1) Could you tell our readers about your band Crystal Lake ? – What kind of music do you perform, when was it established, etc.?
A: Crystal Lake was started in 2002 by our guitarist YD in Tokyo, Japan. Originally more of a new school hardcore band; the sound has transformed many times over the years into the realm it currently lies. I would definitely call Crystal Lake a modern metalcore band as per our main sound but we definitely like to ride the line and push the boundaries between hardcore metalcore and deathcore. It gives us such a wide range to cover for you as the listener and allows us to exercise all of our major influences.
(2) Which bands or artists inspired you to play music?
A: I would have to say undeniably, Marilyn Manson, Deicide, and Aerosmith. Manson holds an extremely special place in my heart amongst any other musician. When I had “no one” growing up – I had Manson. His music was my safe space in the darkness that was my childhood. Aerosmith smith also holds that place as well. It reminds me of the good times with my hero as a kid – my Dad. And Deicide is literally the first band I ever started screaming along with. Thats literally where my vocal journey starts. Shout out Glen.
(3) Who came up with the cover art for the album The Weight of Sound?
A: YD is our art director. He comes up with 90% of the concepts and video visuals. You can blame it on AI but its really YD.
(4)Who wrote the lyrics for your new album, how did they come to be?
A: Myself of course. This whole new album is about my life. This is the most personal I’ve ever been on a record. Many of the lyrics reference each other, so you’ll hear many repeated parts. I wouldn’t call it conceptual, but it’s definitely a poetic journey through my life. I creid writing 80% of these songs. I died a little bit more for each song. As I wrote, I relived. This is the real me. Enjoy.
(5)Who created the logo for the band, and who takes care of the graphics and the website?
A: YD is that man. He has all the images and tells the designers what he has in his mind.
(6)How many Shows have you played? Which type of gigs do you prefer, whether (Venues or festivals) and which of your performances would you consider as the best?
A: for me, this is almost impossible to nail down to even a small list. Every country/venue/festival as good and bad things. I enjoy the smaller venues if I’m being honest cause the vibe is more dense but I’m never gonna say I dislike like playing in front of 20,000 people at a festival hahah. I love playing live. That’s really it. I think our most recent appearance at Sumner Breeze 2025 was one of our best festival sets to date.
(7)What is your songwriting process?
A: I plead the 5th hahah. Let’s just say I like to explore different states of mind to spark new ideas. This is rockn roll. I’m sure you can read between the lines lol.
(8)How would you describe your band’s unique sound?
A: I would describe it as ours. No one sounds like us as a whole.
(9) What are the main themes or messages in your lyrics?
A: My lyrics are my therapy and my way of getting it out instead of taking it out on the world. That part of me is dead. Life in general inspires me. I want you cry with me, however unlike other lyricists, I don’t want you to be angry with me. If I am angry in the song, I just want you to understand why. Be happy.
(10) Do you have endorsements that you want to talk about or share?
A: me personally id like to shout out to Telefunken microphones for being with me for 8yrs now. Also shout out to earasers earplugs and Rh acoustic in- ears. However we do have other endorsements via the other members. Enki cases. Esp. Pearl drums. Sabian Cymbals, Wincent sticks, Quad Cortex. Many more.
(11)Would you like to share any shows or festivals coming up?
A: NOPE 🙂 i’m going home for 4 fat months to enjoy my daughter, pets, and family. I been on tour since February. Im going home hahaa. We will announce new dates shortly. Only thing announced is the album dropping on jan 23 2026
(12) How and where can your fans contact you? What about you and social networks?
A: Fans can reach out via any social media platform. We are easily found ♡
Instagram is probably your best bet to actually get a reply.
