EXHORDER's Kyle Thomas on A.I. in Art: A Necessary Evil or a Human Job Killer?

In a recent no-holds-barred interview with Capital Chaos TV, EXHORDER's frontman Kyle Thomas took a hard stance on the contentious issue of artificial intelligence in the arts. While some of his contemporaries have jumped on the A.I. bandwagon for everything from cover art to music production, Thomas remains wary, declaring, "I don't have a really strong feeling against it, but I don't have a strong desire to use it." For him, the preference is clear: human artists should be the ones shaping the visual identity of metal.

"The artwork for our 2024 album, 'Defectum Omnium', was crafted by the talented Travis Smith," he noted. Smith, known for his intricate graphics, blends traditional artistry with modern techniques, something Thomas appreciates. "I'd rather see a guy or a girl — doesn't matter, just an artist — get that contract, get that job," he emphasized, spotlighting the importance of supporting real artists in an increasingly automated world.

Thomas expressed his concerns about A.I.'s potential to undermine the livelihoods of creative individuals. "It's just a method of electronically picking the brains out of every piece of art or music that's ever been done before," he elaborated, suggesting that A.I. simply regurgitates existing ideas without any original thought. The prospect of artists missing out on royalties is something that weighs heavily on him, likening it to self-service checkouts taking jobs away from cashiers. "I'd rather sit in line and let somebody do it for me," he said, highlighting his preference for human interaction, even in everyday tasks.

In a backdrop of lineup changes, EXHORDER has been navigating the tumultuous waters of the metal scene. Drummer Sasha Horn recently left, focusing on personal matters, while Corey Pierce from GOD FORBID filled in temporarily. As for their latest release, 'Defectum Omnium', it hit the shelves in March 2024 under Nuclear Blast Records, featuring 12 tracks of crushing riffs and ominous artwork by Smith. The album marks a significant evolution for EXHORDER, now solidified as a powerhouse with former CANNIBAL CORPSE guitarist Pat O'Brien joining their ranks.

With Thomas as the last standing original member since their inception in 1990, EXHORDER is not just a band; it's a testament to the persistence and evolution of heavy metal. As they continue to push boundaries, one thing remains clear: the human touch in music and art is irreplaceable, and Thomas is determined to keep it that way.