We recorded the album this summer. I have to admit, I hate recording. I’m an average guitarist, and recording reveals every little mistake. I’m just always relieved when everything is done. It was, once again, a turbulent time with highs and many lows. The release was only a few days ago. The first feedback has been very positive. The album does sound a bit different from the last one, so I was really curious about the response. I’m even more pleased that many of our old listeners like the new album. And there are already many new listeners as well.
2. Recently you have released a new album, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
With our last album Die letzte Agonie, we went for a much rougher and a very washed-out sound compared to our debut album Trostlos. I’d say with our new record Hier ist kein Licht, we’ve gone back to our roots in terms of sound. We wanted to bring back more clarity and pressure, but without losing the Arkuum atmosphere. I think we’ve managed that quite well. Hier ist kein Licht combines the best of our first two albums. From a compositional point of view, this album goes more in the direction of our debut. That wasn't really planned. It just came about naturally. Hier ist kein Licht is definitely our most varied album so far. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to release it on the Black Metal Promotion channel on YouTube the our previous albums. “It wouldn't have enough black metal elements”. Of course, we are a little disappointed about that. But Arkuum has always intentionally defined itself as a genre-crossing band that combines diverse influences with Black Metal. So, I take it as a sign that we’ve done a pretty good job of integrating different influences.
3. This is also the first album you have released in 6 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?
Actually, not that much. Like probably everyone, we were strongly affected by the restrictions of the pandemic. This also had a huge negative impact on my motivation. During that time, there were like no cultural events. And I basically had no inspiration at all. I focused heavily on my professional career during that time. Working 24/7. There wasn’t much else to do anyway. But it really exhausted me and I was pretty mentally drained by the end. Thankfully, I managed to get out of this phase at some point. After the pandemic was officially over, I was able to get inspired by cultural events again. That was so fantastic. And then, of course, there was plenty of energy to put everything that had happened over the last few years into the new album.
4. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the new album and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?
I don’t see myself as a great lyricist. I simply write about my life, my feelings and my condition. In recent years, I’ve been searching for the light myself. And I still haven’t found it. The album is about this journey and all the negative aspects of this search that I have experienced.
5. Some of your earlier lyrics covered the writings of 'Elizabeth Kubler Ross', do you also have an interest in other writers that also cover the dame topics she explores?
I discovered Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and her work by accident. Death and dying have always been topics that weigh heavily on me, so it was a very fitting match. To be honest, I don’t read much and don’t really have any other books in mind that influence me.
6. Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
I’m really glad that I get in touch with such an amazing artist like Laura Lindstrom. I like to give artists a lot of room so they can express themselves. Just like I like to work. And I really don’t like being told what to do. I talked to Laura about the album and my thoughts on the songs. She also had the chance to listen to the demo tracks. The idea of the moth had been in my head as a metaphor for quite a while, and it also appears lyrically on the album. The image of the moth fits perfectly - searching for the light, for the truth. That journey is difficult. It can also hurt. And some will never see the real light. And she really captured this metaphor perfectly.
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?
Last year, we had the opportunity to support Ellende. It was truly amazing, as I’ve been a fan of Ellende since their first album. His music and artworks are really inspiring. On stage, we’re just ourselves. We don’t have a dress code or coordinated performances. We simply live and feel every second while we’re on stage.
8. Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?
For the first time, we’ve planned a release tour. We’ll be playing a total of 11 concerts over the next few months until March 2025. Most of them will be in southern Germany and neighboring countries like Switzerland and the Netherlands. You can find the tour dates and pre-sale at https://arkuum.de/hier-ist-kein-licht-tour-arkuum/ :) We’re really looking forward to it!
9. Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for label or have received any interest?
Honestly, we haven’t actively looked for a label yet. We’re not opposed to it in principle, but it has to be a good fit for both sides. The whole planning, preparation, release, promo, and all the organizational work has been very exhausting this year. And unfortunately, we can’t afford vinyl production financially. I could definitely imagine a collaboration in the future regarding that.
10. On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?
We’re obviously not playing at worldwide level. We have an amazing fanbase in southern Germany and a few fans across the globe. I think Arkuum is more for open-minded Black Metal fans who are willing to look beyond the genre’s boundaries. I just make the music that I like. Of course, not everyone likes that. But on the other hand, there are just as many people who appreciate exactly that and respond positively to the new album because of it.
11. Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
I don’t really overthink it. When inspiration strikes, a new album will come out, even if it takes another 6 years. Right now, I’m definitely super motivated and in the flow. Hopefully, it will last for a while.
12. What are some of the bands or musical styles the band members are currently listening to nowadays?
Right now, I’m mainly inspired by the new album from Miserere Luminis. It’s incredibly atmospheric and powerful, which is exactly what we aim for with Arkuum. I’m also really fascinated by their drumming work. I love their experimental style. I discovered Sunken at a festival. Their album Livslede is something I’ve been listening to non-stop lately! I know our drummer Simon also listens to a lot of atmospheric and doom-oriented stuff. The other band members are often more into classic and rougher black metal with less atmospheric parts. 13. Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts? I’m truly grateful for every message from every Arkuum listener! I can only say thank you. Thank you to all the fans out there who support us, and thanks to my bandmates who bring my creativity and music to life, both on record and on stage
https://www.facebook.com/Arkuum
.jpg)
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment