Duir Interview

 

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

 Since the release of Catarsi, we’ve been focused on promoting the album through interviews, reviews and live shows. It’s been great to see how people have connected with the music, and we’re grateful for the support we’ve received so far. At the same time, we’re working on bringing the album to as many stages as possible while slowly collecting ideas for the next chapter of DUIR. 

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

Compared to our previous releases, Catarsi is more cohesive and narrative-driven. Every song is part of the same journey, so the arrangements and dynamics were written to serve the story as a whole. Musically, we pushed the contrast between aggression and melancholy even further, while giving the folk elements a more natural role within the songs. The result is an album that feels more mature, cinematic and emotionally focused without losing the identity of DUIR. 

3.The lyrics on the new album cover impermanence and existentialism themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these topics?

 We’ve always been interested in these themes because they are part of the human experience. Questions about impermanence, identity and the search for meaning are something everyone faces at some point in life. With Catarsi, we chose to explore these ideas through the story of a soldier during the First World War. The war is only the setting, the real focus is on how extreme experiences change a person and lead to a deeper understanding of themselves. Rather than giving answers, we prefer to leave space for listeners to find their own meaning. 

4.I know the bands moniker comes from the Celtic word 'oak, do you have any interest in the paganism from that region?

 The Celtic origin of our name reflects our appreciation for nature, symbolism and ancient traditions rather than a specific religious or spiritual belief. We find those themes inspiring because they represent values like endurance, wisdom and the connection between humanity and the natural world. Our music isn’t meant to promote any particular belief system. We are more interested in the cultural and symbolic aspects of those traditions and in how they can enrich the atmosphere and storytelling of our music.

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

The artwork was created by our friend Silvia from The Veil of Arda, whose artistic vision perfectly matched the atmosphere we wanted for Catarsi. Rather than depicting the First World War in a literal way, the cover focuses on the emotional side of the story. It represents the weight of memory, suffering and inner transformation, reflecting the journey of the album’s main character. We wanted the artwork to evoke emotions and invite the listener into the world of Catarsi before even hearing the first note. 

6.Out of all the shows the band has done so far which one stands out the most? 

One of the shows that stands out the most for us was Summoning of Darkness Festival in Stockholm. It was a great opportunity to play in front of a new audience outside Italy and share the stage with bands we respect. At the same time, every show has its own value. Whether it’s a small club or a festival, what really makes a concert memorable is the connection with the audience and the atmosphere that is created during the performance. 

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

Yes, our goal is to bring Catarsi to as many stages as possible. We already have several live shows planned, and we’re actively working on more dates and festival appearances. Playing live has always been an essential part of DUIR, so we’re looking forward to sharing the new songs with audiences across Italy and beyond.

 8.The new album also has a guest appearance from L.G Of Ellende, can you tell us a little bit more about his contribution to the recording?

 L.G. appears on “Impeto”, and the collaboration came together very naturally. We had already shared the stage with Ellende in Italy, and we’ve always appreciated both their music and their approach.  His voice added a different emotional depth to the song while fitting perfectly with its atmosphere. It was never about changing the identity of DUIR, but about enriching a specific moment of the album with someone we genuinely respect.

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

 The response has been very positive, and we’re truly grateful for it. Seeing people from different countries connect with Catarsi and understand the emotions behind the music has been very rewarding. We’ve received great feedback from listeners, magazines and reviewers around the world, and joining AOP Records has helped us reach an even wider audience. It’s encouraging to see our music resonate beyond Italy, especially within the atmospheric black metal community. 

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

We don’t like to set strict limits on where our music should go. Our goal is simply to keep evolving naturally while staying true to the identity of DUIR. We’ll continue exploring the balance between atmospheric black metal and folk elements, always focusing on emotion, storytelling and creating immersive music. If our sound changes over time, it will be because it feels like the right direction, not because we’re trying to follow trends. 

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles the band members are currently listening to nowadays?

 Lately we’ve been listening to a mix of atmospheric black metal, post-black metal and music outside the metal scene as well. Bands like Ellende, Panopticon, Saor, Harakiri for the Sky, Groza, Sunken and Mgła are still among our favorites, but we’re always looking for new music and different influences. We believe it’s important not to limit ourselves to a single genre, because inspiration can come from many different places. 

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

We’d like to thank you for the interview and everyone who has taken the time to listen to Catarsi and support DUIR. It means a lot to us. We hope to meet many of you at our upcoming shows and festivals. Until then, thank you for being part of this journey, and see you on the road!

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