Nephrolith Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

Currently our focus is on writing new material, since we got a great recording opportunity, but I think it is too soon to go into any details. If everything goes as planned, we will hit the studio again somewhere in the mid September. Also, we plan on slightly changing and experimenting with our musical direction. You can still expect black metal, but not (in a way) like our previous releases.



2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and what improvements do you feel you have made since the previous demos?

You could say, that the old material was “more” black metal orientated, the whole production of the demo is more atmospheric, while the album doesn't have that underground atmospheric sound, instead the sound and music are more focused on power and some of the riffing is kind of death metal orientated as well.



3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?

In the new release we explore the Soul and Death. The material world is presented by light and the Soul through darkness. The light enables all to see (meaning the filthy material world), but the darkness enables us to feel and think.





4. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?

We had that in mind, but somehow not everything went as planned. We plan on having a few more local shows, and if everything goes well, some abroad shows. We have our minds set on other stuff right now, but still, if a good opportunity comes up our way and we get some invitations we'll be glad to accept the offer if time will allow us.






5.You have a really dark looking logo, who designed it and what are some of the messages that you are trying to bring out with the logo?

The concept of the logo was made by the whole band, but our vocalist put it together and transformed it into the digital form. The whole idea was not to make another typical black metal logo, we wanted a logo that would give away the impression that it is trying to tell you something, but then we also want people to have their own impressions, when they see the logo.



6.Do any of the band members have any side projects or is this a full time line-up?

There were some short-lived side projects but nothing serious came out.



7. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by black metal fans?

For now, the reactions were really good. But we are still quite a young underground band, so our music hasn't spread that much yet.



8.What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?

Like I said before, we are planning on slightly changing our musical style, but I think even the band itself doesn't exactly know yet, in which direction it is going. Somehow we are in an experimental mode. There were some really good ideas that we want to include in our music, but I wouldn't want to reveal too much too early.



9.What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays, black metal or non black metal?

From the start the main influence were Dissection, Vinterland, Lord Belial, Sacramentum, Satyricon etc. but mostly Swedish black metal. But as time passes, so do our influences. Currently, I think, the biggest impact was done by the Icelandic band Solstafir, Nachtmystium's last two albums and Agalloch.

10.Nowadays we listen to many different music, we still listen to black metal, maybe some of us less than we used to. Other than that our musical taste goes from Alice in Chains to Lady Gaga. There are no boundaries.




11. What role does Occultism play in your music and how would you describe your views on this topic?

I don't know if occultism is the right word to describe our spiritual views. In a way, each member has it's own personal view on this topic. We do share some common grounds, but in a nutshell, we all have our own individual opinions on this topic.






12. Outside of music, what are some of your interests?

For the most of us watching series, playing Mass Effect, Starcraft II… computer related mostly. Some of us enjoy nature and farming. Nothing special really.




13.Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Thank you for your time with the interview and I hope our paths cross again some time. Cheers

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