Interviews: Reaping Asmodeia

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Technical Deathcore band Reaping Asmodeia from the USA. Check out the interview and follow this band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Was it planned, or did it just happen organically?

Alex: Daniel and I decided on a two-word template. We knew we wanted something strong but unique. Having arrived at “Asmodeia”, we felt “Reaping” fit the former slot. Reaping Asmodeia essentially represents the darker aspects of desire and moral weakness.

2. Why did you choose to play this genre?

Jakub: I got into heavy music in middle school. When I started playing in heavy bands, I played some black metal and melodic metal, but nothing really extreme. I think for me, a lot of it was luck. I'm not sure I would have ended up playing technical metal without getting the opportunity to audition for WDHR and meeting Daniel and Alex. Once I got a taste of playing this music live, I was hooked. It pushed me as a player, but more importantly, it gave me the ultimate platform to express myself on stage. The energy and emotion of this music are unmatched for me and make the opportunities for expression limitless.

Alex: Having gatewayed into the guitar between Metallica and Nu-metal, I grew to enjoy guitar-driven music. It wasn’t lol before I was getting into the more extreme side of the instrument. Growing up, I jumped up the ladder from different local bands, each getting more technical than the last. Upon joining WDHR in '08’ and meeting Daniel, I was thrown into full-on touring the country for damn near 8 months. That cemented the fact that playing heavy music with high energy live is a rush unlike any other.

3. Did you know each other before forming the band?

Jakub: We did know each other before Reaping Asmodeia was formed. I met Alex and Daniel when I joined With Dead Hands Rising. I joined only a handful of months before the band broke up in 2008, but we kept jamming for a while after that. I ended up leaving to go do some other projects while Alex and Daniel kept jamming, and those “jams” ended up being the start of RA.

Alex: It is true that the three of us met through WHDR. Daniel in ‘07, Jakub in ‘08…. But I’ve ACTUALLY known Eric longer than both of them! He and I were in a tech death band called “The Body Beneath” back in 06

4. What is each band member's favorite band?

Jakub: Meshuggah

Alex: Correct

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Jakub: Listening to a variety of music definitely helps with fresh ideas. For me, inspiration comes in waves, and it can be random. Sometimes it is emotions, sometimes I pick up my bass, and riffs just start flowing.

Alex: Also, a large variety of musical listening. I’ll get stuck on a band for a couple of weeks and get inspired to write a certain type of part. Often, it is just spending countless hours with my guitar and G-Pro super analyzing my parts until I’m positive they are just weird enough to be Reaping worthy

6. Where was your last gig?

Alex: Last month, we headlined the first day of a festival at a campground in a small town in Iowa. For a town of 300, they really showed up. The mayor even gifted every performing band with a customized “key to the city” bottle opener. Shout out, Spillville, IA!!

7. Where would you like to perform in the future?

Jakub: Europe for sure. I'd love to tour Europe and specifically Scandinavia. I think they would really dig our style.

Alex: Overseas is definitely high on our list. We were stoked to have been able to play 70k Tons early this year, and we are ready to travel wherever we need to!

8. Which artist or band would you like to collaborate with?

Alex: A Reaping/ Weird Al collab would be something else!

9. Is there anyone you wouldn’t want to collaborate with?

Alex: That is a tough question

10. Have any of you ever experienced stage fright? Do you have any tips for beginners on overcoming it?

Jakub: The first couple of times I was on stage, I had stage fright. I was 12 at the time, so it has been a while. I think the biggest thing that helped me was just being confident in my abilities. Knowing that I can and will play the material well because I've practiced and I'm ready. Playing hundreds of gigs also helps. I will say that I still get a little nervous, but it is nervous excitement. I absolutely love to play live.

Alex: I see stage fright as dynamic. Sure, your preparedness and practice are crucial. Having a solid group of guys to back you up on stage and knowing they are completely down has removed all stage fright for me. I am confident we are unstoppable when we start going!

11. Which bands have influenced you the most? 

Jakub: The Beatles have to be at the top of my list. They were my first musical love. Without them, I don't think I ever would have become a musician. Meshuggah is my favorite band, so they definitely influence what I do. Primus has always been one of my favorites as well. I also have to put Jaco and Wooten on my influence list. Listening to their stuff when I was first getting started as a bass player really opened my mind to what was possible. I can't do a lot of the things they do, but it is nice to have something to shoot for.

Alex: The classic bands I grew up listening to, yet also the bands I joined over the years. The body Beneath and With Dead Hands Rising showed me different approaches to the guitar I had never considered before. Mix that with some Decapitated or some NES and you’re well on your way to a Reaping Riff of your own!

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Jakub: I can't think of weird things I've been asked for. One interaction I had with a fan after a show will always stick with me, though. A teenager asked me for a pick after a show once. That request isn't weird at all, but I don't use picks. I tell him that I don't have any picks, and it is because I only play with my fingers. He was crushed. I can't even describe the sadness on his face. He looked so defeated. I told him I could still get him a Reaping Asmodeia pick from Alex, but he wasn't interested.

Alex: Hahaha, I'm sure that was a true story, Jakub.. I’ve been asked to sign other bands' merch before, and that was always weird.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Jakub: They are awesome! I love playing live over all other aspects of music. The fans are what make that possible.

Alex: The one we bring on stage definitely keeps us cooler!!, lol. The Reapers, on the other hand, are the coolest fans a group of death metal guys could ask for!! We have spent many a night with our hospitable Reapers over the years.

14. What do you think of our site?

Jakub: We love any outlets that support metal, and all of its components! We are thankful to have people like yourselves covering the music we are all so passionate about.

Alex:🤘I think what you are doing is great for bringing attention to the underground core scene. We could be considered to have core elements, and we’re happy to be featured🤘

15. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Alex: To everyone who has supported us over the last 16 years, we can’t thank you enough. We’ve released new music this year and have more on the way, so please stay tuned with @ReapingAsmodeia