Interview with Impending Doom guitarist Manny Contreras

Christian Death-Metalers Impending Doom are proving that there is room for their brand of Death Metal in a genre that has been long known for themes of evil, aggression, and destruction. Musically they have been compared with bands such as Job for A Cowboy and Suicide by Silence. After a brief intro prayer the listener is assaulted by a wall of grinding guitars and drums that will have them snapping their necks before they even realize it. Lyrically they are like no other band in this genre; their songs deal with spiritual and religious themes and with titles like “Nailed, Dead, Risen” and “The Mark of the Faithful” Impending Doom lay their convictions out there for all to see. Impending Doom is serious about what they do and it shows! Guitarist Manny Contreras was kind enough to take time from his busy schedule to tell us about the band and the driving force behind them.

Many of your songs are so hard and intense that I am sure they translate well into a live environment. How does it make you feel when the emotion and or power that you envisioned comes to life in front of a crowd?
Manny: It is simply amazing; it gets us so pumped up. Especially to see kids head banging with us and liking us in general, it is one of the best feelings in the world.

How has the new CD Nailed, Dead, Risen been received by fans of the death metal scene?
Manny: The turnout has been really good for it. We’ve been getting some good reviews in secular magazines. It’s good to see non-Christians listening to our music and being exposed to our message, even if they don’t accept it.

You guys have put a different spin on the whole death metal scene. In a genre known for dark and often demonic themes, you have done the exact opposite, adding spiritual even religious themes. Do you think this will sit well with fans of the genre? Has there been any backlash from the Death Metal community? What about backlash from the religious community?
Manny: Most people in the death metal community do not agree with our message. We have had criticism from both communities. It is especially tough getting criticism from our Christian brothers and sisters, who say we can’t worship God through the kind of music that we play.

You guys are on the road in support of Nailed, Dead, Risen. How is that going? Any good stories?
Manny: It is a real blessing being able to go on the road to promote our CD and play for everyone. We’re having a blast. There have been kids stepping out of the dark and into the light and being moved by the testimony, from one of our songs (“In Reverence Of”) and our band. Those are the best stories, when the Gospel reaches someone.

What was it that led to the formulation of the idea for Impending Doom and furthermore to the group’s name? The name also sounds as though there is an interesting story behind it. Where did it come from?
Manny: Everyone in the band has been listening to death metal for years and we love it, but we don’t like the themes and messages from most death metal bands. We wanted to play it with the message of Jesus Christ. Our name came from how this world is going to end up. As it is right now it is an impending doom and impending destruction.

What is it that gives you inspiration when writing lyrics and was there a theme behind the writing of this record?
Manny: Our singer usually writes about biblical facts and relates them in to personal real life events, such as how some people bash on our God when they don’t even know him. This inspires us to let people to know the truth.

What was the writing process like for Nailed, Dead, Risen? Did you guys collaborate on the writing or was it more the efforts of one member of the band?
Manny: Everyone had input in the writing of our music, but this is all God’s work not ours.

Give us some insight into the albums title, “Nailed, Dead, Risen”?
Manny: It is pretty basic. We wanted to let people know that Jesus was nailed to a cross, died and then rose again on the third day.

What is the hardest part about being in a touring metal band and what is the greatest obstacle your band faces?
Manny: The hardest part is probably being in a van for 2 months straight and eating fast food all the time, and not being able to shower for weeks.

What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?
Manny: Probably getting signed to Facedown Records. I remember going to Facedown Fest and now we’re playing it, which is awesome and a true blessing.

What is next for Impending Doom?
Manny: We’re going to keep on touring, put out a few more albums and speak the truth for as long as we can!  [ END ]