What’s going on in Ohio’s metal scene? Aside from the Ohio Deathfest, not much seems to come out of the state.

As far as I know there isn’t really much of a metal scene in Ohio. I couldn’t name another Ohio metal band, and I haven’t ever met anybody else here who listens to or supports this style of music.

Is Ashes a one-man project out of choice or obligation?

Choice. Ashes is a project I started with the purpose of expressing my thoughts and emotions. The music is very personal and I don’t really want or see the need to involve any one else with it.

What’s the process of writing an Ashes song like?

It depends on the song. I only work on music when I’m feeling inspired so some songs are finished very quickly while others take longer. I usually write the basic guitar parts first and everything else is built on that.

There is a clear shift between the music on the ‘Grief’ demo and on ‘Nihilist’. What motivated this change?

With the music on “Grief” I was trying to evoke a more nostalgic, melancholy atmosphere. You can hear the change in direction on the last track “Abject Fear”, which I decided to include on the “Nihilist” EP. With that song, and the entire EP, I tried to create a feeling of hopelessness and utter darkness. If “Grief” was the soundtrack to someone slowly losing their faith in life, “Nihilist” was what happened when that person finally gave up.

What non-musical elements influence Ashes’ music?

Feelings of depression, disillusion, pessimism, etc. Ashes is definitely a portrait of the darker side of human existence. When I wrote the “Nihilist” EP I was, and still am really, feeling apathetic and disgusted with life. Any Ashes music will always be a window into my psyche.

Will Ashes ever play live?

No.

What is your own particular favorite form of music or art in general?

I don’t really think in terms of genres, I just listen to whatever moves me. I’m more inclined to listen to music that is very personal and individual though. I’ll take Benighted Leams, Hypothermia, and Dead Reptile Shrine over Dark Funeral and Dimmu Borgir if that gives you a clearer idea of my tastes.

What’s going right with the black metal scene today?

I don’t really follow any black metal scene too closely.

Wrong?

Again, I don’t really consider myself the follower of any scene. That being said, the over the top Satanic lyrical themes have gotten rather old to me. It seems like too few bands are like Forgotten Woods and can write anti-Christian lyrics without falling into ridiculous “Kill for Satan!” self-parody.

What would be your advice to any new extreme metal artists just starting out?

Don’t look to any scene or trends for inspiration. Write, listen to, and play what you feel.

What are future plans for Ashes?

I just want to keep writing and recording. Eventually I want to use live drums instead of the drum machine.

Where do you see this project in five years?

In five years Ashes will still be a vehicle for self expression. Where I am at in five years is where Ashes will be.

Thank you for your time. Is there anything you’d like to end with?

Thanks for the opportunity to do this interview and thanks to everyone who has supported Ashes.

Releases with Nokturnal Transmissions Records:

Nihilist (EP, 1/31/2008) Limited to 150 copies