Some of you may remember that Isaac from the band Braveheart was helping us out here at HXC Christian. He has passed on this awesome interview with In Irons. I know he really likes the band, and turned me on to them too! So thank you very much Isaac, you are a blessing!
In Irons is a really unique sounding band that does an awesome job of mixing hardcore with metal elements. I really don’t even know who to compare them to. I am sure that some of you will probably find some other band to compare them to, but I am at a loss. That being said, I think they are a really talented band, with a really tight sound. Their music grows on you, and their lyrics are well thought out. Without further delay and my babbling, please read the interview below that Isaac from Braveheart did with the guys in In Irons.
Name: In Irons
Genre: Hardcore/Progressive/Metal
Location (Home Base): Madison, AL
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/inirons
Q: How long has In Irons been playing together, how did you get together?
A: We have been playing together for about 2 and a half years now. We all used to play in other local bands, and In Irons is the outcome of band break-ups and new ideas. haha.
Q: Where did the name In Irons come from? I know it’s a nautical term.
A: Yes, its a sailing term that is used to describe a ship that is stuck. The ship to us represents many things such as: The hardcore scene, our personal lives, our walk with Christ. It can mean a variety of things. However, the main point is that we seem to always be stuck in some way and we must learn to work together and “turn the sails” whatever way they need to be to continue in a forward motion.
Q: What does everyone in the band do when they are not playing?
A: Currently Jon (Guitar) is in school at Lee University, Heath (bass) Has a job and some other bands for fun he plays with, Jake (drums) is in College as well, Corey (guitar) is working and writing for his other band Roaming Cloud which Jon and Jake also play in. Check it out! I have been on the road since October 1st selling merch for Mychildren Mybride to make some money while we work on the new record. It’s been fun but I’m ready to come home. haha.
Q: What are some of the bands and things that influence In Irons, and what usually goes into the writing process?
A: Man, I could list hundreds of bands that have influenced us. A few of the key bands would for sure be Shai Hulud, Strongarm, Turmoil, Beloved, etc. The writing process is usually always long and stressful but well worth it. Lyrically I will just write whatever may hit me at a random moment even when we are not in a state of writing music. As far as music, we usually have some riffs we like and then we just practice and discuss ideas and eventually we find what we like and call it a song.
Q: What part does faith and the Word play in your music? Do you consider yourselves just a Christian band, or more ministry?
A: Faith is a huge part of this band. We go through struggles just like everyone does, but our faith is what holds us together as friends and people in general. I would like to think of it as a Ministry. However, a different kind of ministry where our testimony is living out the truth that Jesus showed us as best we can. More than anything, I just want to be real with people and not sugar-coat anything. I go through the same struggles the average person does and the stage does not make me any better than anyone else. As far as I am concerned, any stage I stand on is a blessing and if you are at the show, its your stage as well.
Q: Anyone ever give the band a hard time for being Christian, whether from in or outside of the church? I know personally that sometimes people in the church can be the harshest critics when it comes to heavier Christian music.
A: Haha. Yeah man. The bottom line is, we can never please anyone. We are hated by many and loved by many. Christians fall into both of those categories as well. Some people were just raised differently and don’t understand how what we do can be considered ”Christian”. However, “Christian” is not a sound or a look. Its a belief and a lifestyle that follows Jesus. And whatever glorifies Him is “Christian” in my eyes.
Q: I really love your guy’s lyrics. “Trust Not In Man” is definitely one of my favorites. What messages do you convey through your music as it relates to Christ?
A: That song pretty much goes hand in hand with what I was saying about how we go through the same struggles as the average Joe. We have been let down by man and I’m sure we have let others down. We aren’t asking people to just believe or “trust” every word we say. However, believe and trust the Truth within us, being Jesus.
Q: What are some of the other bands that In Irons has played with?
A: There have been so many. I will list some of my favorites though. It Prevails, Carry The Torch, Sleeping Giant, Means, For Today, Wrench In The Works, Recon, American Me, For The Fallen Dreams. Those are just some of the bigger names. Here are some friends of ours we play with on a regular basis that you should check out: All In, Choices Made, Latin For Truth, Mankind, Year One. There are so many more I could list, but its 3 a.m. and my brain is dying on me. haha.
Q: What have been some of the most memorable and influential moments as a band?
A: There have been so many, man. To this day one of my favorites is being broken down in this old bus we had for so many hours with all the guys and a few of our friends. Most would say “that sounds miserable” but it was just so much fun not having a care in the world because the people we loved were there with us, so sitting on the side of the road wasn’t that big of a deal. At least to me. haha
Q: What are future plans for the band? Any plans on a new CD or tour (hopefully with Braveheart *cough*cough*)?
A: Braveheart! Heck Yeah. I was listening to that in the van today on the way to San Diego. I love those guys. As far as future plans, I couldn’t give you any “for sure” news other than we are currently working on some new material for a record and talking to a few labels to put it out for us.
Q: What are your thoughts on the hardcore scene today, especially the Christian scene?
A: I hear so much negativity about it all the time, and yeah, it’s not like it used to be but there are still some awesome people with a lot of heart making great music and some die-hard fans and kids that continue to come out and support. For that I think we should be very thankful. Thats my 2 cents.
Q: If you could give the scene one message, what would it be?
A: Wake up. Love one another. Stop worrying about crap that wont matter in 5 years.
Q: Anything you want to add, or random thoughts, or anything?
A: Random thoughts…hmm Anyone want to tattoo me for free? Someone want to buy me a plane ticket home to my girlfriend? haha. Ok Random stuff over. Anyways, thank you for the opportunity to ramble a little bit. To all you reading this, life is always going to throw you some big obstacles that will seem impossible to climb over. Friends will let you down and you will feel alone sometimes but just hold on to what and who you have. Love with every ounce of you. Give yourself to whatever it is you love whether it’s music, school, your job. Just live. Thank you to our “fans” out there. I’d like to think of you more as friends I haven’t met yet. You keep us going. We love you and you are in our prayers constantly. May God bless you and your families. Thanks again. Peace.
