Too often, there are people who readily place bands in a specific genre from the moment they hear them. In the case of Chicago’s Gigan, one cannot do that. Combining psychedelic elements with death metal, the band’s sound is unlike anything other bands have done to date. A tough mystery to solve, for sure, but guitarist Eric Hersemann spoke to Living For Metal to help take some of the mystery out of the band and even gives a small lesson in the Japanese language, as well as talk about the recently released album The Order of the False Eye.

Peter Santellan: How did Gigan form and is there a meaning behind the band name?

Eric Hersemann: I formed GIGAN in early 2006 and Randy (Piro, bass) joined the band later that year. We recorded our debut EP with our drummer Grover Norton, but he was replaced shortly thereafter by Danny Ryan; who is featured on our new album The Order of the False Eye. The word GIGAN, translated roughly from Japanese, means "False Eye". The name GIGAN is an appropriate name for us for many reasons, that just being one of them.

PS: What are some of the band’s influences?

EH: Our imaginations and the desire to express them creatively through music, art, and poetry. We also draw inspiration from all the collective imaginations of artists worldwide.

PS: Recently, the band signed a deal with Napalm Records.  How did that deal come about and in what ways does it work for the band?

EH: Napalm heard of us through our first label, Index Entertainment. Napalm liked what they heard and we negotiated a deal that benefited everyone involved. Things have been going well so far, but only time will tell how GIGAN will be treated in the future.

PS: The deal brings to the masses Gigan’s first full length release The Order of the False Eye.  What are some of the things you can say about the album production-wise?

EH: We recorded the album with Sanford Parker at Volume Studios in Chicago, IL. We tried to have a natural sounding recording that showcased the psychedelic/progressive elements of the band while still retaining the core heaviness of all the songs. Sanford did a great job and we are very pleased with the results!

PS: Who did the cover art and how does it symbolize the band’s sound?

EH: Our friend El Barto from The Black Plague Design did the cover art for both the EP and the new record. I believe the cover of The Order of the False Eye properly invokes a mood of mystery and fear - both very important elements of GIGAN's sound.

PS: The song titles are as interesting as the sound, but there are two songs that especially catch my attention.  First, what can you say about Occult Rites of the Uumpluuy? What about Hiding Behind the House of Mirrors?

EH: Occult Rites… and Hiding... are based on monsters I created that reside in the GIGAN universe. Occult Rites... begins the saga of the race of Uumpluuy; a secretive and mischievous species of telepathic creatures.  Occult Rites... is a glimpse into their rituals and existence. Hiding... speaks of a mutant race of carnivorous carnival monsters that hide in the dark and snatch misbehaving children. They travel from town to town spreading their plague.

PS: What shows does Gigan have planned in support of the Order of the False Eye?

EH: We will be touring the U.S. all Summer into the Fall. Hopefully we will conquer Europe soon.

PS: Any words you want to leave for the audience before we wrap up?

EH: Thanks for the interview and the support of GIGAN!!! Come out and see us at a show or two! Open your mind and release your fears. Life awaits!