Spotlight - Elysion Fields

If you're ever in the mood for a good, musical beating, you need to introduce yourself to Elysion Fields. I caught them live and they gave me a copy of their three song CD, "Plan For Pain Control" and, to be honest, I really don't need to hype this band because their music speaks for itself. Throw Venom, Slayer and Metallica into a blender, add a dose of originality and you've got the Elysion Fields sound. Do you wanna know a bit more? Well, sink your teeth into this quick little interview. Please note, this interview was done some time ago. But, it hasn't seen the light of day until now. Not sure what the band is up to these days, so, if they sound like something you're interested in, drop 'em an e-mail and say hello and tell 'em that you heard about them here.

Paul Autry: First of all, when and how did the band come together?

Elysion Fields: We came together as a band in 1992. We've been friends for too long to remember. While skating (skateboarding) we said we should be in a band together and close to ten years later we're still here.

Paul Autry: Did you have a clear understanding of what you wanted to do or was your sound and style something that came to be in a natural way?

Elysion Fields: We had the same vision then as we do today. The path we create for ourselves is grueling and tough. But, that's what needs to done...to achieve our own personal level of success.

Paul Autry: Influences?

Elysion Fields: Black Sabbath, Metallica, Soulfly, The Doors, Slayer, Dead Can Dance, Johnny Cash. There's more but we don't have that much space.

Paul Autry: When I first met you guys, you gave me a copy of your three song CD, "Plan For Pain Control." Can you tell us a little bit about this album, what the songs are about and, is this the only material that you have available?

Elysion Fields: No it is not the only material we have, we had released a demo tape in 1994 called "Murder One", if you still have it that's awesome. We still play most of the material on that demo. "Plan for Pain Control" is just that...your own plan for your own pain.

Paul Autry: What is the song writing process like within the band...meaning, how do you go from an idea to the finished product?

Elysion Fields: Our writing process is very simple. Vocals, guitar, and bass are written, the drums are added and then we have our final product.

Paul Autry: What influences what you decide to write about?

Elysion Fields: As we said before, our own personal experiences decide what we write about.

Paul Autry: What was your studio experience like for this release?

Elysion Fields: We had are minds set and we kept to our agenda.

Paul Autry: What can people expect to see when they come out to one of your shows?

Elysion Fields: If your lucky we do cover The Misfits from time to time. We play fast and we play heavy original metal music, so we love to see people come out and bangs your heads...horns are a plus.

Paul Autry: Since I'm on the subject of live shows...where does the band play?

Elysion Fields: We're not worried about location, its just a place, any place we play is a home for Elysion Fields. You can catch us at such places like The Tourist Inn, The Revolution Club, anywhere.

Paul Autry: How would you describe the musical style of Elysion Fields?

Elysion Fields: The obvious fact is that we play heavy and fast. Our live show is straight and to the point. We don't preach and stall between songs, we play a continuous set.

Paul Autry: What are some of your biggest accomplishments up until this point in your career and what are your short and long term goals?

Elysion Fields: Our biggest accomplishment to date comes from within. We are still friends, after many years, and it's still the same three guys who started it all. One of our short term goals is to release a full length album in the year 2002. Our long term goal is to dominate.

Paul Autry: Since you're out there in the scene...what are some of the other bands that you enjoy either going to see or performing with? Favorites?

Elysion Fields: Bands we hang with, play with, and go see are Methadone Kitty, Bon Fuhrer, Bullet, Ninetail, Scarred for Life, 81 South, 30 West and a few hardcore bands in Erie. The PA. music scene is lacking in our eyes. The few local magazines are doing a great job of supporting the music scene, but we still need more support for original bands from the venues.

Paul Autry: Final comments?

Elysion Fields: If you want a no attitude, aggressive, heavy band come check us out, you won't be let down.

E-mail: Elysion_Fields@hotmail.com