PROTOSEQUENCE – interview with Logan Vars (drummer) and Joseph McKee (vocalist)

Protosequence is one among the bands that belong to the new wave of Modern Death Metal. The band itself draws influence from acts like All Shall Perish, August Burns Red, and The Black Dahlia Murder. With a foothold on their influences, they root their music in technicality while layering emotional, yet gruff vocals weaved into every track. The band transitions seamlessly through djent riffs, grinding drums, and groove elements, making their sound versatile and ever-changing. With two EPs to their name Protosequence is not taking a step back from making a firm impact on Music Industry. After the release of the highly anticipated Biophagus EP I had a chance to talk with the band where we discussed on various topics including Biophagus. 

Its an honour for me to interview you all on behalf of Metal Centre. How are you all doing?

Logan Vars: Awesome! Hard at work on getting our new EP ‘Biophagous’ out which is officially released August 18, 2017. We also had a busy summer touring with Plaguebringer and we are now gearing up to release our EP.

You claim that your stylistic approach is a blend of Tech Death, Progressive Metal, Deathcore and Djent. How and why did you formulate this blend?

Logan Vars: I just enjoy pushing myself musically. It allows me to incorporate different styles in my drumming, from blasting and speed to dynamics and groove. Protosequence was just an idea in our original vocalists head. After meeting Kyle, Marshall brought all the members (Logan, Parker, Kyle, Ryan) together to form Protosequence. After some time Joe was introduced into the band as the current vocalist.

With your previous albums being more delicate and fun to listen, how would you describe your upcoming album?

Logan Vars: I’ve never heard of music described as “delicate,” but I’ll take it! The upcoming album is a more cohesive effort between the whole band. “Schizophrene” was pretty much Kyle’s old songs revamped for a full band. ‘Biophagous’ was written all together. Heavy, tech, melodic, and groovy, all rolled into one package

When I first heard the name of your upcoming album “Biophagus” I googled it to find out the meaning behind. Unfortunately I was left with no genuine answers instead one being “Geo”phagus. Care to share the ideology behind the name?

Logan Vars: Naming the album was quite a process and took us a while to come up with the name.

Joseph McKee:  Biophagous is the medical definition of, feeding on living organisms. Which is turn we took it as feeding on ourselves. Songs explore The Human Condition, feeding on past love life’s, current mental state with oneself feeding the hunger to become better. While over coming misinterpreted advice.

Apart from being avid Metal monitors, What else do guys listen to?

Joseph McKee: Anything from local radio stations (Sonic!) jazz, any form of rap minus straight gangsta, romantic love ballads, punk, hardcore, good ol American tomahawk, eagle flying, beer drinking rock n roll!

What do you guys prefer: Recording or Playing a Gig? Which among the venues have a special place in your heart and why?

Logan Vars: Playing live will always be my favorite. With money being in the line, recording can be stressful. There’s no substitute for playing to a live.

Joseph McKee: It’s a mix up, this band is fueled by the energy the crowds give us. But we drive to create so we can put ourselves into the studio. Mercury Room would have to hold a special place in Protosequence heart. They have been so kind to us and the promoters for giving us the opportunity to play with many of Edmonton’s local bands and travelling bands.

Moving onto a Serious topic. 2017 is rather a dull year, we have lost a lot of talented musicians. If you were to point one person’s demise that hurt the most who would that be and why?

Logan Vars: Not to sound callous but celebrity deaths don’t really faze me, at least none that have happened yet.

Joseph McKee: Chris Cornell. His voice is beautiful and played a part in me becoming a front man. Even though I’m yelling, it still gives me courage to one day, softly, so gently, by the approval of my parents, sing on stage.

Modern Deathcore is rather an unappealing trend at the moment. With divided fan base mourning over Silence and other disappointing albums, what is your take on “Modern Deathcore”?

Joseph McKee: I’ve never been one to be strictly committed to one form of metal, maybe back when I was 18 and if it had singing then fuck that. Now-a-days I love to embrace all forms. If that means some of the bands I use to listen to change up their style, go for it. It means I still have to continue listening to their old stuff, or get a new twist of either shit or something different that may take a few listens to really enjoy. Just breaks my heart people hate on my most beloved vocalist, Eddy. That dude rips.

Internet is slowly conquering the effectiveness of Physical Disc and Vinyls. What is your take on Online Music Sharing?

Logan Vars: personally I think the goal is to get your music to as many people as possible, and the internet makes it easy. Also it’s easier than ever to get your money directly to the bands you support, while cutting out the middle man. It’s a glorious time for music, regardless what people say.

Would you like to say anything to your fans?

Logan Vars: you all rule, thanks checking out a show, buying merch, or just sharing us with your friends. We couldn’t do it very successfully with you.

Joseph McKee: Much love. The shows, the constant reminders on social media, picking up our merch and music. Thank you so very much! And if there is one thing I love most, is the metal head up front banging their head, you’re why I do this!

Thank You for giving us an Interview. On behalf of Metal Centre I wish you all the very best for your upcoming record. Have a nice day ahead guys.

Logan Vars: thanks! We appreciate the interview. Don’t forget to order Biophagous at www.protosequence.bandcamp.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRREcq4clPw

http://www.facebook.com/protosequence

http://www.protosequence.com/