Interview with FURYON: “We like to mix things up a bit and have a few surprises with what we do.”

Think you know who FURYON is? Think again! Since their inception FURYON have been a band who like nothing more than to challenge expectations. Raised on a diet of heavy metal, prog, and classic rock, FURYON mix all these components for a truly unique and contemporary sound. Delivering huge rock radio friendly songs, with technically challenging, yet infectiously catchy musicianship. Dedicated to one sole purpose, making hard hitting songs that will stand the test of time. Some days ago I had a chance to interview Furyon‘s vocalist, Matt Mitchell, here’s what he told me…

– Hi Matt, welcome to MSFinland, I’m Tarja. The Easter’s just passed, was it for you relax or work?

It was work really … well gigs. Are gigs work? Sometimes I guess. It was good.

– Your band name Furyon seems to be a combi of “Fury” and “on”, so you’re always angry and furious? lol … or what is the origins of this name choice?

Not so angry really. Furyon is a warrior name, we thought it was good. To represent strength and honour.

– In your bio I read that you “like nothing more than to challenge expectations”, could you please explain better this statement?

Well we like to challenge expectations in the way that people will expect a certain sound from us, or maybe a song that is just straight ahead and un challenging musically. We like to mix things up a bit and have a few surprises with what we do. After a while of knowing Furyon then you can expect it.

– Your genre is between heavy metal, prog and classic rock, but what bands have influenced you the most, to make you find your own sound?

Lots of bands over the time. Here are some from old to new influence. Rush, Free, Led Zep, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Megadeth, Pantera, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Kings X, Dream Theatre, Porcupine Tree, Alterbridge, Tool, Mastodon. A range of bands.

– Tell us about your earlier years, was it hard to find your “place” in the Metal-Rock scenes?

Well our band before this one was a Melodic Rock band. At the time it was hard for that specific band We thought as the scene was small. With Furyon music we haven’t really found it hard. We have had a lot of good feedback and some great help along the way. Especially from the likes of Metal Hammer and Classic rock magazine. But don’t get me wrong, we haven’t had it easy by no means. We do work hard at what we do. And have kept going when times have been tough. They do get tough to. I think the scene is actually quite healthy right now.

– Before we’ll go to Gravitas, Matt, let’s talk about your vocal versatility, which is an emotional drench, moving between melodic and crunching heavy tunes. Is it a natural skill, or how do you train your voice?

I have always sang. But yes I do and have worked hard at my voice over the years. I work as a singer outside Furyon and am always playing shows every week. I love vocals and do may best to make my voice the best it can be on that given day. As most singers will tell you, Everyday can be very different in the world of voice, and you’ve got to keep it in check to be on form. I love it.

– In 2009 you recorded your debut album ‘GRAVITAS’ with the well-known US Producer ‘Rick Beato’, in 2010 you released a limited run of 2000 copies in the UK, and March 2012 was finally the Worldwide release, with 2 bonus tracks, via Frontiers Records. But please tell me what happened in the meanwhile, and why this choice of 3 years’ “maturation”?

Well, There was also a cover mount version too. Metal Hammer magazine cover mounted The album at the end of last year. This version was for UK only and didn’t feature ‘Disappear Again’. We waited for label interest and Frontiers took the band on. The acoustic versions were an addition that the record company wanted.

– Tell us about the songs, is Gravitas a concept album or 12 separate stories? How was the songwriting process?

It’s not a concept album. The writing process changes. Sometimes from acoustic or even piano writing to guitar riffs. Sometimes vocals come first and other times all the music gets constructed before adding melodies for vocals. ‘Dissapear Again’ was actually written at the studio whilst recording the album. A bit of a gem at the last minute.

– How “Gravitas” gathers together the album, as it’s not a song title?

Well … because it was meant as a collective. ‘Gravitas’ meaning depth, weight and substance for the whole album of songs.

– How would you describe the album technically?

As I’ve said before. I see it as good Rock/Metal songs with touches of intelligence. There is some great musicianship on the album If I say so myself. The guys are very talented players.

– There are also 3 acoustic songs in the album. What would you like to tell us about them?

Yes. Voodoo me, Souvenirs and Our Peace Someday. They were the ones that leaned towards the acoustic thing quite well. Souvenirs has a nice feel about it with the 12 and 6 string acoustics. I also like doing Our Peace this acoustic way as it was written like that.

– Last year the British video game developers ‘Codemasters’ insisted your video ‘Disappear Again’ be part of the soundtrack for their upcoming game ‘DIRT 3’, which went to number 1 in the gaming charts. Would you like to tell us about this experience?

It was an awesome opportunity to get our song onto the Dirt 3 game. Being sponsered by ‘Monster energy’, they had given us the opportunity really. Monster have been great! It pushed the song out there in a way that we couldn’t at the time. Amazing for Furyon to be alongside bands like Alterbridge on the game soundtrack.

– And now, after the worldwide release, what are the next steps to support the album? a tour, a 3rd video (after “Disappear Again” and “Don’t Follow”)?

Yes indeed. Our booking agent is working on UK and European tours right now. A 3rd video is being talked about too. we are writing for a 2nd album right now and that process is coming very nicely.

– Last year you’ve performed at the UK Rock and Metal Festivals such as Bloodstock, Hammerfest and Hard Rock Hell, what are your best memories of those festivals?

They are all great festivals. There was another too called High Voltage. Now High Voltage was the best one for us in my opinion. We opened The Metal Hammer stage on the 2nd day to a great crowd. We are back playing Bloodstock this year and we are really looking forward to it. Bloodstock is a great festival.

– Where would you like to see Furyon in 5 years from now?

Working hard, on album 4, 5 maybe. Touring, getting the live show across The World to the Furyon fans and more.

– Matt, thanks for this pleasant interview! hope to see you soon on stage! what are your closure words to our readers and your fans?

I would like to say thankyou to all the fans and see you at a Furyon show sometime in the near future. Thankyou.

Interview by Tarja Virmakari

To read MSFinland’s “Gravitas” -review, please go HERE.