Creation’s End has religious connotations. Was this on purpose? Or is it just something that just happens to be so? How did you come about the name?

DARIO: We wrote the song “Creation’s End” several years ago and when we decided to re-record and release some of our older material, we thought it sounded like a pretty cool band name. The song itself isn’t really about anything religious – it’s more about industrialization and how, often, creating involves destroying something else.

The reference to Eden in the chorus wasn’t necessarily intended to be taken as a literal reference to the Garden of Eden from the Bible, but if people want to interpret it that way, that’s fine with us. Although we have specific things in mind when we write the lyrics, we want them to be somewhat ambiguous so rather than shoving a message down the listeners’ throats, they can form a personal interpretation of the song.

How did you guys come to play music together?

DARIO: Rudy and I met in grammar school – we both played saxophone in the school band. We learned that we both liked Metallica and decided to form a band to cover some of their songs. We’ve been writing and playing music together ever since.

Is there anything specific about your instruments or just whatever happens to be around? Brand loyalty or anything like that?

RUDY: I just signed an endorsement deal with Achia guitars in Italy. I’ve been using Laney amplification for 2 years and really love the tone. I don’t think I’ll be switching to anything else – it’s so crystal clear. For live, I don’t really use much in the way of effects, just plug into the head and crank it. In the studio, I’ll often experiment with plugins, though.

DARIO: I’ve been playing Tama drums for 10 years and love them. They sound great and I’ve never had any problems with hardware failing or anything. I use mainly Zildjian cymbals, particularly the A Custom line. I really like the bright, clear sounds that those cymbals produce.

What is the song-writing process for Creation’s End, from beginning to end?

DARIO: For the songs on this record, Rudy and I would just set up in a room and jam. When we found a riff or groove that felt like it had potential, we’d work on it and develop it. We’ve written some newer material in a similar way, but we’ve also started jamming together with Rudy on keys and me on guitar, and we’ve come up with some really cool stuff.

Also, for future releases, the writing process will be much more collaborative in that the other band members will actually participate in the writing with us, unlike with this past album.

What are your favorite and least favorite venues to play and why?

RUDY: I really enjoy playing B.B. Kings – it’s in NYC, my hometown, and has a great atmosphere. I don’t really have any least favorite place to play.

When you play, is there normally a set song list or do you just go out and wing it?

RUDY: We decide in advance what songs we’re going to play. Although, in the future, setlists may change from night to night, we’ll always decide before we go on what songs we’re gonna play.

Any covers that you love to play?

RUDY: I love playing anything by Alice in Chains.

DARIO: Same here – I love playing Alice in Chains, and Metallica, too.

What is the ultimate direction for your band? At what point do you realize that you’ve finally “made it?” (i.e What/where is your Woodstock?)

RUDY: My Woodstock is when I’m sharing the stage with James Hetfield in front of 100,000 people.

DARIO: I just want to see how far we can take the band. I want to keep writing and recording new material and I want to get out there and play our music for the fans.