This project manifested as a result of our need to merge our vast pool of musical influences. Isabelle (vocalist) and I (guitars/drums/bass/production) enjoy a lot of underground bands from different sub-genres of metal ranging from progressive metal to sludge, doom and black metal. We also play in 2 other death metal projects (Mors Verum and Ischemic). However we wanted to have full control over our song writing and management, which then led us to form Blood Brain Barrier. I had a few songs written already but needed the heavy touch of Isabelle’s vocals to complete the sonic landscape.
2.You have an ep coming out in July, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?
So for this EP, we wanted to combine the trance-inducing elements of black metal with heaviness of doom and sludge. Everything recorded and mixed was kept as organic as possible because we love the sounds of analogue gear. I wanted this EP to have its own vibe that would justify the convergence of the above-mentioned sub genres of metal.
3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?
Lyrically and thematically, we like to explore the fractured borderlands between the physical and the metaphysical—where inner turmoil mirrors societal collapse, and spiritual decay reflects in ecological ruin. We’ve always been fans of abstract concepts—identity dissolution, entropy, liminality, and psychic fragmentation—and find that these themes often echo real-world anxieties and existential dread.
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Blood Brain Barrier'?
Blood Brain Barrier, in real life, is a permeable membrane that separates the brain's microenvironment from the bloodstream, protecting it from harmful substances while allowing essential nutrients to enter. This is within us and as humans, we don’t realise its function, as it is autonomous. Just like other realms that we may not be otherwise aware of in our current cosmic environment. It may be performing the same function as the Blood Brain Barrier performs in our bodies, keeping harmful entities away and only letting the essential energies in our lives. However, in the context of this project, we like to explore all the harmful entities that are trying to break through this barrier.
5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the EP cover?
The artwork was inspired by the title of this EP: “Windows Drenched in Red”. I designed the artwork myself in order to stay true to how I feel when I listen to our EP. The artwork represents the paradox of curiosity from both, the human and the abstract realms. They both want to explore each other, only realizing that this exploration in itself is a futile cause which will eventually pulverize them into non - existence.
6.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?
For song writing and the creative process, we will always remain a duo. However, if we go on a tour or play live, we are surely going to have a full band with 2 guitarists and a bassist, while I handle the drumming duties and Isabelle does her vocals.
7.Are there any plans for live shows in the future?
Yes, we would love to go on a mini-tour later this year and/or next year sometime. We plan to reach bands in similar realms from Canada who may be interested to tour with us. Our ideal pick, locally, would be Thantifaxath, Tomb Mold, etc. We will surely update everyone through our social media accounts if and when the tour is set up and ready to go.
8.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
We are open to merge with a label if it is a symbiotic relationship.
9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black, sludge and doom metal?
Well, this is our debut release, so we haven’t reached as many fans as we would hope to. But time will tell.
10.When can we expect a full length and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
You can expect a full length in a year’s time from this release. I am always in the studio working away on my ideas. So a full-length is already brewing as we speak. Musically, we are aiming to build more on the trance-inducing elements of sound and something that can take the listener on a unique journey, while listening to us in their day to day life or when we play live shows.
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?
When it comes to song writing aspects, I heavily lean on Steven Wilson’s (Porcupine Tree) essence. Sonically however, I love the all-encompassing, enveloping and reverberating sounds of bands like Ruins of Beverast, Yellow Eyes, Krallice, Thou and Wolves in the Throne Room etc. Nowadays, we usually listen to Ozric Tentacles, Dead Congregation, Opeth, Mortiferum and Spectral Voice.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thank you for featuring us on your website. We would love to hear what your readers think of our music and we are very approachable if anyone wants to reach out to us through our Instagram: @bloodbrainbarrier_metal. We hope, our music is inspirational to other musicians in terms of experimenting with songwriting and is also able to take the listener on their own journey.
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