HEART OF JORDAN

 

In Twitter Finds Vol #9 in the Social Media section of AMP we featured a short blurb on Heart Of Jordan. Since then this hard hitting five piece metal unit has released their debut album, Heart of Jordan, to thunderous reviews. The band hails from Lansing, Michigan and consists of Preston Mailand (Vocals), Eric TenEyck (Guitar), Elijah White (Guitar), Alfonso Civile (Bass) and Andrew Everett (Drums).

The record, Heart Of Jordon, is driving and unyielding. Every song on the disc is a powerhouse. House Of Jordan doesn’t believe in fillers. Just listen to “Deny” and “Eye”. They feature strong vocals, dynamic riffs and exploding choruses.

The following is an interview between AMP and the band.

AMP: The new album Heart Of Jordan was produced by Josh Schroeder (King 810, For The Fallen Dreams). The production is very clean and crisp. How was working with Josh and the studio experience?

HOJ: Josh is a madman. He becomes part of the band when when you work with him. We wouldn’t have it any other way.

AMP: Heart Of Jordan encompasses many shades of metal. How did your influences shape your sound?

HOJ: We are very open to and encourage ideas from all band members. Because of this, our diversity in musical influences shines through to create our signature sound.

AMP: Songs like “Deny” and “Eye” just kick ass. They take no prisoners. Take us into the writing process?

HOJ: “Deny” was one of the first song ideas brought to the project. The music for this song was primarily written by Eric (Rhythm/Lead Guitar) and Preston (Lead Vocals/Lyrics). Elijah (Lead/Rhythm Guitar) joined the band soon after this song was written and added a few finishing notes to the song. For “Eye”, Elijah was the primary contributor to this song, bringing pieces from songs he’d previously written which he thought would be shelved indefinitely. Lyrically, Preston is nearly 100%  the contributor, drawing ideas from life experience. Overall, no song is really complete until it’s churned through the recording and production process.

AMP: The band musically is really solid. Sounds like you have been playing together for awhile. How did  the band get started?

HOJ: Heart Of Jordan began its formation in early 2017 with Eric TenEyck (Guitar) and Andrew Everett (Drums). Andrew was filling in on drum duties for Eric’s now defunct band. After the band dissolved, Eric and Andrew decided to carry on with a new project. Preston Mailand (Vocals) was called in by Andrew and soon joined the fold after returning to Michigan from a stint in Florida playing in a small handful of gulf coast bands. Preston and Eric combined some song ideas to create the beginning framework for the first four Heart Of Jordan songs: “Enslaved”, “Deny”, “No Escape” and “Throne Alone”. Soon after, Eric reached out to me (Elijah) to fill out guitars. Eric and I have known one another since the early 2000’s, playing in bands together. I had been out of the scene for a while focusing on work and family. After a few jam sessions as a foursome it became clear that this was something special . After two previous bassists we now have Alfonso Civile on full time bass duties.

AMP: The Lansing scene seems quite vibrant. How has the Lansing metal scene accepted the band?

HOJ: Surprisingly very well. We are extremely fortunate and grateful to be part of a scene that works as a community. No rivalries or competition, just team work.

AMP: Congrats on securing a spot at Rocklahoma. How did that happen?

HOJ: While doing PR for the album release Elijah contacted an online radio DJ who happened to be a promoter for one of the sponsored stages at Rocklahoma. He really liked what he herd and invited us to play. Simple as that.

AMP: Lastly, is the world ready for Heart Of Jordan? What’s Next?

HOJ: We think the world is ready for a new but familiar spin on our genre. We have two music videos and at least one new single planned for 2019. Be on the lookout for more national tour dates (since this interview was conducted Heart Of Jordan has the distinction of opening for Light The Torch at the Music Factory in Battle Creek, Michigan on May 9th).We hope for a new EP or album in the late 2020/early2021.

I want to thank all the members of Heart Of Jordan for this interview. Last word. Buy this album, see this band and show them some love. Heart Of Jordan will be a staple in the alt-metal arena for years to come. Mark my words.

 

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To learn more about Heart Of Jordan, check out their Facebook
Follow on Facebook / Twitter / YouTube
Stream music: Spotify / Apple Music
Purchase: Amazon / Bandcamp

 

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