1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?
Julien / As everyone, I’ve been working on different things: music, job, friends. Nothing special, really.
2.In September you have a new album coming out, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
Julien / Music-wise, everything is different. For the first 3 releases, I used to make all the music by myself and record at home on my computer. For the past 3 years, we’ve been working as a full 5-piece band. Atmospheric parts for this release are less present, it sounds angrier than before, I think. Sound-wise, everything is more organic, fully live recorded in one or two takes, with everyone in the same room.
3.Other than a split in 2020 this is also your first full length since 2017, can you tell us a little bit more about the long wait?
Julien / In 2019, I had an hour of music that was recorded, we put vocals on 1 of them (maybe 2, can’t remember) but we abruptly disrupted the process because I was really unhappy with the whole thing. I thrashed it and got to a fresh new start for the Apocryphe follow-up. That’s when we also decided to work more as a band (early 2020), so we recorded in 2021, completed it in 2022 and finished it in 2023. There were also the vinyl pressing delays that occurred, which is why we had to wait until now to release it.
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?
Florian / I’ve been heavily influenced by the writings of Jung and all my readings about reincarnation, the fight against ego, the meaning of dreams. It’s really a mix of all those things, it’s kinda hard to talk about it in details in English (because it’s not my native language), but yeah, they’re not the typical black metal lyrics. I’ve always tried to come up with deeply personal lyrics in order to be able to relate to them when I scream them at the mic or on stage. It’s important not to fake emotions. I dunno if I progressed as a songwriter but I’m glad to still have something to say after so many years doing it.
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Loth'?
Julien / He’s an Old Testament character and his story is really good (almost as good as « Lord of the Rings ». Also « Lotharingie » is the medieval name of the area we live in.
Florian / Besides, you can make a lot of lame jokes... A LOTH!
6.Can you tell us a little3 bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
Alex / After several ideas back and forth on who we could ask for the artwork we decided to go and do it ourselves. Flo wanted to call the album 616, which is suggested to be an earlier version of the more widely known number of the beast, 666. There is a theory that these numbers were used as a code to secretly refer to the emperor Nero, which felt like an interesting take on what this evil originally was, so the themes we were after were emperors and power. The front and inside illustrations are from the drummer Matthieu (you can check his stuff on instagram: matthieu.pellerin666) and I did the textures, backgrounds and text.
7.The band started out as a duo but over the years have expanded into a full line up, can you tell us a little bit more about the decision behind bringing in new members?
Julien / We’ve been having this line up (except for Joel who joined us in 2019) for touring since 2017. Every song we played live was re-arranged for a better live experience and with the musical inspirations of everyone in the band. We just didn't « cross the line » to work together at the source of the creativity process.
Florian / We mostly come from the punk scene and some of us have been playing shows for the past 25 years now, so it was important to at least try to play those songs live. I think we have a pretty good alchemy and balance live, it sounds really aggressive and urgent, and I hope we’re gonna be able to write new songs soon.
8.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Julien / Not sure what « best » means, but I really enjoyed our last Vendetta Festival and our last gig in Lyon (at Grrrnd Zero). The venue, the audience, everything was great. But I'm more into seeing the bands we’re playing with, to be honest. I loved seeing and playing with Ultha, Proudhon, Sunken, Wiegedood, Wode and some more.
Florian / Our last gig in Lyon was super crazy. Seeing all those kids dancing, feeling the positive energy, the crowd going nuts, being a part of the event at an alternative venue that we love playing at… It’s a memory that’s gonna last.
9.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?
Florian / Since we’re also involved in a lot of other bands and projects, it’s kinda difficult to find time to set up proper tours. Also, our performance are very demanding and we’re getting older so we cannot play more than 4/5 shows in a row (because of health issues). But we’ll try to bring our chaos to some stages across France and Europe as soon as possible (starting in September with a couple of warm up shows in our area before playing our favorite venue in October in Metz for the release party of the new album).
10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?
Julien / Pretty good, making new « friends » in the scene and having some mail relationship with people.
Florian / Most people we’re in touch with dig what we do so that’s cool. Some really into black metal seem to think that we also bring something a bit different to the table when we play live, the energy and the urgency. I like that compliment. We barely hear from people who don’t like us (but they’re probably out there, lurking in the shadows).
11.What are some of the bands or musical styles the band members are currently listening to nowadays?
Julien / Lately I’ve been listening to Blut Aus Nord every day, some old Satyricon too (dunno why) and a lot of Eld by Enslaved, some medieval music, some of the Swedish alternative scene like Dungen or Westkust... I try to keep strong connection with black metal releases since 25 years now and this is a pretty good time for that music (talking for the past 10 years). So many good releases with different aesthetics and personalities...
Alex / Mostly punk and garage.
Florian / I listen to a lot of music made by girls (mostly rap stuff but everything from metal to avant-garde and mainstream pop), some old emo stuff as well, some 80’s and 90’s metal and a lot of various music from Japan (my big obsession for the past 20 years).
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Julien / Thank you for taking time to discuss, Thank you to Specific Recording and Vendetta Records for the long term relationship, thank you to Neutral Records and Duality Records for their help on the tape and CD release. Happy to work with all those people.
Florian / Thanks for the interview. A reminder for a shitload of assholes out there:« no » still means « no ».
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