Antapex is metal to the max! Thanks to infusions of death metal, hardcore and more throughout Antapex’s head-banging discography, it’s tough not to rock out to the band. Guitarist and vocalist Tye Sussmann is the founder of the band.
What was the first concert you attended?
Bullet for My Valentine, Escape the Fate and Black Tide at the Knitting Factory in Reno, in 2010. I had been listening to metal for several years before that, but I had no idea what I was in for. Actual fistfights broke out right next to me. It was wild.
What was the first album you owned?
Linkin Park, Meteora, one of the few records that was given to me as a teenager that really helped shape the music I would soon grow to love. It remains one of my favorite records to this day. Chester Bennington is still my favorite vocalist.
What bands are you listening to right now?
Shadow of Intent, Lorna Shore, Mental Cruelty, Trivium, Killswitch Engage and Amon Amarth—all of which were big influences on me while writing the first Antapex record. I can’t get enough of these guys.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
I’m pretty set in my ways when it comes to music that I listen to. I listen to metal 98% of the time; the other 2% is hard rock, punk rock and some pop. Trending bands like Ghost or Sleep Token don’t resonate with me. It’s just not my thing. I’m about the riffs and the BPMs.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
I would love to see 2008 Linkin Park live. It would be a dream to catch those first few records live. I’m sad that I never had that chance.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
Elton John, except I’m not feeling guilty. I’m a huge fan of his!
What’s your favorite music venue?
My favorite local venue would be Alturas Bar’s Cellar Stage. It’s such a great place to get your bearings as a new musician and a wonderful place to experience all the talent that is available here in the Reno metal scene. Dennis, Patty and John are all super-accommodating. Check them out if you haven’t already! My favorite non-local venue would be Goldfield in Roseville. A truly classy venue.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
“To know I am at fault. I bite my tongue and hang my head in shame. But I know from one look in your eyes. All along you deceived me,” Currents, “The Death We Seek.”
What band or artist changed your life? How?
Bullet for My Valentine, hands down. I got a lot of flak for it, but they are the reason I even picked up a guitar. I had my first guitar for two years that sat in a case before I had the courage to play it. I was inspired to do some covers by them, and I taught myself how to play thanks to them. I got to meet them and thank them for having such a massive impact on me.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
I would ask 1986 Metallica what kept them going after the Cliff Burton tragedy. Hearing it straight from them would be daunting, I’d imagine.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
At the risk of sounding vain, one of my own: Antapex, “Blacker Than Black.” The track is quite literally the farewell note from me about my own mortality, and is for anyone thinking they may feel alone in suffering through depression. That is something I will always be passionate and understanding about. It sums up what I experience mentally every day, and I find that the lyrics say it all, in hindsight.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Right now, it’s Lorna Shore, Immortal, an absolutely brilliant record from top to bottom. I never thought I would have enjoyed it as much as I did when I first listened to it.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
Check out Enterprise Earth, “They Have No Honor.” What a tune.
