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Eric:
Early 2015 I sent Stephen two songs, ‘Light at the End and Duality of Existence, I recorded scratch guitars with a drum machine using some shitty recording software. He liked them and was on board. He also brought along a death metal drummer and now friend Brandon Partain. My friend Patrick Collins and at the time coworker had a history playing in hardcore bands and also joined in on guitar. Our vocalist/bass player Stephen was involved in many bands and recently disbanded from Runes of the Evening. I was interested in bands that blended melodic and atmospheric styles of black metal which at the time rarely existed in Dallas. 2017, Buddy Griffin replaced our original drummer while also playing in a few other projects. 2019 our friend Dale Childs filled in guitar while we went on tour and ended up staying as the second guitarist.
2.In October you have your first full length coming out, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
Eric:
The foundation is pretty much the same, blending a level of atmosphere with melodic riffs. My approach to writing is to try not to write the same song over again; every song should have an element that stands out from the rest.
3.This is also going to be your first release in 8 years, can you tell us a little bit more about the long wait in between releases?
Eric:
Some personal hurdles, careers, family life, with a few setbacks between projects. Nothing planned.
4.A couple of members have a death metal background, how would you compare the black metal style of your current band to previous groups you have been a part of?
Eric:
The first band I was in wrote songs with two guitars playing leads. The melodies weren't exactly alike and if separated could create two completely different songs. The guitars managed to synchronize but added different layers to the songs. I still carry that approach when writing in Wyrm Chasm. Stephen used to play bass for Runes of the Evening which I would say had a bit more of a melodic approach with more Swedish influences. He also has a history with death metal bands which those influences come out in his vocal approach. Buddy has always drummed in more technical and heavier bands and is used to playing faster. Although a bit stripped down with Wyrm Chasm, his drumming is still in full force.
Stephen:
My first band was a black metal band and quickly thereafter I joined several death metal bands varying from brutal death metal to technical death metal. Seeing the differences in the was bass is written in both styles has made me create interesting bass lines while not over doing it. My biggest metal influence on bass is Eric Langlois from Cryptopsy, so there will always be a death metal flavor to my playing.
5.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer album and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?
Subjects stem from philosophy, epistemology, esoteric knowledge,
nature, and human nature.
6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Wyrm Chasm'?
Eric:
A double meaning. Wyrm, old English for powerful serpent like dragon. Chasm, a fault, divide, or a hole usually where a Wyrm would dwell, separated, and feared. Also, a metaphor for individuals obtaining knowledge, carving their own path, usually outcasted for not fitting in with the social norm, at times even deemed dangerous.
7.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
Eric:
It’s a depiction of the never-ending cycle. Man, constantly trying to conquer nature but always having face it. The dragon represents nature ultimately taking over a castle, a fallen empire perhaps. Man, returning to overthrow nature by taking back his “throne”, and the cycle goes on.
8.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Eric:
For me, the best shows were on the road. The hospitality and reciprocation in other cities was not what I expected. Although, always great experiences in Dallas, sharing the stage with bands like Marduk, Possessed, Batushka, Venom Inc, to name a few. We try to keep the live performance atmospheric, dark lighting, moving from song to song, usually with no silence.
Stephen:
Best shows? All of them. Any opportunity to share what we've created is what I look to do.
The stage performance is usually set as no or minimal stage banter from me, and just dark lighting. Our goal is to envelope the room in a wall of sound that is more of an experience rather than people standing still on stage playing music.
9.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?
Eric:
There is an upcoming show following the release date and plans for touring.
10.The new album is going to be self released, are you interested in working with a label or do you feel in the modern era it is not necessary any more?
Eric:
Although times have changed, we wouldn't exclude the option of working with a label.
Stephen:
Absolutely
11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Eric:
I think the next album will be different from this release but remain within the foundational elements. Most of the songs on here already had a formula sketched out when our new drummer and guitarist joined. I think bringing in their artistic approaches on top of the guitar ideas I’ve recently been writing will give the next album a bit of a twist.
12.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?
Eric:
I’ve always loved Enslaved, Blut Aus Nord, Emperor, Summoning.
I’ve surely been inspired a lot by those bands. I listen to a wide range of music, but recently within the metal realm and while I'm answering these questions, I am listening to Dodheimsgard album ‘Black Medium Current’. The latest album by Selbst ‘Despondency Chord Progressions’, and Invunche ‘Atavismo’ are on my rotation currently.
Stephen:
I've been listening to Emperor, Blut Aus Nord, Enslaved, Der Weg Einer Freiheit, Thantifaxath, Mgla,
13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Eric:
Thank you for taking the time to listen to the album and your added support. Looking forward to releasing it into the world soon.
Stephen:
Thanks for taking the time to get to know us through these questions. Hopefully you've enjoyed the record.
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