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METAL PULP AND PAPER: Hello Jay. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us here at Metal Pulp And Paper. We appriciate it.
First off, before we go any further and find out who your five estential albums are, please tell us a little about your band Etherius? Who's in it, and what does everyone do? And then what's going on with the band. Tour, new music, ect.?
JAY TARANTINO: Etherius was formed in early 2017, but the concept really came to be in the Fall of 2016 when Jay Tarantino(Guitar) came home from a tour with Angel Vivaldi and Gus G, who at the time was still playing with Ozzy. Jay became inspired after many years of being a hired gun, and he wanted to take on the challenge of leading his own project. Initially wanting to record a solo album, Jay started jamming with Zaki Ali (Drums) in January of 2017. Chris Targia (Bass) joined shortly thereafter. He and Jay have played together for years and Chris was looking for a new project to get involved with. Jon Perkins (2nd guitar) joined most recently on the recommendation of fellow musicians in the NY/NJ music scene. We just released our debut EP Thread of Life on August 24th and are currently writing songs for the next release, as well as playing shows throughout the Fall. No touring plans at the moment, but we hope to do some touring in 2019.
MPAP: Thank you. Now what we've all been waiting for, please tell us your 'Top Five Essential Albums By Jay Tarantino,' and of course why they are esential to you?
JAY:
Seven Spires- Solveig
Amazing independent symphonic metal band from the Boston area. The playing, production, and songwriting are top notch. Vocalist Adrienne Cowan goes from soaring, operatic lines to powerful death metal growls.
Iced Earth- The Dark Saga
My introduction to the band. I love the contrast between the real heavy, brutal riffs and the mellow, acoustic ballads. Great songwriting and Matt Barlow is one of the greatest singers in metal, right up there with Bruce Dickinson and Rob Halford.
Dream Theater- Train of Thought
I like how heavy this album is. It still has plenty of long songs and prog sections, but the songwriting is a little more streamlined and the production is in your face. Some of the crazy guitar/keyboard unison lines John Petrucci and Jordan Rudess play in songs like "Endless Sacrifice" are incredible.
Thanatotic Desire- Silence To Violence
A great independent thrash/death metal band from NJ. Great songwriting and production. And the guitar playing is top notch. One of the better bands to come out of the NJ metal scene.
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Symphony X- Paradise Lost
Michael Romeo is one of the best guitar players in the world and seriously underrated and in my opinion Russell Allen is right up there with all of the great metal singers in history.
MPAP: On behalf of myself, and Metal Pulp And Paper, I'd like to thank you, Jay, for sharing those killer selections with us. We look forward to what Etherius does to finish out 2018 and beyond.
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