Cogadh Interview

 

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

Cogadh is a Black Metal duo from Ontario and Quebec, Canada. Ira play the guitars and bass on the EP while Alex does vocals and the drums. We use a combination of melodic riffs followed by more traditional Black Metal melodies that helps capture the best of both areas in Black Metal. 

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

The EP release date is actually in October, the musical style we used for the recording was a combination of traditional Black Metal, with elements of thrash, folk and heavy metal. We also threw some pagan/folk metal elements with clean, raw and echoing voices/singing on some of the songs.  

3.A lot of your lyrics cover Irish Mythology themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?

We’ve always enjoyed music that explains stories and folklore of the past. The ideologies of ancient cultures are really rich in ideas, morals and depth. It’s the perfect scenario for making a song. Also since the name of the band is Cogadh (which comes from the Gaelic culture in Scotland and Ireland) having songs about ancient tales of the U.K and Ireland seem fitting.

4.I know that the band name is Gaelic for 'war', how does this name fit in with the musical style that you play?

War is chaotic, sometimes long and drawn out, plus it finishes in a different place then when it started. In relation to our music, our songs sometimes are epic and long. We also progress through different styles of playing (aggressive riffs followed by melodies) and usually finish the song in a different spot then when it started. Our songs can also be quick and to the point, full of attack, much like in war. 

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

An artist named Manuel Scapinello from Italy did this artwork for us, his stuff is amazing and we really recommend everyone check out his stuff! It’s the perfect balance between nature, solitude and a looming grimness with the fortress in the background and serpent imagery. The black and white also adds to the raw atmosphere and allows the details to blend perfectly together. Great for Black Metal, check his stuff out!

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 the time being we plan on being a 2 piece band, however we still do plan on playing live with sessional musicians. It is hard to say right now if we will expand into a larger line up. 

7.On the ep you also done an 'Immortal' cover, what was the decision behind doing your own version of one of their songs?

Not many have done a cover of Pure Holocaust that we are aware of. It’s an underestimated Immortal track and we thought it would be great to give it shot and do a cover that most bands haven’t tried yet. 

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

We wanted to work with promoters first to see how the results were from the EP. In the long run, looking for a label would be the ideal plan.

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

We haven’t had any songs released yet as this is our debut. However; we’ve received positive feedback from promoters, and with that we think most people would like our material.

10.When can we expect a full length and also where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?

The goal will be to do a full length album next, perhaps a year from now. Looking ahead, we see ourselves continuing to make music and release material at a consistent basis. Regardless of where Cogadh goes, it will always be something we continue to develop. 

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?

Havukruunu, Taake and Primordial overall. Black Metal bands that combines melodic riffs with traditional Black metal elements, Havukruunu would definitely be a large influence. 

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

Check out the EP! It’s a really great work of art and contains all the elements that make Black Metal great! And thanks again for this interview! 

https://www.facebook.com/Cogadh-102141112559631/

Cogadh/Runetongue/2022 EP Review

 

  Cogadh  are  a  duo  form  Canada  that plays  a  very  traditional  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2022  ep  "Runetongue"  which  will  be  released  in  Octiber.

  A  very  fast  and r aw  sound  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats.  The  songs  also  add  in  a  lot  of  90's  second  wave  influences  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  as  well  melodies  also  being  a  very  huge  part  of  the  guitar  riffing.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  decent  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  clear  pagan  chants  and  vocals  can  also  be  heard  briefly.  A  couple  of  the  tracks  are  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  one  song  also  adding  in  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts  as  well  as  the  solos  and  leads  also  being  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  when  they  are  utilized  and  they  close  the  ep  with  a  cover  of  Immortal's  "Pure  Holocaust". 

  Cogadh  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  raw  and  old  school in  the  90's  second  wave  tradition.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Irish  Mythology.

  In  my  opinion  Cogadh  are  a  very  great  sounding  traditional  black  metal  duo  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "This  Familiar  Cold"  and  "The  Three  Sons".  8  out  of  10.