Recording an album can be romantically seen as the culmination of a project, and to some extent it is, since in a way it concludes the process of creating the music. However, the truth is that it is the previous step to another series of procedures that are generally less fun but equally important. In our case, after recording came the search for a label, the preparation of the material required for promotion, the search for help with the layout of the booklet, planning videos, answering interviews, etc.
2.Recently you have released a new album, musically how does it differ from your previous demo?
When we recorded the demo, we had almost all the album's material already composed, with the exception of the bass tracks and some third guitars, so the demo was a good preview of what was to come. However, with the possible exception of The Last Glow, which was a bit heavier than the rest, the songs chosen for the demo had a more similar style. In a way, we didn't want to show all our cards until we released the full album, which reveals greater versatility and a wider range of influences. For example, The Forsaken Redeemer shows a much denser and more epic side, while Buried Name brings more rock-oriented and accessible touches.
3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?
If there is one concept or idea that encompasses all the lyrics on the album, it would be the human being's inability to manage their internal conflicts and how this is reflected in a decaying society and a dying nature.
More specifically, in some lyrics like "Sasi Santuaren Amiltzea" or "The Last Glow," reference is made to the spiritual path as a way to abandon suffering. "The Never Ending Search" could also go in that direction, but it delves mainly into the feeling of doubt or uncertainty regarding the path to take. "The Forsaken Redeemer" is heavily inspired by the Passion of Christ and has extracts from the New Testament. "Black Hounds of Justice" deals more or less with bad karma and the nightmares of a person who has dedicated his life to the most selfish evil, while "Azken Arbolak" is an environmentalist plea that talks about the survival of the last trees.
4.The lyrics are written in both English and Basque, can you tell us a little bit more about the decision behind writing songs in both lyrics?
The decision to sing in English is mainly because the vast majority of my favorite bands sing in that language. However, for a person with little experience in writing, using a foreign language has been a very big challenge. Using one of my mother tongues has been a relief in that sense, as everything came much more fluently and I could take much more care of the rhymes, the exact meaning of each word, the sonority, etc. On the other hand, black metal is a style generally very rooted in each territory, and I believe that using Basque gives the band a more distinctive touch while also connecting us with our local scene.
Finally, I don't consider myself a very outgoing person, and in a way, using a language that many people don't understand (not many people in Spain understand English either, hahahaha) gives me a certain feeling of protection, something that perhaps wouldn't happen if I used Spanish.
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Aschen'?
I don't recall very well what other names were on the table, but the name Aschen emerged after a brainstorming session that produced a wide variety of proposals.
In the end, I settled on Aschen, which was one of the last names to come up, because it is a word that evokes many different concepts, both positive and negative.
Ash can be associated with destruction, but it doesn't allude to it directly. It can also be associated with religious rituals, fertility, the insignificance of matter, etc. I believe that, like the word itself, Aschen's music has many faces, a great number of nuances, and is difficult to classify.
6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
The cover art refers to the title of the album, the never-ending search, which is nothing other than the quest for fulfillment that makes up the life of every human being.
This concept is reflected through a labyrinth whose streets are shaped like fingerprints. The idea I wanted to convey is that human beings cannot find the meaning of their lives unless they traverse the tortuous and labyrinthine path of self-knowledge. It is useless to seek satisfaction on the outside; in the end, there is no choice but to delve into the essence of oneself.
7.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?
The fact that there are only two of us is mainly due to the difficulties in finding people who wanted to get involved in the project. I've always prioritized people who are relatively close, and that makes it harder because we come from a rural area where musicians of our style aren't exactly abundant, but in the beginning we did briefly collaborate with a drummer.
It's also true that decision-making is simpler with fewer members, but we are definitely open to incorporating more musicians in the future.
8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?
It hasn't even been a week since the album was released, for now on digital platforms, and we haven't received much feedback yet, but in general the reviews and reactions are being very positive.
9.Are any of the band members currently involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?
Aschen is my only musical project, but Atauzz is always involved in many projects. Right now he has two active bands, 2sonte, a hardcore-metal group, and Gaizkillers, a rock and roll band. Both are highly recommended, both on record and live.
10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
I'd say there are about four new songs almost finished and two or three more that are very advanced. In these, the style doesn't change much, but perhaps the structures are less progressive and are based on fewer riffs. But well, it's possible that later some of these songs will be discarded and different ideas or trends will emerge. It's still too early to know.
11.What are some of the bands or musical styles the band members are currently listening to nowadays?
I listen to a lot of music, but it's hard for me to really get hooked on something. The albums I've listened to the most in recent months are the latest ones by Mystic Circle, Blut Aus Nord, 1917, Blood Red Throne, Mayhem, Monstrosity, etc. I also had a good stretch of listening to Legion of the Damned.
Atauzz has been listening to a lot of Sleep Token, Deafheaven, Cobra, and Converge.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
First of all, I would like to thank you for your support and also that of the readers. Secondly, I strongly recommend that everyone listen to our album "The Never Ending Search," which surely will not disappoint them. It is a complex and elaborate album, but at the same time very enjoyable, with varied songs that awaken a rich amalgam of intense emotions.
And finally, if you like the album, share it, subscribe to our social media and YouTube channels, comment, buy it when it is out on CD (probably the only product that costs the same as 20 years ago) etc. It is the best way to make the algorithm show our music to more people and help Aschen grow.
aschen1.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/people/Aschen/61556623060502
www.youtube.com/@aschenband
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