ATHEIST Interview with Kelly Shaefer - Altars of Metal

Welcome to the Altars of Metal live streaming YouTube show where we hosted Atheist's Kelly Shaefer (Till the Dirt, ex-R.A.V.A.G.E., Stones of Madness, ex-Neurotica, ex-Pyroclastic, ex-Unheard) at 9pm Athens time, on Tuesday January 21, 2025, during which fans also asked their own questions in the comments section! Dimitris sat down with the legendary frontman of Atheist, Kelly Shaefer. Known for his groundbreaking work in bands like Neurotica, Ravage, Stones of Madness, and Till the Dirt, Kelly shares his incredible journey through the world of metal music. In this in-depth interview, Kelly takes us back to the early days of Atheist in Tampa, Florida, and discusses the band's unique blend of death metal and technical proficiency. He reminisces about the influences that shaped their sound, from Iron Maiden and Merciful Fate to jazz fusion and progressive rock. Kelly also talks about the band's early struggles, the underground metal scene, and the evolution of music technology. One of the most touching moments in the interview is when Kelly opens up about the late Roger Patterson, Atheist's original bassist. He shares personal stories and memories, highlighting Roger's immense talent and the profound impact he had on the band's music. Throughout the interview, Kelly reflects on the differences between the metal scene of the past and today, the importance of live performances, and the band's plans for the future, including a new record after 15 years of inactivity, as well as upcoming tours and new music. Don't miss this captivating conversation that offers a rare glimpse into the history and heart of one of metal's most innovative bands. If you enjoyed this interview, make sure to subscribe to our channel, give this video a thumbs up, and share it with your fellow metalheads. Stay tuned for more exclusive interviews and content from the world of metal music! Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:08:10 - Technicality in Metal 00:16:36 - Nostalgia for Tape Trading 00:23:50 - Complexity in Modern Music 00:33:23 - Writing Process for Mineral 00:40:41 - Touring Greece Stories 00:49:15 - Cultural Differences in Music 01:00:04 - Remembering Roger 01:15:54 - Celebrating Life 01:24:25 - Music as Identity 01:35:00 - New Project Insights 01:42:40 - Collaborating with Musicians 02:00:08 - Rediscovering Atheist 02:10:30 - Memories with Benediction 02:18:35 - Recording Process Insights 02:36:26 - Jazz Influence on Music 02:44:32 - 35th Anniversary Album 02:56:40 - Challenges of Touring 03:05:17 - Language Barriers in Music 03:15:21 - Connecting with David Vincent 03:23:22 - Importance of Fans 03:32:10 - Nature vs. Humanity 03:40:05 - Elements Album Reflection 03:47:51 - Cultural Reflections 03:55:41 - Finding Middle Ground 04:13:13 - Thoughts on New Music 04:20:25 - Daring Artists 04:28:42 - Influential Bands 04:37:25 - Auditioning for Drowning Pool 04:45:11 - Closing Remarks Altars of Metal Official Website: https://www.altarsofmetal.com/ Altars of Metal Community on Facebook:   / 550366396101932   Altars of Metal on Instagram:   / altarsofmetal_com   Altars of Metal on YouTube: @AltarsofMetal Atheist on Bandcamp: http://atheist.bandcamp.com/ Atheist on Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/en/artist/14474 Atheist on Facebook:   / atheistband   Atheist on Instagram:   / atheistband   Atheist on Myspace: http://myspace.com/kellysatheistwebsite Atheist on ReverbNation: http://www.reverbnation.com/atheist Atheist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5QPy3... Atheist on Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/artist/3638379 Atheist on YouTube:    / @atheistofficial6589   @AtheistOfficial Poster photo by Armando Lopez - Check him out on Instagram here:   / dreamofmirrorsphotos