After 20 years, Shabti is still evolving.
On EP387 of And Now The Band, Tom sits down with Rob of Shabti for a wide-ranging conversation about the band's two-decade musical journey, black metal influences, songwriting, recording, independent releases, physical media and the realities of being an underground metal band.
Rob explains how Shabti began with his vision influenced by atmospheric black metal, eventually evolving from earlier thrash influences into a more complex and aggressive sound. The conversation explores the importance of musical evolution and how a band can develop naturally without losing its identity.
Rob also discusses Shabti's latest album, which was written over several years, with some material dating back to before the COVID hiatus. He talks about the recording process, guitar re-amping, vocals and working with different studios and engineers.
One of the most interesting topics is Shabti's DIY recording philosophy. Instead of relying on one producer or studio for everything, Rob takes an a la carte approach, working with different people for tracking, mixing and mastering based on their expertise and compatibility with the band's music.
The conversation also covers working with Colin Marston on mastering, recording at Acadia Recording, mixing in North Carolina and the challenge of becoming “nose blind” to your own music. Rob explains why stepping away from a recording can be essential before making final decisions.
Tom and Rob also discuss how the music industry has changed. Modern technology and online distribution have made it easier for underground bands to release music independently without relying as heavily on traditional record labels. They also talk about the renewed popularity of cassettes and physical media, including Shabti's limited cassette release through Contem Light.
Rob shares some of the albums that shaped his musical journey, including Neurosis – Times of Grace, Emperor – Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk, Emperor – In the Nightside Eclipse, and The Cure – Pornography.
The conversation eventually moves into the modern metal live experience, including Cannibal Corpse, Mayhem, Gorguts and Blood Incantation, and the importance of learning from experienced musicians.
With Shabti's drummer leaving the band, Rob discusses the band's next steps, including finding a new drummer, potentially touring to support the current album, or beginning work on the next release.
From atmospheric black metal and Emperor to DIY recording, independent releases, cassettes and the future of Shabti, EP387 is a deep dive into the evolution of an underground metal band.
EP387 Topics: Shabti • Rob of Shabti • Black Metal • Atmospheric Black Metal • Underground Metal • DIY Music • Independent Releases • Metal Recording • Colin Marston • Emperor • Neurosis • The Cure • Cannibal Corpse • Mayhem • Gorguts • Blood Incantation • Cassettes • Physical Media • Metal Production
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