Friday, April 2, 2021

Christian Cosentino Interview

 

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit more about yourself and your solo project?

1. I can’t think of much to say about myself. Despite the fact I’ve released my music under my name I don’t want it to be too much about me. My project is an attempt to represent my music as purely as possible and hopefully with as little of my “own intent” as possible. 


2.Recently you have released an album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

2. I guess Lawn is best described as a highly symphonic metal album. The symphonic sections are mainly made up of strings and pianos and are influenced I think by the classical music I had heard at the time. The metal component is influenced by my initial experiences with black metal in combination with all of the other influences I had back then. The result is probably most akin to “post black metal.” The whole album has a more of a “symphonic” approach than metal though I think.


3.A lot of the music was written between 2017 and 2018 but you waited until 2021 to release the album, can you tell us a little bit more about the wait?


3. All of the music was finished by around March of 2018 and the majority was written in 2017. The wait was unintentional. It’s just been a long battle to present the music in the best way possible. 




The vocals where a massive hurdle for me. Not only in figuring out how to approach them for this particular album but also in writing lyrics which I’ve always found difficult to do at the standard that I’m aiming for. I ended up giving up on doing the lyrics alone and asked a close friend to help me finish them. I also concluded that having the vocals be subtle was the best option. I was careful to only feature vocals in places where the music demands them instead of taking a more conventional approach. I didn’t want to cover up musical moments that spoke for themselves with vocals that would’ve worsened them.




There were also issues with the structures of some songs which had to be ironed out. A good chunk of music was scrapped for the song Lustre and an entire song was also thrown away semi-late into the process. 


4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you have explored with the music so far?

4. The lyrics on this album go into a lot of school experiences from early childhood all the way up to the end of high school (When the album was written). But of course it’d be way too hard to take this style of music seriously if I was singing some dramatic, teenage, school bullshit. So as a result of that the lyrics are shrouded in layers of metaphor that can be interpreted in multiple ways but extract the emotional substance out of my young years in a (hopefully) more timeless manner. The goal was to take the universal emotion out of the real life context. 




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

5. I had the idea for a painting of a garden like that for a long time. Then I found the work of XenArtRB who had already done similar things to what I had imagined and his style struck me as perfect for the album art. So I sent him a message and after some discussion he painted the artwork for me by commission. The imagery comes from what I “see” when I listen to the music and the lyrics also use the same imagery. I think the painting turned out perfectly.


6.With this project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to work solo?

6. The music that I release under my own name is that which I write alone and for solely personal reasons in an involuntary and subconscious process. The lack of other musicians on Lawn came about initially out of necessity but later because it just “felt right” for this album. That being said I’m already trying to find a drummer to record on the next album which is also largely made up of old material that I’m finishing at the moment.




I’d love to do some more collaborative work in the future under a different banner and I also have a big interest in producing. There is also an album that’s been in the works for many years with a friend (the same who helped me do lyrics on Lawn) who has a similar musical mindset. 


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


7. I’d like to make a distribution deal with a label for printing physical media but I have no interest if its at the cost of sacrificing the rights to my own music. I’ll print CDs and records independently if I don’t get approached. 


8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of symphonic and post black metal?

8. It hasn’t had a whole lot of exposure yet but what little response its gotten has been incredibly kind and passionate for the most part. The “symphonic black metal promotion” youtube channel uploaded a track which has been the biggest source of attention so far with a lot of kind words in the comments which was amazing to see. 


9.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?

9. My goal is just to release the music that captures my emotional state over a given period of time. Albums are “units of time” in my eyes. The future second album (which again: features a lot of old material) is already quite different aesthetically and stylistically from Lawn (While retaining some of the same features) and I’m sure I’ll venture even further later on down the line. The only thing I have a concrete interest in doing in the future is becoming good at orchestral writing. I’ve started learning so that eventually I can hopefully do an album like Lawn on a much larger scale with real and interesting orchestration.


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?

10. I’m always searching for new music but my “musical mood” can swing very quickly so I listen to quite a broad range of things nowadays. I love classical music; my favourite composer is Beethoven but I’m also largely into Mahler, Sibelius and Shostakovich amongst many others of course…too many to name. I have a wide appreciation for black metal too, I’ve been listening to the first Enslaved demos and albums recently. Again there’s just too many to name with black metal but I tend to always go back to the Norwegian classics. I’ve also been on a big Celtic Frost and Bjork kick lately. Some other favourites are Devin Townsend, Ween, Paysage d’Hiver and Lunar Aurora.


11.What are some of your non musical interests?

11. I have a large appreciation for visual art though I’m not overly well versed. I’m also fairly philosophically and to use a horrible word: “spiritual” in some sense. I think a lot of philosophy and spirituality is bullshit though. I also love video games but mainly from the 2000s…most modern gaming doesn’t interest me at all. I think archaic 3d graphics have a similar atmospheric effect to raw production in black metal, funnily enough…the same principle perhaps.


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

12. Thank you for reaching out for an interview and thank you to anybody reading this and/or who goes and listens to my music :)

https://christiancosentino.bandcamp.com/album/lawn
https://www.instagram.com/crustcosentino/

Monday, March 29, 2021

Minas Morgul Interview

 

MINAS MORGUL - A Different Shade Of Black Metal / Zine(US)


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


Berserk:

I can still remember we were just taking a photo shot in March last year. Then came the news of the first lockdown. That was the last time we all saw each other.

Weeks and months followed in a state that we have never experienced before.

everyone went to the studio separately, the songs were partly still unfinished, it was extremely unfavorable for an album production.

we tried to use the messengers as best possible for our communication. the mix and master phase of the album was lengthened, the layout was not finished, the release date had to be postponed, there were big internal problems for the band. In retrospect, it was a fucking busy year

with many obstacles, setbacks and disappointments. So we're all the happier that we're finally looking forward to the album release.


2. You have a new album coming out in April, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?


Berserk:

three new, very good musicians were involved in the "Heimkehr" production (haffi: guitar, janke: bass, stef: vocals). We are particularly proud of the many facets of stef's singing style. In addition, all of the musicians incorporated their own creative ideas this enabled us to raise the album to a qualitatively new level. Heimkehr is probably the most varied album in our history. no song is like the other. we were able to incorporate our personal musical inspirations and since these are very diverse, the album has become very heterogeneous overall.


3. Can you tell us a little bit more about the lyrical topics and subjects you explore with the new album and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?


Berserk:

"Heimkehr" describes our journey back home, to the roots. We have implemented this symbolically on the song itself.

Other songs like "Niedergang", "Teufel" or "Weltenfall" tell of an evil creature called human who has aimed from the beginning of time to destroy himself and everything around him."Totenschiff" tells of the end of the world and "tiefe Narben" describes the life of an old man up to his death.They are songs that life writes, they are stories that accompany us, that touch and shape us.





4.A lot of your lyrics also cover Paganism themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this subject?


Berserk:

This has not been the case for many years.

Since the release of the album "Ära" in 2012, via "Kult" in 2017 to the present day, a musical and content-related change has taken place. We are away from "Pagan Metal", because there are many more things in our heads that occupy us and that we want to tell. Black Metal beats in our hearts.




5. I know that the band was named after the writings of J.R.R Tolkien, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in his work and also are there any other authors that you have an interest in?


Berserk:

Minas Morgul was founded in 1997.

That was almost 25 years ago.

At that time we were fascinated by the fantastic world of Tolkins, in which great battles of good and evil were fought.Today we see our fortress "Minas Morgul" as a place that is within each of us. A journey into the self, where the wars of yourself are fought and you can only achieve your inner balance if you face all your demons.



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


Berserk:

As already mentioned, the new album is called "Heimkehr". It is the product of a creative process in which everyone was able to contribute and realize, as seldom before in the history of Minas Morgul. We walked all the way to the walls of our fortress, a rocky road to the base. We returned home.

We felt an inner need to portray this homecoming on the cover.









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?


Berserk:

We played a lot of shows over the years, including some bigger ones like the "Ragnarök", "Ultima Ratio" or "Wolfszeit" festival. There were also shows abroad, for example Austria, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, which we fondly remember. Some were very adventurous. We were stuck at the airport for 10 hours, in the end completely drunk. We spent hours in a traffic jam in the center of Prague on our way to Austria. There were breakdowns, injuries, even a city ban.The most beautiful shows were often those in small clubs, close together with the fans and what felt like 100 degrees.



8. The band has been around since 1997, what is it that motivates you to keep going after a couple of decades?


Berserk:

Music is emotion. Metal is passion. And as long as we have emotions and passion, we will keep going. Take a guitar and tell the world how you feel and it will listen.




9. On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black and pagan metal?


Berserk:

Many people have been with us for a long time and are still loyal to us. Some have left and others have just joined them. Life brings change. We change, the fans change. The albums from back then are no longer what we create today. We don't stand still, we do what we feel like doing. So do the fans. And that's why we still have a large fan base.



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


Berserk:

"Heimkehr" has become an absolutely heterogeneous work in which the influences of all members are reflected. My wish for the future is to create a homogeneous atmospheric black metal album that is bursting with raw cold. We are already working on new songs. Stay tuned to see what will become of it.






11. 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?


Berserk:

We are of course always inspired by the music we hear and like ourselves. Sometimes you play a "new" riff and it sounds familiar, until you realize it already exists. Then you rebuild it without destroying the atmosphere and create a new composition that will always remind you of your idols. For example, on the new album you can find homage to bands like "Scheitan", "Naglfar", "Dissection", or "Type o Negative".

But it is often enough inspiration when we rehearse together and everyone can contribute their ideas. The currents and moods then flow by themselves, from which compositions emerge that create potential for new songs.






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


Berserk:

We are looking forward to the album release and the reactions. We hope that the pandemic will end soon so that we can finally play live again. We would like to thank you for the interview, the label for the great support and the fans for their loyalty.


Stay straight! 1313



Sunday, March 28, 2021

Juha Jyrkas/Sydameni Kuusipuulle/Earth And Sky Productions/2019 CD Review

 


  Juha  Jyrkas  is  a  solo  artist  from  Finland  that  is  a  former  songwriter  Korpiklaani  and  plays  folk  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  20219  album  "Sydameni  Kuusipuulle"  which  was  released  by  Earth  And  Sky  Productions.


  Ritualistic  sounding  drumming  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  melodic  riffing  a  few  seconds  later.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  while  the  solos  and  leads  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  black  metal  screams  can  also  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  music.


  Clean  pagan  vocals  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  album  while  the  music  also  has  its  epic  moments  and  touches  of  traditional  metal  can  also  be  heard  at  times.  The  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  amount  of  folk  music  elements  along  with  one  track  also  introducing  Turkish  baglama's onto  the  album  as  well  as  some  female  vocals  also  being  utilized  briefly,  as  the  album  progresses  a  small  amount  of  folk  instruments  and  shamanistic  chanting  can  also  be  heard  and  all  of  the  music  sticks  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction.


  Juha  Jyrkas  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  folk,  pagan,  black  and  traditional  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  his  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Finnish  and  cover  Paganism,  Mysticism  and  Nature  themes.


  In  my  opinion  Juha  Jyrkas  is  a  very  great  sounding  folk  metal  solo  artist  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Kymmenen  Kyrvan  Nimea"  "Manalan  Valtikka"  "Voimaa"  and  "Juhlapaiva".  8  out  of  10.


  https://easp.bandcamp.com/album/syd-meni-kuusipuulle 

Stake Driver Interview

 

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


We’re a five-piece symphonic black metal from Dayton/Cincinnati Ohio. We formed in July of 2020 with the intention of playing the type of black metal that we as fans of the genre want to hear. Our goal is two produce black metal that is aggressive but also compelling to listen to. We don’t give a fuck about anything else.


2.Recently you have released an album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording? 


With lycanthropy we wanted to produce a record that was a pure and unforgiving black metal assault on the listener. It has elements of thrash and hardcore blended with first and second wave black metal influence that we like. We wanted to produce something that is epic and theatrical but also heavy. 




3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?


Lycanthropy is a concept album, that is something from the start of the band that was important to us. The themes on the record were influenced heavily by the work of Junji Ito and Gary Bradner’s The Howling. On a face value level, it explores story elements of lycanthropy and body horror. I wanted to describe the human form in the most disgusting and demented ways I could. It’s an analogy for the destructive nature of religion in our society, especially Christianity, but also a commentary on how life is meaningless except for the meanings we place on it. End of the day we’re all just ground beef that learned how to think.




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


As a band all of us are horror movie fans. It’s a riff on the idea of driving a stake into the heart of some marauding ghoul.  We wanted a name that instantly produced a visual of gothic castles and Transylvania upon hearing it.


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


The artwork for the record was done by a gentleman by the name of Mourtous. You can find their page on Instagram. Very talented artist. We wanted something visually striking. It says, “this is exactly what you think it is.” It is a “fuck you” to Christianity which we like a lot.


6.Has the band had any opportunities to do any live shows or open to the idea?


Unfortunately, no. Whenever shows become an option again we plan to play wherever will have us.


7.The cassette version was released by 'Cemetery horror Productions', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?


Cemetery Horror is a black and death metal label out of Pennsylvania. They’ve put out some great releases by Vanen, Eulogist, and Isolated A.d. The head of that label is someone who has an ear to the underground and genuinely wants to help build up young bands. They have been very supportive of everything we’ve done since we dropped our first song. BUY RECORDS FROM THEM!


8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of symphonic black metal?


So far, the reaction to us and what we do has been great. When we started the band we didn’t care or expect anyone to enjoy what we were doing so it’s been quite a nice surprise.


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


To continue to produce the most pure and heavy black metal we possibly can. To continue what we did on lycanthropy but bigger. 


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? Our biggest influence is Emperor, specifically in the nightside eclipse. Early Dimmu Borgir, obviously Darkthrone and Mayhem. Urgehal and Enthroned.  As far as first wave bands Bathory and Venom. Some of the less obvious bands like Motorhead, Sodom, Slayer, Agnostic Front, and Necrophagia. 


Currently we really like the new Hulder record, Hellmoon’s Undying blackened glory. The last few Paysage D’Hiver releases are flawless. I’d highly recommend the new Vanen demo and Saidan’s Jigoku. Revenant Marquis, Youth in Ribbons. Pyromancy Arctic Isolation and Kelam’s new demo. Since Pan-Amerikan Native Front released Little Turtles War I’ve been listening to it constantly.  It’s a great time for new black metal, consistently excellent new stuff coming out all the time. 




11.Does Satanism or Occultism play any role in your music?


There is definitely ideas of Satanism expressed in our lyrics. The occult plays heavily into our visuals and the way we present our band. 


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


Thank you for interviewing us. Buy records, support small bands, start your own band. The only thing that truly matters in life is music and creating.

Bandcamp
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Saturday, March 27, 2021

Christian Cosentino/Lawn/2021 Full Length Review

 


  Christian  Cosentino  is  a  solo  artist  from  Australia  that  plays  a  very  symphonic  form  of  post  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  self  released  2021  album  "Lawn".


  Keyboards  and  classical  music  style  orchestras  start  of  the  album  which  also  mixes  in  with  5the  heavier  sections  of  the  music.  Clean  vocals  are  also  utilized  at  times  while  black  metal  screams  are  also  a  very  huge  part  of  the  recording  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  blast  beats  are  added  into  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs.


  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  symphonic  sounding  while  classical  and  acoustic  guitars  are  also  added  into  the  cleaner  sections  of  the  songs.  Tremolo  picking  is  also  added  in  some  of  the  fast  riffing  along  with  the  tracks  also  adding  in  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.


  The  music  also  brings  in  a  lot  of  elements  of  post  metal  along  with  a  couple  of  the  tracks    also  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style,  as  the  album  progresses  the  music  also  gets  more  progressive  sounding.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  childhood  emotion  themes.  


  In  my  opinion  Christian  Cosentino  is  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  post  black  metal  solo  project  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Lawn"  and  "Lustre".  8  out  of  10.


https://christiancosentino.bandcamp.com/album/lawn
https://www.instagram.com/crustcosentino/


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuXvgbiseF8&ab_channel=ChristianCosentino

Thursday, March 25, 2021

MartYriuM Interview

 

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


Greetings to all from the Martyrium Horde – since all the work which was put down and the ultimate birth of Lamia, we’ve already gone back to our ouija board to conjure the spirit of the next album; musically this has already started to shiver into form and shaping up to what looks as a very positive next chapter in the band’s history, coming up next in a shorter span of time.


Recently you have released a new album, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?


‘Lamia Satanica’ seems to have drawn some of the best elements that transpired from the previous four albums, and though at times even unintentional, it seems to have worked in the best interest of the ambience of the whole. You may rediscover those sweet, melodic, even ethereal passages reminiscent of the first two albums contrasting with the merciless shredding of the later ones, all weaved together to produce what we consider a very well thought, all rounded and sounding opus. 


This is also your first album since 2016, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?


That time frame has seen the band touring relentlessly, and in the process building up on its stage presence and experience. We do believe that any band, whichever direction, style, or genre it may belong to is mostly as good as the show it can deliver, so we’ve naturally invested heavily in that. Apart from it being something very important and close to our musical heart.


A lot of your lyrics cover satanic and occult themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the dark arts?


Beyond what own are beliefs are, whether personal or collective, the Dark Arts shall always nourish the inspiration that gets our message across. Where do our interests lie? Everywhere, and nowhere. Above what we can see, and below what we may never. Our own lives, and all the death that surrounds it all. And most of all, that same derived evil, fascinating darkness that rules the hearts of gods and men.  


What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'MartYriuM?


An inborn fascination with sacrifice, and a willingness to die for whatever may be one’s beliefs – as much as these might be metaphorical in the literal sense, they represent the keys to freedom and true spirit of man, and the ultimate path to a truth that the devotion to our principles reveals.  


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


We’ve had the pleasure to work with a dedicated soul on the creation of the new artwork; he embraced the concept, both lyrically and musically, and delivered what in our opinion is a perfect background setting to the heart of the album. Lamia stands as the blind embodiment of all that rules mankind, and the raw empowerment that it derives through the extremity of its opposing emotions. 


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


The band has been lucky to play a great variety of festivals, clubs, stages and audiences – naming a few from all these would not pay justice to the amazing welcome we’ve had everywhere. Our stage performance? We hope that it can be described in the exact way that we feel whilst we ourselves are up there: breathless, tingling, fiery with emotion. 





On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?


We are very pleased with the feedback received so far, not only from the fans (which we hold dearest and at heart) but also from the metal community in general. And we’re also very pleased that this same feedback has been honest and productive – praise has been given for the right reasons, wherein constructive criticism applied where due. These are the comments we expect, and this is what helps the band to move onward and forward and always improve on its next delivery.


What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?


Not much going on, apart from our full commitment to Martyrium – Sandra is in another two bands, me and the guys also have or do some side collaborations from time to time (and in better times) however much, if not all is pretty much stalled right now. In a way, this has helped greatly to concentrate further on the recording and production of the new album, so at least the (alas, forced) time off the road or other endeavors has seen us focus to the full on Lamia’s birth.


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


Any musical project, whether it’s a band, solo or even a collaboration, is like a journey without a destination – you know from where why you started but can never tell when it will be over. The band has been and seen many different incarnations during the past twenty years, and different times, places and circumstances have etched their mark on everything that it produced. Right now we are drawing on these past experiences to shape the music which Martyrium will stand for in time.  


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?


This would be close to a rhetorical question for all of us, since our influences, whether musical, lyrical or artistic in any sense, are too vast, varied and too encompassing of both time and space. We listen to anything which may fall on our ears and that calls the occasion, and again, narrowing that down to either names or styles would be pretty much impossible. 


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


We hope that you like the new album, and that we get back to playing it on those stages we yearn for so much soon. To our fans, we miss you, and thank you all for being part of this amazing ride... stay strong and safe until the next!


https://www.facebook.com/martyriumhorde
https://www.instagram.com/martyriumofficial/
https://mobile.twitter.com/martyrium_malta

Monday, March 22, 2021

Ghosts of Atlantis Interview

 

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


We are a symphonic extreme metal five-piece from Suffolk UK, we take influence from different genres and bands but with Colin being a member of Devilment you can hear how that sound has influenced his songwriting. I personally love the massive sound and crisp production that is delivered with this project, but ultimately having both Colin and myself on vocals giving a contrast between extreme aggressive vocals and catchy clean vocals, gives a great dynamic for us to deliver this in a different way. (PP)


 


Pretty much what PIP said on that!  (CP) 


 


 


2.In March you have a full length coming out, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?




I was the last member to join GOA, so four of the tracks had already been completed musically and only needed having vocals adding. Colin sent me the files and between us, we started on the lyrics. You hear many influences from across different metal genres. Personally, we get many people to reference Septicflesh, Dimmu Borgir, Cradle Of Filth, and then others reference Soilwork, Amorphis, and In Flames. For me personally, I love all those bands and when had that likeness I take that very highly. (PP)


 


We wanted to be versatile, and incorporate music from different forms of media and genres. 


There is a definite cinematic feel to our sound and we also take influence from video game music. 


I guess the sound is cinematic blackened metal. (CP) 


 


 


3.The lyrics on the new album are based upon Greek Mythology and the lost city of Atlantis, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these topics?


It is like when you see a film and it states, “Based on a true story”, we have taken parts of the Greek mythology to start our own lore. We didn’t want to keep to prewritten stories for songs. There will be elements of time travel and Sci-Fi going forward and traveling through portals of space and time. Using the story of Atlantis is only the first step. (PP)


 


We want to take the listener on a journey in their mind, to allow them to be swallowed up in the goa world and lore. 


(CP) 


 


 


4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Ghosts Of Atlantis'?


As I said earlier, I was the last member to join, and the names were already in place. But it originated from a project Dex, Rob, Colin and I spoke about a few years ago but never came to light. So when I was asked to join this the name was already in for this project. (PP)


 


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


We are incredibly lucky that Colin works on another project called DiAmorte, with Drake Mefestta from The Red Opera Productions. Drake has done the three lyric videos as well as all our artwork for 3.6.2.4, and the singles from it. Drake is phenomenal and understands fully what works for the band’s imagery. So, he really understood the full story as well as the lore before creating the art.


 


6.Are there any plans for live shows once the COVID19 pandemic is over with?


We can’t wait to bring this show to a live audience. We have nothing booked yet but keep an eye on our social media pages as when the contracts are signed, we will make sure to announce there first. (PP)


 


We are now looking at booking shows, and we hope to be live this year, once cv19 allows us to do so, we will be chomping at the bit!! (CP) 


 


7.The new album is coming out on 'Black Lion Records', how did you get in contact with this label?


When we had the first tracks recorded, we pitched our press kit out to a few labels and got a fantastic response from Black Lion Records. So, when we looked at the offers it felt like a great home for us and for the debut album. (PP)


 


8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of symphonic black and death metal?


It has been a fantastic reaction from people across the globe. For me personally, that is very new, hearing people from different continents wanting more is crazy. I love I can share with a fan in Japan where the best place to pre-order the CD from. (PP)


 


We are very lucky to have a fair few fans from Devilment following the project, naturally being one of the main composers, the sound will translate across so i guess that's a natural transition. (CP) 


 


9.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?


I am sure DiAmorte and Devilment are the two projects Colin is still with away from GOA. But Devilment is not active at the moment.


I did record a quick demo intended for Cold Lazarus, but I don’t see that recording any time soon. But is a possibility we may record at some point in the future, but nothing is planned. (PP)


 


DiaMorte is about to launch globally this year 


The project has an RPG campaign and a kove production, so its really lofty heights in terms of ambition. 


(CP) 


 


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


Writing for album number two has already begun. Being so close to this one it almost feels like a natural flow, but as so early in the process, it is hard to say. I would like to keep exploring more with the extreme and symphonic sound. (PP)


 


It will remain very uninformed to our sound, however, we never want to remain static musically, the new album is shaping up to be heavier and more modern, yet keeping the DNA of 3.6.2.4 throughout. (CP) 


 


11.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?


Personally, for my vocals I love the clarity on the Bloodbath Nightmares Made Flesh album, Peter nails, what I think is incredible how you can have so much aggression but clarity at the same time. So that is a big influence. What am I listening to? I am really enjoying the latest releases by Dark Tranquillity, Anaal Nathrakh and Killer Be Killed. (PP)


 


For myself, it would be Dimmu Borgir, Devilment, At the Gates, Soilwork, Amorphis, Pink Floyd, Marillion, Arch enemy, and Chimaira. (CP) 


 


 


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


Most of all I would like to thank you for your time and for checking Ghosts Of Atlantis. WE look forward to getting 3.6.2.4 out to you all. (PP)


 


Thank you for taking the time to listen and experience GOA. 


Stay safe, and keep positive. 


(CP) 



Pre-Order:

https://ghostsofatlantisblacklion.bandcamp.com/album/3624 (Vinyl + Digipak + Boxset + Merch + Digital)

https://www.indiemerchstore.com/b/black-lion-records (Digipak + Boxset + Merch)

https://orcd.co/3-6-2-4 (Digital pre-save on Spotify, Apple, Deezer….)

 

For More Info:


– Ghosts of Atlantis –

https://www.ghostsofatlantisofficial.com

https://www.facebook.com/GhostsOfAtlantisofficial

https://www.instagram.com/ghostsofatlantisofficial 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8SA5SCkWeJWHAukfFT_21g