1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?
1- Hysteria is a Lyon-based Death/Black quartet formed in 1996. We have 2 EPs + 3 LPs under our belt, and we've just released our 6th misdeed titled "HERETIC, SADISTIC AND SEXUAL ECSTASY..." on Adipocères records. This new album consists of 9 tracks and apparently, according to feedback and initial reactions, it's the album of consecration. We hope that with the release of this opus, we can achieve the recognition we've always hoped for.
2.In 2024 you have a new album coming out, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
2- Hysteria's musical evolution didn't happen overnight; we've been playing together for almost 30 years now. We've been both actors and fans of extreme metal since our adolescence. The metal scene evolves, and unconsciously, I think we absorb that, we change, we're influenced by what we listen to while still maintaining and evolving our own style. That's what I think makes us unique because if you listen to our discography, you'll realize that no album is alike, but you always find the Hysteria touch. This new opus has more Black metal tones than in the past. It's a logical continuation from its predecessor.
3.This is also your first release since 2019, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?
3- We had dates planned to promote our EP that was just released: "From the abyss… to the flesh," but the pandemic halted our momentum. Unlike almost all other bands, I don't think this period was particularly productive musically for Hysteria. Sure, we started composing our new album, but the process was slow. Because of the distance between us and travel restrictions during this time, I'd say we spent the little time we could see each other celebrating because we were so happy to be together again.
We're not professionals, so we don't have any pressure in that regard; it's not our job, it's a genuine passion. We don't force things; we're a group of friends above all. But at some point, you have to get back into it, and that's what we've done since then!
We also made appearances at some events because we really missed the stage. We played at MUSCADEATH again; our first appearance was over 15 years ago, and it was really great. That festival is awesome! We also played at the Mennecy Festival right in the middle of recording "Heretic...". We were able to start testing some new tracks live in the process!
4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer release and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?
4- The lyrics are written by myself (Xavier: drummer). It's a mixture of horrifying, sexual, unhealthy tales, fantasies, fictionalized personal experiences... A sort of psychoanalysis, an outlet allowing me to exorcise my demons by feeding off my malaise. A narrative of what this world in perdition has to offer us. I think we seek to shock through our lyrics, our visuals, and also our music. The daily censorship through these modes of thinking, these emerging ideological currents, pushes us precisely to spit out our venom! We don't have any particular message to convey... It's just a statement of fact; by reading the lyrics, I think the reader can relate to certain experiences. A line like "she who spits the Venom" speaks of a person I met who left traces and caused torment in my life.
The topics addressed in this opus may be more contemporary and may denounce more things than in the past. They're also more direct and less verbose than in the past, to facilitate the placement of the lyrics on the music.
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Hysteria'?
5- Nothing special! We were teenagers and looking for a name; we grabbed a dictionary and stumbled upon it! If we had to do it again, we would change it! You google "Hysteria," you come across Def Leppard's album, Muse's song and the French band Mass Hysteria! It's going to be difficult to be more renowned than these three!
6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
6- We asked Seth Siro Anton who had already created 2 covers, a mutilated woman on a cross with tentacles entwining her. We also wanted him to be influenced by the title, which is quite evocative, and that's the final result! Our best cover to date! We made some great t-shirts, jackets, sweaters... in color! The merchandising, the digipack, and the vinyl are magnificent!
7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
7- The best memory we have, I think, was playing with Dissection during their tour to promote "Reinkaos," the only and last one! We put on a great performance that night, and meeting Jon Nodtveidt, the legend of Swedish black metal, was an honor for us! We were all still fans of Dissection! For a little story, we had filmed our show and Dissection's, and the tour manager made us erase the tapes of Dissection's show!
8.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?
8- We just had our release party where we played the new album in its entirety plus some bonuses. We're playing in June at the Lions Metal Fest, but fate has struck us because our lead guitarist Jérôme just had a skiing accident and has injuries that will render him unavailable for a while. Otherwise, we will probably play at a festival this summer as the opening act for a renowned band we love; we're keeping our fingers crossed for that to happen. Otherwise, the real dates will probably come in September when Jérôme is recovered
9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black and death metal?
9- I'll respond exactly with a comment from a recent review we had! "Once the surprise has worn off, Hysteria’s stylistic shift remains very confident. From a massive Brutal Death that I described as a "steamroller" a few months ago, the band now offers us a melodious, impressive Black/Death that bewitches us in an instant."
10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
10- We don't know! We'll go wherever the wind takes us! There's so much to do and so little time! We'll first digest this album and promote it as it should be! After that, in 2026, we'll be celebrating our 30th anniversary, so there will certainly be a follow-up to Heretic!
11.Does Occultism play any role in your music?
11- No, I don't really think so! We don't practice that kind of belief.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
12- Thank you for these great questions! Sorry for the delay, but the album is a huge success, and there are a lot of demands to answer. To the readers, go give a listen to our latest album; apparently, it's "transcendent" according to our fans and the reviews!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfIP0Amzu8k
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