Interviews: Seeing Hell A.D.

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Hardcore/Metal band Seeing Hell A.D. from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did the name SEEING HELL A.D. come from, and what does it represent for the band?

We cycled through many names trying to find something that fit our collective vision. At the time, we were all dealing with mental health struggles and felt that life was like "seeing hell" constantly. Lyrically, we dive into that ideology often. While the members have changed since the beginning, that sentiment remains. We added the "A.D." moniker after a major lineup shift to distinguish this era, similar to how early hardcore bands utilized suffixes.

2. How did the band first come together in Memphis, and what was the original vision?

Originally, we aimed for a heavy, dark, doomy sound influenced by Electric Wizard and Dopethrone. Eventually, we moved away from trying to hit a specific target and focused on music that worked for us. Since we come from diverse musical backgrounds, our only real direction was ensuring the sound stayed heavy and dark.

3. “DISSECTION” feels raw, heavy, and tightly wound. What was the spark behind this track?

This is our first recording with the new lineup. Our guitarist (Robert) and I (Johnnie) grew up with late 90s/early 2000s hardcore, while our drummer (Canh) and bassist (Jeff) gravitate toward fast, technical death metal. This track reflects that chaotic energy; we might pair a Violence Violence-era Ceremony riff with a Crowbar-esque section, mixed with blastbeats or bass sweeps. It feels like the sound is barely staying on the tracks, and that's where we like it.

4. How does “DISSECTION” connect to the larger themes of your upcoming album BASTARD HYMNS?

"DISSECTION" represents the nascent stage of the band's new identity. Currently, things are taking a more fast-paced, aggressive shape than our previous work, though there are plenty of sonic ties that connect the new record to the old.

5. What does the title BASTARD HYMNS mean to you, and how does it frame the record as a whole?

The title lends itself to several themes in our new material, and we’ve always been fond of referring to our songs as "hymns." It’s also a tongue-in-cheek nod to sacrilegious ideals.

6. The track blends hardcore, sludge, doom, and death metal with an industrial edge. How do you approach fusing all those elements without losing identity?

Everything is a group effort. I want my bandmates to have a say in everything we create. While we all have favorite tracks, the final structure is always a collaborative process. Our passion for these genres naturally transfers into the sound.

7. What role does the Memphis heavy scene play in shaping your sound and attitude as a band?

Memphis was mean and dangerous when we were growing up, but also loving and exciting. I remember dodging flying chairs at Clenched Fist shows as a kid or seeing someone lose teeth at a house show I played, and just keep rolling. Memphis is the underdog with a chip on its shoulder that’s never out of the fight. We want to make sure people remember that.

8. You’ve shared stages with bands like Eyehategod, Weedeater, Exhorder, and Bongzilla. How have those experiences influenced you?

Those bands are pioneers. They inspired a massive, heavy melting pot that we’re just stirring while we can still stand.

9. What bands or records had the biggest impact on your sound when you were first starting out?

Since we are in the early stages of this new formation, we frequently reference Crowbar, Converge, His Hero Is Gone, and Oathbreaker.

10. There’s a strong sense of weight and tension in your music. How do you build that feeling when writing?

Sometimes we build it like a puzzle, cataloging a vibe over time. Other times, one of us gets in that headspace and just riffs through a wall.

11. How do you decide when a song is “heavy enough” without overloading it?

I don’t think we’d ever stop writing a song because it got "heavy enough," but we will switch things up to give the track a new shape or dynamic. We aren't afraid of overloading a track; we are definitely gear-worship guys and sometimes aim for that dense sound. If Robert likes a riff enough, there's no end to it at practice. Some say he's still playing the ending to DISSECTION right now.

12. What was the most challenging part of writing or recording “DISSECTION”?

Our process is quite fluid now, and writing has become easier as we find our collective groove. While recording in a studio was a new experience for some of the guys, Jason Gillespie and Edward Hamel made the process very smooth.

13. How did working with Jason Gillespie and Edward Hamel shape the final sound of the single?

Jason and Ed are absolute masters of their crafts. They are professionals and good friends who truly helped us nail the direction we’ve been striving for. We can't recommend them enough.

14. Do you think your sound leans more toward chaos or control, or is it a balance between the two?

It’s a balance. We’re riding a train that’s coming off the tracks, that's how we like it.

15. What role does atmosphere play in your heavier, more aggressive sections?

Atmosphere adds depth. I listen to a lot of classical music, so I love swells, eerie anticipation, and the looming pictures they paint. It makes the feeling more complex and mature.

16. How important is live performance energy when shaping your songs in the studio?

Crucial. If you aren't providing energy that shows you care about the music, why should the audience? Unless you’re playing an instrument, you should be on fire—full of motion and expression.

17. If BASTARD HYMNS had a visual identity, what would it look or feel like?

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

18. Is there any direction in modern heavy music you deliberately avoid?

There are styles that aren't our flavor, but we respect everyone doing their own thing.

19. What do you want listeners to feel after hearing “DISSECTION” for the first time?

Anticipation and reflection.

20. What’s next for SEEING HELL AD after this release cycle?

We have a lot coming this year: potential splits, collaborative writing with other projects, and some weekend runs. We’re also looking to work with small-scale gear builders. We’re just going to keep rolling and setting new goals.

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