Interviews About Albums: Arc Of Dyad - The Work Of Idle Hands (2026)

In this new interview, we sat down with the Australian Heavy Metal band Arc Of Dyad to ask questions about their album, "The Work Of Idle Hands".

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

“The Work Of Idle Hands” is the debut album by Arc Of Dyad. The release consists of seven songs that essentially lay down the blueprint for what will follow on future releases. Stylistically, this is the Arc Of Dyad sound, an approach that I will continue to pursue with Arc Of Dyad until Arc Of Dyad exists no more. “The Work Of Idle Hands” is therefore an album that consists of direct arrangements, concise songwriting, and a dedicated metal spirit built on hooks and melodic solos. Lyrics are essential to the album, and if you’re looking for something more than the usual cliches, this is an album you should listen to. The unfiltered vocal approach adds a raw intensity, making for a visceral experience that is complemented by a production that one reviewer stated is “sharp enough to let every riff and vocal line hit with serious weight.”

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

“The Work Of Idle Hands” has a double meaning. The obvious one is the classic definition that negativity arises when people are not focusing on the bigger picture, and that can apply to anyone in a multitude of positions of authority, whether it is in the home, the workplace, or the powers that be. Common sense begins to fall apart when we stop being accountable, standards drop, and we spin into a state of decline. The title also serves as a reminder to myself to keep pushing forward and to never stagnate. Arc of Dyad is a vehicle for me to share my ideas with the world. I hope it inspires others, no matter their age, that there is more to life than being that nine-to-five automaton - even though life demands that from us most of the time.

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

I am the composer and sole lyricist. Arc of Dyad is my vision completely. I am open to input - especially from Tom Kocovic, who helped produce the album and arranged the drums, but I have the final say. I understand how that comes across, but it really is no different from how most bands work - there is more often than not one or two individuals steering the ship, and it’s the same with me. The only difference is that I don’t have a band around me. At this stage, I think collaborating with someone would have an adverse effect on Arc Of Dyad because it would mean compromising, and I do not want to compromise when I am writing for Arc Of Dyad. I want the arrangement to be the arrangement I have in mind and the lyrics to say exactly what I want to say. It’s quite possible that this is - subconsciously at least- the reason why I chose “The Work Of Idle Hands” as the album title. The “idle hands” is me.

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

Wow…that’s difficult. It’s not that I view each song as one of my “children” and that I can’t choose between them - that’s not the case, as at, it’s just that each song has a specific meaning to me. It could stem from the experiences that I have had (‘Borrowed Time’, ‘Speaking In Tongues’, ‘Road Less Travelled’ and ‘Universe’) to the world around us (‘Constellations’, ‘Human, Mistake’ and ‘Marching'). I view the album as a collection of experiences - one where no one song is better than the other. This is why the tracks play in alphabetical order. I wanted "The Work Of Idle Hands” to be a journey of sorts, one where the listener can either identify themselves in the lyrics or pause for a moment and think about the songs each time they listen to the album.

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

The message to be the best version of yourself and to rise above the trials and tribulations that life throws at you. Existence is definitely a challenge, but it's a challenge we all face, so we might as well get on with it and do the best that we can with what we have. Everything begins with you, and if we treat others how we want to be treated, the world will be a better place because of it.

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

The chorus to ‘Human, Mistake’ always stands out because of the time it took and the amount of rewrites that were done. It was endless, but essential, as I wanted to say something specific, and it was a cool moment when I finally got there.

“In your image we are made,

Human, mistake,

Was there something wrong with your DNA?

That forced us to act this way?

In your image we are made,

Human, mistake,

Did your best laid plans go astray?

Could you have used one more day?”

I want all my lyrics to be direct and to the point, with no hidden meanings. The chorus to ‘Human, Mistake’ paints a clear picture and asks an obvious question - are we the descendants of a flawed creator, one who had a number of faults to begin with and were then passed on to us? Will we ever find out? Who knows, but it’s a question I wanted to ask, so I decided to explore the idea. The remainder of the lyrics flesh out the concept and look at the human race and the manner in which we interact with one another.

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

The number one inspiration is life and living. I’m equally thankful to the positive and negative influences that I’ve experienced because if they hadn't happened, then I would have either written songs about dragons, elves, and that bloke with the pitchfork and horns or nothing at all. After 50 years of heavy metal, I think we can aim for more. Artists such as Anacrusis, Armoured Angel, Celtic Frost, Death, and Paradise Lost are amongst many that helped shape the music you hear, while lyricists such as Martin Walkyier, Kenn Nardi, and the late Warrel Dane encouraged me to push the envelope. Ultimately, I am, like everyone, one part of a family unit, and I am grateful that my sons and my better half have been patient, giving me the time and space needed to explore the many ideas I have brewing inside of me. They have never once dismissed my need to be creative or pressured me to give up. They understand.

8. Something to add?

As a new artist, it is difficult to break through and be heard, so I appreciate the opportunity to dive into the Arc of Dyad story and share it with your readers. Thank you. To those reading, I hope this interview interests you enough to go and check out “The Work Of Idle Hands.” Work on album number two is well underway, so there is a lot more on the horizon. Until then, check out the multiple official videos that have already been released and reach out through the usual channels. It would be great to hear from you all.

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