1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?
Directly related to Martial Barrage, we've been trading, responding to emails, and planning our next project.
2.Recently you have released a new album, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
It's very similar to the material released on the split with Arghoslent. Abelios did the main writing of some songs this time, and the availability of better production allows for nuances to be more discernible.
3.This is also your first release since 2009, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?
We have been busy with other bands and aspects of our individual lives.
4.One of your lyrical topics is war, which war had the most influence on the band's songwriting?
That's a good question. I'd say the conflicts of the 19th and 20th centuries in general, partially because we lived through a portion of that time. There is a lot of continuity between them, and some of the wars are little more than tangible flashpoints in a deeper and often unseen saga.
5.You also have cover Western Paganism and Atlantean themes in your lyrics, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in those topics?
Many of the pantheons of pre-Christian Western civilization are indeed an animus of the band, and a basis for lyrical and sometimes even musical content. The Atlantean themes are related, and supplemented by the writings of Bacon, Blavatsky, Guenon, Serrano, Steiner, Joseph, and Hall, to name a few.
6.In one interview you also mentioned some interest in the writings of Jung, Nietzsche and Evola, which aspects of their works do you have the most interest in?
For Jung, the concepts of furor teutonicus, archetypes, and the collective unconscious are important. His book "Modern Man In Search of a Soul" is a great starting point. Nietzsche's "Will to Power", Zarathustra, and "The Anti-Christ" would be my favourites. Evola's "Ride the Tiger" and writings on self-mastery, the differentiated man, and occult war have been the most influential.
7.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
The artist was provided with some basic concepts, then brought them to life with paint on canvas. There is an organic depth to it that aligns with the rest of the album.
8.Has the band had any opportunities to do any live shows?
Opportunities have been there, but the only one we chose to do was a festival back in 2010. We shared the stage with two bands that have been major influences - Sodom and Incantation - among others. Playing live has never been a priority for us with Martial Barrage, which at this point works out well given the endless lockdowns and travel restrictions in Trudeau's Canada.
9.In 2009 you where also a part of a split with 'Arghoslent' do you feel in 2009 that is was much easier to express yourself politically back then where today an album like that would stir up more controversy if it was released now?
It likely was easier, yes, though I wouldn't consider that or any of our releases to be political expressions. Professional agitators and people who compete in being offended require controversy to exist, no matter how illogical or dramatic it may be.
10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your newer music by fans of underground metal?
So far it has been nothing but positive.
11.Where do you see the band heading into musically?
We have a long-established identity and sound, which we will continue to take through the breadth and depth of death metal.
12.What are the band members listening to nowadays?
Abelios: Immolation, Captain Beyond, Mercyful Fate, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Morbid Angel, Cardiacs
Varanger: Order From Chaos, Ted Nugent, Slugathor, Shocking Blue, Toxic Reasons, Blood Axis
13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Support the metal underground!
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