Dark Plague Interview

 

  1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?

We first focused on recording and polishing this new offering. We also took the opportunity to compose the next album, which is now in its Alpha version. All the recording work is about to begin.

2.You have a new album coming out in the middle of April, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

We're proud to offer a massive, violent album with a sound that brings out the best in our compositions. It's true that, in the past, we were content to deliver our compositions in a rather raw way. We've worked a lot on this aspect. We entrusted our mix and mastering to HK from Vamacara studio for a result that sounds more "modern" in the good sense of the word. I'd listened to his work on the last Otargos album and loved it. I found his production very powerful and thought it would fit in well with our style. I wanted him to convey the power and violence of our music, while bringing out the melodies at the same time.

The album follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, with new structures and more varied vocal parts. I leave it to you to judge for yourself. This is our most accomplished album to date. It is everything we wanted to offer in terms of musical violence, dark feeling and creepy imagery.

3.This is also your first release in 5 years, can you tell us a little bit more about the long wiat?

This long period of creating the new album was littered with many obstacles. To tell the truth, I (Lord of misery) had a major change in my life which put the project on hold for 2 years. After that, we got back to recording, which was pretty hectic.

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?

Since Perverse Devotion, we've been exploring our favorite themes via concept albums. The latest one is about those moments when the living cross paths with the dead. It's not yet death itself, but its representatives on earth, the specter of our grim destiny.

Each album has its own unity, and I think if you compare it to our first album, there have been a lot of changes. The turning point was especially on the previous one, when we called in a session drummer to stop the virtual drums that I couldn't stand hearing anymore! That's why we ask Kevin Paradis, and that's what made us evolve, because when I heard the first parts, I said to myself: ah yes, this is a blast! With his playing, we sound more powerful and less raw than in the past.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Dark Plague'?

Dark Plague is the unhealthy shadow of our thoughts, of our words that intrude into the minds of our listeners.

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

We chose Ludo Godot when we came across him at an exhibition. We were immediately drawn to his charcoal drawings, which were particularly dark. We wanted to depict life's final frontier, the implacable truth that everyone must face alone, the unavoidable end that faces both rich and poor and pagan and believer alike.

This man, carrying the burden of his life on his shoulders, faces his doom alone. This door symbolizes the threshold of death, a portal to the beyond. His life has been laborious, but who knows what he'll find behind that door? Is it his long-awaited liberation, or the beginning of a far worse, eternal suffering? It's a terrible thought to think that everything is over, but what if this was just the beginning?

7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

We barely played and there was nothing memorable.

8.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?

Nada

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

Up until Be more, our previous album, we remained particularly underground. The previous album, Be more or fade away, was well received by the critics. It's really this album that marks a turning point for Dark Plague: a more massive sound, more settled vocals and, at last, a real drummer!

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

The next album has been composed and will be in the same vein as the previous one. We'll be developing more mid-tempo rhythms and do expreriments on 2 or 3 things! We're going to enrich our music with all our recent inspirations.

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?

We're built on all the bands from the 90s, that's our foundation. After that, we listen to a lot of music (mainly black and death) and I (Lord of Misery) listen to far more modern black. As I write this, I'm listening to the latest SELBST release on Debemur, which is simply magnificent. Go and listen to the second track, with its intro featuring a Led Zeppelin solo, it's divine. I'm a great admirer of bands like PANZERFAUST and FLUISTERAARS. The latest NECROWRETCH is just totally enjoyable. MURG, THE GREAT OLD ONES, CRAFT, Misþyrming but it's endless.

12.Does Satanism or Occultism play any role in your music?

The first Dark Plague albums dealt with these subjects in a primal, visceral way. Nowadays, our lyrics are closer to a colder, harsher reality. But I still like to deal with esoteric or ancient elements, to express fears, nightmares or fantastical visions.

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

Stay true

Infernals Hails

darkplague.bandcamp.com