Southern Extremity Interview

1. Can you give us a brief history of the band?
Certainly, Southern Extremity was formed in August 2008 by Jason Tierney (vocals, guitar), Martin Leimgruber (drums) and Andreas Eder (bass). In January/ February 2009 we recorded our debut full length 'Hymns of Darkness and Hate'.

2. How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you before?

Extreme metal. Basically a combination of different aspects of black and death metal but not totally focused on one genre in particular.
The sound itself is rough and raw, consistent with our 'DIY' technique of recording and producing with minimal equipment in a basement!!
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3. What is the meaning behind the band's name?

On our websites enter page the band name has been explained as follows, "If the northern extremity were referred to as 'Heaven'... SOUTHERN EXTREMITY"

4. How did you get into black metal?

Through the Norwegian scene of the early nineties. The atmosphere that was created from dark melodies, screaming vocals and blast beats really made an impression.
It was a great contrast to the death metal scene that broke through a few years before.

5. What are some of the best shows that you have played so far?
The show we played last Saturday (25.7.09) was our first as Southern Extremity and was great fun. We've already got a few more lined up for September, October and November and are looking around for more.

6. Are you looking for a record label or had any label interest?

We're not looking for a label and I'm not sure if we ever will. No one has contacted us either but even if they did I'm not sure we'd be in a hurry to sign. The main advantage of a label would be helping us get on tour but I'm quite scepticle of the music "business" and am happy to be an underground extreme metal band just doing our own thing at the moment. We'll just have to wait and see what the future has in store for us and make those decisions when required.
7. What direction do you see the band going into during the future?

Musically the next CD will be almost purely black metal. That's the way the new songs are shaping up so we won't really be mixing it up with other genres this time round. It's something I've had to resist because sometimes a sort of death metal riff fits very well. Playing live is also a high priority so we'll be trying out a couple of these new songs at the next gig. Hopefully we'll get a live preview posted before we go recording!
8. What are your main influences music wise or non music wise?

We're into the extreme metal scene from death metal to grindcore. Extreme drumming is also massive these days. Just check out youtube and you'll find a guy blasting away to Mozart! All that sort of stuff from 'do it yourself' up to the professionals like George Kollias of Nile is great for the scene in general.
Lyrically I'm inspired by the darker side of life. Death is obviously then the most intriguing subject and therefore I try to write intelligent contemplative lyrics. Death is inevitable but we know almost nothing about it. That leaves quite a bit of scope for the imagination!

9. What are you listening to nowadays and what are some good bands or releases that you would recommend?
Well we're all aware of the essentials like Mayhem so I'll name a few underground bands that are worthy of a mention. Nehëmah from France play some awesome black metal. A Transylvanian Funeral is also black metal and has a great sound. Temple of the Maggot is difficult to describe but I really like what they're doing. Just yesterday the band Mae Naak uploaded a couple of tracks to myspace and it's really quite exceptional grindcore. Fleischwald is also very busy in the grindcore scene. Checking them out on Myspace isn't a bad idea because then you'll find countless other links to other bands. Discovering new music for yourself is often the most rewarding so get surfing!

10. Does Satanism or Occultism play a role in the music?

No it doesn't. In my opinion we're all searching for something in life and people find that in many different things. As long as people have the freedom to do what they choose and follow their path then they'll live life to the fullest. I'm still searching and therefore can't pledge allegiance to any particular path.

11. What are some good films or books that you would recommend?
I don't watch that many movies and those that I watch usually have their title so badly translated from English to German that you wouldn't know which film I meant anyway.
An interesting book that I'm reading is called 'The science of the initiates' from 1934. Now you really need to go in with an open mind. It's a Q and A from start to finish with an "Initiate" of this particular sect whose name eludes me at the moment. There's stuff where you think "what??" and "naaa" but I've just got up to a bit where they learn about preparing themselves for death! (Pages 119-123 roughly). It's pretty intense stuff and certainly not for everyone so don't blame me if you don't like it. :) I still don't know where I stand on the subject matter but I'm reading it anyway. It might help with writing lyrics if nothing else.

12. How does Italy react to your style of black metal?
Very well. Extreme metal is very widespread these days, it's a lot more accepted and is now almost "normal"! An extreme metal scene is emerging up here in the north with lots of new bands and it's great to be involved.

13. Any final; words?
Keep an eye on youtube for coming live videos. If we're able to get an almost listenable sound out of the video camera then it'll be posted. :)
The album 'Hymns of Darkness and Hate' is free to download at the moment and CD's and T-Shirts are available to buy from the website. www.southernextremity.com

14. Thanks for the interview?
Thanks alot for the interview and for supporting underground extreme metal!
Hails!!
Jason