So there are Symphonic/Melodic Metal bands in CT
Interview conduct on July 14, 2019
by Dan Locke
Dialith is a symphonic/melodic metal band from Danbury, CT, formed in May 2015, with the goal to combine heavy and engaging music with elegance and poetry. The band draws influences from bands such as Arch Enemy, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Kamelot, Nightwish, and Epica. They released a three-song EP, “Through Stone”, last year and are currently working on their debut full-length album
Band Members Vocals: Krista Sion | Guitar: Alasdair Wallace Mackie | Bass: Mark Grey | Keyboards: Charles Woodruff | Drums: Cullen Mitchell
Dan Locke: How was the band formed?
Krista Sion: I posted an ad on Craigslist: “singer looking to start a symphonic metal band”, and Alasdair answered! We happened to like all the same bands and lived in neighboring towns, so it made sense to immediately start working together. We found Cullen through mutual friends and asked him to join. Then Mark and Charles found us through another Craigslist ad we had posted, and they completed our lineup.
How did you get your band name?
We really wanted a single word name, but all the good ones were taken! Dialith is a made-up word consisting of Greek roots that means “Through Stone.” We like to think that it evokes the image of nature’s triumph over human constructs.
Your band is from New England. You usually don’t think of a symphonic metal band, being from that part of the country.
Actually, there is a growing scene for symphonic and melodic metal here! You usually think of symphonic metal coming from Europe, but the influence of those bands across the pond is very apparent here in the States. Although metalcore and death metal reigns supreme in the Northeast, we’ve received a very warm welcome and managed to build a following.
Your album gets released on Aug 16, 2019. Why did you name it Extinction Six?
Alasdair Wallace Mackie : ‘Extinction Six’ is the name of the final song of the album. The Earth has gone through five mass extinctions in its history, where three-quarters of all species living at the time disappeared in a relatively short period. It has been proposed that, due to human activity, we are currently undergoing the sixth mass extinction in Earth’s history. Although this is not a concept album, we decided this song was the best choice to build the image of our first release, which is further reflected through the artwork.
The title track (Extinction Six) brings remembers of ELP and Yes with a double kick drum. And how long did it take to get the track together?
Alasdair Wallace Mackie: I can see what you mean! Clocking in at over 17 minutes, it’s a story told through 4 movements, and the light prog influence is apparent. It took over 9 months just to finish writing the song! Add a few more months to include having everyone else learn their parts and record, and this was quite an undertaking. I felt the album would have been incomplete without an epic finale, but I knew that wouldn’t happen in time unless I really hustled. Many long days and late nights were spent, and no compromises were made to get this ready in time while also crafting the song to its fullest potential. We’re extremely proud with how this track came out and we can’t wait to hear what people think!
Krista, you have a great vocal range. I watched your video D’angelo- Diablo Swing Orchestra cover. Do you have any formal training?
Krista Sion: Thank you! I’ve been singing in school choirs since I was 12 and I’ve had off-and-on vocal lessons since Dialith started.
Also, your version of Nightwish – Sleeping Sun was great. Are you thinking about toying with the idea of a solo project?
Thank you again! Not looking to do a solo project at this time, Dialith is my exclusive focus.
Alasdair, you are from Glasgow UK. How much of a difference is music on the radio, here compares to the UK?
Alasdair Wallace Mackie: I haven’t returned to Scotland in over 9 years! At that time in 2010, the big hits I always heard on the radio were Katy Perry and Lady Gaga, so pretty much identical to here in the USA haha. In terms of metal though, that culture is going strong with big bands touring through Glasgow all the time. I got to see Katatonia while I was there, and would have seen Arch Enemy if I had only stayed an extra week!
You only tour in the New England area. Are you thinking about doing a bigger tour?
While we would love to tour, we are waiting for the right opportunity at the right time. Our focus at this time is building our following through the Internet and creating as much new, quality content as possible.
If you could open up for anyone who would it be?
Alasdair: Nightwish of course! Opening for your heroes is just about every musician’s dream.
If you were doing a headline tour and could have anyone support you as an open act, who would it be?
Seven Spires immediately comes to mind. They’re a symphonic metal band based out of Boston that’s been building quite a name for themselves the past two years. They are extremely hard working and also super nice people! We’re sure they would be a pleasure to tour with. In our more local area, we really like the direction Virus of Ideals has taken with their music. They are also influenced by symphonic metal/melodic death metal, yet sound totally different from us!
How do you see yourself in five years?
We will continue to write new music and produce more music videos. We want to keep raising the stakes with more ambitious songs and other content. In 5 years we believe we’ll have a very solid portfolio for new fans to discover and enjoy.
Anything in closing for your fans?
We’re incredibly excited to share this album with the world and we hope everyone who listens enjoys it! We have no intention of stopping and have plans for a consistent release schedule along with more video content in the future.
Be sure to preorder ‘Extinction Six’ here: https://dialith.bandcamp.com/
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