An Honest Chat With Michael Keene of The Faceless 

Couldn’t agree more. One of the best the tech death records ever, are you excited to hear The Zenith Passage? That new album is absolutely brilliant!

@@TheMetalTris they are bad ass

True but people Seem to forget how good of a masterpiece classical art Autotheism is.

💯

He gets a lot of hate, but he’s real sweet ❤️

Lmao he doesn't seem cool at all, or sweet in the least. You guys are just confused, dudes such a riffmaster that you are making emotional statements. He stays making awesome music, but by all accounts he's a manipulative, drug addicted asshole. Many geniuses are haha

Its not my place to decide if he was brave or not. But when you have former band members calling him out and stories about him selling the bands equipment to get his fix. Not to mention the few fans that he scammed when he offered guitar tuition over skype but took the money and never turned up.... the evidence is damning. Though with that said. Theres a saying that goes "The first step to recovery is admitting that you have a problem." so at least he openly admits to it rather than burying his head in the sand and trying to hide it from the world like he has done for the past 3 or 4 years. I really hope he does manage to 'shake the disease'

​@@Rose.Of.HizakiAs someone who has gone through all of that with myself and with many people I know to varying degrees, I wouldnt call it "damning" bc a person isnt damned for the shitty personal mistakes they've made or some burned bridges. People grow, learn, change, they can improve themselves and dig out of holes, they can make amends to people they've harmed or grown apart from if both sides are open to it. No one is defined by their worst mistakes especially if those mistakes dont reach the level of physical violation or harm like SA.

​@@mediumvillain Its _'Damning'_ because there is evidence that he sold the bands gear and scammed fans to feed his addiction. Wes Hauch has talked a lot about this alot although im not sure if other former band members have but Wes takes no shit and he's not going to sugar coat and honey glaze of the bands gear conveniently going missing when they are scheduled to play a show in the next few days Is he *_Personally_* damned?? Some people will say yes. But everybody deserves a chance at redemption. It wouldnt be _"Damning"_ If he didnt sell all the bands gear and scammed the fans. But there are multiple reports he did. So the evidence is _Damning._

@@Rose.Of.Hizaki I'm sure he's probably done some shitty things, but ~damning~ is still just a silly overdramatic turn of phrase. Who's damning him? You? Ppl he fucked over maybe, and hopefully he makes amends to them IF he actually did those things. But randos on the internet? Not sure he or anyone else care about that. And if they do they shouldnt. Ppl are pretty brain poisoned now but other people's lives arent actually our internet drama. All that matters is that he stays clean and hopefully makes it up to people for mistakes he's made if he gets the chance. To put it in perspective: people who've been there are lucky to make it out with their lives to live, so the opinions of strangers about it mean pretty much nothing. He can live an extremely fulfulling life--like I've been doing for the 12 years I've been clean. He can create plenty of music, be a great guy and make a positive influence on tons of people's lives going forward, regardless of how much online randos who never met him think he should be permanently cancelled for shit he supposedly did at the lowest point of addiction.

@@mediumvillain who is damning him?? He damned himself by doing drugs and doing what he did. Let me put it this way...Keene had some of the best musician's in the music business working with with him and they all ended up walking away from the band. Nobody wanted to work with him Not to discredit him and saying that he himself isn't an awesome and talented musician. His guitar playing is super clean and I love the band and their songs. But I'm not going to ignore or hide the shit that he did to people. Be it internet randoms or people in the band. You seem to think what he did is acceptable. Clearly we dont think the same way. Selling things that aren't yours to sell is still *THEFT* cant remember if the band members said they filed a police report but their equipment being contributed to many of the later band members also walking away from the faceless. You can defend keene all you want. Clearly youre a passionate fan but I wont ignore or sweep the bad things he did under a rug. Its a telltale sign of where he went wrong in his life

CARPE DIEM 1989 Hope you're still doing well my friend! We're all pulling for you.

Stay fighting it hard dude !

I agree

Benzodiazepine dependence/addiction is infinitely worse.

@@laserlobotomy no need to compare addictions dude, its all a personal experience. personally i think spice was worse than benzo withdrawal, i've been through spice, xanax, and opiates. and spice was the worst. but i'm not going to compare my experiences to anyone elses'

Hey dude, I couldn't agree more man. I think that people don't understand how their actions can affect certain individuals as well man. Imagine every time you went online and you would hear all this shit floating about about you! It would be horrible. I for one am glad that Keene let this side of him through during the interview as he really is a lovely person and has had a fucking hard time! But the internet can never really be pleased can it! Anyway thank you so much for watching the interview, I hope that you enjoyed it :)

Totally agree with you.

Still feel this way? His second full band just quit on him. Or is this his 3rd?

TsIntent you sure changed from a month ago

David Emmons Yeah well when you think someone has changed... and they the same it's disappointing even not knowing him personally.

Hey Brc Dxn, I couldn't agree more. I was absolutely shocked with the level of openness that Keene had when we spoke. He was an absolute gent and one thing that I remember vividly is when the first guy came through the door he instantly recognised him from a guitar lesson he gave him. I just thought that was awesome! I think its going to be real interesting to see what he comes up with and to see what kind of direction he would go in after The Faceless. Anyway I just wanted to say thanks so much for commenting and I hope that you enjoyed the video dude, means the world to me mate!

He is anything but clean. :( his addiction is still an on going issue

he does not really appear to be clean

I've heard he's a douche. Can u please tell me what he's done and said. Thanks

source? @@Rose.Of.Hizaki

@@Ensource Google mainly. Wes Hauch actually called him him out on it after the entire band split up again just after recording 'In becoming a ghost' There are many music forums talking about how keene scammed them. Offered them Skype guitar lessons, took payment over PP then never showed up or was hard to get in contact with until weeks later. Keene later sold the trailer or storage lot of the bands equipment to fund his addiction and this was what Wes was most pissed off about. This fucked Wes right off and was probably one of the biggest factors that lead to him leaving after the record was done... How do you tour without any equipment? How do you tour when your drug addicted frontman can barely make it to a local show not to mention flights to performances further a field which leads them to being cancelled because he never shows up for the flight? The Internet is rife with breadcrumb trails and there even have been interviews with keene talking about his addiction when he's trying to promote the new album on YT somewhere

dompepe360 Hey my friend, can I just start by saying thank you so much for the kindest words man! To see people appreciating the hard work that you put in is absolutely amazing. I'm like you though man, I've been a fan of The Faceless ever since I discovered Planetary Duality almost ten years ago now. I think they have an incredibly tough time online and I wanted to be able to just say "you know what fuck those trolls!" Keene is in a sick band and has been through so much shit. Not to mention he is absolutely delightful to chat to. We spoke for about a half hour afterwards and he was so cool. I just wanted to say, thank you so much from me dude. It means the world and you've got a fan of yours from the UK buddy! :)

Rhys G Hey Rhys! Thanks dude, I have to say I've loved The Faceless since I randomly found Planetary Duality back in HMV. Believed in it so much I paid £19 for that fucker! Imports haha but yeah he was an absolute delight to speak to. We even hung out a little bit before doors were opening and I showed him the site etc... Got so much respect for him as a person and a musician now it's even more after speaking to him. I'm glad you like the interview buddy, it's easily been one of my favourites in a while. Your package should be in post by the way!

TheMetalTris Wow weird you mentioned that, I'm going to HMV in a bit, see if I can pick up some Faceless... ;) And yeah Michael seems really awesome, hopefully will see them live at some point. I'm currently undecided on who to see on my birthday- Sepultura and Cannibal Corpse are both playing in London on the same night -_- And yes awesome many thanks, really appreciate it dude! \m/

Hey Nicholas! Dude I couldn't agree more, he really was such a lovely person and was genuine throughout the interview and even after the camera was turned off was the nicest bloke I've had the pleasure to meet. I think the band get a bad wrap especially when it comes to online, its a shame because that can have a huge impact on people's lives and even their careers man! I just wanted to say thank you so much for watching the video and I'm glad you enjoyed the interview my man! I'm currently at 917 subscribers for my channel as well so I'm so close 1,000 subs! Wooo thanks for watching as ever :)

TheMetalTris yeah the social media aspects can be a fucker when come bands with a respected status such the faceless. I remember reading a few articles from Metalsucks about the ex members leaving and he said she said bollocks. Some times I feel like it isn't needed but that's just me haha. I saw man, congrats buddy, you keep getting more subscribers each week. Happy to help support man :) keep up the awesome work buddy!

Hey Matthew, Thanks so much for the kind words my friend! It was a really surprising interview for me truth be told, I didn't realise that he would be so open and just genuinely a lovely person. It really pisses me off reading all sorts of comments about the guy online when people have no real idea behind who he is and yet they feel entitled to pass judgement. I'm just glad that you enjoyed the video man! Let me know if you check out any of the other videos :) Also what did you think of In Becoming A Ghost? All the best mate!

Absolutely : ) I was lucky enough to catch them again in Notts on Friday and Michael recognised me from the Manchester gig. Had a very nice chat about Axe-fx, musical plugins and recording techniques - very down to earth and genuinely seemed happy to be talking. I will do - very much enjoying the new album so far, though I've still not time to listen to it all the way through yet. What would you say is your fav track?

Ah no way man! I was wondering, did they play Cup of Mephistopheles when you saw them both times? They missed it out on their London date and I was gutted! How cool is that that he recognised you dude, honestly one of the best dudes around for sure. Oh man you should try and give it a whole way through listen, I reckon that you would love its thematics as a single piece. My favourite track, ooh thats a hard one man! You know I have to say one of my favourites has got to be the Depeche Mode cover "Shake The Disease" that really surprised me. Though "Digging The Grave" is definintely a favourite of mine. I'm a sucker for Steven Wilson style flute haha! What about you dude? What else have you been jamming?

To my memory they didn't in Manchester but did in Notts :) Thanks I'll get on it very soon! In terms of what i'm listening to at the moment, all sorts. This came up on my youtube recommendations earlier this week and I ended up by the album - described as experimental deathcore, but it takes all sorts of influences in it such black and symphonic metal, also traces of synthpop, rap and Jazz in some songs. Alas my German isn't what it used to be, but a few of the songs are definitely meant to be comedy. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ScAQUsZHLPg.html

Ah nice one! I know that the drummer had some really bad problems with his back when they were forced to cancel Glasgow but it seems like its getting better now. Ah no way! I have to say when I clicked the link I wasn't expecting THAT! Haha very interesting for sure dude, will have to give them a proper listen when I've got a minute, though what I heard was brilliant. Hope you're having a lovely weekend my friend! :)

Hey Travis! My thoughts exactly to be honest, I didn't realise that he was going to be so honest and open about a subject that most would find incredibly difficult to answer. I sure would! Thanks so much for watching the video and being positive about his recovery, its a minefield of trolling comments over on Facebook and RU-vid when it comes to this sort of thing you know! Here's to more Faceless material :)

Hey MasterofWisdom! First off thanks so much for checking the video out, I hope that you enjoyed it! I honestly was blown away by In Becoming A Ghost, I thought that it was an absolutely brilliant record start to finish, not to mention a natural evolution of The Faceless sound. Have you been a fan for a long time dude? Thanks again for watching the video my friend :)

I couldn't agree more dude. I think he is one of the most down to earth musicians I've ever met! Its absolutely mad the sheer skill that he posseses and the level of attention that he gave me during the interview. I also really commend him for being so brutally honest about a subject which is so personal you know? Not everyone would be that open... Thanks so much for checking out the video though! I hope you enjoyed it :)

Arka Bharadwaz he also can't keep band members and it's a shame cause the new record is pretty solid.

Hey Dillon! Apologies for the late reply man, thanks for the kind words. I was just watching this back and it reminded me of just how much of a nice and genuine person Keene is and I think that he really has gotten a bad reputation what with all the stuff that has happened with The Faceless it is nice to see however that there are people like yourself who are wishing him well you know? I'm glad you enjoyed the interview dude, thanks so much for checking out my channel as well dude :) Been a fan for a while?

Dillon Robinson Exactly man! That’s the spirit. There’s plenty of bands that might not be to my taste but you’ve got to respect them as people. It makes me really sad when people just look at something for face value. Like the new Dimmu track, it’s nothing like the album offers up but Metalheads have been saying it sounds crap. People are always quick to judge which sucks man. Haha I try to respond man! I’m just another dude who loves metal at the end of the day and i love chatting with likeminded people but life can get in the way hahaha

Thanks ever so much! That means so much. Especially as this is only a project that I do myself and put a lot of time and effort into my interviews so it’s really a big difference and means a lot for sure.

The Memberless returns...

upilkelabu Hey man! No worries! I loved finding out all sorts of stuff about the new record. I had questions myself Haha! But I just admire the way that Michael was so upfront and open about everything you know? I think The Faceless have a tough time sometimes and it's worth remembering Keene is a human being with feelings and emotions. I for one love The Faceless and I'll support them as long as I can! Thanks for the kind words though it means the world to me that people appreciate what I've been doing :)

well, this interview brought a brand new perspective for Cup of Mephistopheles, ha ha... I for one love The Faceless and I'll support them as long as I can! --> im so second this xD.

Hey dude! I thought that I had replied to your comment haha! Thanks so much for the kind words as ever bro, you're a total diamond mate and the videos that you've been putting out have been great dude! Thanks man :)

Hey Skeletal33! Thanks for the kind words man, I just hope that all of this will somewhat be in the past and people will be able to move forward after the various set backs the band have had. Personally I have loved The Faceless ever since I bought Planetary Duality and always will man, i'm glad that Keene was able to talk about things and also really bowled over by the fact that he was so open to someone, who for him, is a complete stranger! I''m glad you liked the video however and I hope that you dig some of my other stuff too dude :) All the best!

TsIntent hey man! Thanks so much for the kind words dude. It was really one of my favourite interviews in quite a long time dude. I'm just happy that people are actually understanding what pain he has been in rather than just demolishing confidence online commenting you know? Thanks so much though man!

TheMetalTris No problem. Best interview I've seen with Keene. People crapping on dude and never met him..I went thru same situation except I'm not an incredible musician lol

TheMetalTris Looks like he's back to old behaviors. Ridiculous to act like you changed and he's the same.

CoreCasual Gaming and stuff deep bro...deep. I feel that 100%

Sure you did

I've heard hes a douche. Could u please tell me what hes done and said. Seems like an ahole

Dave H. Lmao

King Green he wasn't. He was doing it literally 2 days before this interview.

Randy Van Meeteren who tf asked you to be sympathetic

Scott SVO His devotes followers. He’s obviously not off of it. He is solely responsible for the bands turmoil and on that day the commenter is referencing, he performed CLEARLY on drugs and played like garbage. He is hurting so many people himself included and it’s fucking time he was called out RELENTLESSLY for it. He could be so much more but he’s let his ego and drug addiction ruin almost every chance he’s had to rectify all the wrongs he’s done.

SeanMcFarlinTRE UGH well he is the band, no? I’ve never been hooked on dope but my step sis had a horrid addiction to it, shits the fucking devil. The only thing that saved her was the fact that her junkie bf died first, followed by visits to methadone so she wouldnt get dopesick and fucking die. I love The Faceless. He’s self-aware at least, better than to be in denial, that’s like lighting a fuse to a firecracker inside a nailbomb and pretending it’s not there. He’s struggling, but has to appease to his fanbase to some degree because there will always be trolls that need to point their fingers of virtue like they inhereted the role of everyone fucking strpmother. How about Decapitated? At least Michael’s not women hating rape trash. And their new album destroys Autotheism.

Satanism? Get a fucking life, you dork.

Deebo Nash That’s not what evolution is. You need to educate yourself if you’re that ignorant on the subject. Evolution is a FACT. There’s no argument there. Grow up.

SeanMcFarlinTRE okay a scientific method is observable and able to be tested.... so please and I mean it sincerely. Give me 1 evidence.... just one .... of darwinian evolution....