I’m almost embarrassed by how often I have to compare a band to POISON THE WELL when writing music reviews. It’s not so much that so many metalcore bands truly sound like the aforementioned, but that POISON THE WELL’s sound is so deeply entrenched into the unconscious of hardcore kids all around the country and world. With the release of their truly epic, “Opposite of December” kids have been hooked on this band like candy ever since. Their latest opus, “Tear From the Red” has shown tremendous growth in the band’s songwriting skills and musical direction, and has opened a large gateway for this band to be accepted by the mainstream metal scene. With their recent signing to Velvet Hammer/Atlantic Records, one can only guess that the future will be even bigger and brighter for these guys. Although this is not quite the in-depth, in-person interview that I’ve been waiting for, I was able to get a few questions answered by email (in mid April) that I think do a pretty good job in piquing the band’s current mindset.

Pastepunk: It’s quite obvious on your new disc, “Tear From the Red,” that the band had a lot more time to develop their songwriting skills and create more complex, intense songs instead of the more “reckless abandon” material on “Opposite of December.” What were some highlights and low periods in writing this disc?

PTW: I can’t say there were any low points. The highlights were writing new music that we were confident was our best material yet. That excitement is a large portion of what keeps us, or at least me, going.

Pastepunk: With all of the buzz that has surrounded the band of late (well…i suppose the last 2 years, heh), has the extra attention distorted the band’s original intentions at all? Do you feel that your constantly under pressure?

PTW: It definitely has NOT distorted our intentions. We care about writing music that is both new and exciting to us. We pay no attention to what anybody else wants. It’s about us walking out of practice feeling good about what we wrote. I can’t say the pressure has any affect on us really. I think we all feel a bit pressured sometimes because we know there will be people out there judging us, but it doesn’t alter what we do.

Pastepunk: You guys have been on some huge tours late, especially the dates with HATEBREED. From what I understand you’ll be hitting the road w/both STRUNG OUT and GLASSJAW in the near future. Has the road been kind to you lately? What intrigues about the future?

PTW: The road has been incredible. I think these are some of the best times we have ever had. The 5 of us, plus our friends that come on tour with us, have spent so much time together in our little van, it’s incredible. As long as we enjoy playing with each other touring will always be a great experience. The future? Touring, touring, touring… I’m stoked.

Pastepunk: It seems as if Trustkill Records grows in size as does POISON THE WELL – please describe your relationship with label owner, Josh, and the overall “Trustkill” family?

PTW: Josh (Trustkill) and everyone there is great. We have both done so much for each other. We enjoy working with him.

Pastepunk: I can’t fathom why everyone mentions THE DEFTONES in comparison to “Tear From the Red.” Do you at all see a connection in the vocals? Do you think it’s just ridiculous overall?

PTW: I think the main thing people notice is the mixture of both heavy and melodic elements. I don’t think Jeff and Chino sound anything alike, but who knows maybe some people do. I respect them both as vocalists.

Pastepunk: A lot of people, including myself see POISON THE WELL as a milestone band in the “metalcore” genre – however, all music essentially is born from some kind of influences. What was one band that you constantly kept in your mind as something to look up to?

PTW: For me, it is the Deftones. They are my all time favorite band and have been since I was 14. Their ability to create thick, intense music that is all encompassing blows me away. Their sense of melody is what draws me to them. It’s not really poppy, bubble-gum melody. It’s that huge, low, churning pit-of-your-stomach beauty that no one else can match. On top of that, they disregard any and all notions of what other people think/want their band to be. They write what they want.

Pastepunk: With HATEBREED landing on a major and putting out a record that ultimately is going to sell extremely well – do you reflect on how hardcore, specially, in the more metal styles, could embrace a more widespread audience? Is this something you guys feel you can accomplish?

PTW: Whatever. I’m not worried about it. Sure it would be great to reach that many people, but that’s not the reason we play music. I think it is possible though yes. Sure it sounds cheesy, but anything is possible really.

Pastepunk: Whose bright idea was it to stick an acoustic song in the middle of a purely-ass-kicking-off-the-hook-in-energy-and-rage album? (and I mean that in the nicest way!)

PTW: All of ours. We just thought it’d be great to slap it right in the middle as opposed to the end of the record where most would think it would go. I think Jeffrey did an incredible job on it, we are very proud.

Pastepunk: Define happiess for yourself – then tell me if you are happy. If not, what will it take to get to that state?

PTW: Fuck yeah I am happy. I’m playing music and connecting with people. I couldn’t ask for much more than this. As far as a definition goes…happiness to me is waking up in the morning and simply being happy. I do whatever I have to do to wake up feeling good about what I am doing with my life. I could never settle for something. If I wasn’t happy, I’d probably try to kick out early or something hahahaha.

Pastepunk: Any final comments?

PTW: Thanks for the interview. Listen to Refused. Thats about it.