1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the musical project?
Flayed God is a black metal band formed in 2018, from Athens, GA
2.In May you had released a new album, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
Our recent EP's had more a full DSBM influence, and represent our largest deviation from our core sound. Our new full length, "The Light Has Gone Out Of My Life" is our first full length in over a year and has a more slow, throbbing doom vibe with long flowing non-linear songs. All music was recorded live, where previously click tracks and isolated recordings were more prominently featured in our recordings.
3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you have explored so far with the music?
The lyrical content with Flayed God is very much a therapeutic release via streams of consciousness. I speak directly to those who have wronged, to those who fail to be loved and to those who seek to exert their control in the sandbox of life. The sad truth of our society is that when someone is doing well it's all "thumbs up and good job" and when help is needed most -- people thrown to the gutter. We all do it and that core is the flattening of consciousness I seek to describe in our music. The world is truly fucked - how do so many ignore it?
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Flayed God'?
The Flayed God, is also known by Xipe Totec -- "Our Lord the Flayed One", The Night Drinker", "Revered Enemy". Various methods of human sacrifice were used to honor this god -- flayed skins were often taken from sacrificial victims who had their hearts cut out.
5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
The album artwork is angled to invoke a sense of despair and represents a journey into the dark unknowing. Scrawled into the guide marker in the background reads:“This Worthless Life”. The textures used in this illustration are photos sampled from the infamous Dyatlov Pass Incident. Born into innocence, we all walk from the light into the dark, not the other way around... at the very least, we aren't alone in the journey.
6.Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you open to expanding the line up or do you prefer to remain a duo?
We have been making music together since 2011. But are unable to play all of the instruments live in the way we envision as a duo -- we are currently looking for live drummer near Atlanta, Georgia. Until then, I'll keep learning double-bass and hitting the red circle record button.
7.Since 20221 you have released 3 full lengths and 2 ep.s, do you spend a great amount of your time writing and creating music?
Yes creating art is my main activity outside of eating and sleeping. "The Studio" is also "The Living Room". Instead of a band that plays the same songs for 5 years in a row - we are set up to record new music in studio-quality whenever the inspiration hits.
8.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
Our EP's are housed label in the UK, vaporgaze. Our track, "They Used My Name (666)" from Enchantment I is set to be featured on their 50th anniversary mini disk this summer. We have several dream labels, but are ultimately holding out until we can perform several tours on a release before accepting any physical medium release schedules.
9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?
The reaction to Flayed God has been so much more than we anticipated. Our first release and full length, "No Lives Matter" in 2020 was released at the height of the pandemic and USA protests. I think the topical subjects, political commentary and overall nihilistic response pushed our reach further than otherwise possible. Our follow up, "Symbols of Hatred" was 16 tracks & over an hour and a half recorded with a single microphone. All music and artwork is made in house. I think this is what sets our band apart and that the lo-fi honesty behind our music truly breathes the essence of black metal into the speakers on playback. I also can confidently say, each album represents our best and most honest performances to date and each album has grown in popularity, steams, downloads. All our music is available for free, so when people around the world choose to pay for our music and support our craft it truly propels us to make more. Thanks to all of you.
10.Where do you see the project heading into musically during the future?
We have many hours of music recorded. Our Enchantment II EP will be coming this year.
11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Some of our favorite metal bands are Deathspell Omega, Lek, Cattle Decapitation, Mgla, Mayhem, Gorgoroth, Burzum. We both grew up playing noise rock and progressive music, so bands like Daughters, Lightning Bolt, Arab On Radar & The Locust (rip Gabe Serbian) have an unshakeable influence. I am very honored to have shared the stage with some of these bands over the years.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thanks so much for your continued interest in our efforts. These albums are recorded at our home studio, all mixing, mastering, artwork and promotion is done here independently so the chance to speak with someone tuned-in it really means a lot to us (and me in particular). For your readers, thanks for checking out our band. We have been giving it our all for 10+ years, if you listen and find any of the subject matter relating to you let me know -- it's not very depressive suicidal black metal to say this... but you're not alone.
Thank you for reading and listening.
-Michael
- Bandcamp Stream/Download: https://theflayedgod.bandcamp.com/album/the-light-has-gone-out-of-my-life
- Youtube Album Stream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRxRrWqX4so
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