Can you give us first a small introduction of your band?
Dementia consists of six members, Eli on vocals, Kevin and Frank on guitars, Tim on Bass, Paul on Keys, and finally Shaun on drums. Over the last couple years we have evolved a lot in not only our sound, but also in the processes we use during songwriting, preparing for shows, recording, etc. However the foundations that started this band remain the same, to create a unique, uncompromising sound that connects with the human soul and all of its struggles.

How did things get started when Dementia got formed late 2007? And why did you pick this bandname?
It honestly seemed to come together in the end almost by fate. Four of our members had been practicing together for about a year or so when finally we tried out Tim on bass and he was just a perfect fit, adding yet another diverse style to our sound. Shortly after that when we were trying out different vocalists and we ended up meeting with Eli through some very unexpected connections. Once again seeming to be a perfect fit, Eli was basically the final piece in the puzzle allowing us to really start pushing forward. We knew we wanted a name that connected with the insanity that we wanted to incorporate in our music. The second we came across the name we just knew it was right.

What are the main influences for Dementia?
Although we all have quite a few similar influences that provide a sturdy net to fall back on, for the most part we each enjoy drastically different styles of music and art in general. That’s one of the things that really adds to our overall sound. It can be a huge pain in the ass at times, all of us seemingly pulling in different directions, but in the end when the final product is done it is really worth it.

The music you play hides many different touches. How would you describe the music yourself?
Regardless of whether we are writing a concept song or just going with a particular emotion, we always try to sort of tell a story or at least portray a specific message. Our title track “Dementia”, which we will be recording very soon, is a perfect example of the kind of deep, progressing stories that we like to dive into during the writing process and share with others in our recordings and live performances. Our music is definitely very dark, but it is much more than just wallowing in the absence of light. It is about looking in from the outside and finding a way for that darkness to inspire you to find something better.

How do you usually compose your songs?
Our songs are written in a lot of different ways. Sometimes we will just take one riff and build around it, other times one of us may have almost a complete piece written that merely needs to be split up into specific parts applying to each instrument. We experiment with a lot of different approaches and try to hold on to the ones that work best.

You're currently in the process of writing your first demo. What can we expect of it? When will it be released?
We are hoping to have a 3 or 4 song release completed by this summer. In the past we have recorded a few different places and therefore our current selections are somewhat varying in quality. We plan on rerecording any previously released tracks that are not one hundred percent and also including some tracks that have never been recorded.

According to your MySpace page you're also playing live shows. What can a stranger expect when he visits a live show of Dementia?
We are definitely a band that puts everything into our live performances. Rather than just being another band playing a handful songs and then getting off stage, we try very hard to create our own unique atmosphere and invite everyone there to be a part of it. Whether it be in the pit or up close on a more personal level, there is an energy in live performances that cannot be reproduced.

How important is the visual image for a band like Dementia?
Extremely, our image is one of the factors that we try to keep constantly evolving. So much has been done in the past that at times it almost seems impossible to not step on someone else’s toes. However, we find that trying to remain genuine works best. Over time we have found some things that really work great and allow us to create a well rounded approach to our art.

How is the alternative scene over there in Florida? And what about the rest of the U.S.A.?
The area that we are from (Tampa Bay) has a rich history when it comes to metal, but even so, it does at times feel a bit too much like the tourism hot spot it is. For the most part it seems that the local metal scene here is struggling, but still very much alive! What sets our scene apart from any other is our passion, determination, and willingness to work together as a family! American metal is finally getting the attention and respect it deserves, but at the same time we are presented with some of the worst, and some of the best.

What are next to music your other passions in life? Judging from the music there might as well be a passion for horror movies hidden somewhere...?
Ha ha, ya you could definitely say that. All of us enjoy the bizarre very much. Anything that can grab and twist the mind until it forgets its place within this reality remains one of the few true forms of therapy left for us to indulge in. Generally speaking we are all very involved in many forms of art, whether it is a good painting, film, book, or even just some creative graphics. In addition, we also enjoy the simpler things like just hanging out and having a few drinks.

What can we expect of Dementia in the near future?
An overall improvement of anything and everything.

The interview ends here, thanks for your time. Got any final words to share?
Thanks a lot for having us man! We hope you enjoy the tracks we have up right now and we will definitely be putting some more up soon. We are just getting started.

Interview by: Gerardo - March 2010.