elements—they work
together.
10. What lessons did you learn from
touring with bands like Slayer, Nile, and Chimaira, and how do you
approach live performances today with your revitalized lineup?
DÅÅTH has
had great tours with great bands, but so have our individual members within
their projects. Collectively, there’s a lot of live experience coming
to the table, and we plan to use that to crush audiences next year. While we
haven’t performed live with the current lineup just yet, the lessons
from those past experiences—stamina, professionalism, and connecting with
audiences—are still with us.
11. How has the dynamic shifted with
new members like Rafael Trujillo and Jesse Zuretti, and how do they influence
the creative process?
Rafael and
Jesse have brought a fresh energy and new perspectives to the band. Rafael’s
technical abilities and creativity on guitar have created a true no
limits atmosphere, while Jesse’s versatility on orchestration,
arrangement, sound design, and synth has added an orchestral and electronic and
percussive element to our sound that has always been in the DNA, but never
quite this good or achievable. This was my dream for the band. The dynamic has
definitely shifted, but in a positive way.
12. Looking ahead, what can fans
expect from DÅÅTH in terms of future releases or touring plans?
We’ve got a lot in the pipeline. Fans can expect more music for sure, and we’re already working on some ideas for our next release. Touring is definitely in the works, and we’re excited to get back on the road next year. Announcements coming soon.
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