Skinformation, the fourth album from the Bangor, Maine-based trio Manic Abraxas emerges next week, and we’ve got a couple of fun things lined up around that here at Nine Circles. This is the first, and you won’t need to wait long for the second… so keep your eyes peeled the next couple of days. I’ve been fortunate to have Manic Abraxas in my periphery for a little while now, and being relatively regional I do recall a live performance (or maybe a few) over the years. Almost certainly at the legendary Geno’s in Portland. Super fun almost-memories. But I digress! Their new album promises to be straight-up chaos in all the right ways, so it’s time we all get a little more familiar with the project and what we can expect in a little over a week. They took some time out to answer our Profile questions, so give that a read while you give the title track a listen over at Bandcamp. Be sure to get your preorder in while you’re at it. It’s all in there after the jump, so you know what to do from here. Enjoy!

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How and when did you first get into playing music, or metal more specifically, and how did your band get its start? Any pushback from family/those close to you? 

We all got our starts with instruments early and soon took to heavy stuff with no resistance. Manic Abraxas’s earliest incarnation began around 2010.

How would you describe your band and what you play to someone who is completely in the dark?

We were recently described as Avante Doom Punk – we liked that. There are aspects of heavy metal and punk by way of sci fi fiction we love.

Is there one (or more) thing about your upcoming album or about your band that no one will find in any interview or review that you care to divulge?

“Skinformation” represents a turning point for Manic Abraxas. As a result of overexposure to our favorite sci fi media Manic Abraxas has dispatched with all fantasy elements for all time and turned to strictly futuristic themes by way of Celtic Frost worship.

Any funny stories from playing shows / tours / festivals, etc?

The absurdity of reality is the biggest joke of all and we can’t stop laughing.

What do you see as some of the great things happening in and around the metal scene (yours or just in general) and what are some of the worst things happening right now?

The coolest thing about the bands we especially like is they’re not afraid of incorporating influences from artists outside of metal. It seems like since covid bands are more theatrical in their appearance and music and we think that’s a great trend. Nobody wants to see someone on stage dressed like a normal person.

Most folks have passions for a cause or causes that are close to them. What, if any, are some of the most important issues (social/political/humorous/etc.) for you / your band and how do you insert those issues into your music?

The most important issue to us is Manic Abraxas; we’re not a cause band.

What advice do you have for music critics and outlets out there? How can we all better serve the genre in the eyes of a hard-working musician?

I have no complaints about critics but if they’re under question maybe they themselves should become a hardworking musician? I don’t know; I don’t have a dog in this.

Any specific long term goal(s) in mind?

To play places we’ve never played before and keep writing fucked off music. Later on we’ll tour Europe and Japan after we kick off the Cybersexual Revolution.

When you’re not obsessing over your own material, what are some of your favorite albums to listen to currently?

Bogside Sniper Squadron, Qual (who recently did a collab with us), Wumpscutt, Bolzer, Rope Sect, various industrial and gothic stuff.

What is the near future outlook for you or your band? Any specific events on the horizon that the masses should be aware of?

“Skinformation” is coming out August 2nd – stay tuned for more coverage and singles to be released between now and then. Expect us to hit the road near this time.

Summarize your band in one word.

Redacted.

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Many thanks to Manic Abraxas for the time!

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Skinformation is out August 2nd, a week from Friday. For more information on Manic Abraxas, give them a follow on Instagram or Facebook.