SYNTHESIS OF SOUND

I've always used a guitar synthesizer on previous When Bitter Spring Sleeps recordings. Since I don't play keyboard, I opted for a guitar synth pedal that allows the guitar notes to generate fat analog synth sounds like old Moog synths. You can also mix the synth harmonics produced with your guitar and even bend notes. It's not a digital synth, it's purely analog, and takes a bit of practice to get used to the pedal, but once you really dig into it, you can create violin sounds, backwards bowed type effects and generally very smooth and warm synth sounds. On the previous album SPIRIT IN FLAMES, I also plugged my bass guitar into the microsynth first, then into a distortion pedal, to give it a very round, buzzy, noisey sound.  
Pedals used: MXR Carbon Copy, DIY  Wooly Mammoth, ElectroHarmonix Microsynth
This time around on STAR-THROWN, I'm using some very different sounds for the guitar leads to create a cosmic atmosphere. I really wanted to use a "Woolly Mammoth" guitar effect pedal after trying one in a store, but after I did some research I found that I could build my own pedal with designs online and some electronics skills. So, instead - for the price of a good quality lunch - I ended up with an amazing pedal that has a warm, round, yet crushed buzz unlike any other fuzz type pedal (ok, except for the Woolly Mammoth). Very smooth. 

My friend at the Wapsi River Environmental Protection Center
Spent some inspirational downtime camping by the Wapsi again where many past When Bitter Spring Sleeps recordings were made.



2021 Update:

When Bitter Spring Sleeps "Transmigration" is available now at PaganFlames.com and Bandcamp.