ADifferentShadeOfBlackMetalZine: Bog Body Interview

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Bog Body Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?

Since finishing recording we have been writing and rehearsing new material with crosshairs on 2023 for a release. We’re also rehearsing our live set for a return to the stage late this year/early next year.

2.In May you have your first full length coming out, musically how does it differ from your previous demo and split?

The guts of the demo and split are still present in CRYONIC CREVASSE CULT, but we expanded the scope tremendously. Writing wise, we approached this differently with the core of each song created in isolation. From there we expanded songs in rehearsal and added final details in a live setting. Sonically speaking this album is more cold, cavernous and dense with many layers where bass and drums are only the beginning.

3.On your albums you also use the bass guitar as a lead instrument, do you feel that you can capture the same heaviness from extreme metal with bass, drums and vocals only that you can from the use of a traditional 6 or 7 string guitar?

“Capturing heaviness” has never been a goal - our objective is to tap into the most primitive nature of life and to do so with the resonance and power of a bass. Like a cudgel rather than a razor, we approach music without subtly and without romance. With the bass leading the way, we can channel a primeval spirit that matches the strikes of wooden sticks on skin.

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you explore with the newer music and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?

Our songwriting process has developed from an organic on the spot type of event to a more planned out and siloed approach. No doubt writing during periods of isolation and quarantine played into that, but it’s been fruitful thus far.

Lyrically speaking, the duality of death and life encapsulated in man made myths and the history of sacrifice is always central. We have thousands of years of material to work with so we can pick a thread that is suitable to the release we’re approaching.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Bog Body'?

A preserved corpse outlasts those people that slit their throat. In this way the bog bodies are a contradiction; immortal reminders of death. Whether killed as a ritual for harvest or in a petty fight, it matters not as they are known better today in their death than any person who held power above them in life.

6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?

We had a vision from the start that the lyrics and artwork would all tie in together. It was only a matter of finding the right artist and thankfully Chase Slaker (of Mortiferum) was available. His use of oil paints creates strong impressions and textures that depict the exact mood we had hoped for. We drew upon the frigid steppes of modern day Central Asia as well as the Antarctic and histories enshrined in blood to create our own narrative. Deep in the depths of the Crevasse, the Cult sways to the frigid pulse of the ancient blood.

7.Can you tell us a little bit more about the masks you wear in the promo pics?

The masks remove us as individuals from the music and the performance. In this way, Bog Body transcends normal life and channels a spirit that is arcane and extraordinary. A mask allows us to lose our sense of self and become wholly engrossed in the performance.

8.Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you open to expanding the line up or do you prefer to remain a duo?

No. Much like our approach to music, the spirit remains strongest when the proper attention can be given and needless complications are avoided. Bog Body is the even balance of ego and ideation, and only with us two, does the scale stay put.

9.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

Our show in Brooklyn with Antediluvian and Adversarial from 2019 stands out as a triumphant performance, following that would be our performance with Spite and Battlemaster in Richmond of the same year. I would describe our stage performance as liturgical, for us especially. There is a mania you succumb to whilst performing and at our best it’s overwhelming.

10.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?

Currently we do not. Due to our personal lives all performances will be planned for the end of the year.

11.In 2020 you were a part of a split with 'Primitive Warfare.' What are your thoughts on the other band that had participated on the recording?

Where many are content to ape Blasphemy and like, Primitive Warfare rely on energetic song writing, visceral riffs, and absolutely punishing drumming to set themselves apart. Musically they offer the perfect foil to Bog Body’s pulsating trudge. We settled on loose perimeters regarding lyrics and imagery for the split and in that way, it was a cohesive release.

12.On a worldwide level, how has the reaction been to your music by fans of underground metal?

Following accolades or criticism isn’t something we have time for nor does it impact how we carry ourselves. We can only speak for the comrades we have abroad and at home who have voiced their support; and they have been overwhelming.

13.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

We will stay true to the hammer and nails of ritual death, to iterate on this singular vision until the veins run dry and at that point, sink the corpse into the muck and the mire.

14.What are some of the bands or musical styles that you are listening to nowadays?

We are voracious listeners and are always exploring all styles. There are old favorites that we’ll always play - Profanatica, Beherit, Ildjarn, Rippikoulu, Crematory (SWE) as well as many current acts that would be too long of a list to share. Recently, I have been listening to the latest Warloghe album and the OST for Under the Skin. SVR has had Phrenelith’s “Chimaera” and Archgoat’s “Worship the Eternal Darkness” playing in our rehearsal space lately.

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

Keep the flame of the underground burning and succumb to the Cryonic Crevasse Cult.