1. Tell our readers who's in your band and what kind of sound to expect.

T: T Black - vocals,  Adam Killian - guitar, Matt Wilson - drums, J-Sin - bass
J-Sin: You can expect gut grinding riffs and bone breaking grind with a surprisingly understandable vocalist for our kind of music.

T: Expect a band who doesn't try to sound like anyone but themselves. Something heavy and original, without being tainted by compromise.
 
2. Let's get this out of the way, where did your band name originate?

J-Sin: I'm not sure but I think its about all the people who have tried to make us crash and burn. 

T: The name comes from all the members knowing each other from previous projects. We all came together and wanted to move past the ashes of our former projects, thus moving Beyond The Ashes.

3. Give us a brief history of the band and any releases that are available.

J-Sin: We have all know each other for years. Tommy and I were in the studio together over ten years ago for fun. Adam and Matt had a band together a few years ago. We've all done separate things and luckily come back together with some knowledge. There are new songs and some cool shorts on our website.

T: Like J-Sin said, we have all known each other for years and were associated, but never collaborated together. When BTA started out, we had Thomas from my Blakkbone days and James and LA from Palos in the fold. Different visions and personality conflicts led us to have to a change in lineup, but so far we are all on the same page now and really proud of where we are. We did a demo CD called Unbroken that we gave away at shows and put on our website for free download, as well as a CD called Live At The Nick, which was exclusively available via free download from our website. Those are currently unavailable, but there is a new four song demo of the new era available for free download on our websites. [links below]

4. Does your band have a website? And where can we check out your music?

J-Sin: www.beyondtheashes.com and www.myspace.com/beyondtheashes.

T: And the music is available on both of those for free download and for streaming.

5. Where do you see the band 3 years from now?

J-Sin: in three years i see us uber tight and playing some badass music somewhere.

T: Still staying true to doing things our way. Hopefully playing on a larger scale, whatever that may be.

6. Tell us what you like best about the Birmingham music scene and where you think it could use some improvement.

J-Sin: I guess what I like best about Bham is that its real versatile. Somewhere in Bham they're playing something for the mood you're in.

T: I like that there is a lot of talent in the local scene from every style. I would love to see a more supportive attitude from bands. It seems like too many people look at it as competition instead of supporting each other.

7. Do you think your Birmingham connection shows in your music? If so, how?

J-Sin: Birmingham is where most of our fans are, so yeah there's definitely a connection. Bham has a lot of great bands that need to be recognized.

T: I don't think you listen to our music and think of Birmingham really. I can't really think of anything in our music that would tie us to the area. We try not to limit ourselves to just any area. We try to write music that will be appreciated no matter where you are. I write about personal conflicts and issues that I have suffered. I've learned that I am not the only one that suffers with these and hopefully my writing openly about it will help them out.

8. How do you promote your music around Birmingham and beyond?

J-Sin: We mostly promote by the internet and the word of mouth.

T: MySpace has been an incredible tool for promoting ourselves. Mostly we do use word of mouth and the internet to spread the word. Luckily we have really dedicated fans who do continue to tell others to check us out. Our friends and fans are what makes us able to continue.

9. If you could rock the stage with any other two bands/musicians throughout history, who would it be and why?

J-Sin: If I could jam out with anybody it would be Black Sabbath because they are the makers of metal, and Slayer because I love that intense energy.

T: I'd love to jam a song with Skid Row. They have been a huge influence on me musically, and have helped me out personally as well. They have made some amazing music throughout their career, and continue to put out great songs. I mean, they were the first hard rock/metal band to debut at number 1 on Billboard charts.

10. What's the best show you feel you've played to date? Any distinct magical moments?

J-Sin: I think our best date so far was Augusta, GA at the Playground because we didn't know anyone and went in and ripped it up. It was a real comfortable place to play.

T: I think the best show to date was probably our show with Jemani and Year And A Day at the Rock'n Horse. There was a great energy in there that night. It's always a blast with both those bands.

11. What are some of your favorite local venues, and why?

J-Sin: I guess my fav is the Rock'n Horse. Great sound and it's kinda like home for us. And I like the Nick because there are alot of big bands that come through there. good atmostphere.

T: The Rock'n Horse is home because of the great atmosphere and a great sound. The Nick has a great sound system as well and I love playing through it. Cave 9 is a cool all ages club as well. Haven't played Zydeco yet, would love to play there too.

12. Where do you like to drink or hang out in Birmingham? And what's the best night to go out?

J-Sin: Charlie's and Sammy's. Friday and Saturday are the best nights. And Burly Earl - get a Mcarther, you'll love it.

T: I don't drink much, but I love to go to shows at the Rock'n Horse and the Nick. I miss the hell out of the 5 Points Music Hall though!!!

13. Recommend some other local acts you think our readers should check out.

J-Sin: Victim of Thought, Intense Regret, and Year and a Day.

T: I don't think Intense Regret are together anymore. I think it's Severe now... My favorite locals are Victim Of Thought, Year And A Day, Traumatide, Obliviaxe, Apsis, Severe, Scream Sophie, Brother Cane, Terrell (aka Charlie Terrell), Zenkil, The Influence, Hot Rod Hearse, Kenosis, and Sleep In Ruin.

14. That about wraps it up. Is there anything else you want our readers to know?

J-Sin: SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC.

T: Just that we really appreciate all the support that we have got from everyone. Check out our sites www.beyondtheashes.com and www.myspace.com/beyondtheashes. Tell your friends. Download our music for free, burn CDs for you and your friends. Come to shows.

15. One last question: After a show, do you prefer Waffle House or IHOP?

J-Sin: Waffle House definitely.

T: Waffle House over IHOP, but if I had a choice of favorite breakfast food, it would be Uncle Morts on Hwy 78 between Dora and Jasper.

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