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Arcas is an Atmospheric / Post-Black Metal project founded by me, Enzo Brettschneider, in 2021 in Heidelberg, Germany. The project was founded, of course, with the intention to play Black Metal but to also break the boundaries of Black Metal, to drift off in different musical directions, which, until now, mainly includes Post-Rock and Ambient music. A key characteristic of my songwriting for Arcas is the intention to create lengthy, eclectic and emotional tracks in which you can loose yourself. All of Arcas’ music has its origin in a small self-built recording studio in my apartment in Heidelberg, from the first idea to the final mastering steps, it all happens there. I’ve started making my own music I think in 2016 and from there on my equipment and know-how in music production has significantly improved so that I was able to record the whole debut album in 2021.
2. So far you have released 2 full lengths, musically how do they both differ from each other?
I would say musically the two albums differ in some details, the main concept is more or less identical, an alternation between fast and heavy and slow-paced Post-Rock / Ambient parts. Referring to the details mentioned that differentiates Where the Light Once Shone from the Debut, I would say that I’ve reduced the decelerated parts a bit and on the other hand increased the more aggressive and heavy side of Arcas. This wasn't actually a plan I set myself before I started writing the songs, it just happened naturally as the songs came about. That's a main feature of my songwriting process, the songs arise spontaneously during the recording. I usually start with a riff, a synth chord progression or a general mood, and I just go from there, riff by riff, part by part , until at some point I'm satisfied and the song has a suitable ending. Production wise, I think one of the main things that differentiates Where the Light Once Shone from the debut is the clearer and heavier production. In hindsight, the debut album had a sound too soft for me, but you're not 100% satisfied with the final result anyway.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you have explored so far with the music?
There are some general themes that are reflected in the lyrics for Arcas. On the one hand the lyrics are a lot about personal feelings, about emotions, about the processing of life circumstances, mainly negative feelings according to the style of music. On the other hand, references to nature can be found in a few lyrics. For example, the track Downfall on Where The Light Once Shone is about the ruthless destruction of nature by humanity and the inevitable collapse of entire ecosystems around the world as a consequence of this behaviour, in which we find ourselves at this very moment. In addition, I tried to include sociocritical lyrics on Where the Light Once Shone, for example on Verge of Lunacy or on the title track, which is lyrically about the horrendous war that is currently taking place in Europe.
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Arcas'?
The name has no meaning at all. I remember thinking about a name for the band project. At some point I started coming up with names that simply sounded good and suitable to me. Of all these, I found Arcas to be the best. So the name has actually no deeper meaning.
5. Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
The album cover for Where the Light Once Shone is a portrayal of a fog-covered forest. This imagery was carefully chosen to evoke a sense of mystery and introspection, perfectly complementing the diverse themes explored in the album's lyrics. The forest enveloped in fog serves as a metaphor for the emotional depth found within the music. Just as the fog conceals and reveals different aspects of the forest, the lyrics on the album touch upon a range of emotions and ideas. From the introspective and personal explorations to the critical examination of societal issues.
6. With this project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to work solo?
I don't know what the future holds for Arcas. I'm generally always open to collaborating with other musicians, but generally I like to write music on my own. It's easier for me to write music when I have an overview of everything, when I can make up my own mind about this and that, and when I can live out all my ideas without any constraints. However, I believe that collaboration can bring a fresh perspective and new dimensions to the music. If the right opportunity arises and there's a strong creative connection, I would definitely consider working with other musicians. The most important thing for me is to maintain the integrity of the music and ensure that any collaboration enhances the overall vision of Arcas.
7. Both of you albums where also released on 'Northern Silence Productions', are you happy with the support the label has given you so far?
The support is very good. Northern Silence Productions has been instrumental in nurturing and promoting the music of Arcas. I am genuinely thrilled with the level of support they have provided throughout our collaboration. Their commitment to the project, coupled with their expertise in the genre, has greatly contributed to the exposure and recognition of Arcas within the Black Metal community. The partnership with Northern Silence Productions has undoubtedly played a significant role in helping Arcas reach a wider audience and share its unique musical narrative with listeners around the world and I’m more than thankful for that. I couldn't be happier with the collaboration.
8. On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of atmospheric black metal?
The reaction has been incredibly positive. It's truly heartening to witness the level of appreciation and resonance my musical work has generated among fans of the genre. Many listeners have expressed their admiration for the debut album, with some even considering it among the best releases they encountered in 2022. Such feedback is both humbling and inspiring, as it affirms the emotional connection that the music of Arcas has managed to establish with its audience. This not only fuels my creative drive but also reinforces the idea that the themes and emotions embedded in the music of Arcas are universally relatable. The overwhelming support has solidified my belief in the power of music to transcend borders and languages, fostering a sense of unity among those who share a passion for this genre.
9. Do you also have any experience playing in other bands or musical projects?
Yes, in addition to my work with Arcas, I've had the opportunity to be a part of several other music projects. Early on, while I was attending guitar school at a young age, I was a member of a local band. This experience laid the foundation for my musical journey and allowed me to explore the dynamics of collaborative music-making and playing. Furthermore, I was involved in a small metalcore band based in Heidelberg. While it was a rewarding experience the band eventually disbanded. I think these experiences taught me valuable lessons about teamwork and artistic direction. Before Arcas took shape, I’ve also had some Black Metal projects, mainly Ambient Black Metal, but most of the stuff never got released anywhere. Each project I think contributed to my growth as a musician and ultimately paved the way for the creation of Arcas in 2021.
10. Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?
As a musician, I envision a path of continuous evolution and exploration. My primary focus remains dedicated to Arcas, where I aspire to create a diverse discography of albums, all unique in their own way. I’m looking forward to experiment with various subgenres within the Black Metal spectrum, using different sounds, textures, and themes for future albums. Currently, I am working on two different albums at once — one of which is on the verge of completion. This will also be the first concept album in the Arcas discography. I'm also thinking about creating another Black Metal project in the future, that will be musically very different from Arcas. Looking ahead, I'm also considering the possibility of forming a live band for Arcas. The prospect of bringing the music to life on stage, creating a connection with the audience, is an exciting one. While my music has largely been a solitary endeavor so far, the idea of collaborating with other musicians to translate the atmospheric essence of Arcas into a live setting is something that is on my mind a lot of times.
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?
There are a lot of bands that influence the music of Arcas. While writing the debut album in 2021, I was listening a lot to Black Metal bands like Der Weg Einer Freiheit, Veldes, Alcest, Drudkh, Agalloch and Winterfylleth. In addition, some Post-Rock bands have shaped the sound of Arcas, bands like Kauan, Explosions in the Sky or Sigur Rós. I don't listen to as much extreme metal these days as I did a few years ago. Lately, I find myself mainly drawn to Post-Rock and Ambient music. There's something profoundly captivating about the way these genres create atmospheres that allow for deep introspection. Also Shoegaze and Post-Punk bands like Interpol, The Chameleons and Cocteau Twins are currently in frequent rotation on my headphones.
12. Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
I'd like to thank you for your interest and the opportunity to share insights about my musical journey with you. It's truly an honor to explain the motivations and creative process behind Arcas and to connect with those who appreciate and resonate with the music I create. Once again I'd like to express my sincere appreciation to Northern Silence Productions for their support and belief in the music of Arcas. I also want to extend a warm thank you to all the listeners who have embarked on this musical journey with Arcas. Your support, your comments and your engagement mean a lot to me. I'm very excited to share the next chapters of Arcas with all of you, and I'm especially looking forward to the reactions to the new album Where the Light Once Shone, which will be released on September 1st. Thank you
Bandcamp: https://arcasofficial. bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ arcas.official/
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