Following a highly anticipated performance at the Download festival in the United Kingdom, industrial metal veterans Spineshank have officially confirmed that fresh material is currently on the horizon. Speaking backstage with Neil Jones of “TotalRock“, the group, featuring frontman Jonny Santos, drummer Tommy Decker, and newly recruited guitarist Tommy Decker, Jr., opened up about their current creative process and their imminent plans to hit the recording studio.
While the band’s European festival run was initially conceived as a nostalgia trip to celebrate their breakthrough sophomore record, the overwhelming crowd response ultimately sparked a profound desire to write and release new music.
“Originally we were just gonna do [a tour celebrating] the 25th anniversary of [Spineshank‘s 2000 sophomore album] The Height Of Callousness, and there’s such a new influx of fans. It’s almost like our fans’ kids are — more and more kids are showing up, and the people, they want new music. So we’ve got some songs in the oven right now, and as soon as we actually get home from this [European] run, I’ll be in L.A. recording with these guys for a couple of days, working on some new material,” Santos said (as transcribed by Blabbermouth).
Discussing the sonic evolution of the upcoming tracks, veteran drummer Tommy Decker highlighted the crucial role their newest member has played in modernizing their signature aggressive style.
“Well, so we have a new guy, Tommy Decker Jr., here. And so I think he’s cracked the code. So, of course, we wanna push things forward and move to the future, but we wanna keep that Spineshank sound,” he added.
Adding his own perspective on bridging the gap between the band’s classic era and their future output, Tommy Decker, Jr. explained how methodically learning and revisiting the band’s past catalog has directly influenced his current songwriting contributions.
“After learning this album and playing it so long, I feel like I’ve got that sound down, of The Height Of Callousness era, but then I’m also adding in things I’m into as well. So I think we’re keeping that sound while moving forward a little bit.”
Earlier in May, Spineshank guitarist Jason Hager officially stepped down from the the band’s “Nu Metal Sucks Tour.” The former Chimaira musician released a public statement confirming that his immediate departure is necessary to prioritize and address his physical and mental well-being.
His final performance took place on May 23 at the Mercury Music Lounge in Lakewood, Ohio.
Addressing the fanbase directly, Jason Hager issued the following statement:
“I’m sorry to say, that due to personal reasons, after our show tonight, at The Mercury, I will not be able to finish the rest of the ‘Nu Metal Sucks Tour‘. I’m currently struggling with some mental, and physical health issues that I need to get under control. Otherwise I’m no good to the band, my family, myself, or all the fans. I love Spineshank, and every band member, and crew member are my family, and I need to be 100% every night for them, and most importantly the fans. So I need to take this time to get myself to that point.”
“Thank you to everyone who made the shows amazing up to this point! and I’m deeply sorry to the fans coming out to the rest of the shows that I won’t be there. Tommy Jr. is a beast, and is more than capable of holding it down. I guarantee the rest of the shows will be amazing.”
“Thank you all for understanding. You have not seen the last of me yet.”
“Forever grateful
Jason Hager“
