1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
We have just finished producing our latest effort. Basically, it’s a collection of songs that originally appeared on our first two albums. Since we recently celebrated 10th anniversary, we decided to give them a fresh update in terms of sound quality and how we play them as Dekadent in 2016. We always loved these songs but felt they could be presented in technically superior fashion. I am pleased to say we were right. The newly recorded songs sound far tighter and mightier. It shows the quality and solidness of our current line up. As always, other than some finishing touches by V. Santura (Dark Fortress, Tryptikon, …), we handled all the production duties ourselves.
2.How would you describe the musical sound of the newer music?
I feel Dekadent has always maintained its recognizable character with constantly present uplifting vibe and somewhat positive atmosphere. Our recent and newer material is gradually shifting towards something more technically challenging which brings a darker anima in the foreground. But that shift feels natural and organic as this advanced process has been evolving since our 2011 album ‘Venera: Trail & Tribulation’.
3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?
The grand theme of aggressive devotion remains ever-present, but while lyrics on our first three albums were obviously leaning towards existential romanticism and emotional despair, my penning includes more and more sense of individual triumph nowadays. The eternal love for flesh and stone is being loudly praised in my latest creations, with lesser attention towards anxiety and spiritual self. Philosophically, Dekadent is now more material and human than ever in terms of spirituality, praising the here and the now and dealing less and less with transcendental ideas and other-worldly concerns. My obligation to this life has greater importance and is my sole present universe.
4.Originally the band was called 'Vigred', what was the cause of the name change and also the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Dekadent'?
I still think the name Vigred encompassed music and the message of my work in a more appropriate manner than what people understand under our current moniker which has nothing to do with decadence per se. Vigred means ’spring-time’ in archaic Slovene and it fit my compositions really well. Alas, it also had some connotations I wasn’t fond of later on. Hence I went for a darker sounding ‘Dekadent’ and like I mentioned, few know I named my project after the Decadent movement and its great association with intellectual Symbolist aesthetics which find a great role in all my creations. The portrayals that I paint with my music could easily depict the works of Delacroix, Baudelaire or Wagner. Extensive romantic worlds filled with emotional tornadoes and heroic acts that end up in failure are common themes that are perhaps more evident musically than lyrically in Dekadent’s portfolio.
5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
We have had quite some memorable performances, but in general there were more of those I wish we would not take part of. I quickly learned most venues (if they can even be called that) are not on par with our demands. Being extremely experienced in visual arts I always wanted to enhance our performances to a maximum degree but wasn’t able due to technical restrictions in most clubs. Therefore most of the shows I would categorize as satisfying came from our own organizing and production. Unveiling our ‘Veritas’ album at the movie theater, for example, was something we could at least partially conduct to our liking. On the other hand shows in obscure clubs in the middle of Russia or somewhere in Amsterdam can leave a positive impression with its raw atmosphere that demands from us, as musicians, to show whatever we’ve got even without the most basic stage paraphernalia.
6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
Yes! By all means. Dekadent is now finally a very solid collective of trained performers who love what they do and cherish every minute on stage. 2016 was actually quite busy with two extensive tours across Europe and Russian Federation. Needless to say we gained some mileage along the way and now feel prepared for whatever comes our way.
7.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?
Most of the people who listen to Dekadent have broader knowledge in music and therefore accept our music with a different criteria in relation to something as daft as true black metal. On the other hand we are still so extremely underground that majority of black metal fans do not even come across our music in the first place. I am pleased to say those few that had an opportunity to listen our music at least once, now follow our work and appreciate what Dekadent delivers to the scene.
8.Are any of the band members currently involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?
They were until recently, but it is now forbidden to partake in musical acts outside Dekadent. Seriously, all members mutually agreed that we should channel our energy into Dekadent’s further growth and make it as strong of an entity as possible. We have come over that barrier of what was once a musical project and is now becoming an institution in its own right.
9.When can we expect newer music and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
As we speak Dekadent is negotiating with several small labels for the upcoming release of the aforementioned collection of songs. We hope this release will see the light of day in early 2017, while new material is constantly being written. Dekadent’s creative field is extremely wide and our contemporary style allows further development and refinement. To say we achieved our zenith with ‘Veritas’ would be arrogant and at the same time fairly pathetic. Not to say I am not content with our past releases, but we are capable of much more and we are determined to achieve that. If not with our next full-length, maybe with one after that. I am however aware Dekadent is slowly turning into a living organism with its own system that could twist into a different monster I would expect at this very moment.
10.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?
To many metalheads’ approval I have to admit I am actively listening to what the underground metal scene has to offer. Generally I listen to what I find online by coincidence, while our guitarist Gajwasz became somewhat of a personal curator of mine and introduced me to interesting acts such as Oranssi Pazuzu and Sinmara. I absolutely love what bands like Bölzer, Schammasch and Inferno (CZ) are doing recently, but to say where I find direct correlation and Dekadent soul at I would have to confess I immensely enjoy ‘BLUE’ by iamamiwhoami.
11.What are some of your non musical interests?
Working in visual arts makes me feel fortunate as it enables me to combine profession with what I do passionately. Intense interest in arts and literature on a daily basis enriches my life, however semi-professional activity in wine-making is what makes times ever more vibrant and pleasant.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thank you for this interview and thanks to our fans for spreading the fire of Valburga.
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Rock on. Dekadent is great. Thanks for the music recommendations too.
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