Arkansas sludge demons Deadbird maybe an unknown name to many here in Europe but with their new record 'Twilight Ritual' in hand, they will remain unknown no longer. We spoke with Phillip, drummer and vocalist to get an exclusive scope.

The last few years have been pretty crazy. We have gone through a few line-up changes, which has finally solidified with Jay and Reid on guitar and bass respectively. The new record is finished, which took much longer than we expected. We recorded the record several times, with different members and different methods. I’d say that we all feel like we are finally moving forward again.

It’s hard to say. The sound has changed quite a bit from the first record. We have never really set out to sound like anything consciously. We strive for heavy, epic songs that still hold a groove.

Chuck and I have been playing together for about 15 years. He was always into the guitar since age 4 when he first heard Kiss. I didn’t get into it until later, but he stuck with me until I actually learned how to play the drums, sort of. We have had several bands together, with a bunch of our friends. When we first started writing songs as Deadbird, we decided that this was it. We started playing with Alan in a rundown old studio in downtown Fayetteville. We stayed drunk for about a year writing The Head and the Heart. Once we recorded the record, we started really looking for a bass player. Todd found us one day, and we were finally a full band.

The addition of Jay and Reid appears to have cemented the band and established your own sound. What have Jay and Reid brought that was perhaps missing before? The band and established your own sound. What have Jay and Reid brought that was perhaps missing before?

Both Jay and Reid have brought a dedication to the music that was needed at the time. We’ve known Reid for 15 years and he is a brother of ours. We can do no wrong with him in the band.

The band hails from Fayetteville, AR. What’s the local scene like?

Depressing! There are a lot of bands, yet few places to play.

The bands latest release “Twilight Ritual” is being mixed by Billy Anderson. How did Billy get involved in the project, and what has he brought to the project?

Billy is a hero of ours. He has been involved in the production of many of our favourite Albums. We found it necessary that someone other than us mix the record. We were getting frustrated. Reid was acquainted with Billy and hooked us all up.

How did you guys approach the writing of the new album, as “The Head and the Heart” has an eclectic combination of influences?

There wasn’t much difference except for chemical intake. The Head and the Heart was written under the influence of straight whiskey and beer. We may have added various painkillers to the writing of Twilight Ritual. But I still feel the songs are more focused. It is a better record.

Longer and more frustrating. We had no deadline. I had to re-record the drums three times. It took two years to record because of the line-up changes. We would go in and re-record with every change. The Head and Heart was more carefree despite the time constraints. I hope to never have to record us again.

Is “Twilight Ritual” to be released through Codebreaker Records? Does being signed to a UK label have any limitations being a US based band?

No, no, hell no! Codebreaker is a dead label. Codebreaker signed us on a two record deal and folded six months into the release of The Head and the heart. We still aren’t certain how the new record will see the light of day. We are still trying to find the best outlet for it.

Codebreaker are also responsible for the re-release of your first record “The Head and the Heart”. How did the re-release come about and what has been the response to the record second time around?

We originally pressed the record ourselves because we felt that was the only way to get it out. We were looking for international distribution and sent the record out all over the world. Duncan, from Rage of Achilles, contacted us and told us that he was forming his own label, Codebreaker, and wanted to release the record. He then got licensing through Earache in the US and it was a really great experience for us.

Your brother Chuck is also in the band. How is it working so closely with your brother? Anyone who has a sibling will know it is often never easy.