UN: I know it is a clich question to start with, but I really havent been able to find very much information on the band. Can you possibly go through a history of how the band came to be? Were any of you guys in bands prior to A Second from the Surface?

Luke: We originally started in the late 90's and moved to Minneapolis in 2000. We were originally a 4 piece and after a summer 2005 tour, we became 3 piece and acquired a new drummer who plays with the mighty Necromis (Minneapolis metal gods!) We had been in a few projects prior, but collectively knew ASFTS was a band that would be our focus for writing and succeeding.

UN: Minneapolis is city that doesnt seem to get much attention. But there are numerous quality bands to come from the city with Destroy being possibly one of the best crust/grind bands of all time. Has the cities scene been supportive of the band?

Luke: It has taken many years of dedication and promoting just to get a little recognition. Minneapolis is a very indie rock, jam band and hip-hop city. So if your gonna be a metal band, you're gonna work your ass off! The last 2 years have been really great as far as support and great turnouts at shows though. And there are a lot of great metal and punk bands up and coming, getting signed and such. Bottom line: hard work

UN: This is another clich question of sorts but it is something that Im curious about. I was wondering if you could explain the idea behind the band name. It has a unique feel and really sounds different then bands that play similar styles.

Luke: The way we originally conceived it was the mind-bending thought of the immediacy of the inevitable. The moment and feeling before impact. The last breath. We felt that we needed to have a distinct name in the grind/punk world. One of our former names was Godblesssatan. Which I still do love. Hehe!

UN: How did the deal with This Dark Reign come about? They are a smaller label but they release quality heavy music and the bands on the label tend to be quite different then the norm as well. Are you guys happy with the work the label has done for you guys so far?

Luke: We sent our 2006 D.I.Y. release "Bison" to Devil Doll Records and John at Devil Doll shot me an email and asked what are plans were and we simply said 'to succeed as a band'. He then introduced us to his other label; This Dark Reign Recordings and we decided it was our next move. This Dark Reign has been absolutely great to us. A lot a promotion and radio has brought us opportunities to expand upon.

UN: How has the response to the debut album been so far? I was blown away and really liked how the band has a foundation in the crust or grindcore genre but took influences from outside genres as well.

Luke: Response has been totally awesome. We have gotten great reviews and are extremely excited to see the music out there and listened to. Personally, the music I love ranges from Blondie to Emperor. I feel that a broad range of music expands writing to another place of absolute freedom and creative influence. In the end, grind is the lifesblood of A Second From The Surface.

UN: Do you feel like this album has a bit of a different feel for the band? Ive only heard a few older songs but they seem to have a more metallic feel and seemed a bit slower.

Luke: Oh for sure, man. When Tony joined the band we were blown away by his speed and timing on the drums. There was no question that this new lineup was gonna play grind! When we were jamming together we had contemplated a bass player and 2 guitars. It was just working too well as a 3 piece and from past experiences, know that another person adds personality and at times, difficulties.

UN: The album has a very raw but fitting sound. Did you guys record live in the studio or was it recorded in more of the usual way? Did you guys take more time in the studio this time then you ever had in the past?

Luke: The album was recorded live in about 4 days and mixed and mastered later. We came in and were really fortunate to record with a fellow metalist. He knew what we were after and feel he really captured the live setting. Every studio outing thus far has been quite brief. We recorded a 3 song with Steve Austin of Today Is The Day in 2002 over a weekend which was amazing.

UN: Lyrically the album deals with some interesting topics. The lyrics to the title track especially seem well written and deal with a topic that is easily related to. How do the ideas for the lyrics come about? With this type of band would you say it is ideal to sing about every day things?

Luke: I think Tim and I write about what we know best: America. The way of life that is presented to you and our interpretation of it. Lyrics come at the most random of times whether we're happy or pissed or whatever about things. Singing about real and personal things has been pretty natural always for us. I don't think we've ever touched anything that was too obscure or poetic but who knows! Hehe.

UN: Do you think being a three piece makes things easier and more exciting in a live situation? Im not quite sure what it is exactly but usually three pieces just sound better and seem much more intense, especially if the band has two people doing vocals.

Luke: It's the best as 3 a piece. I'll say it again! ha! Yeah, its great because people approach us after shows and are impressed by our stage presence. The spit, the sweat, the movement. The vocals are my favorite part about this band. We've never had just a singer in past bands that Tim and I were involved with together. Very natural.

UN: I noticed that you guys have a tour in the works for July. Are you guys planning on playing as many shows as humanly possible to help get the name of the band out there? Is touring full time something that might be a possibility for the band in the future?

Luke: We are currently looking for booking management and PR. We feel it is the necessary step to move forward and get the word out. We are definitely wanting to play as many shows as possible and are fully prepared to tour throughout this year and beyond.

UN: Do you feel like this is a good time to try and make a name for the band? You have an album out on an underground label that releases quality music and there is definitely an audience out there for this style of music. What do you hope to accomplish with this album?

Luke: Yeah, man. ASFTS has been the best creative outlet for us and want people to enjoy what we're doing and spread the word .We ultimately want fans to dig on this album and hopefully anticipate the next. As of May 5th, we have entered the studio again and are working hard on a full-length which we'll be available as a demo soon. New grind to come!!! We'd like to thank you for this opportunity and are really happy to hear positive feedback. Cheers!!!