Genre: Deathcore/Metalcore
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Label: Facedown
“I am in the midst of lions: I lie among ravenous
beasts-men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
and whose tongues are sharp swords” -Psalms 57:4
(Interview questions answered by Matt Janssen)
How did you guys get started?
Well, none of us really grew up together or even knew each other prior to getting involved in the band. We always give all the credit to God on our coming together. Me, Ryan, and 2 of the old members, after meeting, decided to take a chance and move from central Missouri to St. Louis and start a band up without a drummer. We put out the word that we needed one and Alex's name came up and right away him and Ryan just clicked when it came to writing, so it was basically meant to be. Then after we decided to part ways with our guitarist and bassist at the time, we looked to a few close friends from another St. Louis local band to fill the spots, they stepped up and here we are now!
Can you describe In The Midst Of Lion's sound?
We all come from different backgrounds when it comes to music and you can here it in our writing style. But as for the sound, its just really intense and heavy, metal worship. Ryan's guitar writing style is really different than a lot of bands in our genre which is really awesome.
Are their any bands/musicians that have inspired your music?
Oh gosh, countless bands and musicians from so many different genres have inspired each of us. The list would go on for days!
Do you have a favorite song to play at shows?
I personally love playing the first song of our set, Tongues of Fire. I feel like it really sets the tone for the rest of the set.
What has been your favorite band to tour with so far?
I absolutely love each and ever band that we've toured with. So, all of them. Haha
If you could go on tour with any band, who would it be, and why?
Slipknot.. Just because it's Slipknot, the biggest metal band ever. Haha
Do any band members have random pet-peeves while on tour?
Oh man, all of us do. I really hate when we show up to shows late and have to rush.
What is the craziest thing that has happened at one of your shows?
On the last date of the Scream the Prayer tour, some of the other bands decided it would be funny to have fun with some fish.. Haha They were throwing fish at Alex and putting them on his drums. The show was still solid and it was all in good fun, though.
What has been your favorite venue so far?
So many good ones out there.. Art Ambush in Waco, Texas, The Warehouse in East Ridge, Tennessee, Black Sheep Cafe in Springfield, Illinois, The 7 Venue in Douglasville, Georgia to name a few!
If you could give a message to all your fans, what would it be?
Thank you for all the support! You guys mean the world to us and we better see you out at some shows! God bless you guys!
And lastly, if you guys could thank anybody for your success who would it be,
and why?
and why?
Of course it would be Jesus Christ. We wouldn't be anywhere without Him.
In The Midst Of Lions is:
Matt Janssen – vocals
Ryan McAllister – guitar
Sam Penner – guitar
Jake Mitchell – bass
Alex Livingston – drums
