Interview: DECIDE founding member, drummer Steve Asheim on today's metal, touring, setlist decisions
Death metal and extreme metal pioneers DECIDE have been at it since 1987 and nearly four decades later, they are fresh off another tour—this one being an extensive early-Sept. through mid-Oct. 34-city run supporting their 13th studio album Banished By Sin (Reigning Phoenix Music), which released in April and marked their first record since 2018’s Overtures Of Blasphemy.
In this OOTB interview, founding DECIDE member, drummer and composer Steve Asheim discusses the band’s setlists, being on the road, today’s metal and more.
Having an extensive catalogue, how do you decide on which songs to perform live?
Well, you know, the fans let you know what they like and prefer by their reactions and air drumming or knowing the lyrics, and a lot of times they just call out song titles and such. So, it’s easy to pick up on what’s first and foremost on the hit list.
What [were] some songs [performed] on this tour?
We [played] a lot of classics, but we [played] a lot of the new record too. At least three songs from Banished, some nights maybe four or five, depending on how the stage [felt] and sound[ed] and stuff like that.
What are some challenges you face now on the road as compared to the ‘90s?
Eh, you know, my body hurts a bit more, that’s definitely noticeable, but I’m not drinking these days, so there are no hangovers, so that makes life a bit easier. Other than all that, it’s become a routine.
When recording your latest album Banished By Sin, did you feel any pressure or expectations with being such leaders and pavemakers in death metal?
Sure, you always want to put out a record everyone will like and come out to support, and we we’re very happy with how Banished was received. We’re playing the new songs and people are really liking them, so that’s been great.
Looking back, what stands out as your biggest highlight as a band?
It’s hard to pick one, but it’s good to be around so long to have a lot to choose from; it’s been fun, but difficult at times, but that just goes with the territory.
What’s your thoughts on today’s modern metal? Or metalcore?
Well, you know how people like to categorize things like music into genres and sub genres, but to me it’s just the next generation putting their mark on metal. And it has to evolve or change somehow incrementally, but that’s cool. We did our thing, now they’re doing their thing, and in the end it’s all Metal.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Just thanks for your interest and support and hope to see you out on the road.
Get Album Here
https://reigningphoenixmusic.com/artists/deicide
DECIDE are:
Glenn Benton - Vocals, Bass
Taylor Nordberg - Guitar
Kevin Quirion - Guitar
Steve Asheim - Drums
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