Sons of Tonatiuh Interview with Dan Caycedo: Running Red on White Walls
Posted in Features on August 1st, 2013 by JJ Koczan
Though they’ve been around in one incarnation or another since 2008, you could probably argue that Atlanta sludge metallers Sons of Tonatiuh are still feeling out their mechanics if not their aesthetics. They have two albums out — a 2010 self-titled debut (review here) and 2012’s rousing, Kyle Spence-recorded follow-up, Parade of Sorrow (released on Hydro-Phonic Records) — and over the course of both have shown a propensity for intense pummeling that at times borders on post-metal churn, but through a balance of screams and cleaner vocals establishes an identity of its own. The only holdup for guitarist/vocalist Dan Caycedo has been sorting a lineup with which to deliver said fare.
Over the course of five years, Caycedo has been through three entire rhythm sections — three bassists, three drummers — and a second guitarist. Given that, it’s a wonder Sons of Tonatiuh have been able to get anything out at all. You have to figure it makes sense; sludge doesn’t pay the bills and Caycedo wants to tour as much as his bandmates will allow. It’s a situation that seems to be geared for conflict, but if Caycedo is discouraged, you wouldn’t know it from the hopeful tone in which he speaks of the current incarnation of the band, in which he’s joined by bassist Twitch and drummer Josh. Maybe having the outlet of a song like “Colors Run Red” from Parade of Sorrow is enough to balance it out.
Through it all, Sons of Tonatiuh have managed to keep together a pretty rigorous touring schedule, and as Caycedo continues to settle into working with Twitch and Josh, the band are also putting together a tour for the fall, and recently played with U.S. Christmas and Generation of Vipers in their hometown at 529. That seemed like a good place to start. In the interview that follows, Caycedo gives his impressions of that gig, recounts his hopefully-finished lineup woes, talks about his songwriting process and recording with Spence, who doubles as the drummer in Harvey Milk, being constantly compared to Eyehategod and much more.
The complete Q&A is after the jump. Please enjoy.
