Anon Interview

 

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

Writing of the material started at the end of 2021 while I was in another black metal band. The band was doing multiple of shows a month and I joined as the new guitarist, intending to write for their next album. I felt that my material was a lot darker, misanthropic and less friendly than the black metal that they were playing. Soon after that band disbanded suddenly, I attempted to revive my old band Inhibitor. Although that was promising, once again the material felt a lot different to the previous Inhibitor release, and although I appreciated the contributions of my bandmates, the original aim and goal of the material was being lost. I had trouble finding a second guitarist, drummer and vocalist that shared my views and so I decided to go solo and write all the parts in line with the vision that I had. Anon was born. 

2.In July you had released your first full length, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

I intended to produce something similar to the music I was listening to at the time. Lots of Mgla, Batushka, Groza, Totalselfhatred, as well as depressive black metal such as None, My Useless Life, and Useless. I wanted something dark and full of hatred that still had a wall of noise that could be played live with intensity. 

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you have explored so far with the music?

The lyrics are open to personal interpretation; however, they broadly cover loss of hope, misanthropy and the collective suffering of humanity. Humans do terrible things to one another; however I am human, you are human. It is so easy to say that we wouldn’t do terrible things, but it is in our nature. Although Anon is a solo band, all the lyrics refer to ‘us’, ‘our’ and ‘we’. One faceless nobody commenting on our collective condition.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Anon'?

As with most black metal, the artist is separate from the individual. Anon is the dark side of our beings, the shadow, the unconscious part under the mask that lurks when we are on the wrong side of oppression or mistreatment. But even when we are the ones oppressing others, it stirs. Nameless, faceless, expressionless. 

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

The artwork represents the multiple masks that we all wear. What mask shall I wear today. What mask is everyone else wearing. How can we be sure what is truly underneath.

6.With this project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to work solo?

The band is intended to be played live, so I will be looking for session musicians to perform. I have worked with other musicians in the past, but when I truly have a vision of the final product, I find it hard to express exactly what I mean unless I do it myself, as I do not think about the riffs but the songs as a whole. In the beginning, I attempted to work with previous bandmates on the project, however I felt that they acted as a middleman to my vision and the original ideas were being lost. Even when working with my producer, it was incredibly difficult for him to make small changes as I would often need weeks of listening to the new versions of the songs before I could give the go ahead.  

7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

I have had discussions with labels before I released the album, but I was hesitant to share the material until it was in its final polished form. As I had come this far on my own, I decided to release on my own as well. Going forward I will be looking for a label that aligns with my ideas.

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

The album has been received well, which is a bonus. I feel what I have released matches my original idea and sound. The album is varied at times, often slow and drawing from DSBM and often fast and repetitive like Polish black metal. Fans of both types of black metal seem to connect with different parts and they seem to appreciate that it isn’t 45 minutes of constant blast beats, or muffled wails over a squeaky guitar recorded in a basement with programmed drums. At this point I intend to get as many ears as possible on the tracks, which will aid me when writing and recording future releases.

9.Do you have any experience playing in other bands or musical projects?

I have played in several black metal bands and various other metal bands in the past. I released a project called Inhibitor, in which I handled guitars and drums. I never considered myself a vocalist, so B. handled vocals, lyrics and bass. Occasionally there are riffs scattered throughout that record that resemble Anon, although they were truly in their infancy at that time. We did not have a lot of experience with recording and producing, but the record represented us at the time. Anon is the culmination of a decade and a half of listening to black metal and my progression as a musician. It sounds like the type of black metal that I listen to these days, and I am glad that I was able to produce a record that matches the ideas that I have.

10.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?

Anon will continue. The second full length has been fully written, and I will return to recording shortly. Going forward Anon will take to the stage and be open to touring interstate and if the opportunity presents itself, internationally. A solo band with session musicians gives a lot of freedom of movement. I would not rule out other members joining Anon on a full-time basis if our writing styles match. As an individual, I would be open to joining another black metal band as a guitarist and keep Anon as my own project with multiple releases. 

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?

At the time of writing The End of Innocence, Mgla, Behexen, Drudkh and Psychonaut 4, as well as the others mentioned above. I also listen to a lot of DSBM and blackgaze. Nocturnal Depression, Austere, Thy Light, Silencer, Dreariness, Bleak, Oathbreaker and Amesoeurs. Anything that has substance, raw emotion and intensity. Australian bands such as Deadspace, Woewarden, and if it’s not black metal, bands like Earth Rot, Acid Bath, Amenra and Dragged Into Sunlight.

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

A thank you to all those who have pre ordered the digipak CD and shown support. Merch will be coming soon, including a shirt, hoodie and patches. A Vinyl release may be down the line as well. 

Thank you to Occult Black Metal Zine and stay tuned for the second album. Expect a sound that is matured, developed and full of intensity.

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/anon.blackmetal
Bandcamp:
https://anonblackmetal.bandcamp.com/album/the-end-of-innocence
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/anon.australia/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@Anon.blackmetal