Fashion Bomb

There’s a unique and intriguing appeal to Fashion Bomb's industrial approach. Simply consider that its concept and militaristic stage uniforms represent a new "digital" age.

Often compared with Marilyn Manson, Fear Factory and Nine Inch Nails, Fashion Bomb — Val (vocals), Acid (lead guitar), Trace (bass), Drone1 (drums) and Drone2 (rhythm guitar) — takes these influences and creates a style all its own. After all, they’re out to resurrect "dead technology."

The Chicago-born band debuted in 2006 with "Devils to Some, Angels to Others," changed players a few times, then launched a new lineup in 2008, dubbing it "Era 2.0" to signify a new beginning. These days, Fashion Bomb is in the studio, working on a new album.

I discussed the band's musical style, religion and soon-to-be-released CD by e-mail with Val, Acid and Drone1.

Metal Mayhem: How's the recording of the new album "Visions of the Lifted Veil" going, and is the release date still July 21st?
Val: That is still the date as of now. We let the powers that be handle all the logistics, but we are very excited to unveil the new songs to everyone ... pun intended.

MM: What label are you with now?
Val: Our label is Full Effect Records, a boutique indie label. Our label mates include Faster Pussycat, Final Cut, The Newlydeads, Pigface ...
Acid: They've been really cool. Full Effect is owned by artists, so we really get to stretch out and be creative.

MM: What are your touring plans after the new album is released?
Val: We definitely plan to go on the road to support the new record, the details of which are being worked out now. The best way to keep up with our tour dates is to sign up for our free email list ... we will send you updates right to your email.

MM: Ever toured in the U.K.? If not, do you plan to visit there for this release?
Val: We sadly have not toured in the U.K. ... we have appeared in Metal Hammer, and have many friends there. But we are really looking forward to cross the pond and play. We have friends that tour there often and rave about how cool the scene is, and what a great time they have over there.

MM: Explain what you mean by dead technology
Val: Dead Technology was a phrase we used when restructuring the band after some personnel changes. It differs from "technology" in that "technology" is actually the ordering and layout of a system. It was a reference to resurrecting some of the long forgotten or neglected aspects of making music that is true to convictions and feeling rather than making music to fit a mold, and doing that within our new system.

MM: What does the Drone moniker symbolize, and are they a part of the band or strictly touring members?
Val: Drones are our constructs, created to play live. Acid, Trace and I were tired of dealing with musicians that lacked the talent, the drive to succeed, or both ... so we decided to take matters into our own hands. Currently we have two Drones in service ... Drone1 plays live drums for us and Drone2 plays live rhythm guitar. Our Drones are kind of like proprietary hardware.
Acid: It's working out great so far. So far they've been able to handle everything we've thrown at them; I'm looking forward to finding out how much farther we'll have to take it in order for them to start throwing off sparks and whatnot.

MM: You won Chicago radio station 94.7 The Zone's band competition called the Next Big Thing in 2004. Did that lead to bigger things?
Val: That was very early in our career, but it did yield a development deal with Hollywood Records. Every band goes through growth, and periods of adjustment. We are really fortunate to have hit our evolutionary stride now, especially with the new label and new record.

MM: The Chicago metal scene has churned out some great bands over the years in a variety of subgenres, including Trouble, Disturbed, Lair of the Minotaur, Twelfth Gate, Nachtmystium and Pelican. Where do you fit in the scene, and what makes Chicago so diversified?
Val: Chicago has the advantage of being a very large city with a variety of musical communities and resources from which to draw. I would say that we carve out our own identity when compared to the names in your list. Chicagoans love their metal, and I feel that we not only pay tribute to the early Wax Trax days of NIN, 1000 Homo DJs and Ministry, but anchor it with the foundation of bands like Tool and Slipknot. The nice thing about metal, and music in general is you can be a fan of all of it with no penalty.