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Interview with Furyon; Vocalist Matt Mitchell Discusses New Album ‘Lost Salvation,’ Writing Process, and UK Rock Scene

We chatted with Matt Mitchell, vocalist for the Brighton, UK rock quartet Furyon, to get insight into the band’s writing process, his thoughts on the new record, and the UK rock scene.

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Brighton, UK rock quartet, Furyon, released their 10-track second album, Lost Salvation, on February 23, 2015 to solid reviews globally. Recorded in Atlanta, Georgia and Brighton, UK and mixed/produced by Rick Beato (Shinedown, Fozzy) and Ken “GL” Lanyon, Lost Salvation, sees the band take their aggressive rock to beautiful new places and levels – hence the press’ praise. We chatted recently with lead singer, Matt Mitchell, to get insight into the band’s writing process, his thoughts on the new record, and the UK rock scene.

For those not familiar with your band can you tell us a little bit about yourselves?
Mitchell: Brighton, UK-based Rock/Metal band, EST 2006. Currently on album #2!

Your new album Lost Salvation has just been released. Now that it is complete how do you feel about it, and what has been the response so far?
Mitchell: Very pleased with the result of this second album. I had given it a little space since the mixing stages and recently gone back for listening since the release and pleased. A lovely response so far also. So far so good!

What is your writing process like?
Mitchell: For the last album it was a trans-Atlantic process were I would write at home here in UK and Chris would write at home in US and we would share and demo ideas on Logic.

You guys are an modern heavy rock band, how does it make you feel when that power and energy you channeled in the studio comes to life in front of a crowd?
Mitchell: That is a great vibe! When it’s right and the sound is right! It’s an amazing thing.

When you write do you do so with the live setting in mind or do you write a song just for the song’s sake?
Mitchell: Sometimes yes! You can’t help it. Especially if it’s a real bombastic sounding track, one can’t help see it with the lights and action on stage. “Good Sky” from the new album is probably a good example for this.

Along those same lines do you take advantage of technology and email riffs and parts back and forth, or do you get together in a room in a more traditional sense and write together?
Mitchell: Absolutely, as I said before it really is awesome how technology has enabled us to do this.

What’s the story behind the name of the band?
Mitchell: It’s a warrior name. We thought it was cool when thinking of a band name. Hard work getting band names I think.

Check out the song “These Four Walls” here.

What is the story behind the name of the new record?
Mitchell: Lost Salvation was a bit of a dark reference really. Although I feel it could almost have in brackets (until you find once again) or something. As it meant “All is lost”… But these things work out.

What do you think of the current state of the rock/metal world?
Mitchell: Pretty healthy, actually. People are always going on about this but I don’t see how Rock music can die. I do believe it goes through stages and fashions, etc. but a great rock tune always stands up!

What are some of the newer rock/metal bands that you are listening to or enjoy?
Mitchell: Rival Sons, Blackberry Smoke, Temperance Movement for me, which is more Rock than metal.

What is the rock/heavy metal scene like over there in UK?
Mitchell: It’s good I feel. It has it’s fashions as most scenes do. The stoner rock thing is a big feeling scene atm which is cool. Like that a lot.

Do you receive a lot of support from your local scene and fans in general?
Mitchell: We do yes. Well we definitely have done. Of course times change too and people move on, but generally speaking we have good local support!

Do you have any rituals before you hit the stage? If so, what are they?
Mitchell: Haha… Depends on the show and the whereabouts I’d say.

Do you have any touring plans in support of the new recording?
Mitchell: Yes, we are doing a small tour of UK in March and hope to be across Europe a little further into the year. Possible U.S., we’ll see.

If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take 3 CDs with you for eternity, assuming there was a solar powered CD player, what would they be?
Mitchell: The Eagles’ “Hotel California,” Alterbridge’s “Blackbird,” and Jeff Buckley’s “Grace.”

What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?
Mitchell: A few really. Recording both Furyon albums and the response from the press and people. High Voltage and Bloodstock Festival!

What is the strangest thing that has happened to you on tour, or at one of your shows?
Mitchell: Many things, haha, but one that comes to mind right now is a stranger in Amsterdam literally side surfing our splitter as he wouldn’t leave us alone.

Check out the song “Don’t Follow” here.

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