Sacrenoir Interview

 

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

Sacrenoir is a duo from Québec. It was formed by Monarque and I. We perform traditional black metal. It is hard to determine when it was formed. It's like it always been there. After the recording of Nordmen Vertus Guerrieres in 2003 as the sole member, I've work with various bands in Quebec of various black metal interpretations. Some of my songs were re arranged to fit other projects, Brume d'Automne is a good exemple. Our first properly recorded song "la gueule du loup" was recorded in the same session as the second Brume d'Automne album in 2010 as everything was set up for recording. It was shelved along other demo songs I did during the years. When rehearsing for Forteresse live shows, Monarque and I agreed to finish those tracks when the time would suit us. 2 EPs were recorded and now a proper album of older completed songs and newer tracks are on "Comme des Revenants Parmi les Ruines.

2.Towards the end of June you have your first full length coming out, musically how does it differ from your previous ep and split?

You can expect the same raw energy. Our style has not changed and never will.

3.Most of your music is heavily rooted in the more traditional and old school style of black metal, do you feel it is important to keep black metal closer to its true roots?

Yes, but we don't bother with that as it comes naturally for us. We record everything ourselves when inspired, it may sound filthy but the authenticity is more important. 

4.All of the members also play in other bands or musical projects, what is it that you bring into the music of 'Sacrenoir' that you have not been able to do with your other groups?

I perform most of the instruments in Sacrenoir. So my ideas remains unaltered. I did a lot of recording with Forteresse as a vocalist so naturally I was less involved in the music compositions. I felt now it was the time to remove the dust on all those unused songs and along with Monarque create the purest music we've done in a while. 

5.Some of your lyrics cover Satanism and Vampirism themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the dark arts?

The hate in me grows exponentially every years passing. What is there not to hate in this modern age? I am an individualist living far from society. Black metal is for me the purest art form. The best way to translate my aura and energy into sounds and express myself. All my musical activities expose ideas of what could have been and should be.

6.What are some of the other lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?

I like to think that the music itself is a vehicle that helps channeling energy for the strong minded individuals. Monarque's vocals guide the listener in their journey towards the freedom of the other side. The primal instinct, murder, blood and violence are themes you'll discover listening to the record. New discoveries and the glory of time passed are also discussed through the music of Sacrenoir.

7.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Sacrenoir'?

It comes from two words "black" and "sacrament". Sacrenoir music is a like a ritual in wich the listener receives a dark sanctification and blessing. 

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

It was done for us by a Quebec painter called Marie-Pier Lapointe. In cold colors, there is a tower wich represents solitude, misanthropy, force and hatred. In the cold and inaccessible where ritual stones are erected. It gives a classic look and fits the album perfectly. Artwork is an essential part of any release. Same as playing a physical copy, disc or tape. There is something more in the experience than streaming wich is popular nowadays. 

9.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 are experimenting with line ups currently. We recorded some songs for an upcoming album. Sounds good. I do like working as a duo as well, as performing all instruments gives me the satisfaction that the music is 100% how I envisioned it. We will use both formulas in the futur.

10.In 2019 you where a part of a split with 'Ende', what are your thoughts on the other band that had participated on the recording?

Monarque contacted them for the split 7 inch. The song is very good. I am not a social person so I have no idea what they are doing now, but pretty sure they are doing well.

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

So far we got positive feedback and we were requested to make a full album wich we finally did. The songs are a direct continuation of the previous EPs.

12.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of/

I am busy on upcoming Sacrenoir music. Monarque has his ambiant project called Cimerion. Also some new Drave is on the way. I have recorded recently some bass tracks on new Brume d'automne songs Nordet is working on. No release date on any of those. They'll be ready when they are.

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

Some new albums coming for sure. Some as a band other as a duo. I think the biggest change would be recording wise as my style of playing remains the same. New tracks, new atmospheres but in the purest Sacrenoir way. 

14.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?

Early on, heavy metal was there in my life. Some aspect of this style specially the 80s bands influenced me in a way. Of course early black metal bands. From Mercyful Fate to Burzum, Darkthrone, Graveland etc. Some epic classical composition as well as Quebec and European traditional music. It's all in my musical DNA you might detect some or not. Still listening the same stuff as 3 decades ago.

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

Comme des Revenants Parmi les Ruines out June 24th. Make sure to have a listen.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065311967575