Alchemist have started to finally turn some heads internationally with "Organasm." "Organasm" was nothing short of an exceptional record, and to put it simply, "Austral Alien" tops it in every way. Roy who handles half guitaring duties for Alchemist, as well as the fantastic art work depicted all through "Austral Alien" was kind enough to answer these questions via email in a record turn around time of 5 hours and 20 minutes (completely annihilating any previous records). Opeth, the new record, and metal life in Australia consist of some of the topics covered.

Jack 'Odel'


Ok, man before we get onto the album, I gotta ask how the few gigs with Opeth were. Were these guys as unbelievable as every man and his dog keep saying they are? Do you think they enjoyed Australia? Must be a lot more exciting than Sweden for them...

The Opeth shows were fantastic, an awesome way to come back to the live scene for us. It had been the biggest break the band has had from performing and to come back to appreciative sold out crowds was great. Opeth were really, really good, musically the best band we have the pleasure of playing with, the pulled it off beautifully everywhere they went. I think they had a great time here and seemed to be humbled by the reception they got everywhere. Great guys, down to earth, no bull shit at all, Scorpion (the promoter) was great as well. Best support slot we have ever done.

Are you guys big fans of Opeth? Do you think it was a big step in the career of Alchemist playing alongside these huge metal stalwarts?

Yeah, we are big fans of Opeth, Adza has been into them for some time and got us keen around "Blackwater Park" era. Everything I have heard from them has been great. It defiantly was a positive step in our career and a good way to align ourselves with the current metal crowd. It was great to see so many people into a band as diverse as Opeth, maybe things are changing here.

The new record is "Austral Alien," and I really must say it is an absolute corker of a record. I notice this record is a bit shorter than "Organasm." Was this a conscious decision? Were you aiming for "Austral Alien" to be a bit sharper, and ultimately shorter in its delivery to the listener?

Thanks Jack, Yeah it's a bit shorter, it wasn't really planned to be shorter than "Organasm," it just kind of turned out like that. We wanted concise songs, and just keep writing until it felt right. A band like Alchemist is a real challenge to record, and sometimes the more songs on the album the less attention each song gets in the mix. We also have to work within certain constrains – which equates to time in the studio in the long run. We took 2 years to write the material, but you can only leave so long between each record. It felt right to the band.

There is a distinct... perhaps 'indigenous' Australian vibe to "Austral Alien." I can sense Men At Work, Icehouse and Midnight Oil throughout "Austral Alien." Have you guys made a deliberate decision to help further differentiate Alchemist from other acts, and perhaps Australianise Alchemist more so for "Austral Alien" than past releases? I mean, as you wade further into overseas markets the need for uniqueness and creativity is evermore principal and critical to your success...

The whole record was written to the "Austral Alien" concept – which is pretty loose and open to interpretation, but probably encouraged that Australian vibe you mentioned. We have always tried to differentiate Alchemist from other acts - especially other heavy acts. We all grew up with the bands you mentioned and I guess we have Australianised the band a bit from our older material. I think we may have some common ideas with say Icehouse and the Oils. We're not sure how they will take it overseas, but if it sounds unique and creative, that's what we're after.

What are the lyrics about for "Austral Alien?" Does "Austral Alien" follow a loose concept about anything in particular? "Organasm" was about the general creation and evolution of life. Does "Austral Alien" follow this story to a more 'surreal' and 'fictional' level?

"Austral Alien" is a loose concept that embraces all the songs. There are many different ways you can read it, really everyone in Australia is an Alien, even the indigenous people (originally). Fox's, Cain toads; all the imports. Also it has been very difficult for us to penetrate overseas, not to mention tour. So we have accepted that we are geographically isolated from the world scene – making the band the Austral Alien. There is also the weirdness of the band – perceived by people with no understanding of what we are trying to do, like we want to alienate those who don't get it – that's the concept anyway. The lyrics are kind of independent to each song but hopefully fit into the whole scheme of things. Some of the lyrical themes are: Alien abduction, nuclear waste disposal, drought, suicide, human progress, reality, isolation, the future.

Can you tell me about the cover art for "Austral Alien?" Again you guys seem to be following along a psychedelic road (as can be seen through "Organasm").

The "Austral Alien" artwork is a series of panels I created throughout the writing process. It's very psychedelic, hopefully interesting and unique. The actual cover image is the underside of the Carillon in Canberra, which has then been tripped out. I think Alchemist's road will always be psychedelic; we're a psychedelic band.

Perhaps the most noticeable thing for me following the progress of Alchemist is the gradual shift to a more slow and deliberate sound. "Organasm" was certainly a 'spacier' and 'psychedelic' record than what "Spiritech" was, and again "Austral Alien" sees you taking Alchemist to the next level in being 'out there.' Is this going to be a general trend for Alchemist in the future, or are you merely taking each day as it comes?

We don't have much interest in repeating ourselves, so it's all new. We love the psychedelic elements in our tunes and we love being 'out there.' I guess lately different elements in heavy music are more expected so we must also keep pushing it. Personally, I think "Jar of Kingdom," our first record is the most out there thing we have done, every thing else is pretty tame compared to that.

But again, that being said, there is an undeniable link between "Organasm" and "Austral Alien." The two records could have almost been recorded in the same sessions, and merely released a few years apart, such is the vibe that a listener might feel towards both records.

Well they were recorded in the same place with the same guy, (DW) I can hear the difference in the two records. It's interesting you would say that.

There is far more 'present' sound to "Austral Alien" than what was happening on "Organasm." The sound quality is very much 'alive' on "Austral Alien." Where was "Austral Alien" recorded, and more importantly was Gup, the ever cool sound guy, around this time?

"Austral Alien," "Organasm" and "Eve of the War" were all recorded at Backbeach studios (Vic) with DW Norton – guitarist of Superheist. No Gup has become very unwell and is no longer with the band. Gup was a live sound guy, one of the best. Not a studio guy though. DW is fantastic we have been using him for years and we are all great friends, the guy knows what we are trying to do, which is actually hard to find. We are very organised by the time we record, we do our own pre-production, clicks and keys then take it to the studio. Lately we have become much more active in the process, but we will always need an independent ear to work with us.

Any chance of recording any clips for "Austral Alien," or are you guys having to pave the way for yourselves again in terms of video clip budgets?

Yes, there is a clip on Rage at the moment for 'First Contact' we also have another in the wings for 'Solarburn' while a third 'Alpha Cappella Nova Vega' in the planning stage. There is no budget, we have resorted to making them ourselves. The challenge is making them effectively, time will tell. We do almost everything else ourselves so why stop at video, Rodney has great editing skills and I'm working on animations, we have a friend Andy – Morbid films who is also invaluable. We are becoming a multimedia project.

Alchemist obviously takes up a lot of your time. As far as metal goes in Australia, you guys are possibly the biggest icon here. Do any members have much time for any other musical outputs besides the shit you play with Alchemist?

No not really, I think we are all pretty much flat out doing this. Alchemist rehearses consistently three times a week. Our stuff is always there, there is talk from time to time but not much comes off.

Has there been a lot of pressure on you to release a more successful and appealing album than what "Organasm" was? Now that you are gaining some decent exposure overseas, does this sit firmly in the back of your mind, that you need to keep raising the bar?

Not from any external sources, we have high standards for ourselves, and we always try to make a better record than the last – otherwise there is no point. I think Relapse and Chatterbox know this by now and trust that we will do it.

The relationship you have with Relapse Records to release Alchemist products overseas is obviously of paramount importance for fans internationally. I saw some very good reviews for "Organasm" from some big US websites. Has being with Relapse Records opened up a decent amount of anticipation for "Austral Alien" overseas?

Yeah for sure, Relapse are great. "Organasm" was only a license for them. This one is the first under contract for them. So we expect them to push it much harder than "Organasm." Lately our web site has gone through the roof with overseas visitors, that's the best indicator for their initial promotion. The release is June 14, I think, so we shall see how it goes.

Metal for the Brain (biggest Australian metal festival) was cancelled last year due to insurance issues, but seems to be firing again this year. Are there going to be any foreseeable problems for M4TB 2003?

There are many foreseeable problems for the show to continue, but we will try to overcome them, it was insurance that stopped the show. We have secured that, but now it's a matter of paying for it all. We lost our start up capital with the cancellation of last years show. We are defiantly keen to do it. But right now we are focused on releasing "Austral Alien."

Metal for the Brain... any big movers and shakers (ie large international metal acts) that might be coming down for M4TB 2003? Any information you may be able to subtly give out?

No information to give.

Where to from here? You got a fair few shows happening around Australia (of course when I mention Australia, I mention it as a nation excluding a wee state below Victoria – Tasmania excluded again... hehe). After the touring, you guys back to the drawing board for a follow up to "Austral Alien," or going on a mass bludging session?

We are trying to play everywhere, after that tour we are looking for another national support. Hopefully the U.S. No bludging sessions. I expect we will start writing again in the new year.

Any plans for international visits? Maybe as a Relapse package or something...

Yes, Relapse are keen to have us over, but they want to do it right – match us with the right band or a contaminated tour. I guess we have to see how the album goes over there as well. Hopefully, sooner rather than later. They stand to sell more CDs if we go, so it's in their best interests.

This brings me to a close mate. Cheers for answering these flimsy questions. Keep the metal flame burning bright. I hope to catch up with you for M4TB 2003. You know the deal bro... plug yourselves endlessly here.

No worries Jack, thanks for the support. We are keen to get down to Tassie again, so hopefully I'll see you there. Good luck with Metalbite, All the best. Roy.

After a blistering MCD in “Eve of the War” and awesome cover in Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds, Alchemist returned in 2000 to release one of the most incredible albums of the year; certainly in Australia and in terms of better distribution, the world too! Undoubtedly one of Australia’s favorite sons of metal mayhem, Alchemist are without a second thought one of my favorite bands and their new album, “Organasm”, is brilliant. I caught up with guitarist Roy and he had a few words to say on miscellaneous components of Alchemist life.

Jack ‘Odel’


First I’d like to say that “Organasm” is the best record I’ve ever had the pleasure of picking up from the Australian metal scene.

Thank you, kind words. It turned out cool, we worked pretty hard in the pre-production and recording. It’s got some big elements, you know? DW was unreal and it all came together pretty smoothly.

Why make metal, why not work as a white collar office worker?

Because making metal is fun and white-collar office work is not.

Do you ever get sick of Adam doing all the vocals and wish you get could up and do some of your own vox?

Not really, but I know Rodney has long had ambitions to sing a number, he sung on the 90 demo! We had a Hiawatha part in ‘Austral spectrum’ but it was pretty cheesy so we canned it.

Do you listen much to much of the metal scenes overseas? E.g. black metal from Norway or death metal from the states?

Death Metal got pretty dull for me after a few years I can still appreciate a good band but I don’t buy much. I like that real diabolical sound Emperor can get, to me that’s what Black Metal should be, I don’t like the crappy productions and copycat shit that seems to plague Black Metal. I don’t buy the politics either.

How was Metal for the Brain? Any weird shit go down?

Metal for the Brain was great we got about 1800 people and it all went as planned. We were busy as and didn’t get to see that much of the show. No real weird shit, lots of pissed headbangers afterward. It’s a pretty good vibe with all those people there. No dramas, no injuries, cool security, and awesome bands.

You’ve probably been asked this question countless times before, but why the name ‘Alchemist’?

Beause it’s metal! This question goes back to Adza’s high school days and predates the thrash era. Before my time. I think some guy into metal at his school gave it to him to use in the mid 80’s, I’ll find out! We have had a few other Alchemists pop up around the world but I think we have it covered now!

How is the reaction to Alchemist releases overseas? Are Europe and the States appreciative to the innovative metal you blokes churn out?

We get good responses where ever the CD’s manage to get out, that is the real problem for us, Displeased in Europe turned out to be pretty lame, hopefully Relapse will do better in the States. We don’t get much hate mail and a lot tell us how they have been affected by the music in some way. So that’s pretty cool.

Do you guys have a good fan base overseas? Where would most of the Alchemist fans come from (barring Australia of course)?

Well that’s hard to tell, we get some great feedback but they are scattered everywhere, US, Russia, UK, it really surprises me sometimes. They are so passionate in their comments; some have a funny story about how they obtained the music, others how they are affected by it. Most of our stuff in the past has filtered its way overseas in mysterious ways, we don’t ever receive deterred reports on what’s going on with exports in particular countries, etc. There’s a lot of trading going on as well.

In reference to the “psychedelic metal” tag... what made Alchemist want to compose such left-wing metal compositions? Why not straight out death or black metal?

I guess it was a combination of all the music tastes that existed in the band and an attitude to mix it up and be something different. Canberra in the early days of the band had a diverse music scene that crossed over a fair bit, it was pretty open minded here, there was always full on metal but also a lot of alternative aspects mixed in. People would go out and see anything. From a pretty early stage the band had that different sound. There are plenty of other bands to play the straight out stuff. It’s the weird shit that defines the Alchemist sound.

I have to ask what your stance on the Internet is in regards to metal? Are having samples of band’s work on the Internet good for publicity or just highway robbery? It seems to be a very fine line... your website (www.alchemist.com.au) is for example a great way for fans to get in contact with you and let you know if the latest record stunk or not, but on the other hand; downloading a whole album’s worth of Mp3s completely roots music (especially metal) to high Hell. Has the Internet helped your cause?

I think it’s great, the web site has helped our cause, it’s great for establishing the bands’ identity and introducing new fans. We hope to use it a bit more effectively in the future, but it’s only the beginning. MP3’s are great as far as I’m concerned. It may cost some sales but it is also a great way to get people keen and generate more sales. It’s not the same as a real CD. It does not bother me if the Internet is a threat to labels, they will have to adapt. As will the rest of us. I have not downloaded any full albums of MP3s and I use the Internet a fair bit. All the worry is about the potential, which is pretty daunting.

Do you reckon “Organasm” is the strongest Alchemist material to date?

Yes, I think it is the most coherent material to date, it has the strongest sound. We have had some great material in the past that sufferers from production problems, if given the same treatment as “Organasm” it may be a different story. I like to think it’s “Organasm”.

For the next Alchemist album are we going to see a return to the very organic, earthy feel that was in “Organasm” or another step in another direction?

New direction for sure we are well in to the writing but we plan to spend as much time as necessary. At this stage it’s weighty, textured, driving psychedelia.

Speaking of a future Alchemist album... do you have anything concrete laid down? Is there any possibility of long kick ass tracks like ‘Chinese Whispers’ with fucking neat-o sections in the middle?

We have lots of skeletons and working tracks. No long songs yet but lots of fucking neat-o bits. It is different material but it still sounds like us. We are writing in a garage with midi gear, V-drums and headphones; it’s pretty cool and sounds amazing when you’re doing it. We record it to Adza’s mini disc and move on to the next bit and so on. It’s been working out well.

Was there a video clip recorded for any track on “Organasm”?

No we wanted to go to Ularoo, Kakadu and Fraser Island to do a clip for ‘Astral Spectrum’ but when we realized we had to pay, we had to reconsider. It's pretty expensive stuff; at this point it would make more sense for us to concentrate on the next release.

Do any of you guys work outside of Alchemist?

Yes, it’s a long way to the top.

What is your favorite Alchemist track ever? Mine would have to be either ‘Tide In, Mind Out’ or ‘Chinese Whispers’.

I’m not sure, it’s weird when you go through the process of writing recording mixing then playing live, something you love can get pretty overplayed. The best stuff for me is the freshest.

Cheers for this interview mate, you guys are one of my favorite bands of all time. Stay Australian and keep recording good shit. Anything you’d like to add?

Thanks for the support Jack! Good on ya!

We will be back with a new record by next spring or summer, we will make it worth the wait. www.alchemist.com.au