Hail Rob, What's up there in Cincinatti, Ohio USA? Hope everything going straight man.

Well, we're busy puttin' on an ass-whoopin' clinic over here...the economy is down...gas prices are up...but the metal is heavy.

First of all, what the hell means Arapyma?

ARAPYMA is a trademarked misspelling of the word arapaima'...which is a ferocious fish that is the top predator in the Amazon River. Watch Animal Planet sometime...you'll see what I mean.

The band was formed in 2001, right. Who's the leading force behind Arapyma?

It's not really a question of 'who' is the driving force, but more so 'what'. We've been through a lot in the last five years, and have learned a lot. The thing that drives us is pure resolve. We are not impatient. We are calculated. Together, we are the release of all that has built up within each of us individually. This is what sets us free. 
 

Please, introduce your fellow band members and a few words about their backgrounds would be nice to know?

Well, there is Jon, who plays bass and is a studio engineer. He's quite the bastard.

Matt plays lead guitar in the band and is quite the respected gunslinger in this town.

Mark plays drums. Really well.

I play guitar, sing and incite riots.

You guys are influences by a lot of bands hailing from both old school and todays Metal scene but i'd like to hear Arapyma's style of music discribed in your own words Rob.

We deliver a brand of hard rock that keeps you looking ahead while at the same time remembering what you love about rock n' roll...sights and sounds that made us passionate fans of the music we love are what build the foundation of what we do...something familiar, yet taken to a different place.

As added to the Arapyma department of myspace.com, influences are mentioned like Johnny Cash, Exodus, Pennywise, BLS, Black Sabbath, Arch Enemy. What's that suppose to mean?

We listen to a lot of different stuff. Different moods require different material as I'm sure you know...so we run the gamut from mellow stuff to soul-baring punk to full-on thrash fury.

JON - Bass Guitar
 

Why setting up a band like yours, what's the story behind? Making fun while making music is rule number one i guess, isn't it?

I personally spent a lot of time in school. As a result of some of my more youthful days being sacrificed to pursue degrees, I am now afforded the ability to do what I've always wanted...Rock. We are all good friends. We appreciate each other's differences.

Most importantly, we respect each other's talents, and feed off of each other. We have extensive musical backgrounds, but we developed independently. So everything we do is new to us. Nothing is taken for granted.

How's your daily lifestyle? You'll point your middle finger to...

Well, that's a tough question. Bein' a bunch of country boys for the most part, we generally give the finger to just about everyone!

Actually, we have normal lives...we work hard. We play hard. We rock hard. That's all you need, brother!!

Tell me about the band's lyrics Rob. Some kind of a message you'd like to spread while making music?

I suppose that the underlying themes of my lyrics are loyalty, the search for truth, and the fact that this all has an end. Existence here is finite. Every day wasted represents a host of wasted opportunities. We all need that 'moment' that takes the 'glasses' off and open's our eyes. Who you are and what you believe is a matter of perspective. Some have it. Some don't. Yet.

Assuming that Arapyma have released a few demo's in the past, is that correct?

Yes.

Late January this year, your debut CD is launched and is entitled ''Victory Of Death''. Here's your time and space to promote that beast Rob.

This record is the culmination of over a year of hard work. We've played a lot of shows. Lived a lot of moments. We've been scared, tired, hungry, lonely, enraged and triumphant. These songs are our experiences told and our pledge to our friends. You don't have to follow. You just have to listen.

Who wrote the songs actually...What about the lyrics?

The songs were written by the entire band. Some songs have more of one member's input than others. Other songs are complete collaborations. Each member of the band brings value to the table, and each has earned the right to express themselves musically here. 

With few exceptions, I wrote the lyrics.

The creation of a debut, full length album is a very expensive experience. Was it hard getting all the money together to pay all the needful things such as recordings, cover art,...?

We are very fortunate to work with great people. Getting together the finances to front a project of this magnitude is always tough, but we made it. We worked...and worked...and fought...and won. We have talented band members who happen to be licensed artists. All they needed was direction. 

Fully satisfied with the results and what about the response from outside thusfar?

We are thrilled that the record is finished!!!

It took a really long time, and took a lot out of us. We think the record sounds great...and it should. It wasn't cheap! So far the response has been great. Although there are few bands in this town that are similar to us, everyone we meet at a show is impressed and excited. Without fail.

How's the situation regarding the signing a record deal Rob?

Right now we are very cautious. We want to hook up with some good people who are into us for the right reasons. We want to work with a label that is excited about our music and who we are as people. We want to be part of something solid, something honest. We write songs that people genuinely love. We owe it to them and ourselves to stay genuine. So, we are yet undecided on a label.

What to expect from an Arapyma live performance? Many gigs below your belts so far and what was the greatest and most pleasant, unforgettable concert till now?

Our best show was this January when we finally released the finished record. All of our friends were there. Everyone that mattered. We were a machine that night and delivered a great performance. Playing live is the key to the whole thing, man. That is what we live for. When you see us, expect to become part of a movement...a statement if you will.

Let us make your voice louder. Let us make all of your thoughts important. In a fury of sweat and loud guitars we will help you find the answer. We will never leave you hanging...only wanting more. We will never forget you.

May I ask your plans for the future?

We have another album in the works (already) and are playing a lot. Our plans are to improve as men and as musicians. That is all we can guarantee.

Make them all come true brother and wish you all the best of luck with Arapyma? Spread some final words if you like. Thx for your time!

Hey, thanks for the opportunity to speak with you. We love what you're doin' over there. Hope we can link up sometime. Until then...