Interview with Aversions Crown; Vocalist Colin Jeffs Discusses New Nuclear Blast Album ‘Tyrant’

We recently had the opportunity to speak with vocalist Colin Jeffs of the Australian metal act, Aversions Crown. The band has just completed work on their second full-length disc, Tyrant, and it will be released November 24th, 2014. Here is how our conversation went.

Now that your new record, Tyrant, is complete and due for release next week, how do you feel about it and are you satisfied with the outcome?
Jeffs: Finishing the album and seeing it go to print then finally be released has been one of the most satisfying events of my life. The album was very challenging and I am very happy with the finished product.

Different groups have unique ways of writing their songs. How do you guys go about writing your music? Is it a collective effort or is it more the efforts of one particular member of the band?
Jeffs: In the past our guitarist would send a skeleton of a song with basic drums to me and our drummer, from there we will both work on it in our own time and build on the different ideas and avenues we can take the track.

Check out the song “The Glass Sentient”

How does it make you feel when the energy and power you envisioned in the studio comes to life in front of a live audience?
Jeffs: It’s a rewarding feeling seeing people come to our shows, buy our merch, and get into our music. A lot of time has gone into this project and it’s great to see it pay off.

Every band has its musical influences. What are some of the other bands and artists that have greatly influenced you guys and your music?
Jeffs: Personally, I was heavily influenced by a band called The Black Dahlia Murder. That was kind of the whole reason I wanted to get into playing music when I was young. A lot of other bands influenced me such as Poison The Well and the Deftones.

What is the story behind the name of the band, Aversions Crown?
Jeffs: I think it stems from a hatred for authority; “aversions” representing hatred and “crown” representing an authority figure.

What is the story behind the name of the record, Tyrant?
Jeffs: We wanted the album title to fit with the cover artwork. An overlord being hell-bent on the destruction of the human race, up in the sky, in a position of power while the rest of us are basically crushed under its foot. The lyrics tend to use the alien invasion theme to explain a story that sometimes isn’t so far from what is actually happening on earth, every day, around us. The word “Tyrant” not only personifies the being we are talking about in our lyrics, but also actually ties it’s actions and characteristics to some of our own world leaders and authority figures.

Any rituals before you hit the stage? If so what are they?
Jeffs: I like to enjoy a tea and a nice vocal warm-up followed by a period of very calm thoughts.

What is the toughest lesson you ever learned in the studio and on the stage?
Jeffs: Music is all-consuming, you can’t half-ass it. Either commit 100% to it, or don’t bother.

If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only have 3 records for the rest of your life what would they be?
Jeffs: The Black Dahlia Murder – Unhallowed, Deftones – White Pony, Poison The Well – You Come Before You.

What is next for you guys?
Jeffs: World domination and earth sterilization.

Check out the song “Vectors”