Uhl Interview

 

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

UHL is a black metal duet, born in Burgundy 18 years ago. We started to play with a shitty guitar and some cheap drums in a small kitchen. After all, we managed to release some demos on cassette and touring everywhere in Europe. Then we moved from the city to the alpine mountains and right now, we have a decent rehearsal place if that reassures you.

2.You released your last album in 2024, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

The second album is more precise and accurate. The songs have more melodies, are a bit longer and also better played. Everything is less wild, i must say, but for a harsher and somber atmosphere overall.

3.From 2019 to 2024 there was no music being released, can you tell us a little bit more about what was going on during that time frame?

We were supposed to tour in the balkans in 2020 but everything was cancelled due to the successive confinements. We decided to stop doing concerts from this days until the release of our second album. It took something like 4 years to create the songs and record them. That’s the simple explanation of this 5 years hiatus.

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you explored with the last album and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?

For this album, the lyrics revolve around the gods of thunder, nature, the fierce paths we walk through, wich will eventually reach a lustrous summit and better days, the blank hopes and the reborn of bravery.

Most of the texts come from the books i read. This album was especially influenced by Dante’s Divine Comedy, among others. And the long walks with my dog.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Uhl"?

UHL has no real meaning. It was the name of a priest who was killed by a black metal fan in France many years ago. Choosing this name was more of a joke than anything else.

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

The artwork was made in one week by our friend Victor, who is a talented and too discreet drawer and tatoo artist. The multi armed giant it represents is a ferocious protector of the natural order in a cycle of illusions, affliction and loss. 

He represents the defender of the other worlds. He is where the thoughts should aim when oneself is drifting on the torrent of existences. He is the haven and the retreat.

7.Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you open to expanding the line up or do you prefer to remain a duo?

The band is and always will be a duet, which means every songs and lyrics will be written by us, nobody else. We added a bass player for the live shows some years ago.

8.Over the years you also been a part of a great amount of splits, can you tell us a little bit more about the bands or musical projects that you shared these recordings with?

Karcavul was a death metal trio, we used to tour with. It was a really good band and we had some amazing live shows and memories together. Goatvermin is a warmetal band from France too. We played a small tour with them and we had a commune show two years ago in Lyon. If you like fierce blast beat, vomit and gasmask, this band is for you. The other splits are not worth mentioning.

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

I don’t really know and i don’t really care what people thinks about UHL. If i must answer, it seems people likes the 2nd album and we are selling well with almost no promotion. Especially in the USA, which i don’t know why.

10.When can we expect newer music and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

We are having a second hiatus right now because a lot of things changed in our lives, for the better. So nothing new will come soon. But i’m still thinking about the third album, and i see something more condense and martial.

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are listening to nowadays?

StarGazer, Drowned, Mournful Congregation, AnaVidovic… A lot of classical guitar, some clerical chants and medieval enlightment. 

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

Thank you for the questions and especially for your patience. 

https://uhluhluhl.bandcamp.com/album/habitant-des-temp-tes