My interview with guitarist Jasun Tipton (left in photo) of A Dying Planet. A progressive metal band from California, USA. Jasun formed the band and also is the main guy in Zero Hour with his brother Troy. Their latest effort is full of long epic progressive melodic metal gems. Check out my interview mostly discussing A Dying Planet.
Hi Jasun, Thanks for talking to me today. During Covid how did you and your band mates deal with it?
Jasun: Due to the pandemic I Kept busy for my sanity. I took advantage of writing material for A Dying Planet, a solo instrumental release and the return of ZERO HOUR. The guys in the group were all about it. We stayed very productive during this uncertain period.
Your band A Dying Planet released a album back in September. How has the response been so far from critics and fans?
Jasun: We’re very pleased with the response thus far. The band put a ton effort into the release. All the guys played amazing on the material and Lifeforce Records is getting the word out.
The album is definitely a progressive metal dream for fans of long songs as it has 6 songs that span 53 minutes. Was that your plan from the start or did it just happen that way?
Jasun: I really enjoy writing long compositions. You never know how things will end up but once the songs have a starting point the ideas just flow. The long compositions give that more complete feel to my ear when writing in this style.
Do you have a favourite track off the album?
Jasun: That’s a difficult one as I have love for them all. Far from home is the last track I wrote and wanted something artsy to complete the material. It’s a very dynamic song. Embrace is long monster track telling the story of people escaping genocide. A Father’s love is written for my brother and my nephew Jasun. When the skies are grey is a fan favorite along with Honoring your name and Hope for tomorrow.
Introduce the rest of the band and how did the band come together?
Jasun: A Dying Planet is Paul Adrian Villarreal on vocals, Marco Bicca on drums and Brian Hart on bass. I knew Marco from the local scene as he’s an awesome drummer. Brian and I worked together at a music store for years as he repairs instruments. He’s a very talented musician and funny guy. I met Paul when Zero Hour performed shows with Sun Caged in Europe and the States. He has an amazing voice and write beautifully.
Do you have plans yet to tour in support of this album?
Jasun: Absolutely! Once this virus is contained we’ll get out and perform.
Your other band Zero Hour hasn’t released a album since 2012 but you have a new release planned for next year. What can you tell us about that?
Jasun: It’s going to be a monster release man. It’s all power start to finish and we’re very excited to have this come out in early 2022. Erik Rosvold is on vocals, Andreas Blomqvist on bass and Roel van Helden is the beast behind the kit. What a group of guys as there’s a ton of fire power in this band. It’s very exciting!
You have been playing in bands for at least 20 years. What were your main influences back when you got started playing guitar?
Jasun: Bands like Rainbow, Dio, Iron Maiden, Dream Theater, The Pat Metheny group, etc. The list is endless.
The album title of A Dying Planet album is When Skies are Grey which could really describe the state of the world over the last year and a half. Even the band name could to. Where did you come up with the band name and album title?
Jasun: A Dying Planet was formed in 2017 and we had our first official release in 2018. When the skies are grey was written during the pandemic. It definitely has the vibe of what’s going on today.
What bands would you enjoy touring with?
Jasun: Dream Theater, Iron Maiden, Tool. There’s so many bands we’d love to share the stage with.
What’s special to you outside of music?
Jasun: Family and friends.
What are some of your favourite albums of all time?
Rainbow – Rising
Blue Murder – Blue Murder
Dream Theater – Images and words
Pink Floyd – Wish you were here
Meshuggah – Destroy Erase and improve
The Pat Metheny group – Travels
Thanks for taking the time with me today. I wish you and your bands all the best moving forward.
Jasun: Thank you Blake and it’s great to see The Metal Pit back.
***Interview by Blake Mossey***