Tomorrow marks the release of the self-titled debut from experimental metal and electronic duo MOIII, and Nine Circles is proud to premiere it in its entirety a day early. Out through Someoddpilot Records, Moiii offers quite the soundscape. Born from the minds of Scott Shellhamer and Jason Butler, this project manages to find the ideal overlap between industrial and dark ambience, with plenty of other influences layered in there that one could certainly point to I’m sure. Truthfully, I have no idea how to categorize this. But I also don’t really care – because what I do know is that this thing is ridiculously captivating. So give it a listen for yourself after the jump and see what you can glean from it. And as you take that ride, be sure to read Scott and Jason’s responses to our Profile questions a little further down to familiarize a bit more with what they’ve come up with. I promise, that will be well worth your time as well. Ok, that’s enough from me for now. Off you go!

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Quite the adventure, right? Half an hour filled with contrasting stylistic qualities, but it all seems to just… work. The different layers complement each other quite well, providing an experience that feels completely unrestrained, but at the same time uncluttered. Two distinctly creative minds came together on this thing, that’s quite apparent, and the results are pretty damn cool. I personally cannot wait to get stuck on this thing while I’m out late at night with the camera, for example – Just one of so many circumstances that I could see this serving as the perfect auditory companion to. There is plenty more I could (and most certainly will) unpack from this with repeated listens, but for now I think it’s time I stop rambling and instead turn it over to Scott and Jason’s Profile responses…

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How and when did you first get into playing music and how did your band get its start?

Scott: We’ve both been playing music since we were teenagers. We met in our early 20’s and have been fast friends ever since. We never figured out how to make music together until the past few years. I’m into metal, industrial, noise rock kinda things and he isn’t really. It was a challenge to find middle ground.

Jason: I was living in Austin and he in Chicago back when we first had dialogue – from there the friendship grew. Growing up in small town Texas, I was always around metal lovers and local metal bands. As a kid, I found them scary and now I admire how quickly they move their picks.

Any pushback from family/those close to you?

Scott: My family doesn’t really understand what I do. I had a nice conversation with my father recently where he kind of “got it” with me and my friend group and how we commune over making music.

Jason: I’ve always been supported. I was the kid who’s garage we’d all go jam in. My mom was incredibly patient.

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

Scott: Let’s get weird.

Jason: The LP may actually be a rad record to listen to while lying down in the dark. It’s a ‘lil nasty w/ sugar on-top.

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

Scott: I lived in Jason’s closet during the creation of this record.

Jason: Haha, yes, a very tiny closet. We bought Scott a mattress at Mattress Firm – the salesman was showing us many high end options but Scott quickly drifted to the tiny kid mattresses. Surprisingly that thing lasted awhile.

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

Scott: Nothing live yet. I’ve got stories for days with my previous bands.

Jason: Scott’s much more well traveled than I.

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?

Scott: I’ve made lifelong friends from the metal scene. Truly. Sure, I’ve met some terrible people as well, but by and large, everyone has been so kind to me.

Jason: ^

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?

Scott: Destigmatizing mental health issues. We both have had our struggles, and I don’t want it to be something you have to hide.

Jason: It seems mental health concern has made some strides the last few years in terms of awareness and consideration. Its mighty important and crucial for assistance to be made available.

Do you guys have day jobs or hobbies you want to share?

Scott: I’m an artist and graphic designer by day.

Jason: I am a business owner (Elgin Woods) and I build out rehearsal studios.

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?

Scott: I used to be very outspoken and opinionated. I was an Art Director for many years, and it puts you in a position where you are forced to judge others. I’m really working on myself with patience and not being as negative as I once was. Find the good.

Jason: Yesssss. ^

Any specific long term goal(s) in mind?

Scott: Death

Jason: Alive

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

Scott: I’m mostly just listening to true crime and comedy podcasts these days.

Jason: “Plux Quba” (Nuno Canavarro), Jim Varney

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

Scott: I’m just fucking about with my punk band in TX currently. NIXD.

Jason: I do a project called Thee Conductor. We are currently showing a music video we shot on 16mm film in several film festivals.

Summarize your band in one word.

Scott: Huh?

Jason: “Picture this we were both butt naked bang’n in the bedroom floor, It wasn’t me..”

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So, needless to say that Profile is an all-timer. Many thanks to Scott and Jason for the time!

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To recap, Moiii is out tomorrow through Someoddpilot Records. For more information, and to keep up with all things MOIII, give them a follow on Instagram or Facebook.