Hypermass Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

We are a melodic Death Metal band consisting of 5 members from Trondheim, Norway, all in the ages of 19 to 20. We’ve played together since late 2012. Our musical influences include The Black Dahlia Murder, Revocation and the more brutal side of the melodic Death Metal spectrum, though that’s only a small fraction of our influences.

2.Recently you have released an EP, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?

It’s hard to describe it without resorting to mindless genre referrals, but it’s basically a buffet of melodic, technical, and groovy Death Metal with a side of exotic jazz fusion.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

The lyrics are mostly very critical of humanity as a whole, with certain underlying philosophical themes. We try to not get too obvious in our writing, and leave a lot of it up for interpretation. I’m a sucker for lyrics myself, as for me they can define a great song. Clutch is one of my favorite bands mostly for that reason, I never tire of Neil Fallon’s abstract and satirical lyrics. But with every band the lyrics must complement the music in a special kind of way. What we try to do is contrast those lyrics of misanthropy and negativity with melodic and «epic» parts, if that’s a word that’s possible to use without sounding like a douchebag. I think it’s a great effect, nonetheless.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Hypermass'?

Hypermass is essentially another word for «black hole», although it’s not a frequently used word anymore. That stuff always intrigued me, you know, along with the fact that dark matter/energy constitutes about 95% of the universe, with no one having the slightest clue of what it actually is. It also complies with our subject matter in a way. I will admit that it had also to do with the fact that it’s pretty hard to find a recognizable band name now that pretty much everything has been used, but I think we lucked out on that one.

5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?

We try to be as energetic as possible, and let the crowd know they’re just as big a part of the show as we are. We just try to have fun on stage no matter how big or small the crowd is. If there’s only 5 people in the crowd, it’s your job to give those 5 people the greatest show you can give them. We try to keep that in the back of our heads every gig, although we’ve fortunately yet to play for that small of a crowd. People are there to have a good time, so it’s also important not to take yourself too seriously. Some of the best shows we’ve played have been local club gigs, those are always really fun.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?

We’re doing some local gigs in the coming months. We may go on tour soon, when the time is right. As of now we’re in writing mode for the full-length though, so that comes first.

7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

We have received interests from various underground labels, which is awesome. Still, we think we have a lot more to offer than what’s presented on the EP, and I don’t wanna sound reluctant, but we’re kind of holding it off at the moment until our full-length is done, or at least until the right contract is presented.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of melodic death metal?

It has been overwhelming, to say the least. We really didn’t have any expectation on whether people would like it or not, to be completely honest. Luckily for us people seem to enjoy it, as we’re yet to get a bad review.

9.When can we expect a full length album and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

Too early to say when the full-length will be nearing release, I’m afraid. All I can say is that we’re in serious writing mode, and that the songs so far sound great. The new stuff I’d say is a little bit more focused, in terms of writing, as well as it’s a lot more technical and faster than the previous stuff. We’re still a melodic Death Metal band though, as far as genres go.

10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Guitar-wise I’d say the top 3 would have to be The Black Dahlia Murder, Revocation and Allegaeon, as we’re often lumped into the same category as those bands. But you know, we’re very easily inspired by stuff. We don’t like to shut out ideas just ‘cause it doesn’t necessarily comply with other influences. Then it would become tedious and boring.

Currently I’m really digging the latest Rivers of Nihil album. Those guys really caught me by surprise, with possibly the best combination of atmosphere and heaviness I’ve ever heard. My other top 5 records of the year so far has to be the new TBDM, Clutch, Cattle Decapitation, Ghost and Nile.

11.What are some of your non musical interests?

Outside of music we’re pretty versatile people when it comes to other interests, but I guess everyone is into some form of sport. I’m a rabid MMA fan myself, our other guitarist likes golf, our vocalist and bassist is really into football («soccer» if you’re American I guess), and our drummer likes fishing, although I don’t know if that’s officially declared a sport by now. It should be. That stuff is tiring.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Thanks for the interview, and be sure to keep an eye out for our debut album coming up!

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