Atheist vocalist Kelly Shaefer fronts a new outfit by the name of Till The Dirt. Even with production from Scott Burns (Death, Cannibal Corpse), the group intentionally eschew Shaefer‘s traditional death metal interests, instead opting for a melting pot influences consisting of grunge, black metal, jazz and more.
The group have signed with Nuclear Blast for the August 25th release of their debut album, “Outside The Spiral“. Speaking on his vision for the guest-filled outing, Shaefer offered:
“My writing went into overdrive during lockdown, and I was writing and recording a new song almost daily as well as playing on the demos. I was inviting friends for solos and guest spots, one being Jeff Loomis (Arch Enemy/Nevermore) and also John Longstreth (Origin). Scott Burns really helped me pull it all in, because we had so many songs to work with and had to narrow to 11. It’s one of the most prolific moments in my career and I’m proud to say there is zero filler on this record. I couldn’t be more proud of it.”
The album’s title track is the first single to land online from the outing and sports a guest spot from Testament bassist Steve Di Giorgio. Shaefer had the following to say about it:
“‘Outside The Spiral‘ was the very first of over 25 songs I wrote for what would become the debut for Till The Dirt. However I didn’t start with the intention of a new band or album, I was writing and recording Atheist ideas during the early lockdown of covid. So when I finished the demo, I sent to people I trust to give me honest opinions, one being bassist extraordinaire Steve Di Giorgio, and the other legendary producer Scott Burns. Both agreed that it was something of a hybrid… sort of a different path. Inevitably it was inspiring to hear the positive feedback. Scott Burns then agreed to produce this record, and Steve agreed to play bass on this track.”
Di Giorgio himself added:
“Kelly and I go back with our own bands as far as 1987, Raging Death comp. I’ve always appreciated the level and precision that Atheist played, and admired the multifaceted vocals of Mr. Shaefer. When he hit me up to throw down a bass track on his new project it was a no-brainer. Hell yes! Not only was it an easy decision based on old friend, Scott Burns, being involved… but Kelly gave ME the choice of which track appealed to me. I chose ‘Outside the Spiral’ for the eerily spacial riffs and the trippiness of the vocals. Both qualities befitting my whacked out fretless contributions on bass. Killer track on a killer new album…enjoy!”
Pre-orders are available here. In addition to Shaefer on vocals, Till The Dirt feature guitarists Jerry Witunsky & Ian Waye, bassist Yoav Ruiz Feingold and drummer Dylan Marks.
