It’s time to get to know progressive metal artist Chris Schiermann! We set Chris 10 questions about his musical likes, tastes and guilty pleasures…
How would you describe your taste in music?
I gravitate towards anything that moves me emotionally, whether it is aggressive, mathematical, heartfelt, sexy or groovy .
Who do you consider to be your favorite band and why?
The Contortionist, because their music is educated, heavy when it needs to be, is melodic as hell, has the math to keep my interest and the tender emotional vibe that warms you.
Who is the best live band you’ve ever seen?
King Diamond– Conspiracy Tour 1989
What is the one song that you could listen to forever?
Return To Earth, The Contortionist
What album, if any, was a turning point in your ‘musical life’ and why?
King Diamond “Them” Because in my life at that time it was a form of progressive metal that didn’t exist until I heard it. The Musicianship, theatrics, mystique, along with the conceptual side of it makes it the perfect package. It scares you, it takes you on a emotional roller-coaster conceptually, all the while the music being so well crafted and executed, it’s a masterpiece!
In 3 words, what makes a good album or song?
Groove, melody, mathematics
A festival or a gig? Why?
Both – it’s equally a rush to play to thousands of people and feed off that energy as it is to play small venue and have it be intimate, up-close and personal.
Who would be your 3 dream festival headliners?
(Metal shows) : DispersE, TesseracT, The Contortionist (Different shows) Jamiroquai, Mutemath, Alan Holdsworth
Who are the best new band you’ve discovered lately that everyone should know about?
Bohren & Der Club of Gore, Secret Chiefs 3
What band or artist is your secret, or not so secret, guilty pleasure?
Maxwell