Tombstone Interview

 

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?

We learnt a lot from our debut album released 2020. We’ve read lots of reviews of our album and we took notes of them. Therefore. We need to explore more interesting concept for the second album in terms of the music, theme, lyrics, etc.

2.In 2020 you had released a new album, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

We tried to play faster tempos than the previous album. We want to be “straight on point” to kick the listeners’ ears and give more surprises in our music.

3.The band has been around since 2005 but waited until 2020 to release an album, can you tell us a little bit more about the earlier years?

In the beginning, we had seven members (including a keyboardist and female backing vocalist) and only focused on live performances. Most of Indonesian metalheads knew us from the stage.

Unfortunately, we didn’t release albums before because we couldn’t afford the studio fee for the recording session at that time. We only had 2 songs recorded live and uploaded on MySpace.  Our debut album was planned for a long time ago. So, it’s like a dream to finally have an album after a long journey and hiatus.

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?

Well, we think songwriting is more difficult than making riffs! For some reason, we show laments of life in lyrics, natural anger, the injustice made by “powerful” people.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Tombstone'?

The name of “Tombstone” is derived from “Death comes to the tombstone”. We believe that short name is better to remember. The philosophy behind the name is simple: in the end, your name will be forever, on people’s mind and on your tombstone.

6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?

We try to emphasize the beauty of Indonesia’s nature into the theme of the albums (the first one, the second one, and so on). Therefore, we present landscapes of our country and let the world sees different perspective of Indonesian black metal.

7.Currently the band is a duo but had a full line up in the beginning, are you open to expanding your line up again or do you prefer to remain a duo?

After finishing school, some of our members moved to another city and started another music project. The band was on hiatus for a moment but the rest of members (Ardi & Haikal) still tried to make music and play some heavy riffs..

When the pandemic hit the world and locked us down. We grabbed the moment to record old songs and wrote new songs to prove that Tombstone (while many similar names there, but not as black metal one) is still here and exist. Being a blackmetal duo makes us more focus in delivering our vision in music.

8.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?

The metal scene in Indonesia is huge. Metalheads here are so crazy about this music. They even can create a gig at a public funeral, and we have experienced it. We don’t have any specific theatrical performance on stage anyway.

 

9.Do you have any touring or show plans for 2023?

We don’t have any concrete plans to perform live (again). But anything is possible. Many of Indonesian metalheads who know us really missed our live performance after a long ago.

10.On your first album you also done a 'Darkthrone' cover', what was the decision behind doing your own version of one of their songs?

The legendary Darkthrone influences us a lot in making music. We pay big respect by covering their song.

 

11.Currenly you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

Finally, Gutter Prince Cabal from Australia sees the change to spread our music to the world. We used to join a local label in the first album but we need more push to distribute our album worldwide. Hope to get more positive responses with the second album and the new label.

12.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?

Some of our fans come from outside Indonesia. They are impressed with our debut album and give constructive feedback through reviews.

13.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

Continuing the planned trilogy, maybe EP or album split with another amazing band? Anything is possible.

14.What are some of the bands or musical styles the band members are currently listening to nowadays?

Recently, we listen to Gra, Lord of Belial, Thy Light, Tulus, and Cult Leader.

15.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Thanks for having us in this interview. We hope the new album gets more attention and add enthusiasm to us in making music. Greetings from Indonesia! 

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