Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
Fleshcraft formed in 2000/2001 in Sudbury, Ontario Canada under the original name of Tyterium. As the band began writing more original music and some member changes occurred, the name changed to Fleshcraft to reflect the heavier materials and concepts which would appear on the bands demo in 2002. In 2005 the band went on hiatus due to the drummer leaving the band and a suitable drummer to replace him could not be found in their area. The original line up of Fleshcraft was Mark Howitt (vocals), JG Demers (Guitar), Justin Rienguette (Guitar), Tim Sanders (Bass) and Marc Hache (Drums). Fleshcraft later reformed in 2013 to begin work on a new full length album. When the band became active again in 2013/2014 JG Demers took on the percussion duties and a new member, Chris Finlay took over his guitar spot allowing the band to play live shows once again.
How would you describe your style? Which bands influenced your music?
Fleshcraft is essentially a blackened death metal band with thrash and melodic influences incorporated into the sound. The band strives for an original and unique aura blending various elements from the metal spectrum without being pigeon holed into a single style. In the earlier days the band was influences and played covers by bands such as Cannibal Corpse, Deicide, Slayer, Six Feet Under and Old Mans Child, and as original materials were being written the band formed their own sound. The band is influenced by the likes of bands such as Suffocation, Behemoth, Origin, Nile and a wide array of various bands in several genres.
Why should a metalhead buy your demos/albums?
Fleshcraft's sound is unique and original, and cannot be found anywhere else. Due to the intent to not stick with a specific genre the end result is something that can only be found on a Fleshcraft album. As the band has developed throughout the years, their own sound has began to emit from the songs providing the listener with an exclusive listening experience.
What have you released so far and how were your releases received by the public/media?
Fleshcraft self-released an analogue demo in 2002 called "Deadline Release" which contained the first original songs written by the band. A live recording was leaked in 2005 just prior to the band going on hiatus which is considered by some to be a bootleg release. On October 31st 2014 the band returned with a hard hitting album called "Human Error" which was released on CDN Records containing some earlier materials re-recorded as well as songs the band was working on before the break in 2005 that were never performed live nor recorded. The album was self produced and mixed and mastered at Sardonic Moon Studios by Darren Favot (Wolven Ancestry, Finnr's Cane). Human Error has received great reviews and according to one reviewer should see it on some top 20 album lists of 2014.
Do you play live as well? How's your live activity so far?
Fleshcraft has performed with many great artists such as Suffocation, Infernal Majesty, Behemoth, Napalm Death, Cryptopsy, Beneath The Massacre, Exhumed, Neuraxis and Misery Index to name a few. The band has done some smaller tours in Ontario and Quebec and has recently started playing live shows again with the new line up to support Human Error. Fleshcraft is well known in Ontario for their explosive and crushing live performances.
What should labels/zines/promoters know about your band? Why should they be interested in it?
Despite the band going on hiatus in 2005, Mark Howitt and JG Demers went on to join the Canadian Black Metal band Wolven Ancestry and toured the US and Canada with bands such as Woods of Ypres, Rotting Christ and Negura Bunget including several festival spots, establishing the bands as one of Canada's top black metal acts. Tim Sanders also became a member of the band Nefastus Dies and has toured with Norther.
What plans do you have for the near future as a band?
Fleshcraft is currently busy working on a follow up to Human Error which should be completed in 2015 and plan to continue the momentum of their return. Select live shows are planned to support Human Error however the bands main priority is to continue writing materials that are sure to shred some heads.
Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Fleshcraft merchandise can be purchased from the band through their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/fleshcraftofficial and albums can be purchased through CDN Records at http://www.cdnrecords.com
December 2014