A Plea For Purging | Holding Absolutely Nothing Back
Written By: Jeremy Seick

hen I interviewed Andy Atkins (Frontman) last October for the magazine, I had caught wind that a new album was already in the works, so I took the opportunity to ask him about it. This is what he said then,

“The new record will be the heaviest thing PLEA has ever released.  It will also have a lot of new elements that PLEA has never showed off before.  Clean vocals will make their way to the record.  Lower tunings. Traditional songwriting song structure… Lyrically the record will be honest.  We have been questioning what we do and why we do it.  We have been questioning our friends and enemies a lot…  All these questions will make their way to the new record.  It should be sure to raise some questions, I’m sure.”

This is a seemingly prophetic description of The Marriage Of Heaven And Hell. Were I to write six sentences about the new release this quotation would be it. Andy expands on his last Fall answer in the following interview. Already one of my favorite albums of the year (possibly single favorite), Plea is sure to push the lines that distinguish our thoughts on them.

What does the title The Marriage Of Heaven And Hell mean in relation to this new album? What brought that title about?

Andy Atkins: The Marriage of Heaven and Hell is the perversion of all that God has given us and told us to do.  It’s the once pure motives that have turned into selfish want and desire.  We were turned onto the title from a short piece written by William Blake in 1793.  Although the record isn’t a direct representation on Blake’s work, our record and his writings do touch on some of the same topics.  The title seemed best fitting to what we are trying to tell with this record.

The new album art shows a wolf’s head on a stake. What is the meaning behind this depiction and how does it tie into the album?

AA: With TMOHAH we are telling a story of a wolf in sheep’s clothing.  The art depicts the capture and defeat of this “wolf.”  Dave Quiggle did the artwork and as always has perfectly told the story of our record through his illustration!  We are very pleased to have yet another Quiggle masterpiece to go along with our story.

How personal are these lyrics for you and the rest of A Plea For Purging? How close to home do you let your lyrics hit?

AA: I will speak for myself on this question.  In PLEA my goal is to speak as openly and honestly about the things in my head and the things I see.  Honesty for me is of the utmost importance.  I can’t tell you I’m always right.  I can’t tell you that the words that come out of my mouth are ultimate truth.  TMOHAH is my perception of what’s going on in modern/American Christianity.  These words are my opinion.  I can’t tell you to live by them and die by them.  What I can tell you is that I am being honest with myself and others about the state of the world as I see it.  This record is very personal to me.  These lyrics have to be the most passionate of all lyrics I’ve ever written.  You see someone killing everything your whole life is built on and tell me you wouldn’t feel the same!  Whether people agree or get what I/we are saying, I will promise you this, I will continue to write honestly without hiding my feelings.

When you begin to write a new album do you ever think about the platform that you have been given with A Plea For Purging and with that is there any added pressure to put out a message that is theologically sound or firm? For example your last album Depravity dealt with a lot of questioning, (and I am not saying that is bad), and this album seems to be even more angry, (also not bad), but do you ever worry about putting some of your doubts and even faults out their for listeners to interpret for themselves and let speak into their lives in different ways?

AA: I guess my last answer would also hit this question as well.  I never read ahead on these things.  I just start shooting.  I realize that we as a band have been put on a pedestal and have a platform to spread many messages.  Yes, this can be a hard thing to deal with.  Once you have thrown yourself out there to the public as a “Christian” band people can very quickly dissect everything you say and do.  My question really is what is a “Christian” band and what are the guidelines to follow?  Is there a formula and should I say the name “Jesus” in every song?  I could rip off the Bible ten times on a record and call it a “Christian” album.  There haven’t been enough bands do that yet.  Our goal is to give glory to God, call that a “Christian” band or not, that’s our goal.  If by humbling ourselves in front of the public to show that we are less than and always struggling, climbing, and trying to understand God, is the most effective way to give God glory, then so be it.  Life isn’t about painting pretty pictures to keep everyone on some spiritually emotional high.  I live in a real world with hurt and pain and questioning.  I speak my truths.

Personally what is your favorite track on the new album and why?

AA: Wow, hardest question yet. They all mean so much to me.  Some mean a lot more lyrically to me.  Some are super intense musically.  It’s hard for me because I am always thinking of the album as a through composed piece.  If I had to chose, lyrically speaking, number 7, “Trembling Hands”, would probably be my favorite.  I think it gets across as a whole what I am trying to say on this record.  But I also have to say, number 2, “Sick Silent America”, is pretty freaking heavy!

You guys head out on the “Scream The Prayer Tour” come July and are on it till mid-August (Everyone check those dates!). Talk to us about that experience in terms of the pluses and minuses of being out with all faith-based bands…

AA: I have to honestly say I prefer to be out with secular bands.  If this whole” Christian music” thing is about reaching out to the community of non-believers then it almost seems ineffective to stay out with mostly “Christian” bands.  A tour of 10 “Christian” bands is going to bring a predominantly Christian fan base.  It has that whole “preaching to the choir” feel to it.  It can totally be a time of renewal and fellowship thoughand I hope that is exactly what it is.

How daunting is Scream the Prayer? I’ve heard a lot of bands say they love it but maybe only one time. How do you keep  your energy up each day on that tour?

AA: Other than touring Europe I have to say that STP2 was the most exhausting tour PLEA has done to date in the states but we made it the best it could be.  Josh Scogin (The Chariot) and I snuck away just about everyday for a few hours to grab some food.  It was good to be able to remove yourself from the hustle of the biz and be able to snack down, hangout with buds and talk about the long drive the night before.

We have some killer friends on this years STP and I’m always up to make new friends.  The positive about a ten band tour is, there has to be at least a couple dudes you like on the tour.  There is more of a bud variety! And it gives you a break from your own band dudes for a while, when needed!

For me I just have to remember, everyone else is tired too.  Everyone else did the same drive the night before and everyone else has to do the same drive that night.  You have to get over the negative, tired attitude, party harder than anyone else on stage, hang out with fans and friends and sleep hard and fast every chance you get!

The last time I asked you about crazy Plea moments you told us about some sweet sight seeing and someone pooping on someone else in your tour van. What is the latest, most ridiculous Plea moment?

AA: Gosh man (laughs) we haven’t been touring that much lately because of writing, recording, mixing, etc.  We did just shoot a video for a new single coming out called, “Shiver.”  It was the most exhausting two days of this bands career.  Let me just say, crazier than the last video, more costume changes, more scenes, more extras.  We had like two 16 hour days in a row of shooting.  I thought I was going to die cause during it all, I had pneumonia.  It was a trying time and I probably complained more than I should’ve but I think it’s going to turn out to be a killer video.  I will leave you with this, have you ever wanted to see me with a comb over…

(Laughs) I’m pretty sure I speak for everyone when I say, “Yes please.” And as always, thank you for the interview Andy!

This album is a must have, so be sure to go out and get a copy after July 6th!