Can you tell us about the origin of the band name, a history of the band and a little bit about the various members?
The beginnings of ATOMIS, as well as the origin of the name, may all have to remain a bit of a mystery, unfortunately, as I came into the group a bit after its inception. And even then, the guys really liked to keep everything pretty vague and secretive, and wouldn’t share exactly who was in the band, which meant no band photos for press, and all that.
After recording our debut album in 2014, several circumstances caused ATOMIS to dissolve into a solo project of our drummer Nathan Navetto until his unfortunate passing in 2020. He took the project to Vancouver, LA, Costa Rica, and really was a driving force of creativity. He was also a professional artist, and was hired by a heap of bands to design album art, layouts and T shirt designs.
After the fallout, I carried on with my postrock group Jung People and music lessons business Leroux Studios, Taylor (Guitar) relocated to Quebec with his family to eventually start the psych rock group “Solipsisme”, and Matt (Vocals, Guitar) spends every night pushing himself as a musician, crafting songs, producing. I’m really excited to hear what he does next!
Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?
We all grew up in Calgary, Canada, and became musicians here. Nathan and Taylor played in Somastate together, and they were really getting traction, evening playing the Taste of Chaos tour in the late 00’s. At some point, they wanted a change, and wanted to get out of the mainstream a bit, and eventually linked up with Matt from Pure City, who was seeking the same. I was touring with Kobra and the Lotus, Jung People, and actually turned down Nate’s offer twice to join the band, but he wouldn’t take “no” for an answer, and I’m super thankful for that, as ATOMIS remains some of my proudest moments as a musician!
Who are your favourite artists/bands and how have they influenced your own sound?
I can tell you for sure that Nathan, Matt and Taylor all really loved Silverchair (specifically the album”Diorama”), as well as Radiohead, Neurosis and Tool. Other bands we collectively liked and pulled from were Isis, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Mars Volta, Meshuggah, This Will Destroy You, and Oceansize.
Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band or did you originally have other plans?
Always. For all of us, for certain, I feel I can speak on behalf of everyone that being a musician was and still is the goal. The first time I picked up a hockey stick and held it like a “guitar”, I was already making fictional band names.
What songs or albums are on your current playlist?
Lately, I’ve been listening to The Armed, Marcelle, GUSH, Sigil, and preparing for the new Dream Theater album, so sort of deep diving on the Portnoy-era albums.
Do you sing in the shower?
Exclusively, I sing songs from my highschool metal era. That means 3 Inches of Blood, Avenged Sevenfold, Himsa – the 00’s classics.
If you could play at any venue in the world where would you choose?
I’d have to choose Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado. What an insanely beautiful place.
Do you have a favourite album? If so, what is it?
Nearly impossible to pick one, but I can say a “Perfect Album” that comes to mind is “Self Preserved While The Bodies Float Up” by Oceansize.
Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?
2010s Nicki Minaj. But there’s no guilt, really! It’s like sugar.
If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?
If I could turn the clock back to 2013, and play an ATOMIS show again, that would truly be special. If I were to curate a three-package tour myself of active groups – I’d have to lean prog and go with Dream Theater, The Mars Volta, Oceansize (reunion).
Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?
One hundred percent, it was “Life Is Peachy” by Korn. I do not have it, as I gave away all of my CDs to my guitar students over the years, or sold some off for my vinyl habit!
As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?
Thank you for your patience, and I hope you enjoy this long awaited release. 14 years is a long time, I know, but we’re happy to finally share everything!
Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!
Please find us on our new socials , and check out the new music videos!
Instagram: @atomis.official
Youtube: @atomisofficial
We, Metal Planet Media, would like to thank you for your time. Is there is anything further that you would like to add?
Hey, thanks so much for supporting Metal, and giving me the time to share!
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