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Hello, thank you for the invitation and greetings to your readers. Primal Cult is a band from Greece founded in 2012 by me Eve (guitars) and my brother Ares (drums). In 2013 we met Deathlicon (guitars also) and with this line up we recorded In Timeless Paths EP 2014 and Perennial Fire full album 2018. After the release of Perennial Fire, there came a time when major unforeseen life challenges confronted the members of the band, and we could not continue as a full band anymore. So at some point I decided to continue this project alone and it took me some more time until the completion of the new album.
2.Recently you have released a new album, musically how does this it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
I feel the new album is a bit darker and more aggressive than the previous one, but it’s still 100% Primal Cult since I am the main composer behind both albums.
3.This is also your first album in 8 years, can you tell us a little bit more about the long wait in between releases?
During these eight years I experimented and composed a lot of music, from which I selected the tracks for this album. The album was completed and financed through my day job as I wanted all the instruments I had composed to be played by real musicians. Certainly, the circumstances that arose within the band caused a large part of the delay, but on the other hand music is not my job but my creative pursuit and I don’t care about making it hurried or attractive to the market.
4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you explore with the new album and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?
Lyrically, Dark Passage is a journey of transitions, from the known and safe to the unknown and unpredictable, from isolation to transformation, from darkness to light and from light to darkness again, from life to death and from death to life. Mythological or historical references are used sometimes to portray these states.
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Primal Cult'?
Primal Cult refers to the primal forces behind creation and destruction, as well as our inner primal impulses. To put it as briefly as possible, it reflects the Greek philosophical view of the Pre-Socratic philosophers, where the cosmos is perceived as an interplay of opposing forces which cause an eternal cycle of transformations. The name also refers to an old school, direct and focused approach to music, structured around core primal ideas.
6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
The artwork, which was made by the great artist Nela Reindl, represents a cosmic sea, a literal sea, and an inner emotional sea at the same time, with a portal to the unknown. It’s a pattern that permeates all phases of existence, where a part always remains a mystery and it’s always hidden, but it’s that very Mystery that keeps us driven.
7.On the new album you also have some session musicians, can you tell us a little bit more about who they are and their contributions to the recording?
Apart from Babis Konstas (Melmoth) on piano, who is a longtime friend and we have played music together for years, the rest were musicians to whom I was introduced by Nick Setesh (sound engineer of Adyton Recordings), who also played the bass on the album. Krotos (ex-Diablery, Dodsferd live), is an awesome drummer who doesn't hesitate to try anything new and Michalis Kontos is a rare case of a metalhead who is also an excellent cello teacher. They are all amazing musicians who loved the material and performed the parts I gave them to the letter and very quickly, while they also contributed their technical nuance and deep knowledge of their instruments.
8.With the live line-up what are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
We haven’t played many live shows as a band. For me, the most important show was our first gig which was organized by our dear friend X from Human Serpent (RIP), and it had a totally underground spirit to it.
9.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?
Some specific shows are possible.
10.The new album was released on 'Northern Silence Productions', how would you compare working with this label to 'Azermedoth Records'?
Αzermedoth records was a last resort at the time since we were an unknown band with no network and they were the only label that offered us a decent deal, so we thank them for that. Unfortunately, it seems the distribution of the album in Europe wasn’t sufficient. We also collaborated with other companies, Ancient Spirit Terror released a tape version of Perennial Fire and Floga Records released a vinyl version. Now, with the support of Northern silence, we have opened up to a larger audience that might be interested in connecting with our music and this is always positive. The support we have had from Northern Silence in all areas is invaluable.
11.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?
Lots of people who are fond of a more organic and old school approach to music were very enthusiastic about the new album.
12.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?
I’ll just keep creating music as long as I feel the need to do it, following the inner call rather than modern trends or market demands.
13.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?
I’m always searching for what feels authentic to me, and this might come from many different sources. I’m trying to listen to new stuff and there is great music out there, though most of the modern productions don’t really resonate with me because my ears and brain are very addicted to the old school-sound of the 80s and 90s.
14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
I’d like to thank you sincerely for this interview and I hope that your readers will take the chance to connect with our music and follow the journey of Dark Passage.
Bandcamp: https://primalcult.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/PrimalCultgr
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