or those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
Morbid: We - Leukotomy - are a black metal band based in Hanoi, Vietnam. We started out as a recording process between me and Dawn back in 2020 and we gathered session members and started playing shows in 2022. I am Morbid - the frontman, guitarist and also the main composer and lyricist of Leukotomy.
Dawn: I am Dawn, I mostly work in rhythmic structure for the album - bass playing, drum programming, and several occupational soundscapes design. Towards the end of the recording period I did the majority of mixing and post-production for the album as well.
Recently you have released your first album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?
Morbid: For this album we wanted to portray a more experimental style of black metal, a more avant-garde styled black metal inspired by different styles of music. We combined elements of noise, ambient and more on top of a second wave styled black metal all in this one cinematic noir film that is Eternal Path to Eden. For reference, I would like to mention Mayhem and Sigh.
Dawn: Initially it was supposed to be more or less first wave black metal influenced, however we realized the melodic sensibilities of the demos were somewhat different from the overall aesthetic and sound of first wave acts. I have always wanted to incorporate elements of ambient and sound design into the album and it was rather a luck that was something we have in common. It is in a away pretty straightforward black metal with the backbone consists of traditional rock and roll instrumentation, combining with experimental textures as the cherry on top.
The band worked on the new album for 2 years, can you tell us a little bit more about the time and effort you put into this recording?
Morbid: More than 2 years since we started working on this album, both the writing and recording process took us quite a lot of time. The writing process was split into 2 periods because of our personal issues, which could be the culprit of different sounding tracks of Eternal Path to Eden. The recording took months too, since it collided with Leukotomy rehearsing and playing local gigs throughout 2022.
Dawn: For me personally the bass writing and recording process was not too much of hardship, however there were transparent obstacles during the overall creative process of the whole record. Several personal issues accompanied with time constraints contributed to the aforementioned prolonged recording period. Nevertheless it is a relief that the album is released,
The mixing process was in a way arduous as well, partly because of my limitation as a newly experienced engineer, but halfway into it I realized I really enjoy controlling different aspects of sound design, experimenting around with different sound settings and most importantly putting attention to every single detail of the overall mix. Which parts need longer sustain, where to start fading in and out, silent seconds between each tracks… were things I tried to plan to the closest of immaculation, for the best listening experience. It was quite an interesting experience for me personally and I would love to further improve my producing and mixing skillset in the future given the opportunity.
The lyrics on the new recording are also a concept album, can you tell us a little bit more about the story you had covered with this release?
Morbid: Eternal Path to Eden is a story about a man facing tragedies. Each track represents a chapter of his story of losing love, sanity and eventually, life. We did write a long and detailed story, but for now, we don’t want to reveal that story yet. Personally, I do hope to see how the audience visualizes their version of concept.
Dawn: Details of the full concept should best be revealed in the near future, however it is a tragic story covering humane aspects of loss, desperation and dismay. At this time everything should be wide open for continuous interpretation.
What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Leukotomy'?
Morbid: The name “Leukotomy” was decided after some discussion between us. We wanted this project to represent us, to be related to us. At that time, we were somewhat facing mental issues and we were jokingly talking about being lobotomized. And then it hit us, “Leukotomy”, which literally means “Lobotomy”. We have been using this name ever since.
Dawn: A variety of options have been made however we did agree upon “Leukotomy”. I did not really fond of it at first but it kind of grows into me.
Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
- Dawn: I should mention that it is the work of Imperial Cult, producer of this record, leading the “House of Ygra” label as well. Artwork depicts main characters of the concept, in a gothic-esque manner, influenced by the works of well known English illustrator Dave McKean. So it is the kind of art you can find on the earliest examples of gothic metal. Stuff like My Dying Bride - “As the Flower Withers”. or Paradise Lost “Shades of God”, I would say.
What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Morbid: Since the live debut in March 2022, we have played 4 shows and all of them were very memorable. If I have to choose our favorite, I think I’ll pick our first performance of 2023 at an event called Abyssal Night, which is also our most recent gig. I can feel that the band is getting tighter and young guys like Vaden, Caprae or even Upheaval are getting more experienced.
Dawn: I have only played the debut show since I am currently in Germany but overall it was a cool experience.
Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?
Morbid: We actually don’t really have a plan in hand, we will wait for our chances to come. For now, we will play a small local gig on March 24th, 2023.
On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?
Dawn: The album has been featured on several reviews and YouTube channels so I would say it is a start. If there is any new reviews/reactions on the record we would be appreciated. For now only time will tell.
Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Morbid: Eternal Path to Eden perfectly encapsulated the sound of Leukotomy’s first 2-3 years of existence. Musically, we might go with different approaches. There are many styles of black metal, most of them are very interesting, we’ll see what direction Leukotomy will be heading.
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?
- Morbid: Eternal Path to Eden did infiltrate different styles of music, and as I mentioned, the black metal element is influenced by second wave bands like Mayhem, with the experimental touch of Sigh. At the moment, I’m into Swedish Black Metal bands such as Bathory, Marduk, Dissection, Sacramentum,..
Dawn: The overall sound is heavily influenced by the works of Mayhem, and on a production perspective, I am influenced by the works of acts like Funeral Mist, Akhlys, and Misthyrming. Bass writing is not strictly bounded into the realm of black metal, instead I tried to incorporate elements of progressive rock and lines I love from my favorite jazz records into the overall rhythmic structure of the songs. With more ambient and soundscape parts, I took influences from a more experimental edge of music one can find in the writings of Brian Eno and Hijohkaidan.
For the last few days I find myself leaning into the more technical side of music, mostly for bass practicing and inspirations. Currently revisiting landmarks like “Noctambulant” from Spawn of Possession and “Black Future” from Vektor. Other records on my repeat these days are Triptykon - “Eparistera Daimones”, Varathron - “Walpurgisnacht”, and Midnight - “Let There Be Witchery”.
Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Eternal Path to Eden is out on streaming services via House of Ygra with physical copies being released in the near future. Please check it out and I hope you guys will enjoy it.
Dawn: And if you like the album, there is a chance you might enjoy other House of Ygra records in the future. Support the label for more new projects in the future and new updates regarding the scene.
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