Interviews About Albums: The Keating Contingency - Scream Into The Void (2026)

In this new interview, we sat down with the American Melodic Death Metal project The Keating Contingency to ask questions about their album, "Scream Into The Void".

1. What can you say about this new EP/CD?

This project has been in the works for over two years, bringing together musicians from everywhere. It’s really incredible to live in a time where you can work together with musicians so far away to create something like this. Also, getting to pair musicians together who hadn’t worked together before was really cool in blending styles for what the song called for.

The notable exception to that is the track, “Before a Purge,” which includes both Mark Hunter and Austin D’Amond from Chimaira. Being able to have both of them involved in this track together was such an honor, as I’m a massive fan of their last record together, “Crown of Phantoms”.

While this EP can be categorized as a “Solo Project,” I think it was so remarkable to see these songs morph into such an incredible mosaic through the eyes of each musician involved to create something I’m so immensely proud of.

2. What is the meaning of the EP/CD name?

We're in a time where everyone is able to create art and share it with the world, but what usually happens is that it's lost in the social media algorithm. I started this project knowing there's a good chance it will get lost in all of the noise, but regardless, I still wanted to create the music that resonated with me and "Scream" it to the world.

3. Which one is the composer of the CD/EP?

I wrote the core nucleus of the music with the guitar and structure, but gave all drummers and singers full agency over what they felt the song called for. What's great about that is that the end result surpassed anything I could have envisioned, and it's amazing to see everyone's style come through with each track.

4. If you had to pick one song, which one would you pick?

Oh, I really don't know if that's possible. Each musician absolutely CRUSHED it on these tracks, and they all came out really strong with different dynamics and high points for me. The reason I chose "A Darker Side of View" as the first single to come out is that it was completed so far ahead of the other tracks, so I was able to plan around it a bit more, but I love all of these tracks so much. "Maze of Echoes" has this neoclassical influence mixed with thrash and layers of harmony. "Before a Purge" has such raw aggression combined with such a progressive structure to create a really cool narrative. "A Darker Side of View" has such a heavy groove, balanced with this open melodic chorus. And "Doomsday" has even more great dynamics with another incredible narrative to round out the end of the EP.

5. Is there a special message in this EP/CD? If there is what it is?

My main takeaway from this project was taking ownership of my ambition. Putting together something like this was really ambitious, and so my message from it is: if you feel driven and inspired to make something happen, push through any obstacles to make it happen!

6. Are there some lyrics that you'd love to share?

While they aren’t my lyrics, I felt really connected with all the songs on this EP. One instance is the chorus of “Maze of Echoes”:

“In the maze of echoes, I’m stuck searching for myself”.

While Sean would have to explain what the lyrics for this song mean to him, I found a lot of confidence in my voice as a musician in this project.

There was naturally a lot of self-doubt and reflection with each stage of this project, and I think the end result is the exact kind of music I’ve been looking to create.

7. Which inspirations have been important for this album? Like musically or friends, family, someone you'd love to thanks specially?

My sister, Annie, was a huge inspiration for this project. She’s always believed in my musical journey, and I was really honored to get to share all the progress with her along the way.

My wife has also been a constant source of support in this endeavor, and I will never be able to thank her enough for everything.

Additionally, I can’t thank enough all the incredible musicians involved in this project. Also, Pete Grossman at Bricktop for putting this puzzle together, and Brad Boatright from Audiosiege, who handled mastering.

8. Something to add?

Really, I can’t believe this EP is finally being released. It’s been in a bubble of just the musicians/engineers involved for so long that finally sharing it is so wild to me. I just hope people will check it out and enjoy what they hear.

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