1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?
SAD: The last few months were quite busy for us as we had to finish the album. Since we finished it, we had a break from recordings and we were dealing with the rest of the works that had to be done, like artwork and credits. As it seems, the following months will be also busy for us, as we have to work for two split releases, one 10” EP with Malaysian band IVVIIV (DEAD) and a split album with the Greek band AKANTHA.
2.You have a new album coming out on Halloween, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
SAD: We think that the new album has a more aggressive feeling. Other than that, no big differences from our past works. Generally, from one album to the next, the differences are faint. Of course, if you compare a release from 10 years or more ago, to the new album, you will find some differences, but this is just minor evolution to our sound and songwriting. Our direction is stable.
3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer album and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?
Nadir: The lyrical topics are not something new or groundbreaking. The same old death, anti-religion, inner search, social decay. As an answer to the second part of the question, what I could call progress to my lyrical works, would be the approach to these topics, which is more philosophical and psychological, delivered in a more surrealistic and abstract way that fits better with my ageing.
Ungod: I don’t think that my songwriting has changed much over the years. I am still finding inspiration in the bands I like and in the mood of the moment. You can call progress the better instrumentation and arrangements that I think I’m able to do now.
4.Both of the band members also have experience playing in other bands, what is it that you bring into the music of "SAD' that you are not able to do with your other groups?
SAD: When we started SAD, back in 2005, it was the only band that we were participating in for both of us. We set a beginning of commitment in the things that we both liked in black metal music. What we have in common, concerning the black metal music, is encapsuled in the music of SAD. So, it’s the musical chemistry between us, as members of SAD. Therefore, we can say that SAD is a special band as any other band we are participating in.
5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
SAD: The cover art was done by Moon Sang-Ho, a Korean artist, who has also done the artwork for our 2015 EP “Alpha Voyage”. It depicts the visual feeling you should get while reading the title. It is done in a 90’s old school black metal way, as it was intended to be.
6.Since the beginning the band has always been 2 members, have you ever thought about expanding the line up or do you prefer to remain a duo?
SAD: SAD was, is, and always will be Ungod and Nadir. No need for any additions at all. If anyone of the two of us, for some reason, give up on SAD, automatically SAD will cease to exist. The line up of course is expanding for the live gigs, with the addition of some good friends that help us completing a live band.
7.So far the band has only done 2 live shows, are you open to playing any other gigs in the future?
In fact, we have done 5 live shows so far. The last was on the 1st of February 2020, opening for the Greek black metal band, KAWIR. Of course we are open to play more live shows, something that hopefully will be possible when this pandemic shit is over, and with the help of Purity Through Fire which is a really serious label!
8.Over the years the band has also been a part of a great amount of splits, can you tell us a little bit more about the bands you have shared these recordings with?
SAD: We like split releases. It is something different for the listener. It gives space to comparison, variation, both in mood and production. It’s a collaboration, so it’s a give and take thing, that is always interesting. We have collaborated in split releases with bands from all over the world. In some cases, the other bands have got in contact with us, asking for a split release, and in other cases, we were the ones that proposed for the collaboration. The thing that was present in all split releases, was the respect for the musical work of the other bands.
9.What is going on with 'Metal Throne Productions' these days?
Ungod: Metal Throne productions is always busy! Apart from the bands that I’m active with, Metal Throne is the other occupation that lets me fulfill my dedication to metal music! I have always a busy schedule of releases, in all formats. In the last few years, Metal Throne Productions is oriented mostly in Greek bands, but not only. Two years ago, Metal Throne started as a physical store as well here in Athens, realising a dream that I had for almost 2 decades.
10.The new album is coming out on 'Purity Through Fire', how would you compare working with this label to other labels you have been a part of in the past?
SAD: We are, more or less, satisfied with our cooperation with all labels since now. But with Purity Through Fire, we are extremely pleased so far. They are very cooperative, they work fast, excellent communication and they are responding immediately. But above all, we feel that they are believing in SAD, and that they really want to support our band!
11.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your newer music by fans of black metal?
SAD: As we don’t use social networks, we don’t have a big sample of reactions, but what we hear in person, or see in comments and in e-mails that we sometimes get, the response is solidly positive. We may not “advertise” our music, but we are active for 15 years now, and have many releases, so in the internet era, many people around the world are familiar with our works, and as we said, positive reactions have come to our knowledge, especially from members of other black metal bands.
12.Do you have any plans for your other band 'Kvele' in the next few months?
SAD: Yes. We are about to begin recordings for a new EP, that will be named “Konge”. Hopefully, it will be ready by the end of the year.
13.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
SAD: For sure, nothing will change drastically. We don’t want to experiment any other black metal landscapes with SAD. SAD’s music will remain grim, unholy black metal.
14.What are some of the bands or musical styles you are currently listening to nowadays?
Ungod: I’m solely dedicated to metal music.
Nadir: As for me, I’m not listening exclusively to metal music. While most of my listening time is occupied by black metal and some old speed and thrash metal, occasionally I listen to some selected post-rock and post-metal bands and some shoegaze too.
15.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
SAD: No gods, no masters!
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