During a conversation with Ultimate Guitar's David Slavković, members of Unleash the Archers - singer Brittney Hayes and guitarists Grant Truesdell and Andrew Kingsley - talked about the band's new album, Abyss, the gear they're using, the state of the music sphere amidst the ongoing pandemic, and more. Following is an excerpt.

UG: Brittney, your voice on this record is just impeccable, as usual. Was there any song in particular on Abyss that was the most challenging to record?

Brittney: "Thank you! There were definitely parts that were more difficult than others, but I think the song that probably had the most was 'The Wind That Shapes the Land.' That song is one of the longest on the album and had the most diversity. It was a challenge to write and a challenge to record, due to the fact that it goes through so many emotions and there are a lot of dynamics to it. Softer parts can often be hard to nail, but also the super-powerful parts in the middle were arduous as well. Funnily enough, it turned out to be one of my favorite tracks on the record so I guess it pays to apply yourself!"

UG: When it comes to music in general, are there any "guilty pleasures" that you guys are into?

Brittney: "Personally, when it comes to music, I don't think there is such a thing as a guilty pleasure. All music contributes to society in some way, and even if you think it's the worst thing ever, somewhere out there it probably helped someone feel better or battle some hardship in their life so, I think all music has a place in the world. That being said, I think it is extremely important to continue to find new music, and search to discover new genres and artists, because if you walk into a conversation about music and the only bands you tout are from the '90s then you might want to think about your 'guilty pleasure' albums and realize they might actually the only albums you know (laughs)."

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Unleash The Archers, recently released their fifth full-length album, Abyss, via Napalm Records. Part 2 of a track by track video series is now available. Watch two segments below:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Abyss was engineered, mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen of Hansen Studios in Denmark (Volbeat, Delain, Amaranthe), with production by guitarist Andrew Kingsley. Order Abyss in available formats here.

As mentioned, the Deluxe Earbook edition of Abyss features two bonus tracks - synthwave and gothic folk-pop versions of “Abyss” and “Soulbound”, respectively. This is something Unleash The Archers has never done before, turning their singles into something completely different!

Abyss tracklisting:

"Waking Dream"
"Abyss"
"Through Stars"
"Legacy"
"Return To Me"
"Soulbound"
"Faster Than Light"
"The Wind That Shapes The Land"
"Carry The Flame" (feat. guitarist Andrew Kingsley on guest vocals)
"Afterlifev (feat. orchestration by Francesco Ferrini)

"Faster Than Light" video:

"Soulbound" video:

"Abyss" video:

Lineup:

Brittney Slayes - Vocals
Scott Buchanan - Drums
Grant Truesdell - Guitar, Vocals
Andrew Kingsley - Guitar, Vocals, Synth

(Photo - Shimon Karmel)