Dear Tim hi. "Answers" is been a long time in the market and I would like as a first question to ask you what's your opinion now that there is this time distance?

Hello! I'm still very happy with the work that we did. I set out to make a more personal, emotional album that expressed stuff that was going on inside my head and I look back and I am satisfied with the music that came out of that.

Do you see any space for improvements or you think that any improvements regard the band and the forthcoming releases? I mean do you think that it could be done in a better way?

I would certainly like to spend more time writing and composing the music for a forthcoming release. I'd like to keep the personal and emotional elements of "Answers" and combine it with the depth and complexity of "Regeneration" (the release prior to "Answers").

What's your opinion for the progressive metal scene in the States? I see a lot of bands that come from the States and want to differentiate from the usual formulas of the "triad" (Queensryche, Fates Warning, Dream Theater).

I think the prog metal scene suffers from the same type of problems the rest of the music scene suffers from - derivative works, uninspired or formulaic song writing. I think prog bands would do well to recognize their tendency to emulate their influences. If they are looking to have a successful career they cannot just be another DT or QR clone. People want to hear something new, something they haven't heard before, something that takes them to a new place.

Do you think that the way of trying to find your own identity is the only road to survive?

Absolutely. I think it is true of any musical style that most people respond best to music that they can connect to on a personal level. And that won't happen if the band isn't writing from their own hearts and life experiences.

Do you think that you have accomplished a personal sound?

To some degree, yes, but I think we can go further. Like I wrote above, I have the ideal of being unique and having our own identity, but it is easier said then done. Our work is still derivative in some ways, and if you think about it, it has to be somewhat in order to fit into the context of the prog metal genre. I think the goal would be to have sound that is familiar, so that it is not completely alien to the listener, but to take them somewhere new.

What could be the main ingredients of your music?

I hope that is it personal emotions, thoughts and life experiences. As well as our musical influences that define the prog-metal genre which is the context in which we present those ideas.

Can you remind us a little bit the concept of "Answers"?

There's two cities, one on a planet, that is very controlled, orderly and ultimately dying, another city on the moon orbiting the planet that is in near anarchy and is also dying. The main character is the son of a senator on the planet city who has recently become a senator himself. He wants to introduce reforms, but struggles with the bureaucracy of the system.

Was there a specific meaning behind the "cryptographic" repetition of the album title inside the lyrics booklet or did you do it just for fun?

No, it was just for fun. It was the idea of the graphic designer who designed the album artwork.

Do you believe that actions like this reinforce the character of the album?

Sure, it reinforces the theme, the idea of searching for answers in life.

What's your opinion for the political situation in the States, the war in Iraq and all these issues? Do you think that it can be an inspiration source?

I think it's tough to summarize all those issues. I don't have too much respect for anyone who tries to simplify it down to "America is evil" or "America is always right". The situation in Iraq is complex and is certainly riddled with human error, but it's hard to judge the hearts and minds of the decision makers, whether they acted out of altruism, selfishness or both. I think that taking a certain stance and then demonizing the other side, whether through speech, writing or music, accomplishes nothing, it only polarizes people, it doesn't change anyone's minds. Also, I believe simply presenting the situation in a sterile, "balanced" fashion accomplishes nothing - "The Great Debate" from DT's album "Six Degrees..." is, to me, a waste because it doesn't give the listener any perspective, there's nothing about their personal feelings on the subject and it doesn't bring the listener anywhere. It's hard to point to an example in prog metal of someone tackling political issues and putting them into some sort of unique perspective that resonates as truthful to a large number of people and actually changes anyone's mind. I think "Operation Mindcrime" is maybe the best example of this done right and that is why it is still a classic. I think it shows that institutions themselves are not the problem; it's the people who are part of them. Greed, lust and pursuit of power are common to all people and will corrupt any group of people, whether it is government, religion or the groups opposed to them. It starts out anti-government, anti-religion but ends up showing the truth about the depravity of all human beings. At least that's my take on it!

What about touring? How hard is for you to tour in the States or even to get across the Atlantic?

Touring is not in the picture at this time. We are still a project band, and we have yet to put together a live performance.

Are there any new plans concerning a new album?

Yes, we are at the beginning stages of starting a new album. It will be another concept disc, but will go in a different direction as far as how the concept is presented. It will most likely not be a linear story as the last two albums were.

Dear Tim, thank you very much for your time. I wish you all the best with Ascension Theory.

Thank you very much!