San Francisco Bay Area-based progressive metallers The Element, have announced that the new album, From Sand - Pt II, will be mixed by legendary producer and recording engineer, Jens Bogren (Symphony X, Opeth, Kreator, etc) and mastered by Tony Lindgren (Paradise Lost, Katatonia) at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden.

 

 

The recording sessions are well underway and the mixing/mastering process will start by the end of June. Marco Bicca(LoNero, Sigma Project) and Mitch Stewart (Circle II Circle, Steelheart) have finished drums and bass respectively. Rafael Macedo, vocals/guitars, and Jeremy Villucci, keyboards are in the studio right now. Once again, Rafael Macedo will be in charge of the recordings and the production of it.

Here it is a sneak peek of the drum recording sessions:

From Sand - Pt II is a concept album, and will be the conclusion of The Element’s latest release From Sand - Pt I. The group will be releasing two singles titled “Natural” and “Dusk”, before the full album is out. The full length record is scheduled for release at the end of 2015. Label, artwork and tracklisting to be announced soon.

Although the new work is absolutely connected with the previous album, From Sand - Pt II will be heavier and with larger number of tracks compared with its predecessor. The final product should have something around the ballpark of 12 or 13 tracks.

 

 

Rafael Macedo says: “To say that we are excited about the new album is an understatement! It is great honour to work with Jens Bogren and Tony Lindgren. Jens has mixed so many of my favorite records, so it was a no brainer when we were discussing who should mix the new work. His ability to create a unique and huge sound for each different band he works is truly impressive. Musically speaking, it is a very intense album, much heavier than the first one, and I believe some people will be surprised in a good way!”

Jeremy Villucci says: "It's always really cool to work with people you hold deep respect for. You can take a product you're passionate about and trust that it'll be handled in your vision. It makes the whole artistic process more fun and lets you participate as an audience member; waiting to hear the mix of a good producer is like being a kid and waiting up all night for Santa. And with the new material we're going to be working with, I'm positive that Santa will be bringing his 'claws’.”

Mitch Stewart says: "This music is our most intense and brilliantly written stuff to date! Rafa always amazes me with his style of composing and choice of direction and riffs. And when we write together, it is  truly a fun time and a great feeling to hear the end result. I am excited to be sharing this with the world soon!"

Marco Bicca says: "I was very excited with these new songs when we were at the recording process a couple of months ago but now I am also honored to have them being mixed by the great Jens Bogren from Fascination Studios. He has done most of my favorite artists and albums through these years and I cannot wait to see the results. I am sure he will do justice to all songs so , stay tuned when they come out!"