What's the connection between Yugoslavia, Silvertonguedevil and a Pit Bull?
Formed six years ago Silvertonguedevil been slowly and steadly building their fan base the old fashion way by playing live around the the Dallas/Fort Worth area. I met and hung around the bands gutarist Aleks at various shows. Finally got to hear some of the bands material when Alek and singer Chris gave me their CD at the Kataklysm show. Living in Dallas since moving away from the war torn Balkan area of Yugoslavia. Alek hooked up with Chris and formed Silvertonguedevil. Besides playing gutar in Silvertonguedevil Aleks is not only pursuing a degree he's also a black belt and an active member of the pit bulls, one of the biggest metal organization in Texas and beyond. So readers check out the interview and see what our brother Texan has to say.
Tell me about yourself and how you end up in Texas?
I came to Dallas when I was 10, currently 23, from the former Yugoslavia with my family. We came to Dallas because of all the wars that happened in X-Yugoslavia during the 90s. I quickly became obsessed with metal and started playing guitar when I was 13.
My singer, Craig, and I, the guitar player, started Silvertonguedevil 6 years ago, and we have been playing shows vigilantly the entire time. We’ve had numerous line-ups and a quality recording, Secret Demons, which we have been selling for the last year. Also, we’ve played all throughout Texas and the Mid-West and are in the process of recording our first full-length album. Silvertonguedevil is Aleks Speed, Ben Shanks, Craig Meinhart, and Max Litt.
In my professional life, I’m working on finishing my master’s in Accounting this May and wrapping up my CPA exam over the summer as well. I’m also a black belt, and a member of the Pit-Bulls Mosh rganization.
For the metalheads outside of Texas, can you tell them a brief biography of Silvertonguedevil and how the band got together?
My singer, Craig, and I started Silvertonguedevil 6 years ago, and we have been playing shows vigilantly the entire time. We’ve had numerous line-ups and a quality recording, Secret Demons, which we have been selling for the last year. Also, we’ve played all hroughout Texas and the Mid-West and are in the process of recording our first ull-length album. Silvertonguedevil is Aleks Speed, Ben Shanks, Craig Meinhart, and Max Litt.
Which bands influenced Silvertonguedevil, and how much of an impact have these bands had on you and your bandmates?
I would say that metal bands in general have had a big impact on Silvertonguedevil. I don’t categorize our sound in any one sub-genre of metal. I simply call it metal. Therefore, our band does everything it can to encompass all the good parts from the different genres of metal, including; thrash, death, black, power, heavy and doom.
When I listen to your CD, Secret Demons, I hear a lot thrash influences. Is Silvertonguedevil more or less old school thrash?
We definitely have a lot of thrash metal influences but still call ourselves a straight-up metal band. Everyone has their own opinions, and I’m just happy that there are people that enjoy our music and would consider calling us a thrash metal band.
I know the band has been active on the live front. What has the response been so far?
For the numerous shows we’ve played so far, I would have to say that the response is better with every show we play. We have been crafting our sound for 6 years now, and our live show and professionalism is what we have to show for it. The entire band gives its all on stage through a high-energy performance. We also have an elaborate stage production with a band-logo banner, a dozen lighting pieces, spears, and crazy fog machines.
Has the band been planning any shows outside the Dallas/Fort Worth area?
Yes, we have been playing all throughout Texas, Oklahoma and the Mid-West. We plan to play Louisiana later in the spring as well.
Who does most of the arranging as far as the songwriting and music goes?
Our singer writes all the lyrical content, and I, the guitar player, write all the music. However, the entire band contributes in arranging the songs and making the parts fit with the unique songs of Silvertonguedevil. Therefore, the whole band; Craig, Ben, Max, and I help arrange and write the music.
Are you still pursuing your degree as well as being involved in the Pit-Bulls and Silvertonguedevil?
Yes, I graduate in May, and there is not a single show that we play that I am not wearing a Pit-Bulls shirt. I will always be a Pit-Bull and slam-dance until I die.
Being from the Balkans, how long did it take you to get over the culture shock?
It took me one pack of super-sized, McDonald’s, French fries to get over the culture shock.
Does the band have any new material lined up for the new CD? Has the band received any interest from labels?
Yes, we plan on entering the studio this summer to record our first full-length album and shop it to labels for a release. We have talked to some labels and discussed potential distribution deals, but as of now, we are still looking for a label to call our home.
Have you been doing interviews with other magazines to get the word out about the band?
Yes, we’ve done other interviews with magazines and online-radio stations as well.
What show does Silvertonguedevil have planned so far?
For a full listing of our shows, feel free to check us out at myspace.com/silvertonguedevilband or type in Silvertonguedevil on Facebook. We also have shirts, CDs and stickers for sale at all our shows as well.
Thank you for taking the time to do this interview and I hope to see you at more shows this summer.
