Speaking of messages and lyrics, why write an album inspired by Joseph Conrad’s novel Heart of Darkness?
Man, if I could answer that question in the parameters of an interview, it would be a really productive night. I’ve been drawn to do a record like this for a long time, ever since I read the book and saw Apocalypse Now, which is loosely based on the book. I thought the themes of the book and of the film were very provocative, and they struck a chord with me. It took a lot of time over the years to appreciate those messages and to dig into them spiritually. Life is all about balance and finding harmony within human nature and within a person’s strengths and weaknesses. I don’t even know if the message and what I was trying to get through with the record resonated with people. I don’t know if they even get it or appreciate it. But this was probably the only record in my life where I felt I did it solely for myself. Heart of Darkness is the most selfish moment I’ve ever had with any band I’ve ever worked with. Do you think you put more work into the lyrics of this album than the preceding
