MetalTitans got an opportunity to conduct a written interview with Matt and Brett of EAST OF THE WALL. This band has the ability, to re-create themselves with every album released, by scurrying off to their side-projects, but returning to East of the Wall with new ideas, and new concepts for their next record. The band is currently touring with Black Tusk, and check out this interview, for more details on what is to come.
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Welcome to MetalTitans, Guardians of Metal entertainment, worldwide. Thank you for taking the time to do this interview with us.

1. What year did “East of the Wall” form ?

Matt: as a non original member, I can't say my answer is definitive, but I believe it was 2005, and I joined in 2006. However many of us had played together in previous bands and so we already had a feel for each others' musicality. Some of us have been playing together since 1995, I believe. 

2. How did you all get together to form the band, were you all friends , or ?

Matt: I'd say friends mainly. Some of us actually went to high school and college together. Otherwise, we are somewhat guilty of stealing personnel from other bands when we hear something we absolutely must have.

3. The Apologist has been said to be your most challenging and groundbreaking, is that your feeling with this album as well ?

Matt: that's a tough question. All of our albums have had challenges involved. The challenge for this one was mostly among the three guitars, putting together something cohesive that would also work live. Honestly, we haven't ever played the title track live because that song will be quite a challenge to pull off. Most of our songs we completely write and polish before hitting the studio. On The Apologist I think we left a fair amount of the overall feel of that song to the recording and production. And I love that we did that, because at song definitely has its own vibe. Andrew Schneider definitely contributed a lot there. So when we finally bring that song to the stage, we want to make sure it hits in all the right places.

4. You just did a rigorous tour in the fall, and now you are on another one for the months of March/April along with such bands as Black Tusk, Hull, Royal Thunder, Skeletonwitch, Goatwhore, Dying Fetus and others, how did this tour come about ?

Brett: Plain and simple, we have begun working with Dan Rozenblum from the Pantheon Agency. This development was very exciting for us as it has made touring something that we can now just do, as opposed to something that we have to work for months on booking prior to our departure. We feel very privileged to be on Dan's roster and look forward to touring non stop! 

5. Did you have any influences growing up that made you want to play the style of music you chose ?

Matt: I always looked up to my uncle Paul who still plays rings around most musicians. I'd also say Chris influenced my playing tremendously, which is weird to say, since our styles are completely different. He was always looking for something new and unexplored, challenging himself to do different stuff, and doing research into technique and technology. I kinda tagged along.

Brett: My biggest influence in life that ultimately brought me to where I am came from countless hours of skateboarding every day until i was in my late 20's (and all the things that came with it).

6. Is there any band that you really would like to tour with ?

Brett: Between all of the members, we could list hundreds of bands on our touring "wish list". We'd love to do long runs with Intronaut, Voivod, Opeth, Dysrhythmia……(seeing a trend?)

7. How about a place that you would like to play ? Someplace you haven’t yet ?

Matt: Japan. Bart and I went there with some friends in 2005 and were exposed to some outrageous music. Crowd was totally into it too.

Brett: I agree. I want to tour with SMAP……

8. What is the best thing about being on tour ? And the worst thing ?

Brett: I think I can safely say that out of our whole crew I enjoy and look forward to tour the most. I love playing a show everyday, seeing all the beautiful landscapes the world has to offer, meeting up with longtime friends from all over, sampling fine foods and beers in moderation, and I LOVE waking up and not having to wait tables (not having to shave and shower rules!!). For me, the ONLY bad thing is time away from my wife (she's my number one guy).

9. What are your plans now for “East of the Wall” ?

Matt: more writing, more touring, more of all of it. We actually have at least 3 new songs under our belt for our next release, whatever or whenever that may be. And we are still experimenting with different ways to write in light of the 3 guitar thing. Maybe I'll break out my seven string? Who knows...

Brett: We want to go bigger and work harder in every way possible.

10. Anything you would like to say to people reading this interview ?

Matt: If you see us live come say hi. We need more friends.

Brett: Thank you for reading!

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview with Metaltitans.

East of the Wall start their tour on March 23, catch them at a city near you.

Mar 23 LVCS - Las Vegas, NV
Mar 24 Malone’s - Santa Ana, CA
Mar 25 Starline - Fresno, CA
Mar 26 Slidebar - Fullerton, CA
Mar 27 Bottom of the Hill - San Francisco, CA
Mar 28 Rotture - Portland, OR
Mar 29 Hells Kitchen - Tacoma, WA
Mar 30 Highline - Seattle, WA
Mar 31 The Venue - Boise, ID
Apr 01 Kilby Court - Salt Lake City, UT
Apr 02 Moe’s - Englewood, CO
Apr 03 The Riot Room - Kansas City, MO
Apr 04 Downtown Music Hall - Little Rock, AR
Apr 05 The Birdhouse - Knoxville, TN
Apr 06 Casa De Mise - Dayton, OH
Apr 07 Locust Grove - Mercer, PA
Apr 20 North Star Bar - Philadelphia, PA
Apr 21 Saint Vitus - Brooklyn, NY