The band strives to stay fresh and vibrant in a genre that is muddy and dark; aims to be positive amidst lyrics that are manic, frustrated and angry; breathes new life into a musical style that is often over saturated by stale, "been there, done that" local bands. Much of this originality can be attributed to principle songwriter/vocalist/guitarist Matt Kotten. Although the music he writes is heavy and angry-sounding, his lyrics are passionate and emotional. This contradiction gives the music a fresh twist and sets the band apart from other bands in the genre. In addition, Matt feels that the music benefits from the strong connection the band members have to each other.
Matt: "We really know how to work well with each other. I write the music and lyrics, but I'll also really get inspired by [drummer] Enzo - the way he plays. I totally vibe from that. And the other members will add their input in arranging once the songs are done."
"These disturbed hardcore rock dynamos bring new meaning to soul music...as in 'my soul has been possessed by music'... Their passion for these satanic symphonies has helped them emerge as one of the best bands of it's kind on Long Island and resurrected that kick-ass type of music we call unadulterated heavy metal..." (Long Island Entertainment)
Pete: "How do the fans react? Hopefully, they leave a show bloody and beaten but totally fulfilled..."
The members of Black Dawn stay honest by being true to themselves and true to the music, and after years together, they know how to make the band machine work smoothly. Besides their obvious musical roles, they also have their unspoken roles within the band: Matt is the sensitive one - he brings the aggression into the songs. Tom is the serious one -- he brings stability and helps keep the music together. Enzo is the crazy one - he adds the power behind it all. James is the cool, collected one - he brings the soul into the music.
"Absence of Time" is scheduled for a March 1999 release, and promises to deliver what Black Dawn is famous for: honest, no-holds-barred, aggressive and passionate music. With no compromises...
James: "The most important thing is that you never settle on just trying to please an audience by playing what you think they want to hear and see. If something is bothering you about what you're playing, then change it. If something is still bothering you after that, then don't play. Maybe complete silence is the sound you are searching for to complete that masterpiece..."
Prev
