PALE DIVINE Pale Divine are one of one of the brighter stars in the contemporary doom firmament. Heavy, 70's flavoured doom with the onus on songwriting and fluid wah-wah drenched solo's. A modern day equivalent of the wondrous Pentagram. 
Line up:
After a recently purchase of your cracking album "Thunder Perfect Mind" I can happily say I'm now a big fan but I have scant knowledge of your history, could you tell me a little bit about the genesis of Pale Divine? Darin: "Yes, the dreaded 'history of the band' question haha! Well, pretty simple I guess... I met Greg Diener through a mutual friend way back in the winter of '95. At the time I was basically jamming with various people trying to find the right 'vibe.'" "I was BIG into Trouble, The Obsessed and especially Pentagram and I was looking to create sounds along the same lines. However, 'round here there weren't that many people that even heard of the bands I was into let alone wanted to play in that style.' I was also into heavy '70's bands like Captain Beyond, Budgie, Cactus and of course Black Sabbath. After meeting Greg I explained to him the style of music that I was into and my ideas regarding writing original music. Greg was hip to it and in fact had his head in pretty much the same place mine was although with Greg I think he leaned a bit more to the Iron Maiden more traditional '80's style of metal. Suited me just fine...in fact pretty much ideal because those two influences coming together is basically the blue print for what was later to be Pale Divine music." "After Greg and I had established that we were going to give it a go we set about trying to find other members to fill the vacant bass and vocal positions. We placed ads and we waited and we auditioned and tried people and we auditioned some more and waited, etc. But in the meantime Greg started to sing while we worked on our first couple original songs and basically jammed on various Black Sabbath covers. We decided that worked pretty well and having Greg sing could at least eliminate one less person to look for..." 
"So the quest for a bassist was on. It took a long time but we finally settled on a guy named Jay Purnell
a friend of Greg's that came in and did a fine job in the beginning. The thing with Jay was he just
wasn't coming from the same place we were musically and over time there was a falling out and we ended
up getting rid of him not too long after we recorded our first demo 'Crimson Tears.'""So that pretty much took us back to square one again and we began placing ads and auditioning people once more. Now, at this time we had already committed to playing the SHoD I festival in Manassas VA, and time was of the essence. We found a couple guys in a local paper and tried it out for a while but in the end it failed miserably. As fate would have Greg had recently come back incontact with a former band mate of his named Jim Corl. Greg explained the situation to Jim and he agreed to help us out and fill in for SHoD I and the shows before the fest. Jim learned all the songs in like a week or two and after it was all said and done it felt pretty comfortable having Jim aboard so we asked him to join full time and he agreed. The rest is history." Some albums start gradually and build to a crescendo but what I like about 'TPM' is that it gets off to a roaring start with "Amplified", an absolute blinder of a track, killer riff and bonkers Wah-Wah atmospherics. That and "Judas Wheel" are clear favourites for me, both are righteous doom anthems, are there any tracks on the album that rock you more than others? And if so, why? Darin: "Hmmm... that's kinda like asking which of your children is your favorite. I'm also really fond of 'Judas Wheel' and 'Amplified'... there's an interesting dynamic between those two songs think and it's cool that being so different they're also on the same album. I think all the songs on TPM are pretty unique to one another and I think it works pretty well in that respect, so no I guess I couldn't really single any one song out. If I ever pop it on these days I usually listen to it all the way through." After you feel you have written a cool Pale Divine track do you all go out and get pissed up and celebrate, or are you a more cerebral band? Darin: "Yeah, I guess we would fall more into the "cerebral" category. Usually it takes a while for a song to reach the completed stage and by the time it does it's more a sense of relief that comes from it rather than any kind of celebration." How much does the band like to party together and what are your libations / opiates of choice? [Guiness / Holsten Pils / Scotch Whiskey for me] Darin: "Yeah... see we're not big partiers either. Greg and Jim like to have a bit of smoke while I pretty much abstain from most any kind of spirit in general. I'll have a couple beers during practice and it's nice to have a case handy... not so much to get fucked up on but to sort of take the edge off or whatever. My beer of choice would be Bass Ale.I'm sure for Greg and Jim it would be Killian's Red since those are the two types usually on hand." What's also quite splendid about Pale Divine are the guitar solo's, they're some of the closest licks that evoke a true Iommi vibe that I've heard in a long time, righteous! How long has Greg Deiner been playing guitar? And was he in any bands previously to P.D? Darin: "Funny thing is Jim and Greg were in a band together before Pale Divine and Greg actually played bass while Jim played guitar. It was more or less a high school band and I think it basically dissolved when Jim went into the army... Greg had played guitar I'm going to say only a few years before he and I started jamming. Most of Greg's experience and 'coming of age' so to speak was pretty much all while being a member of Pale Divine." 
His vocals are pitched perfectly, somewhere between Dave Sherman & Bobby Liebling, is he the group's
biggest Pentagram fan, or are you all Pentagram hounds?Darin: "Well I turned Greg onto Pentagram but I guess he's probably just about as big a Pentagram fan as I am at this point. I think we both prefer the Death Row era as opposed to the '70's incarnation." At what age did you start being seriously interested in music? And did you ever consider any other instruments aside from drums? And were you one of those kids who hung out at music stores? Darin: "I guess when I was like 7 or 8. I was turned onto bands like Kiss, Alice Cooper, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Lynyrd Skynyrd by my older uncles. Kiss was the first band I REALLY got into... the music was cool and heavy and was real exciting to me but the looks and merchandising is what captivated my interest the most probably. Drums were a pretty natural thing for me... I remember playing along to Kiss records on my pillows in like '77 or '78... no other instrument really engaged my interest like the drums." Like most obnoxious teenage metalheads I was obsessed with bands like Slayer, Metallica and Sabbath etc, and since then I've never looked back. Can you remember the specific moment where you were struck by a need for the heavy? And who were the band, if the memory allows the band? [Me -1984, back of class; the album Black Sabbath "Live Evil"]. Darin: "Well... I think I really caught the bug big time after I picked up 'Paranoid' by Black Sabbath one summer. I was just so utterly blown away by that album words cannot describe the impression it left on me. To this day listening to that album is like a religious experience. It would be hard to top that magic moment." I have been told that you are the main songwriter for Pale Divine -Do you enjoy the process of putting lyrics together, and do you ever let people check them out before you settle on them? Darin: "Well, first let me say that EVERY song by Pale Divine is always a collaborative effort. I do write the lyrics but as far as the music is concerned it's Greg that usually brings the riffs to the table and then all of us set about arranging all the parts into what will later become a Pale Divine song. With lyrics... yeah, I sometimes write a few different versions of songs and in some cases after Greg learns all the lyrics I'll go and come up with something else... haha, and I think he hates that. In fact there's even a few songs that sometimes when performed live are actually sung with different lyrics simply because they might've been the original ones and Greg is most familiar or comfortable with them." Could you tell me a little about the recording of "Thunder Perfect Mind", where it was recorded, equipment used etc? And what are your thoughts on the end product? Was this the album you had in your head? Darin: "'Thunder Perfect Mind' was recorded at a local studio here in Pennsylvania called Four Star. It was engineered by a guy named Paul Falcone, a graduate of Berkley school of music who recorded demos for Dream Theater when they were known as Majesty. Anyway... Paul recorded the 'Crimson Tears' demo for us and we were pretty happy with the way that turned out so we returned to Four Star to track what would become 'Thunder Perfect Mind.' When we began recording 'TPM' we hadn't yet been signed so we funded the whole thing ourselves which basically meant we recorded it whenever we had money. I guess it took almost a year to actually complete and in the end we weren't really satisfied with the mix despite several attempts." "Game Two Records at the time became interested in us for a 7" project, we sent them an advance version of the CD and they really liked it and decided to offer us a deal. Through Game Two [and the help of Adam Heinzman of Internal Void] we got in touch with Chris Kozlowski who agreed to remix and master the CD for us. In the end it was definitely an improvement over the original version but there were still some obvious flaws. In fairness to Chris it was a somewhat difficult task for him since he wasn't involved with the project since the beginning... but he did the very best he could with what had been given to him." "What it basically boils down to is there's a conflict between engineers. If we had left Paul's mix intact it may have sounded more consistent but not at all the way the songs were intended to sound. We knew that Chris was more hip to the style of music we play but unfortunately he was kind of stifled by the way the songs were tracked. I don't think the end result was horrible but it could have and should have sounded a lot better." We recorded the new CD 'Eternity Revealed' with Chris all the way from start to finish and when you hear it you'll know exactly what I'm talking about." 
Cover versions are fairly ubiquitous on Doom albums, and I think if chosen wisely it can really
enhance an album [Both Witchcraft & Solace have recently covered Pentagram tunes -and with much success I might add!].
But you have gone for two cover songs, I find this to be a tad unusual. Why on earth two, and why
from the same band?
Why does Pentagram's music mean so much to you/the band that you wanted to pay them this extensive tribute? Do you know if any band members have heard your versions, if so I'm sure they'd be most flattered! [I'd quite like to hear some Groundhogs covers myself Tony Mcfee!!]. Darin: "We only covered ONE Pentagram song "20 buck Spin", the second song I guess you're referring to is 'Dark Knight' which was actually an original song that we collaborated with Bobby Liebling on. As far as the band members hearing it... well, obviously Bobby has heard it because he sang on both the songs...haha... but I know Joe heard the tunes and dug them and Victor has a copy of the 'TPM' CD and thought "20 Buck Spin" was pretty cool." "Why we love Pentagram so much? I guess it's just something that struck a chord with us, it's very honest straight forward heavy metal doom music and everything about it exudes excellence. The musicianship is awesome, the songs are fantastic... well written, well performed and extremely memorable. Bobby's voice is amazing so versatile yet distinctive. I rate Pentagram right up there next to Black Sabbath and they're one of my very favorite bands. I love 'em... and always will" Does Greg Diener fuss about getting the right guitar tones? [If so I think it was worth the effort!]. Darin: "Not really, he pretty much knows how he wants things to sound and knows how to get it to sound that way. He's not into effects really other than a wah pedal so most if it is just natural distortion from the amp. Chris K. has a virtual treasure trove of vintage gear that really helped enhance Greg's sound on the new CD and Chris was very helpful in advising and suggesting which amps would work best in different situations." Could you explain some of your riff alchemy secrets i.e. what instruments, drum kit do you play, tunings, amps, EFX pedals etc? Darin: " Pretty basic formula really... guitars, drums and amps. Minimal effects so there's no 'hocus pocus' to our sound... there isn't anything we've recorded that can't accurately be reproduced live. As far as my equipment is concerned I prefer Ludwig drums and I use a 24" kick drum... single bass drum with a Ludwig 'speedking' pedal. Ludwig 'silver dot' drum heads. I use a Slingerland 6.5" deep snare that I like a lot. Otherwise the setup is one 24" kick, two rack toms a 13" and a 14" and two floor toms "16 and an 18." How often do you play your Drums? Do you have a special area at home where you rock out in? And if so are you neighbours chilled out about this? Darin: "Yeah, I have a few kits and when not playing the kit I use for band practice I have another one set up in the living room of my house. Neighbors don't bother me at all... but then again I don't try to tempt fate by playing at an unreasonable time or anything so there's never been any problems." What kind of person do you think enjoys your music, and what do you think initially attracts folk to seek out Pale Divine? [For me it's those killer wah-wah leads HELL YEAH!!!]. Darin: "I guess the same kind of person that digs Pentagram, Internal Void, Penance and any of the other doom metal bands of that style. I think word of mouth has always been the way people have caught wind of us and other bands in this genre really." What I really groove about on 'Thunder Perfect Mind' is that its such a classic sounding doom album, meat locker heavy riffs but with attention to melody, song-writing and prolific use of psychedelic wah-wah groove outs, how long did it take you to nail the Pale Divine ethos, sound? Darin: "Oh, I suppose it's something that's just sort of evolved... and probably something that will continue to evolve. We've always tried to write what we thought were "good" songs that would be fairly accessible yet still manage to challenge us musically. Greg and I have been playing together for a long time and we've grown together as musicians and songwriters, it's a relationship that has proven to be fruitful yet because of our own personal high standards hasn't necessarily been as prolific as we'd like. I think at his point as we prepare material for our third album we've gotten to the stage where there's definitely a Pale Divine sound and we recognize that so it'˜s easier to be more decisive over what material to use and what not to." What label will be releasing your next album? And have you ever considered releasing any split CD's? and if so who would you like to share an album with? Darin: "Martyr Music Group [MMG] will be releasing our new album "Eternity Revealed" this summer. We've never really thought about doing a split CD with anyone... kind of an interesting thing to do I suppose. I do see more and more of them coming out these days. I suppose if someone were to make us an offer we'd be into doing it yeah for sure...why not?" Do you feel that the internet has really helped spreading the word of your music? Darin: "Oh absolutely... it's worked out very well. Almost every facet is represented; from online music publications that review and interview to outlets that promote and sell the music. It's really been a blessing." How many of the band members regularly download MP3's? Darin: "I know I used to quite a bit in the beginning... not as much anymore. I guess we all have at one time or another truthfully." Being a Vinyl junkie I need to ask if any of Pale Divine worship the shellac? Darin: "I used to be a HUGE vinyl fan, but lately I haven't really had the money to pursue getting everything I'd like to have. Once in a while I'll pick up something that I absolutely CAN'T live without. Every so often a friend of mine will hook me up with some vinyl they stumbled across at a flea market or auction... most recently a friend gave me a stack of Jethro Tull records all in excellent condition and what look to be the first pressings." It'd be great to see a Pale Divine gatefold sleeve album in the future, are you planning any vinyl releases, gatefold or otherwise, or is it too expensive? Darin: "I have heard that it can be cost prohibitive since not many people even purchase vinyl anymore but it isn't something I've actually pursued. It would definitely be cool since the cover artwork would look really great on a 12" sleeve. Since you mentioned it, it would be cool to re-press 'TPM' in limited edition vinyl... we'll see, maybe some day. It IS currently out of print from Game Two so now might be a good time, huh?" Do you get to meet a lot of your fans on the road and are they a critical bunch when it comes to discussing your music? Darin: "We've met people mostly at festivals and stuff but no we've never been privy to any intense PD discussions.... I suppose they may be a critical bunch, it would be great to think our music lends itself to discussion." Do you listen to a lot of doom at home, or do you find it's enough just playing it? And do you have any designated albums that you rely on to relax the mind? Darin: "Yep, I still listen to a lot of DOOM... I don't keep on top of everything new that comes out but I always try to pick up some stuff whenever I can, there's quite a few things that are on my list to buy like the new Orodruin and Witchcraft. Lately I've been playing Grand Magus 'Monument' quite a bit and the new Place of Skulls, 'With Vision.' When I want to chill out a bit I really like to listen to prog stuff like Porcupine Tree and The Flower Kings. I also get quite a bit of relaxation by playing classics like Uriah Heep [lately it's been the John Lawton stuff i.e. 'Firefly'], Budgie and of course the mighty Sabbath - Vol.4 and "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" usually being my top picks." Who is your favourite Southern Lord band? [Internal Void for me]. Darin: "Yep, me too... unfortunately IV are no longer with Southern Lord. So the honor MUST go to Place of Skulls with Earthride coming in at a close second." What was the last Doom album you bought? Darin: "Place of Skulls 'With Vision' awesome! A doom fans wet dream! Wino AND Victor Griffin together in the same band!!!" Should Wino be given some kind of award for services rendered to doom? Darin: "Of course he should! You know that as well as I do...in fact any self respecting doom fan has to give it up for Wino...total genius!" Have you been on the road recently and how did the tour go, good attendances etc? Were any of the gigs particularly memorable and who did you share the bill with? Darin: "We went out on a little excursion late last summer... nothing big just a handful of shows. We played some shows with Earthride, Life Beyond, M-Squad and Suzukiton. There were definitely some 'memorable' moments like having our van break down on the way to Richmond VA. for the show with Suzkiton causing us to be like three hours late. A good memorable moment was playing in DC with Earthride and Life Beyond... Earthride are always killer to see live but Life Byond are really incredible... just an amazingly tight VERY talented band there it was an honor to share the stage with both bands that evening." What three things are you most proud of achieving thus far? And what other ambitions remain? Darin: "I guess I'm just proud to be playing in a band with the guys I play with in Pale Divine. Greg and Jim are awesome musicians and it's really been a great experience so far. The reaction that we've gotten from 'Thunder Perfect Mind' also makes me proud. It's always great to see the fruits of your labor being appreciated by the very people you basically created it for. As far as other ambitions I hope to equal the success of TPM with the new CD 'Eternity Revealed' when it comes out in the summer and I hope that in addition to the tour with PoS we will be able to hit the road again in the Fall and continue to support the new CD." Are you the main creative force behind Pale Divine, do you deal with all the minutia of T-Shirt design, web site business, tour booking etc? or is Pale Divine more of a democracy? Darin: "Well...let's see, yes I'm involved in all the creative aspects of Pale Divine but not singularly. Jim is responsible for designing the website and we all pretty much collaborate on the shirt designs and merchandise. Musically as I mentioned earlier it's a group effort. Lately we've been fortunate enough to have the help of a friend of ours named Elsa Esquivel who has been kind enough to help us with booking." Its cool that you give Solace a mention on the liner notes as they kick ass, and Tommy Southard is a genius riff writer! have you toured with them? Darin: "Yep, Tommy's the man....killer guitar player! No we never toured with them we've only played with them once but Tommy and I have kept in touch and he's into PD as much as we're into Solace so it's a case of mutual admiration I suppose." When not busy with Pale Divine do you have any outside interests, interesting pastimes/hobbies? Darin: "Music is all I've ever really been interested in...when not playing I simply enjoy listening." Do you ever Jam with other musicians just for shits & Giggles? Darin: "As a matter of fact yes. I recently became involved in a project with Perry Grayson [formerly of Destiny's End and Artisan] and Greg Lindstrom [of epic metal band Cirith Ungol-fame] named Falcon. We recorded our debut CD with Chris Kozlowski in Nov.of 2003. Falcon is more of a straight forward hard rock band in the tradition of groups like Mountain, Budgie, Captain Beyond and Thin Lizzy with a hint of stuff like Spirit Caravan and early Pentagram. The CD should be available late summer early fall. Bobb Liebling also provides guest vocals on one track called "On the Slab" which is a lyrical and musical ode to Philip Lynott of Thin Lizzy." Finally do you like to cook, and if so what is your favourite dish [I'm obsessed with both food & cooking heavy metal, and cooking is all I need!]. Darin: "I make a mean scrambled egg but that's about it. I leave the cooking to my wife and she hates it almost as much as I do." Any last message for the Pale Divine fans reading this, and do you have anything to say to those that haven't checked your music out yet? Darin: "Well, thanks to everyone who checked out 'Thunder Perfect mind' and keep on the lookout for the new CD "Eternity Revealed." For those not familiar with us yet check us out at www.paledivine.com." |
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