Suicide Silence
2009 And Beyond
By: Bear Frazer
Last updated December 31st , 2009

Suicide Silence has been around for the past seven years, but they were quite arguably the biggest metal band of 2009. It all started this past June when the Riverside, Cali-based deathcore quintet (comprised of vocalist Mitch Lucker, bassist Dan Kenny, drummer Alex Lopez and guitarists Christopher Garza and Mark Helmun) dropped their sophomore set No Time To Bleed, a heavy fast-paced collection that had metal heads and critics alike making a ton of noise. The crew would go on to win a Golden God award for "Best New Talent," place a song on the SAW VI soundtrack and tour with the likes of Mudvayne, Megadeth, Machinehead and the Black Label Society. It was a banner year, to say the least.

In this 101D.com exclusive, Dan Kenny reflects upon 2009 and talks about the group's future plans as they are on the verge to break ground on the new album.

101D.com: There was a lot of pre-album hype for No Time To Bleed, and then when it finally came out, it's like Suicide Silence exploded – perhaps becoming one of the biggest metal bands of the year. Why do you think so many people connected with the album so quickly?

Dan Kenny: I can see people connecting with it because it is probably exactly what they are looking for. It is a brutal record with well written songs and a great recording. I am thankful that people connect with it.

101D.com: Right. So why did you guys decide to cover Alice In Chains' "Them Bones?"

Dan Kenny: Cause Alice in Chains rules and people probably didn't expect us to do that song (laughs).

101D.com: Fair enough. The current video out right now is for "Genocide," which inserts clips of SAW VI with a black and white performance. Have you guys seen the flick yet?

Dan Kenny: I personally haven't had a chance to see it yet, or many other newer movies for that matter. I heard it's awesome and I totally love the older ones. I will see eventually for sure.

101D.com: How did the situation to get on the SAW IV soundtrack come about?

Dan Kenny: Management stuff. I guess they were looking for a bunch of heavy bands to mix it with. It makes perfect sense to me: horror and metal for sure!

101D.com: In what ways do you guys continue to challenge yourselves?

Dan Kenny: Practice your instruments, tour more than most bands [and] find ways to make our stage show better. Another way is we are renting a cabin in the wilderness for a month to write the new record...

101D.com: Wait. You're renting a cabin?

Dan Kenny: Yup. We are going into a cabin for a month starting mid January and are not gonna leave, just crank out brutal new tunes. As of right now, no release date in mind and no album title.

101D.com: Cool. So I know you just got off the road with Megadeth and I wish I could've come to that concert a few weeks ago in Richmond.

Dan Kenny: You should of!

101D.com: I know. Don't remind me. It depresses me. Needless to say, how exciting is it to tour with a metal legend like Dave Mustaine?

Dan Kenny: It was, yes. It was definitely awesome touring with his band mates!

101D.com: Well tell me what it was like to be on that tour. What was a normal day for you and the guys?

Dan Kenny: I usually wake up around 2 PM, go pee, put on some clothes, pound some water, make a sandwich, watch a little TV while eating, go inside - check out the venue, wait until I play, go play, clean up, make a drink, go out talk to fans, go back on the bus, more drinks with other bands/crew/maybe even invite some fans on, play dice with my guys, pass out, redo (laughs).

101D.com: (Laughs) Sounds very thorough. It's been a huge year for Suicide Silence and again, one of the most talked about metal bands of 2009. What has been the biggest change among the group over the past year and what have you guys learned about yourselves?

Dan Kenny: Keep rollin' with it [and] don't ever, ever let it get to your head. It gets a little overwhelming touring with the bands you're touring with and how many people you play in front [of]. I have learned to know that I am, and we, are lucky and never think you're better than anyone or any other band.

101D.com: With the year coming to a close, how would you summarize 2009 for the band?

Dan Kenny: A successful one. Our album came out in the middle, and we toured about 10 countries and played great shows for great people. It was my first year with the band and I think we are just turning into a machine!

101D.com: Nice. Ok, so tell me what's in store for 2010?

Dan Kenny: TOUR TOUR TOUR! [I] can't announce any yet, but the talks are makin' me smile! You will too!

[Tags] Metal

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