As mixing began on the new release “Please Deceive Me” I wanted to focus on two rules of thumb; breathe dynamics into each song so they each have a life of their own, and create sounds and effects naturally rather than using pre-recorded ones. When trying to add atmosphere to an Autumns Eyes song, I always shoot for the typical “night time crickets” sound or any number of free thunder clap sound effects you can download for free at just about every sound effects website. Its my way of establishing to the listener that this is where the music comes from and draws inspiration. Granted it can be some what cliche, but at least this time around its undergone a more organic process.

Instead of using pre-recorded samples and sounds, I recorded my own right in the woods of Connecticut where both my studio and I reside. This gave a broader range of creativity and sonic possibilities right off the bat. While recording outside, I was able to capture my own reverb as well. If your not familiar with audio engineering, reverb is basically that “echo” sound you hear on instruments and vocals that give both atmosphere and depth to what you hear. Using Apple Logic Studio 9′s Impulse Response Utility I was able to capture any environment I wanted in my own back yard. Basically the process started with a laptop, a pair of speakers, and a microphone. A frequency sweep is played through speakers in the woods where a microphone records the sweep and sends it into the laptop. The program then removes the audio frequency sweep, and captures the reverberation from the environment the sweep was played in. Now the reverb can be saved and later applied to any vocal/instrument/sound during the mixing process.

It might sound like overboard to some and may even be used sparingly throughout the album, but its those subtle differences that make the end result more unique. One of my favorite albums of all time is “October Rust” by Type O Negative, and its the small details of that record that give you a sense of atmosphere and emotion. From the bird chirps on the intro to “Green Man”, to the sounds of branches creaking and twisting during the beginning of “Wolf Moon”. Adding such elements to your record make it more organic and memorable. In our age of digital recording, where especially in metal, it seems like a group of dogs chasing each others tails. There are a ton of bands just mimicking what the other is doing, and trying to cash in on it. Im not trying to break away from the genre with this release, but Im definitely trying to show people that there can be a broader range of sound in metal instead of just blast beats and screaming.

EQ Magazine published a small feature on Beneath the Woods Design and Recording Studio. The Connecticut based studio is where Dan produces all the sights and sounds behind Autumns Eyes.

Everyone remembers their old stomping grounds they would visit whilst outgrowing their teenage years. Living in Connecticut there is not much to see other than woods almost everywhere around you. One of the highlights growing up in such an area, was hanging out at Devils Hopyard State Park located in East Haddam Connecticut. Being a misinformed gullible youth at the time, there were many rumors that circulated behind the origin of the name. Stories of devil worshiping and witchcraft plagued its visitors conscious as they hiked through the amazing scenic landscape of waterfalls, cliffs, and various forest dwellers. In the end, Devils Hopyard was some what of an escape to say the least. Not like there is much to escape from in Connecticut to begin with, but it was always nice to visit a place surrounded by such folklore and history.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow remains one of the first pieces of American fiction that continues to grow attention decades after its origin. As an American, I can safely say we don’t have much to hold on to in the fairy tale department. It seems as though everyone overseas collected the glory and historic inspiration which adds to the mysticism behind their territory. However, thanks to author Washington Irving “Sleepy Hollow” remains a story that many will continue to draw creativity from as time grows older. Most of us remember the Walt Disney version from 1949 titled “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad”, though it wasn’t until 1999 when Tim Burton gave us a much darker adaptation of the fabled story. Burton gave Sleepy Hollow a specific look and feel that resurrects visions of black and grey fog glooming over a mysterious old village. With the addition of Danny Elfman, who builds tension and fear behind the orchestra, Sleepy Hollow has again become an instant classic reborn in a new era.

Vampire films that don’t regurgitate a story that has been used over and over again, are few and far between. Especially when trying to find one that has been made within the last 10 years. In a time when horribly disgusting romantic vampire films have been lighting up the box office, one small budget film has shown its true quality. Let the Right One In follows a young boy struggling with his own insecurities in life, who eventually befriends a strange girl that shows him how to stand up for himself. Forget being one of the best vampire films in the past 10 years, this film is one of the best vampire movies I have ever laid eyes on. Unfortunately, the film is now being remade by an American director who’s greed most likely outshines his respect for leaving a good film alone. As much as that pains me, it will not prevent me from holding a special place in my black heart for the original.

I have been waiting a long time for a horror film to come out with an original plot, and cinematography that reminded me of how Halloween used to be growing up. Finally, to my surprise I was introduced to the film Trick ‘r Treat by Michael Dougherty. The film was inspired by the directors short film “Season’s Greetings”, which was based on a creepy little character named Sam. Originally slated for a 2007 release, the film was pushed back for various reasons and eventually came out straight to DVD in 2009. Since its release, fans and critics alike have praised the movie for its originality and visual appeal. It remains one of the only modern horror films that can take me back to when I was a kid getting ready for my favorite season/holiday of the year.

The lead singer/guitarist of legendary metal band Celtic Frost took part in this interview a couple years back, and his words sum up what many musicians myself included think about the record industry. The guy conducting the interview seems to be either placating Tom, or just very nervous while asking terribly stupid questions. He was under the impression Tom was just being stubborn on purpose, but he doesn’t realize Tom is speaking very honestly. The music industry needs more people like Tom to balance out the unhealthy level of puppets to actual individuals who refuse to give into greed.