Unexpect

Though they were predated by a straightforward thrash metal band, Unexpect have quickly evolved into one of the prog world's most forward thinking outfits. Combing operatic elements and shades of classical music with nearly every style of metal imaginable (from death through to gothic metal) and topping it off with an extremely challenging avant-garde approach, their sound must be heard to be believed.

They have just released their new album Fables of the Sleepless Empire and I got in touch with them. Chaoth answered my questions.

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Your biography has been covered in your ProgArchives profile so let's bypass the biography details. But which bands were you influenced by and why did you choose that name ?

The name... the name......... The name was chosen I believe in 1996 when the band was formed with the original members (Artagoth and Syriak) so... Why ?..... I couldn't tell you exactly what was racing in their heads when they found that name but it's been sticking to the band ever since and always was very representative of the music and concepts in the way that it gives us a total ''carte blanche'' creatively because, no matter what we put out next, no matter how the band evolves and what direction we choose... it will always be justified as it is the very name, the very first concept of the band. Not to ''intentionally'' throw people off but to do as we do and change direction and evolve as we want to do without sticking to any genre. If people listen to some new material and go: ''Wow, I didn't see that coming...'' well.... they got it.  

The influences, as we mentioned in many interviews, are way too wide to enumerate so I don't think I'll even start. We are 6 (7 at the moment of composing and recording ''Fables of the Sleepless Empire'') very strong minded individual with very different taste in music and we are all pushing in every direction possible so that everybody has his say in a piece. To break it down as simply as I could, I would say that ''UNEXPECT'' was mainly a European Melodic Metal influenced band in its early stage but then with the 2003 and on line-up everybody poured in their culture into the band and evolved as musicians to give you today ''FABLES OF THE SLEEPLESS EMPIRE''. I could only say that I am very fortunate to play in such an unlikely gathering of extremely talented and open minded musicians.  

Over to your two albums. Your debut album Utopia was released in 1999. Please tell us more about this album.

Again, there is only 2 of the original UTOPIA line-up in the band... Syriak and Artagoth, who gives the foundation of these weird and colorful guitar parts. Utopia was very well received here in Quebec and was also an all independent record. This album amazes me sometimes when I think of the fact that they were 17-18 when they wrote it! Pretty mature sound for that age if you ask me. I couldn't say much more, I came in the band at the end of 2001. I was a fan of the band back then so, let's say I was very glad to join the ranks.  

And then there was a seven years long break. What were you doing during this break ?

Well, that is not exactly correct. You know... Google is your friend :)..... don't be shy....
After Utopia (1999) the band got known mainly in the Quebec area and then there was a major shift in line-up that forged the UNEXPECT that you know today. I (ChaotH) joined the march in 2001 (the very day of the twin tower collapse... isn't it strange ?) and then Lei in 2002 after which we released ''We, Invaders...'' (2003) on Galy Records. The 4 songs EP that was the first draft of the ''new'' UNEXPECT sound. Then Landryx joined in 2003. Some shows, some parties and some nights of shredding later... we got signed to The End records in 2004, recorded our clusterf**k album IAFA in 2005 and it was released in 2006. Now... isn't that vulgar ? To sum up 7 individual lives over 7 years... with these 7 lines ? Of course, there is no way I can really communicate to you what we lived and what we are so.... that will have to do. I do realize though that... written interviews are easier when I drink. Shame on you Belgian Pils !

Your second album In a Flesh Aquarium was released in 2006. Please tell us more about this album.

I really like their music. And he's a monster bass player.

But that was not a good interview. The 5 beers in seems about right. Should have let one of the other members do it or at least wait till the next morning. Prog is a narrow enough genre that you don't want to piss off your fans.