Since 2005 Amos/Anon, brainchild of Peter-James Dries, have remained in obscurity, covertly planting their music around the country, hiding their albums and waiting patiently for unsuspecting victims to stumble upon it. The music, variously described as Progressive Doom Metal and Gothic Industrial, is dark, haunting and brooding.
Thanks Peter for answering these questions regarding the release of the new album Songs of a Tortured Soul.
What can you tell us about the new album?
During and after recording Darkness from Light I went throughwhat felt like a deep depression. The songs on Songs of a Tortured Soul are what came out of that dark patch.
The same thing kinda happened with My Schizophrenic Acoustic, except with chronic insomnia. I choose insomnia any day.
How would you describe the album?
Gritty. Acoustic. Dark. It gets darker as it progresses. It’s not the most professional sounding release. I spent less time making Songs of a Tortured Soul, mainly because I couldn’t physically or mentally bring myself to do anything other than throw myself into autopilot and try to smile my way through my job and relationships.
In the end, it doesn’t matter if it sounds professional or not. I’m not a rockstar. I’m just a boy with a guitar, a laptop and a broken heart. That’s what the album sounds like.
I don’t expect anyone to like it, or even listen to it. The catharsis comes from the release not the reception.
What bands influenced you on this album?
No one. I know that question is a way of using similar bands the reader already likes to provide an analogy for the sound of this album. I can’t help you with that.
I’ve lost the joy of listening to music, especially considering the quality, thought-provoking, amazing music this world is producing.
What’s next for the band?
Take it slowly I suppose. Distribute more copies of the DVD. Hide some more of the back catalogue around town.
I’ve got some tracks for the next release I’m meant to be working on. It’s another rock / metal affair, with some female backing vocals this time. But, I just don’t have it in me to finish them right now. Songs of a Tortured Soul, took a lot out of me.
I’m getting better. I’ll get there.
If you haven't heard of Amos/Anon, then everything is fine. The system is working. Keep calm and stop thinking. Close your eyes and let capitalism lull you back into a dreamless slumber.
"...it’s Kiwi from end to end, indie and awesome. The more I listen, the more I want!"
"...unashamedly bolshie and brazen. There is no room for tenderness here."