MTUK: Hi Sean, how’s things? ‘The Shape of Rage’ is a massive leap forward for Intense, both in song writing and presentation, what have you done differently this time around?

Sean: Hi Paul, Things are cool here, thanks. Wow I’d love to give a complex answer to this but tbh we consciously didn’t do too much different than from our last album. Maybe knowing we would be looking for a new label for this album inspired us and drove us on a little more than normal. Also with ‘As Our Army Grows’ (MTUK: their previous album) we had quite a fragmented recording process which we adopted once again for this album and maybe we were a little more comfortable with that this time round.

MTUK: Were most of the tracks pre-written in the break between ‘As Our Army Grows’ or more recently for this release?

Sean: Yes, I think pretty much all the tracks were written in the break, we actually recorded the album last year so it was just a few (non-musical) factors that caused the delay in finding a new label and getting the album out.

MTUK: Do you work best in the studio, or do you already have things arranged by this time?

Sean: We’re lucky in that our drummer Neil has his own studio in Wolverhampton, where we rehearse and spend time with arrangements etc., so most songs have been arranged and worked out by the time we come to record. We always get a bit creative when in the studio and we’ve worked with Karl Groom on 3 albums now so he understands what Intense are about so we bounce a lot of ideas around, which works really well, the songs always get added to in the studio.

MTUK: What would you say in recent times has influenced the musical direction and the lyrical content? There is a lot more guitar work on the latest release and this really works to your advantage!

Sean: We wanted to make this an album of dark emotions and I don’t think anyone can accuse us of being that “happy” before lol. But it was a conscious decision that this album should reflect where we are emotionally. You don’t call an album “The Shape of Rage” and make it happy lol. Lyrically from my point of view, I wrote about a few things that had pissed me off or angered me more so than on previous albums. I think there are more solos and musical passages on this album, the songs suited this so it works. I know Nick and Dave along with Karl love putting on lots of guitars (all being in the guitar players union) but maybe they were more audible this time round.

Sean: It’s always a joy to work with Karl, Thin Ice is not a million miles away from where I live so it’s easy to drop in and see how things are going even when I’m not actually recording. We’re always going to review where we record against costs etc. and get offers from other studios especially when people know we’re writing. Up to now, for the last 3 albums Thin Ice has been home and I guess Karl is one of the family, he’s straight with us and is definitely in our corner and I think he gets better and better at producing and mixing each album which reflects in what you say.

MTUK: Did Intense have any input into the final mix/mastering procedure?

Sean: We always have a say in the final Mix particularly Nick and I but all the guys get an opinion. The mix is probably the critical stage where everything comes together and it’s usually a stressful week ha ha… Mastering wise we get to approve but actually don’t attend the session. It’s done in Holland by a guy who’s done Symphony X, Threshold and Epica , he does a great job.

MTUK: Do you have a favourite track on the release?

Sean: That’s a hard one, I particularly like different elements from different songs and I think my favourite will change depending on my mood, at the moment I’d say that “One Man’s Word” and “Save Me from Myself” are my favourites.

MTUK: How did Pure Legend Records get to deal with Intense?

Sean: I’d been speaking to labels in Germany and had a friend at one in particular recommend Pure Steel for Intense, I contacted the label and Andreas the label boss came back to me, it turned out he knew Intense and was a fan and we went from there. Pure Steel have some sub labels and Andreas wanted us to go on Pure Legend which of course we were pleased to do. MTUK: Whilst writing these questions, I see you have already played some shows around the UK, how did they go and what if anything stands out from the different gigs? For example, crowd enthusiasm, or were there any funny “rockstar” moments on the tour.

Sean: Yes indeed, we’ve just done an 8 date tour with Swedish Metallers Inmoria (4 of whom are in Tad Morose). The tour was overall really good.. it was great because we got to play some cool venues in places we hadn’t played either before or in a long time . We made some great new friends not least of all with Inmoria. On the last night in Birmingham we were invited up for their last song and performed it together which was a first for Intense… great fun and a nice gesture. The end of tour party we had the night before in Manchester where the promoter had a Halloween party for us after the gig , that got a little messy ha ha I think overall it just reminded us that we need to get our asses in gear for next year and play more often which is the plan. Not too many “rockstar” moments that I’m allowed to report on I’m afraid ha ha..

Sean: The Crimson Glory show was superb, we’re all CG fans so to be on the same bill was excellent and also I’m friends with Steve Williams so it was cool bill from our point of view. The crowd was decent and to be able to play our set then catch up with a few people and grab a beer to watch Crimson Glory was awesome… There’s some footage on Youtube of a couple of tracks from our set and I think it’s safe to say I was in the zone when you watch them.. .pumped up is the word I think ha ha.

MTUK: You have had some good supporting slots, I last saw you with Sabaton, has there been any band or crew that has stood out as being great to work with?

Sean: Well, Crimson Glory were cool to work with, absolutely no ego and great guys. Inmoria were superb but also thinking back to our tour with Blitzkreig a couple of years ago that was fun and I still speak to Ken on occasions. I think Inmoria win the best drinking competition though lol . I guess we’ve been pretty lucky.

MTUK: do you have a warm up routine for your vocals prior to live shows? Some people do etc…

Sean: I would love to have an opportunity to have a warm up room before each show but there’s not usually that possibility at UK venues. I do have exercises, I do and warm up a bit at the hotel before travelling down, I also have the opportunity of using our splitter if need be. Just basic warm ups and also do a bit of stretching etc

MTUK: Personally or collectively, who are your musical influences?

Sean: As individuals we’re quite different musically, I think all of us have different favourite bands but Iced Earth, Nevermore, Maiden etc. figure with all of us. I’m influenced by Singers as opposed to growlers which makes sense I guess. My favourite singers are Matt Barlow, Warrell Dane, Bruce Dickinson, Geoff Tate, and Sebastian Bach among others and not in that order.

MTUK: What band or artist would you most like to tour with, whether they are still in existence or not?

Sean: I’d have to say Maiden as number 1 that would be immense…

MTUK: Finally, in one sentence, describe INTENSE?

Sean: A band that is driven, lives up to our name live and will hopefully be a revelation the first time you hear us :)

For more on the band check out

http://www.intense-uk.com

http://www.purelegend-records.com

Interviewed by Paul Maddison

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