Cassandra's Curse

Cassandra’s Curse
False Flag
2009 (CD 63:17); INDEPENDENT RELEASE
STYLE: PROGRESSIVE ROCK / METAL
SOUND: 3 | COMPOSITION: 2.5 | MUSICIANSHIP: 2.5 | PERFORMANCE: 3
TOTAL RATING: 11

This Texas-based power trio (guitar/bass/drums and vocals) drew its name from Greek mythology. Cassandra was endowed by Apollo with the gift of prophecy, so let’s hope these guys are mistaken with their liner notes statement, “Wait for the world to come to an end in 2012.” The group cites Metallica, Dream Theater and Tool as influences not readily apparent in these 11 mostly heavy track of angst-y, rough-hewn technical rock with metal edging.

The lurching, churning “The Dilemma of David Duchovny, “apart from its title showing a welcome sense of humor, is an eight-minute showcase of rhythmic shifts are anchored by drummer Nick ) no surnames listed for these guys) and bassist Joe )identified as a former Army helicopter pilot with a no-nonsense attitude). Melodies are carried by singer/guitarist Charan – a former alternative hard-rocker who formed this band with progressive intentions.

Considering the dark themes of “2012,” “Death by Needle,” Satan’s Lament” and others, I’d be leery of attempting to decipher the backward vocals on nine-minute “Untitled.” – John Collinge
- Progression Magazine

For full interview read below or click this link:

http://www.leicesterbangs.co.uk/cassandras-curse.html

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Cassandra’s Curse
A few words with Nick B., drummer with Cassandra’s Curse. His bandmates Charan B. (Vocals / Guitar) and Joe S. (Bass) say hi.

Leicester Bangs: Tell us a little about yourself, and your band.
Nick: You know these types of questions beget lengthy answers, but we will do our best. We are a progressive rock band from Dallas, TX. USA, who came together to make some music in late 2007. A lot of people have told us we are a mix between Rush and Metallica or Dream Theater and Opeth. But I say get a CD and find out for yourselves. It’s better that way and can put a little money in our pockets to pay for coming to your area to play a show!

LB: How did you start out making music?
Nick: Well we all have different upbringings and beginning ventures into music. Charan started singing at a very early age with his family. He says he would get annoyed with his family because they were never hitting the correct notes, so he would show them how it should be sung. Ever the proper vocalist he is. Joe and I had completely different aspects of how we got into music but we must save something for interview number 2.

LB: Who did you grow up listening to and how do they influence what you’re doing now?
Nick: We grew up listening to something different. For Joe, it was everything between Peter Paul and Mary to Meatloaf. Charan grew up listening to a lot of pop and rock, while my first music memory is Bang Your Head by Quiet Riot, (while banging my head with my mother). We can say we bring all those elements into what we come up with. Jazz, Metal, Alternative, and Pop all have their place as influences. With progressive music we attempt, subtly, to structure the “no boundaries” approach to making music.

LB: Tell us about your latest release.
Nick: False Flag is our debut album and is a culmination of melody, odd time signatures, poly-rhythms, and some unpredictability. Not something to just bob your head to. In this album, our version of prog rock can be said to be driven a lot by melody and non-conformity. The album is currently available for CD or digital mp3 download at CD Baby (link below).

LB: Do you get out and play your music live, and if so, what can an audience expect at one of your shows?
Nick: Even though there is so much three guys who play technical music can do while performing. When watching Cassandra’s Curse, prepare to not know what is coming next. At our last show, Joe dressed up as Jack Sparrow and 3 guys got naked and ran out the door - after they purchased our album of course.

LB: What aspects of playing and recording music do you most enjoy?
Nick: I would have to say I do not really enjoy recording. It is a tedious process for all parties involved. I have a great respect to the engineers who really try to capture what artists have in mind. That takes true patience and a love for what they do. Now playing at shows is the biggest high there is! There is nothing better than playing in front of an energized crowd. It rocks!

LB: Where can people find (and buy) your music?
Nick: You can always get a copy of False Flag at one of our shows. But if you cannot make it out because maybe your thousands of miles away then you can find False Flag available for purchase here:

CDbaby.com
www.cdbaby.com/cd/cassandrascurse
Our website
http://cassandrascurseband.com
Myspace
www.myspace.com/cassandrascurseband - Leicester Bangs