PM:  In ONE word, describe each band member including yourself.

Brennan - Luke
Nate - R2D2
Kent - Chewbacca
Amy - Leia
Me - Vader

PM:  What do you think is the one thing that will break you into the big metal market?

Brandon:  It is such a competitive market, there are many really good bands out there just like us who are trying to do exactly what we are trying to do. I think our strongest points comes down to our song writing, both musically and lyrically. The guitar riffs will pound your face in one second, then a symphony of melodic strings and synth sounds come in and create a very unique and powerful mood... this is just something I see as very entertaining to listen to, both on a record and in a live performance. As for the lyrics I feel that I fit the mood of the music as best as I possibly can to emphasize the moods created.

 PM: When you write (songs and lyrics), do you tend to sit down and think about what to write, or does it just pop into your head and you think hey that's great for a song? Do you tend to write the music first and then the vocals, or vice versa?

Brandon:  I usually hear a pattern the instant I hear a riff, then I sit down and work on that pattern and mold it into something better. For lyrics most of them are huge metaphors that describe either a mood that I am in or something that has happened to me. Some are just little stories that seem cool to me... like Nightmare, Revenant, etc.

 Brandon:  The music is always written before the vocals, mainly because I like to have something solid to write to.

PM:  Being that you have such a strong vocal presence in your songs, did you ever have any vocal training? If so, where and if not, what influenced you to growl the way you do?

Brandon:  No vocal training, but I do growl very carefully. I have learned many techniques on my own from impersonating different singers in the metal world. My favorites include; Peter Tägtgren, Jari Mäenpäa, Pekka Kokko, Mikael Stanne, and many more!

PM: Do you find that your band is treated any differently when people find out you have a girl (Amy) on guitar? Are people generally surprised if they didn't know prior to listening to your songs?

Brandon:  Not really, she can rip on the guitar so anybody who is skeptical is pleasantly surprised when they hear she is not some novelty female guitar player but a very talented musician.

PM: In a hundred years, when you're gone, would you rather be hatefully remembered or totally forgotten and why?

Brandon:  What a downer! I would rather be forgotten... I would like to live my life without harming anybody to the extent of being hated for that long. I'd have to be a real asshole to be hated for a hundred years. =P

PM:  Since you ARE a young (in age) band, do you find that you have to prove a lot to fans, venues, other bands, etc or do you not think of things like that?

Brandon:  Not really, we are fortunate to meet people who don't see us for our age but for what we have to offer musically and personality wise as well. I can't wait until we can get some drinks at the bar after a show! Amy and Kent have it good because they are of the legal drinking age.

PM:  What is one thing you'd like to change about the metal music scene/industry?

Brandon:  Ehh... that's a tough one... So far it has treated myself and the band very well. I wouldn't change a thing for now.... [except] maybe seeing some more Dark Haven in the industry wouldn't hurt.

PM:  What inspires the band to be as good as you are and to keep yourselves going in that route? What made a bunch of kids from Temecula decide to start such a band?

Brandon:  The love of playing and creating music. To us there is nothing equal. Hah! Temecula sucks and there is nothing better to do out here. Brennan, Nate, and I got a hold of some Euro metal in High School and started to make songs emulating our favorite bands. After awhile we started to make our own little sound while staying true to our influences. Plus Amy and Kent really add a great unique sound to the music.

PM: What can everyone expect from your next musical venture? Will it be in the same vein as the music you have now, or something a bit different? Do you agree with bands that drastically change from album to album?

Brandon:  Next musical adventure... expect everything to be more! We are taking our style and pushing through to the next level. Everything will be much more intricate and melodic... but still kick your ass! All bands change from album to album... some change in a good way and some change in a bad way.

PM:  What would you like to accomplish most as a band?

Brandon:  I would like to someday be able to play music for a living. I want to tour the world and play for as many people as possible.

PM:  Where do you see yourself, band and personally, in 10 years?

Brandon:  I would like to see our band signed, on the road, and making records in ten years... shit I expect to start seeing it within this next year, and then continuing to do so for the next ten years. It is the only thing I can imagine doing.

PM:  What would you like to tell people out there who might be reading this interview but do not know your music?

Brandon:  Go to darkhavenmusic.com or www.myspace.com/darkhaven and take a listen! Who knows you might find a new band to listen to!