After four years out of the metal game, Philadelphia's A Life Once Lost are noticing that things have changed in their absence. Namely, record and ticket sales. "We're not in the same position [now] as when we put out 'Hunter.' The metal scene was a lot different. Right now, the metal scene isn't as strong as it was then," frontman Robert Meadows told Noisecreep. "We're not going to be putting all our eggs in one basket with the touring we're going to be doing."

With a new album to be released on French label Season of Mist, the quintet's plan is simple: don't overdo it in the US and burn fans out. "I think [touring too much] is over-saturation. It's not going to give you anything back in return."

Being on a European label is opening doors for more overseas travel for the band. The tech-metal outfit plans to capitalize on this opportunity by going to Asia and Australia. "If we're going to take the time to tour, we need to focus on those countries and territories more than anything else," said Meadows.

"Were going to see where this record takes us. If this is something kids want more of, we'll give them more," Meadows explained. "But if we're pushed away and it flies over everyone's head, then what's the point of trying to force something that's not going to be accepted?"

Touring has become rather hit-or-miss for many heavy acts in the US over the years, where one tour will sell out while the next will have mid-week slumps in attendance. Meadows points to the fact that there are too many bands because of how easy it is to record a band in the age of home recording studios. "It's incredible how accessible it is compared to when I was a kid, and in the '70s, '60s, and '50s. Everybody wants to be in a band these days. Why can't some people be in bands and some people be fans? There's nothing wrong with being a fan."

Meadows has also noticed that many young bands are getting record deals without doing much or any touring, thinking they've made the big time because of being signed so quickly. In his time away from the scene, the frontman has become quite alarmed by these bands. "I look at those bands, and the only reason I say 'I look at them' is because I don't know them. They could be amazing human beings and really wonderful unique creatures, but I don't know that because I've never met them and I've never toured with them. But when I see bands like that I see it as more of a soulless creation."

For Meadows, performing has a sense of spirituality to it, which he's not seeing in many bands now. "I think a lot of people out there lack messages [in their] music in order to fit in or to f---ing make a buck. It's f---ing lousy."

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