It has been about four years since The Faceless' last release, Autotheism, and I would be certain that a majority of fans are on the edge of their seat waiting for the group's fourth LP. What we do know so far is the album will be titled In Becoming a Ghost via Sumerian Records, yet all other details including release date and lineup have been a bit dodgy.
We spoke to new guitarist Justin McKinley during his tour with The Zenith Passage to get a brief update about where the album is at currently.
"It’s pretty much done. We’ve had some issues with finishing up on the vocals. Derek [Rydquist] was our guy, but it didn't quite work out. Basically, he could track the album but it'd be hard for him tour in The Faceless tour schedule. As much as he and us wanted it to work out, he thought it'd be better for the band if we got someone to do vocals full time, instead of just having him on the album. We have nothing against him and the separation was mutual. And believe me, I wanted Derek. He's the sickest. We finally have another guy now though. We were just on tour with him. He’s actually tracking vocals with [Michael] Keene right now. The album is done being written in terms of music, we’re just waiting on the vocals. It’s been in a pain in the ass to go through so many try-outs. Keene is really anal about how he wants someone to sound and I’m the same way. He has a vision and that’s why it’s taken awhile. And it’ll be out in soon. We’re really pushing to get it out this year."
We previously reported Abigail Williams frontman Ken Sorceron was featured in their live lineup, but it seems he has fully taken the reins as vocalist for the upcoming record. We also asked about the track "The Spiraling Void" and if it compared to the rest of the material.
"I think for the most part "The Spiraling Void" is a heavy song, but also maintains the really musical side of The Faceless. And that is the theme of almost every Faceless album, but this one is a little more darker and in the vein of Planetary Duality, but while remaining Autotheism-ish."
Of course, the new Faceless album isn't really done until Michael Keene says it's done, but it's great to hear they are approaching the end of the recording process. Are you ready for new music from The Faceless?
