Home Reviews Band Interviews Interview w/ Vincent Bennett of The Acacia Stain

Interview w/ Vincent Bennett of The Acacia Stain

Written by Art Michalski

Saturday, 31 May 2008

The Massachusetts based band Acacia Strain is just wrapping up the finishing touches on their next album, out August 19th on Prosthetic Records. The band is gearing up for a U.S. tour in June, before a European tour in July and back in the States for the fall. As he was resting up at home, we chatted with lead singer Vincent Bennett. Here’s a little insight into the band: On working with producer Zeuss (Shadows Fall) on this new record: “Working with him was really good. He doesn’t live up to his reputation as being a hard ass. In the studio, he was very laid back and more hands off. He would give the band free reign of the record; he was more interested in capturing the essence of the band’s sound. We worked with Adam Duktiewicz (Killswitch Engage) on the last two records and he’s a great guy. He was more of a free spirit, but would interject his direction a bit more. We just opted for something different this time around though.” On the sound of the upcoming album: “I think it's more aggressive, if that’s at all possible. In the two years since the last record (2006’s The Dead Walk), we’re more jaded, we’re more bitter and angry. This time around, we communicated more as a band. We all took turns writing different parts. As the singer, I wrote some guitar parts on the record and so on. It should resonate on how the album sounds. I think I delved a bit deeper in the lyrics than in the past as well.” On the band’s appearance at Dirt Fest in Birch Run last year: “That was a great day. It started as a bit of a bum-out kinda day, it was rainy and shitty. But it got better, and we got to see a lot of good new bands. We had some issues with the sound guy before our set, he was yelling at us. He just wasn’t very professional on how to handle bands. I would love to play there again anytime they wanted us. But perhaps with a different sound guy is my recommendation.” On why the metal scene in Massachusetts has produced so many big names: “I think its gotta be the weather. I think it affects the mood of the band. You see these bands like Shadows Fall, who have been around forever, and Killswitch Engage- this big conglomerate of a bunch of bands come together. We are just trying to keep the legend alive and keep their good names intact.” On their MySpace page, which states their platform for survival on the road: “As far as food goes, any sort of food brought to the shows will make you instant friends for life with us. We’re broke as f--- when we are on the road, so any contribution is greatly appreciated.” Any floor that they wouldn’t sleep on? “About the only floor I wouldn’t sleep on is a concrete floor in a basement. Plus, anything with vermin or cat s--- would be a big no as well.” The Acacia Strain will headline a show at the Ritz in Warren on Sunday, June 1st. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com, or at the door. For additional dates, check www.myspace.com/theacaciastrain .

 

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