When it comes to forward thinking and challenging metal few do it better than LA-based progressive metal outfit Intronaut. With four full length albums tucked firmly under their belt, they have made a devastating impact upon extreme music, however, it is on newest album Habitual Levitations that the band prove their worth. David Timnick (guitar/vocals) invited Ghost Cult into the world of Intronaut and all the wonders that surround it.
How has your sound evolved on Habitual Levitations?
We are constantly trying to evolve as musicians (and as human beings), so this album is just the next step in that evolution. For me, the best music is always the music where you are constantly finding new layers, themes, and subtleties.
What are the general themes and subjects touched on the new album?
This album does not really have a “concept” like ‘Valley Of Smoke’ did. Each song on this album has its own identity, and the lyrics cover a broad spectrum of topics.
What do you remember most vividly of the writing and recordings sessions for the new album? Did you guys have a specific goal you wanted to achieve?
Not really. We don’t like to force anything. We try to let the music develop naturally, and the end result comes from hours and hours and hours of jamming, experimenting, and discussing new ideas.
Some members within Intronaut have an extensive background in music theory. How does this influence the creative process within the band?
Yeah, Joe (bass) and I have strong jazz backgrounds (particularly Joe), and I also have a background in tabla, the primary drumming of North-Indian classical music. These things don’t necessarily influence the creative process within the band, but obviously they affect it. The more knowledge and experience one has with styles of music and/or instruments, the more one can bring to the table while creating.
What was it like to tour with Tool?
What an amazing experience! Truly an opportunity of a lifetime, and a dream come true for me, personally. The greatest impact it had on us was emotionally. Tool could literally take out any band they want, so the fact that they chose us is pretty fucking cool!
How do you combine Intronaut with every day life?
Very poorly! Making time for family and friends can be difficult at times, and holding down regular jobs can be damn near impossible, but this is what we do; it’s what we love, so we sacrifice a lot.
If you had the chance to put your favourite tour package together, which bands would you include and why?
I think the tour we just did with Meshuggah and Animals as Leaders was as close to a perfect tour package as I can imagine. I hope we get to do that one again!
What does the rest of the year have in store for Intronaut?
We’ll be doing our first European headlining tour in April with The Atlas Moth and Castle, so be sure to spread the word about that! We also have a headlining tour in the USA and Canada in the works for June; more news about that coming soon. I hope we get a chance to do more European touring later in the year, because there are a lot of great cities we are missing on this first one.
Raymond Westland