A successor to the fury of the Night Terrors release, Traitors refuse to back down. Out of a hunger to create heavy music, Phobias was born. The album reaches into the darkest corners of the human mind, and explores fragile themes of mental anguish, inner torment, and destructive cycles. If you have felt feelings of isolation, self-loathing, or violent outbursts, this album is your therapy.
The band’s latest release is one of weight, its hefty demeanor in sound and emotion as they create a shared vision of human survival amongst a turbulent social landscape. Vocalist Tyler Shelton sheds some light on the feelings behind their latest release and the intensity that comes with it.
Let’s start off by talking about the “No Witness” video. The videography is a beast! How does that video reflect the new album and the approach to the emotion of the song?
Todd and Dylan are a match made in heaven when it comes to music videos and editing. Love those guys. Todd is always great with approaching ideas and helping get a specific idea over. The new album is probably best represented by the songs coming out on the day of release.
“Release,” “SBC,” and “Break” also have been released as singles. How did you bring more power into these songs and imagine the new album as a build off of Night Terrors?
It felt good calling back to 10 years ago during Night Terrors. Luke and Alan really helped bring a modern touch to it while still giving that classic Traitors vibe. I wrote this album last winter with the guys and intended on releasing it in winter. The hues, the vibe, everything. I love a cold weather release; there’s always something so special about it.
Phobias marks the fifth release for the band. What inspired the group this time around?
I am simply trying to turn things around for the guys and I, with so much more creative freedom for everyone and creating a non-hostile and chill environment for them to write when they are comfortable. Almost nothing for this album was scratched, as it should be. It took about 5 months in total to write and record.
What are your favorite moments of the album and how is Phobias driving the group’s momentum?
“Imposter” probably has some of my favorite easter eggs and moments in the album. I had a total mental breakdown at the end of the song, where I had decided to just pick up the mic and let it all out. Funny thing is as I was recording it, someone from UPS tried to deliver a package at the same time that happened, and I saw them running away out the window. Oops
The Tampa death metal scene is historically rich with talent. How did the Florida scene influence the band? What elements of the area reflect the band’s essence?
King Conquer was probably my main local influence at the time. Other than that, Villains original EP, And Hell Followed With, Aegaeon, and Demolisher are my main influences for the Traitors EP.
How much raw emotion went into the making of these songs and the songwriting?
100 Percent of the songs all came from a place of pure pain. I had to dig deep, but I also was feeling so much at the time that it wasn’t too difficult. I typically trick myself into making a “Concept” Album when really, it’s just a projection of my worst fears.
With a monster of a tour in 2024 and a spring tour in the works, what do you have planned this time out?
As of now we just have the headliner with Crown Magnetar and Yosemite in Black, and a Warped Tour date in Orlando announced. But I am already writing the next Traitors release.
How have you connected with the fans and the new songs, the intensity of the moment, and power of reactions?
Really the writing is just so relatable and from the heart, that people connect to it themselves in their own way which is a very powerful thing.
Phobias feels like a refresh for the band and positive inertia for each member’s personal growth. How has the album itself impacted your life?
It’s impacted me in so many ways. It feels so good to have creative control and be able to write from my heart without someone constantly criticizing me or looking over my shoulder. I made a lot of incredibly difficult decisions in the past few years, but I did it for the longevity of this band, and to get the fans what they want, which is more music.
Post-February release of the album and spring tour, what’s next for the band?
More music for the people that have supported me and continue to. I have something special in the works later this year.
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