David: Hi, thank you for having us. We’re currently on a bit of a break because Ben (guitar) had to undergo surgery. In the meantime, we’re using this time to write new material and look for shows in the fall (by the way, if you’re a booker, don’t hesitate to reach out!). For now, we’re basically preparing the ground for the band’s future.
At the same time, we also have some side projects: Ben plays in Mindgrief, Max recently joined Laucéan on bass, and Simon and I are involved in Majestic Major.
Ben: Absolutely. During my recovery, I can’t lift heavy equipment like amplifiers until May, so performing is technically impossible right now. However, there are already a few opportunities in the works for the coming months.
2. You recently released your first full-length album. Musically, how does it differ from your previous demo?
David: The first demo was basically an experiment I did alone as a one-man band. I wrote and recorded the track by myself. Since then, the band has evolved into its current, stable lineup. Musically, we’ve shifted more toward death metal, and our songs are now tuned down to baritone ranges.
Ben: Personally, I wasn’t part of the band at that time. I joined as a bass player a few months before the first lockdown, then later switched to guitar while our friend Max joined on bass.
Simon: Originally, the style and atmosphere we were aiming for were quite different. We were leaning more toward black metal with a strong use of synthesizers. We were even considering recruiting a keyboard player. It’s interesting to see how everything has matured and evolved since then.
3. This is also your first release since the demo in 2018. Can you tell us more about the eight-year gap?
David: The hardest part was finding a stable lineup and playing shows with it. We wanted to perform live so the album wouldn’t just come out of nowhere. But we promise the next one will come much faster now that we have more experience and a clearer direction.
Ben: For me, the COVID lockdown was a real pain, both personally and professionally. On top of that, several members had personal issues that affected our workflow. We needed that time to build a strong relationship within the band, which is just as important as the music itself to me. We also experimented with additional instruments and musicians before finally settling on the current lineup.
Simon: A lot has changed during that time—personally, musically, and even globally. It allowed us to build the lineup we have today, which feels perfect in terms of chemistry and gives us the confidence to perform live and share our music.
4. What are some of the lyrical themes explored on the album?
David: The lyrics deal with relationships between people, especially those who see themselves as gods and those who suffer because of them. There are also more introspective tracks dealing with the pain and anxieties of modern life and how we interpret them.
5. The album title was inspired by the Judgement card. Do any of the band members have an interest in tarot?
David: Not really, but my partner does! She actually collects tarot cards. The title simply means that you reap what you sow. Most of the songs also explore how mankind destroys civilization through its sins and personal greed.
6. Can you tell us more about the artwork featured on the album cover?
David: I created the artwork myself. It represents the overall theme of the album. The most challenging part was capturing the atmosphere of the record: something with an old-school feel, a death metal edge, and a more dreamlike, black metal vibe.
Ben: Clearly, God Against Humanity is primarily David’s project. He’s the mastermind who builds everything from the ground up. Then we all bring in our own style through our instruments and vision, and we work on it together in great harmony.
7. Out of all the shows you’ve played so far, which one stands out the most?
David: Probably the show we played in Wasquehal right before the album release, with our friends from Last Retaliation. The crowd’s reaction was amazing and everything went really well.
Ben: Honestly, I don’t think there’s a single GAH show I didn’t enjoy. Everything always goes well. The shows at The Black Lab are definitely outstanding thanks to the amazing work they do for musicians, but I also love playing smaller venues with very responsive crowds.
Simon: Yes, the last show at The Black Lab was incredible. We knew it would be the last one before Ben’s surgery and the short break from performing. The venue was fantastic, the audience was amazing, and we delivered!
8. Do you have any touring plans for the new album?
David: Unfortunately not at the moment. At our level and without a label, it’s difficult to organize a tour. But if you’re a booker and you like what we do, feel free to contact us.
Ben: We’re handling everything ourselves, and organizing a tour requires a lot of time and skills. We all have busy lives—some of us have families and demanding jobs, plus other projects. But we’re actively discussing it, and hopefully with some support, it could happen in the near future.
9. The band is currently unsigned. Are you looking for a label or have you received any interest?
David: For now, we’re not actively looking for anything specific. If a label comes with a good offer, why not? But the music industry is becoming more complicated, and labels tend to take fewer risks nowadays.
Ben: Personally, I’ve never been signed, and I don’t plan to with my own project Mindgrief. But with GAH, since the album has just been released, we’re definitely open to hearing offers that could help push the project forward.
10. How has the worldwide reaction been to your music so far?
David: We haven’t received that much feedback yet. We know the album has been appreciated in Russia, Germany, and Scandinavia. The responses we’ve had so far have been very positive, but still limited.
Ben: It’s honestly amazing to see the feedback we’re getting. It feels really rewarding.
11. Where do you see the band heading musically in the future?
David: The band will probably move toward a more melodic death metal direction, with songs that are more suited for the stage while still keeping dark atmospheres. We also want to simplify our sound and focus on what’s essential for a stronger impact.
Ben: Right now, we already have a full setlist that allows us to play for almost 60 minutes. Adding new tracks is exciting because it will open up new directions and choices for us as a band. It’s great to see the project moving forward.
12. What are you currently listening to?
David: We all have our own musical tastes with some overlap. Personally, I listen to a bit of everything in metal, except pure old-school thrash. Right now, I’m really excited about Nevermore coming back, and I’m also looking forward to the new Gaerea album coming out this week.
Ben: One of the biggest debates in the band is “old school vs modern” metal influences, but we all share a strong love for extreme metal—especially death, melodic, and progressive metal. These are our roots. Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of post-black and blackgaze, especially the two bands I toured with in February: RAÜM and MÜRRMÜRR. I love massive reverb over transcendental blast beats.
Simon: We all have different tastes but a solid common ground. Personally, I’ve been listening to Der Weg Einer Freiheit’s latest release on repeat, and I can’t wait to hear what Benighted comes up with next.
13. Any final words?
David: A big thank you to you for your time. When you’re unsigned and releasing your first record, it’s easy to be overlooked, so we really appreciate your support.
Ben: I feel honored to be part of this band with amazing people like David, Simon, and Max. We’re like brothers, and it’s a great life experience. I’m also very grateful for all the feedback we’ve received over the years. May the Eternal bless you all—this is just the beginning. L’Amour triomphera.
Simon: Thank you for your time, and thanks to everyone who came to see us or listened to our first album. It’s always a pleasure to get feedback. See you very soon!
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