Seizing The Moment

Metal band hopes to capitalize on strength of new single

Before people started labeling the new sounds of In This Moment as dubstep, guitarist Chris Howorth and vocalist and writing partner Maria Brink had no idea what that genre was.

They researched a little after the release of the Aug. 14 album “Blood.” Howorth sees what people were getting at - his band is using more samples and studio effects than ever before - but he calls it simply “technology.”

Make no mistake about In This Moment’s genre, though. The California band, formed in 2005, plays heavy metal.

The newly enhanced direction for the band has its roots in losing its manager, Howorth explains by phone before a show in Shreveport, La. In the process of searching for new representation, the band decided it needed new tracks to showcase for an audition.

Recording with longtime producer and friend of the band Kevin Churko, who has worked with Ozzy Osbourne, Five Finger Death Punch, Hinder and more, the songwriting duo expanded their demo of the song “Blood” in the studio.

The result did what In This Moment has always done - blend melody with mayhem - but it also steered the band in a new direction.

“We listened to it. It struck us.

It’s just something we didn’t know would be unique,” Howorth says.

The song “Blood” spilled over into the other tracks of the album, which continues the emphasis on studio effects.

“The technology, it gives it a bouncy groove … and then we add the heavy,” Howorth says.

Bolstered by the strength of the single “Blood” on rock radio stations, the album of the same name debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 album chart.

“We did expect it. We alwaysexpect it. We say ‘This is going to be the one.’ But there is this really dark, nasty place of fear. … We’re definitely blown away,” Howorth says.

The band is currently touring in support of the new album, hoping to capitalize on its success.

The tour brings In This Moment to George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville on Tuesday. The show will also include Hatebreed, a band the musicians have met through festivals such as Mayhem and Ozzfest.

Howorth says that the energy generated by “Blood” has renewed the band’s as well. The group has refocused and reworked itsstage show into a more theatrical production. The male members dress as ghouls, and Brink hasworked hard on her wardrobe, too, and props now accompany the band onstage to enhance the mood.

“We don’t have a big budget.

We’re going to the Home Depot and building it in the parking lot.

And Maria’s like a maniac. She’s always thinking (of something new),” he says.

Howorth says he’s excited the show falls on election night, but the band doesn’t use its public forum to share political views.

Instead, for this show and every other, Howorth hopes to deliver for fans.

“We hope to have an epic live show. We think this album will take us to a new plateau,” he says.

Whats Up, Pages 14 on 11/02/2012

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