Interview: Inter Arma
Inter Arma’s music is not only characterized by a genre-spanning tendency but also a raw organic sound, a far cry from many contemporary extreme metal bands' sterile and highly quantized feel. Their latest album, New Heaven, is a prime example of an ability to craft complex and dynamic compositions.
Richmond, Virginia’s Inter Arma have carved a distinctive niche in heavy music. Their sound is a complex interplay of doom, sludge, and post-metal, infused with elements of black metal, progressive rock, traditional rock (and more), defying easy categorization. Formed in 2006, the band’s lineup has consisted of four core members: T.J. Childers on drums (though he creates a number of the riffs for the band), Steven “Dirt” Russell and Trey Dalton on guitars, and Mike Paparo on vocals. Joel Moore completed the current iteration of the band when he joined in 2022 on bass.
Inter Arma’s music is not only characterized by a genre-spanning tendency but also a raw organic sound, a far cry from many contemporary extreme metal bands’ sterile and highly quantized feel. Their latest album, New Heaven, is a prime example of an ability to craft complex and dynamic compositions. Lyrically the album delves into themes of addiction, mental illness, religion, and war. Sulphur English, their previous full-length release of original material, was described by Childers as, “full-on rage; just us wanting to blow it all away,” New Heaven, while still retaining the band’s signature intensity, showcases a wider emotional range, with moments of vulnerability and introspection amidst the darkness. Highlighting the personal nature of the lyrics, Paparo noted, “Each song on New Heaven is about someone who was/is in my life.”
The songwriting process for New Heaven was a demanding yet rewarding experience. The band aimed to create engaging and challenging music, balancing hooks that pull the listener in with complex structures and changing time-signatures and tempos. “How can I create something original and unique while keeping it catchy and having a hook?” drummer T.J. Childers pondered. The result is a record that is both familiar and fresh, showcasing the band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their core sound.
Finding the right bassist to replace their previous member was a significant hurdle. “We entered a period of uncertainty that lasted for about six months,” recalls Russell. However, the addition of Joel Moore proved to be a game-changer. “It was an immediate and perfect fit,” says Childers. With Moore on board, Inter Arma was able to fully realize their vision for New Heaven.
The album’s reception has been positive, and the band has enjoyed performing the new material live. ‘Violent Seizures’ has proven to be a particular favorite and proved to be blistering when played in Seattle. While the band’s sound remains rooted in heavy music, their influences are as far-reaching as ever in the set they played (including the intro to ‘Hot for Teacher’ by Van Halen) and their performance is as fun as it is intense. “We tend to enjoy a wide range of music,” says Childers, “and we like to have a good time.”
Inter Arma’s journey is a testament to their dedication to their craft. They’ve faced challenges, but their resilience and creativity have allowed them to thrive. With New Heaven, the band has taken a significant step forward, demonstrating their ability to evolve while staying true to their core identity. As they continue to push the boundaries of their sound, Inter Arma remains a force to be reckoned with in the world of heavy music. Check out the pics from their stop in Seattle with Pallbearer and The Kenning in August.
