Everlasting Torment Interview

 

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

Greetings. Everlasting Torment was born in Galiza as a means of both musical, visual and lyrical expression, using black metal as the main vessel. 

First compositions started some ten years ago, with the idea of forming a band in mind. I shared the first songs with a friend of mine who helped with guitars in rehearsals, but later he went on with other projects. 

I continued composing and working on instrumentals for the next few years, without thinking of forming a band, just for the sake of it. It was around five years ago when I learnt how to record music by myself. 

At first, it was just demos of songs with guitars only, but later I decided that if any of these songs were to see the light of day, I would have to work them all out on my own. 

So, for the next couple of years, I learnt to program drums and worked on the EP as a full fleshed album.

2.So far you have released an EP, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

Musically, I didn't have any concrete style in mind, besides the elements I wanted to work with: layers of guitars, prominent bass and a mix of shrieked/growled/spoken vocals. I just composed what felt natural. 

For this first EP, the songs turned out sounding as the second wave of scandinavian black metal, but also with elements of death metal and heavy metal. It's a reflection of the music I liked to play at the moment they were written. A sense of dark atmosphere and raw aggression, with melodic parts intertwined. 

3.The lyrics on the ep are a concept album, can you tell us a little bit more about the story that you covered with this release?

The concept of the album delves on the final moments of the Apocalypse, and humankind's damnation. It's the story of one human being that, after sacrificing the Agnus Dei, negates the salvation of the souls. Granted with new power and purpose, it becomes the embodiment of Death as humankind is decimated. In the end, its essence is propelled beyond Time and Space to a realm where only Fire remains.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Everlasting Torment'/

The name comes from a play on  "eternal torment, everlasting fire" as a depiction of Hell.

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

I've handled the artwork with the aim that this record had the same spirit in all its aspects. The image represents the story of the lyrics in all three tracks. It's also a reference to the film Altered States.

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 like and am open to working with other musicians, but I think the chemistry works better with people I know. In this case, the fact that I moved several times was one of the reasons why Everlasting Torment ended up becoming a solo project.

I've been making music on my own for a while now and I 've adapted to this process. I find that this way there's a creative freedom and commitment that I wouldn't find otherwise. I don't see this  project becoming a band, it has become my personal vision.

That doesn't mean I don't work with other people, especially in styles I don't usually play on my own. The process is completely different, and it's rewarding creating those tracks with someone else.

7.The EP was released on 'Damnatio ad Bestias', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

Damnatio ad Bestias is a spanish label from Granada. Run by Edu, it counts with more than a decade of experience.

It's primary target as a label is black metal from the iberic peninsula, with releases from bands like Lóstregos and Nakkiga, but also international bands like Calvana, Nordloth and more. In its store you can find records in different formats, as well as merchandising and fanzines. 

Regarding the EP, I contacted Edu with the idea of releasing a physical edition of the album. After I sent him the tracks and artwork, he created a layout for a digipack edition inspired by medieval grimoires. He understood perfectly the spirit and the aim of this release.

Edu also handled the master and distribution, in collaboration with international record labels. It's a pleasure to work with. 

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

The reviews so far have been positive. Until recently, the main core of the reviews came from national zines, but I found out that it also appealed to international listeners, which is humbling. 

9.Have you also worked with any other bands or musical projects in the past?

Besides cover bands in my early teens, this is my first and main project.

10.When can we expect a full length and also where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?

I'm currently working on it. The first guitar demos with the main structure were ready before this release, but first I wanted to finish an EP with the whole package: not only music, but lyrics and artwork also.

As of now, I'm re-recording the instrumentals and doing the first drafts for the artwork. I expect it to be ready in a couple of years. 

As a musician, my hopes are just to keep releasing music and expanding my horizons.

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?

One of my favorite bands has always been Morbid Angel. I consider the first 7 albums as complete classics, and their uncompromising approach when it comes to music is a staple in the extreme metal genres. In black metal, bands like Satyricon/Thorns, Emperor, Abigor and Dissection have influenced me in the way they work guitars, but also bands like Blut Aus Nord, DsO, S.V.E.S.T., Leviathan or Nightbringer come to mind.  

I listen to a lot of music, regardless of the genre, the list between classic bands and newer acts could be endless. Almost anything can be of interest, and I think it's good both as a listener and a musician to have an open mind.  

Albums that I've been listening as of late:

KATHAARIA - To be Shunned by All...as Centres of Pestilence

StarGazer - Psychic Secretions

Mobb Deep - The Infamous

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

Thank you so much for your review and this interview, and thanks to all the listeners out there. May all your torments be eternal.

https://everlastingtorment.bandcamp.com/album/dissection-of-faith