Through an impressive debut and an even more impressive sophomore outing which was a full blown opera, avant metallers Kilter are about to drop a new album, Ten Billion Years. This time it’ll be a concept surrounding our solar system through a very unique lens. Kilter know a thing or two about being unique seeing as no one in the metal space is doing jazz and metal as well as they’ve done it, and I can say are continuing to do it. It expands on their world class musicianship in fresh ways as they, very cinematically, play with tension, builds and expressions, and ultimately immensely huge payoffs. To hit play here, or on any Kilter album is refreshing, but to really hone in on it is as close as I can guess an out of body experience would be. Hear it for yourself and stream the first single here, second here, then check out a very cool 15 minute documentary on the making of Ten Billion Years here. But first, founder and electric bassist Laurent David and bass saxophonist Ed Rosenberg III shed some light on the band and their work through our Profile questions so head below to check that out and support them via the links contained within.
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?
Laurent David: As far back as I can remember, I’ve been playing music. Metal became obvious to me in my early teens, around 1988. I discovered the electric bass after studying classical guitar, which is quite close in some ways. My family didn’t really have a choice, but I know they were worried about me choosing music as a career. They probably still are!
Ed Rosenberg III: I’ve been playing music as long as I can remember. My interest in metal began growing when I first heard “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” by the Beatles. In college I played in a group called Jerseyband which began as a jazz/funk jam band but slowly evolved in a much heavier metal-influenced direction. Laurent started Kilter. I can’t imagine what kind of music I would need to be making in order for my family to pushback against it haha. They are very supportive.
How would you describe your band and what you play to someone who is completely in the dark?
LD: I’d say it’s a monster made of a bass sax and a bass teaming up with a wild drummer.
ER: We play instrumental music that is often pretty heavy, but also sometimes a bit free/improvisational. There is a saxophone, but don’t be scared.
Is there anything about your upcoming album or about your band that no one will find in any interview or review that you care to divulge?
LD: Yes. The album is actually built from short pieces that were completely transformed in the studio. What you hear is not the source, but a different reality of it.
ER: It’s by far the most conceptual album we’ve ever done. We didn’t realize just how big of a concept it was until we started actually recording.
Any funny stories from playing shows / tours / festivals, etc?
LD: I’ll tell something that wasn’t that funny for Ed… We played an incredible show at Saint Vitus (a few months before it permanently closed), and two crazy things happened: Ed’s bass sax fell and was damaged really bad, and he had to go to the hospital urgently for appendicitis…
ER: Something funny that is part of our tours is recording silly good morning songs for my kids. I like to send my family a little song every morning, and I inevitably start roping in the other guys to help. It’s fun.
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?
LD: I’m amazed to see that the metal scene still exists, keeps growing, and has opened up to many genres and styles. It has even become something significant in our society. Worst things? I’m not really sure…
ER: Best things are anything skillfully done but also unapologetically raw/honest and taking risks. We need that now. And there’s tons of it out there. You just have to look a little.
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?
LD: Working on our opera La Suspendida made us think about the impact a story can have on a wider audience—how a dead woman can empower herself despite morality or criticism. With Ten Billion Years, it’s more a proposal to reflect on how time can stretch, and what place humans occupy within it.
ER: I don’t insert any issues into my music.
Do you have day jobs or hobbies you want to share?
LD: No. Everything in my life is about music—creating it, producing it, and sharing it.
ER: I write children’s music and produce children’s podcasts for a living.
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?
LD: I’d say: listen to all kinds of music, go deep, and challenge your own perspective. Bad reviews are hard for us to read, but they keep the genre alive and create debate. That said, criticism should come from a strong musical education and culture—not just from a “social status.”
Any specific long term goal(s) in mind?
LD: Creating another opera.
ER: As far as Kilter goes: More albums, more operas, more shows, more silly songs to send my kids.
When you’re not obsessing over your own material, what are some of your favorite albums tolisten to currently?
LD: Honestly, as a creator, any kind of music, production style, or compositional process can become something to “steal” for the next project.
ER: I’ve recently been listening to Todd Rundgren’s “A Wizard and a True Star”
What is the near future outlook for you or your band? Any specific events on the horizon that the masses should be aware of?
LD: We’re planning to write and arrange for an additional sax quartet to expand our new repertoire, and to tour with it.
Summarize your band in one word.
LD: Uncompromising.
ER: Clay.
Many thanks to Laurent, Ed, and Kilter for their time!
Band image courtesy of Malena Marquez.
Ten Billion Years will be available June 19 on Excursus Production. For more information on Kilter, visit their Facebook and Instagram pages.
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