antiMusic: Before we get into what you are up to now, I have to ask what happened with Himsa?

Matthew: After recording Hail Horror at Antfarm Studios in Denmark, I decided to leave the band. We had a lot of professional and musical differences and I knew it was time for me to move on. I needed to break away in order to pursue my own musical vision. After quitting, I had to settle some contractual issues and settle upon a fair royalty percentage with the band. They fought me every step of the way and made things impossible for me. Finally, after much nonsense, we came to an agreement and then they went to the media and lied claiming that I had sued them amongst other various lies. I have never sued anyone in my life! I thought they were trying to ruin me and trash me which I find very childish and unnecessary. The record actually came out yesterday and HIMSA did not credit me for any of the work I did. I co-wrote that record and performed on the whole thing. I couldn't believe it when I saw that my name does not appear anywhere on the record. The funny thing about it is most of the reviews that I have been reading are naming songs that I wrote as album highlights. I guess they just don't want anyone to know that I wrote them! 

antiMusic: There has been a lot said in the press about your leaving relating to the latest Himsa CD. So what was your involvement with the new album?

Matthew: I co-wrote and performed on the whole record. I wrote all of "Pestilence" and "Send Down Your Reign" and wrote half of "The Destroyer" and "Seminal." HIMSA removed two other tracks from the album that I wrote in their entirety after I quit. They were called "I, Possession" and "Waylay the End." These songs may appear reworked on a future Angels to Ashes release. So, basically I did a lot on that record. I am very proud of the work I did and I worked very hard on it. I think that is why it is so upsetting to see that my work goes uncredited.

antiMusic: Ok now back to the present and future. Can you tell us a little bit about your new band? How it came together, who is involved?

Matthew: My new band is called Angels to Ashes. After quitting HIMSA, I got on the phone with my friend Martin Powell who had just left Cradle of Filth. It turned out that we both shared the same kind of musical vision and goals. We have been hard at work ever since and we are very pleased with the results. In the near future, I will be issuing a proper press release with all of the names of everyone involved. We have a really eclectic bunch of minds and some familiar faces to the metal community involved. I am really excited to get this stuff out there!

antiMusic: Have you done any recording yet, or any plans to do so in the near future?

Matthew: Right now, we have plans to record our demo in mid March and have it ready to show the labels immediately after that.

antiMusic: Any tour or show plans?

Matthew: It's still too early in the game for tour plans but I'll be sure to let you all know as this progresses!

antiMusic: Sonically speaking what can fans expect from Angels to Ashes?

Matthew: We are very dynamic. There are a lot of very heavy parts, fast parts, thrashy parts, and mixed in to all of this a hell of a lot of melody and hooks. You'll find guitar solos a plenty and thick orchestrated choruses. The vocal approach is very tonal. There is real singing here! Don't let that fool you though....the raw aggression and metal energy is never sacrificed!

antiMusic: Where can fans learn more about the band and what you guys have going on?

Matthew: Right now we are just writing like crazy and trying to produce the most killer metal we possibly can! I am also building our website that should be up and running very soon. Look out for www.angelstoashes.net

antiMusic: Final word, any parting thoughts?

Matthew: Please pick up the new HIMSA record! I am very proud of the work I did on it and Tue Madsen did a great job making the whole thing sound amazing. Also, keep your eyes peeled and your ears open for Angels to Ashes!!!

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