Code Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and both the new length and live album?

Since the release of the last album and the live album, we have really just been taking some time off.  Last year was pretty intense for us so taking some time to take stock was a good idea.  We have recently started rehearsing for our last show which is coming up in a couple of weeks time so that has been our focus recently.

2.In February you had released a full length, how would you describe the musical that is presented on that recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

Mut was a radical departure for us musically and one that was really necessary for us as a group of musicians.  It was really refreshing to be able to throw out the rule book we had written for ourselves and approach writing a music with a long empty road in front of us.  I like to think that the album doesn't sit in a convenient set of boundaries that would enable it to be summed up in a terms of standard genres.  I would say that it is code stripped down and laid bare.

3.Originally the band played more of a black metal style not know plays progressive/post rock,  what was the decision  behind going into that musical direction?

The change was necessary to keep us excited to make music.  It was a brand new set of challenges which made the whole experience very liberating and rewarding so I would say the reason for the stylistic change was mainly due to our own selfishness.  It certainly wasn't done in order to win new fans.

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?

The lyrics this time round were really just reflections on the imagery the music generated in the vocalist's mind.  Call it painting with words.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Code'?

Code means whatever you want it to mean.

6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

Personal favourite gigs for me would be the Augur Nox release show in London, and the Paris and Brno shows from our Resplendent Grotesque tour.  We just go out there and play from the heart.  No theatrics, no elaborate stage sets....just us, our instruments and our music.

7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?

Our last show for the foreseable future will be in London on 3rd July.  After that.....nothing.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your newer music by fans of both black metal and post rock?

I don't think the promotion of the album has been wide enough to make much of a dent outside of metal.  The only real gauge I have is from the people that follow us on our Facebook site and on balance I would say the reaction has been positive.  A lot of people seemed to appreciate what we were trying to do and have enjoyed the album so that is always refreshing.  Of course not everyone is on board and that is fine too.  We are all individuals and thankfully we don't all think the same.

9.Are any of the band members also involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?

Personally, I am involved with Indesinence (new album out very soon), Binah (new material next year) and Blutvial (new album being worked on now but I don't know when it will be finished).  Wacian and Syhr are both involved in their band Alternative Carpark and the other guys have things on the go too.

10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

I honestly don't know.  We will just see what happens when the time comes to write again.  That is the great aspect of being where we are now is that we don't feel constrained by genre any more.  Once again....the long empty road is ahead of us.

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

We purposely don't listen to music for inspiration when writing.  Of course there will be some subconscious effect but we certainly don't think "let's try and sound like someone from band x or this genre y".  We are very inward looking when it comes to writing and that is the most rewarding way I find to approach it.

Personally I listen to a wide range of music from black metal to jazz to folk to prog and many other avenues.  Nothing is off limits.

12.What are some of your non musical interests?

Outside of work and music, there doesn't end up being a lot of time for other interests, although I do always love watching a good movie.


13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?


Thanks for taking the time to ask us these questions.  Good luck with your endeavours and for your readers, keep up to date with what we are doing at www.facebook.com/codeblackmetal.  Hails