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Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?
We started recording Abandon two years ago! We’re almost done writing a new album so we’re looking forward to getting back into the studio. We’ve been playing more shows with our current lineup and hope to do a lot more of that. We still get together every week in our cramped, dirty, uncomfortably hot practice space and play old songs, write new ones, give each other unmitigated shit, and share dumb memes.
You have a new album coming out in August, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
Abandon is much more expansive and personal than our self-titled album. We have a different drummer (with a death-metal background) and an additional guitarist/vocalist who brings a noise-rock sensibility. As a unit we’ve been veering into more melodic, experimental, proggy, and shoe-gazey territories while still leaning heavily on blast beats, tremolo picking and screamy vocals.
This is also your first release in 6 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?
Well the pandemic fucked us up, as it did everyone. We also had a lineup change and took two years to record and release the record. Plus, you know, all the normal-life bullshit that being in a band part-time entails.
What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the new release and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?
Eric is the primary vocalist and lyricist of the band: ‘In the past, I’ve generally written songs from a third-person point of view, but with this album, although the lyrics and themes still aim to be abstract, it’s the most personal I’ve gotten with lyrics. I wanted the record to convey those feelings of isolation, loneliness, and grief — “abandonment”; but also to look at it from the perspective of things “to abandon” — to break free from that which torments us.’
What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Corridoré'?
Corridoré is Italian for ‘runner.’ It conjures up the feeling of always chasing; longing for a completion to a race that is never over.
Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
The artwork for Abandon was done by an Indonesian artist, who goes by the nom d'artiste Sick of Realism. We discovered them on Instagram and their art perfectly captures the record’s themes of abandoning and abandonment.
What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Every time we’re out on the road, it’s magical. Even the shitty shows, breakdowns, equipment malfunctions, and small crowds. It’s all about making connections with like-minded people. We just love playing. On stage, we all enter a bit of a trance: Eric sways, singing with his eyes shut. Guitarists Matt and Russell whirl and head bang while Nick pounds his drums with a concentration that seems almost spiteful.
Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?
We’re playing some record-release shows around the Midwest and eyeing an east-coast tour in the fall/winter. Since Hypaethral is based in Toronto, we’re also hoping to do some shows in Canada, eh? Europe would be cool too (hint hint).
The new album is going to be released on 'Hypaethral Records', how did you get in contact with this label?
Ha! Therein lies a tale. We were doing some shows with our friends, the amazing Minneapolis band Eudaemon. They were promoting our shows together and used one of the songs from our first album as the music for an Instagram post. One of their fans mentioned that the song had a “Hypaethral vibe.” We checked out the label and realized that we were familiar with several of their bands including label head Chris’ band Titan. We responded to the post saying “we love Hypaethral. Call us!” A few hours later, Chris messaged us and asked if we had any new material. We sent him the completed album and he agreed to put it out. Phew! Innerwebz, amirite? Also, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that the cassette version of Abandon will be released on Jems Label from Iowa. We met label head Jorge when we played with his band White Batzzz in 2019. He’s been bugging us to release a cassette ever since.
On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of post black metal?
Obviously we’re a small band but we’ve been pleasantly surprised over the years that we’ve gotten support (and merch orders!) from all over the world. Hoping that our association with Hypaethral and Jems will help push us to new listeners everywhere – the preorders are selling well so it seems like early reactions to the new material has been positive!
Where do you see the band heading musically during the future?
The new material we’re writing has been more indebted to musical styles such as post-rock and noise-rock as well as the ever-present undercurrent of black metal. We’re excited to just let the music lead us where it wants to go, not adhering to any labels or constructs – but it’s still going to be heavy and emotionally intense, whatever we do.
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?
As a band we cite bands like Falls of Rauros, Nothing, Inter Arma, and Deafheaven as musical touchstones. Heavy rotation lately?
Russell: FACS, Deafheaven, krautrock
Eric: Agriculture, chat pile, blood incantation
Matt: Metal, same as above. Non-metal: Ryan Davis, Jeff Parker, Cameron Winter, Nala Sinephro, Have A Nice Life!
Nick: Svalbard, Thrown, Christopher Cross
Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Listen to music actively. Think about the things bands stand for. Support your local scene. Fuck fascism.
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