1. Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?
C. (vocals): Hi! After the recording session we focused mainly on a few live shows: two gigs in Czech Republic followed by F.O.A.D Fest that took place at the beginning of December in our home town. Besides, the new year will bring a minor personal change in our line-up, we will release some official statement regarding it soon.
P. (bass guitar): It is also worth mentioning that we have some additional tracks that have been recorded and mixed along with “Fate” session – they will be released as either EP or some split in the future. However, currently our main focus is to promote the band’s latest album “Fate”.
2. You have a new album coming out in December, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released on the past?
C.: I am very pleased with the final sound of the new album. It’s more dirty and obscure comparing to “Ecce Homo” so it suits our music better. Additionally, each instrument is properly and clearly exposed on “Fate”.
P.: I was not involved in writing of “Ecce Homo” so it is difficult for me to refer to that album. What I can say is that practically all band members contributed to the creation of “Fate”. Speaking of music quality, the rhythm section on “Fate” is vivid and intense. Personally, I find overall sound of “Fate” more organic, natural and powerful comparing to “Ecce Homo”.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?
C.: I always explore misanthropic areas in my lyrics. I like to depict contempt for the human kind and glorify death in all its forms. Basically, this is the message that has been sent out by the band since the very demo called “Anti-Humanity”.
4. I know that the band’s name means 'Shadow' in Polish, how does this name fit in with the musical style that you play?
C.: A man is always afraid of what shadows can hide because this may be dangerous in many ways causing anxiety and uneasy feelings. Does it go hand in hand with our music? Yes, I think so – it tends to be disturbing, its destiny is to ask what happens next and to question the future.
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?
C.: Well, there have been many good concerts that we’ve played, so it is a little bit difficult to point out a specific one…For sure the recent F.O.A.D. Fest was one of our best shows, at least in my opinion. Regarding my stage performance, I always try to focus on sounds that are surrounding me at given moment and ignore the rest as non-existent. I even tried some self-mutilation on stage once. I definitely avoid any verbal contact with the audience, which – taking our music and its message into consideration – seems quite understandable.
P.: It’s true, the recent two-day-long F.O.A.D. Fest in Cracow was probably the biggest venue that we have played so far and we all have very good memories of it. The band’s stage image is rather classical, some of us wear corpsepaint during the shows to mark our black metal attachment. And the concert itself is always a pure emotional energy that we share with the audience.
6. Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?
C.: We are currently setting some details regarding shows for the next year. We already have some dates confirmed and that is optimistic.
7. The new album is coming out on 'Old Temple', are you happy with the support that they have given you over the years?
C.: We can’t complain about cooperation with “Old Temple”.
P.: Oh, it’s true, we get along with the label very well. The owner of “Old Temple” is an awesome guy, I can tell you that!
8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?
C.: We noticed that information about the band was spread worldwide after the release of the latest album. It was e.g. “Black Metal Promotion” that was very helpful with an abroad promotion. So far, the feedback has been positive and we’re very glad for that!
P.: I also came across a few reviews in different languages and the general abroad reception of “Fate” seems to be really favorable so far.
9. Are any of the band members currently involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?
C.: No, as of today none of us plays in any other band nor contributes to other side projects.
10. Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
C.: By gaining further experience and continuously developing our musical skills we plan to release the next album even better that the last one. We definitely have not reached our summit yet.
P.: The band is consequently stepping ahead and with each our release we try to present more mature vision of our music. The upcoming albums will refer to their predecessors because we try to create coherent music yet still incorporating some new elements and introducing new concepts. However, it is way too early for any details, the music will speak for itself when the time is right.
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?
C.: I do not partake much in the process of music writing so it is difficult for me to answer that question. When it comes to lyrics, my inspiration is derived rather from surrounding reality and the life itself than from other musical influences.
P.: Our intention was to keep “Fate” in line with our original sound and atmosphere without drastic deviation from a style generally called black metal, that’s why you probably may hear some tunes common with Polish bands like Furia or Mgła. Obviously, our latest album has a few marks of resemblance to the bands that are our inspiration, but I believe that anyone would be able to recognize genuine style of Cień in the first place. We all listen to different music, not only different metal genres, but we even reach beyond extreme music on a daily basis – the list of bands is really long.
12. Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
C.: Do what you think is proper for you and be vigilant as the death never sleeps…
P.: Thanks for the interview. Stay strong and support black metal!
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