1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the musical project?
We used to be a death metal band back in the late 90s and broke up, and started a black metal band later in 2002 which is Cacotopia. Starting out with Matt Swanberg and Randy Bakkelund jamming in the basement. We've both been best friends since 9th grade.
As Cacotopia, we made the 2 demos in 2007 and 2009. Our debut album "Inhuman Agitation" was released in 2014. 2nd album "Centuries of Bloodshed" in 2018. The new "Self-Titled" album we just released in 2025. Our goal is to write the most dark and evil music we possibly can. We try to put our own spin on black metal with a lot of music theory knowledge and experimentation. We have guitar solos in almost every song which isn't typical in black metal. We consider ourselves a black metal band, but there's hints of death metal and progressive elements.
2.Recently you have released a new album, musically how does this differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
For the most part it's the same style. The Centuries of Bloodshed album was more progressive with odd time signatures. The new album is mainly 4/4 time, but there's a couple odd time signatures. We used 12 tone rows aka 12 tone serialism (look it up) on Visions in the Sky, Tides of Darkness, and Societal Miscarriage, which was definitely something different. The lyrics are mainly dystopian themes on this album, but previous albums were more varied with the lyrical topics.
3.This is your first release since 2018, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?
Yeah it took longer than expected. Life kind of got in the way with personal issues, doing other things, and taking our time with recording and mixing. Matt has another band he's in too.
4.The lyrics on the new album cover dystopian themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?
I've always had a fascination for civilizations that have vanished and how they got to that point. So I'm thinking to myself how the future is going to pan out. WW3, plagues, natural disasters. How and who will survive. To me every year looks more dark and bleak then the last. Conspiracy theories play a huge part in my obsession and I correlate that into my lyrics.
5.What are some of the other lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored over the years with your music?
Cults, bubonic plague, genocide, suicide, insanity and paranoia, human experiments.
6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Cacotopia'?
It's a synonym for Dystopia, and an antonym for Utopia. It's a fictional reality. It's the state in which everything is as bad as it can be. We found it in an online search for obscure words, and it just really clicked.
7.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album?
It represents how I feel about mankind these days. Like people being produced and programmed like robots to be slaves. Obedient slaves going along with whatever agenda they throw their way. Never questioning the real reason everything is crumbling around them.
6.Currently there are only 2 members in the band but have had other members in the past, do you prefer to work as a solo?
Yes, in the beginning we had a few different vocalists briefly. Now that we have a permanent vocalist, we prefer to keep it with only 2 members. It gives us more control and less distractions for the songwriting. Plus there's no need to teach people how to play the parts.
9.In the past the band did some live shows, would you be open to do it again in the future?
We played live 1 time as a duo with backing tracks. It most likely won't happen again. It's hard to find skilled members, and there isn't much of a black metal scene around here.
10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?
Mostly good. It's been a challenge getting the word out there.
11.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
No, we aren't looking for a label. We haven't received any offers. Without playing live, it doesn't make a lot of sense to us.
12.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
We are writing and experimenting with Industrial Black Metal right now. We might release an EP and see how it goes. Maybe an album. Time will tell. Also, we are constantly learning and improving our craft, by studying music theory and learning new techniques which we incorporate into the music. We like to experiment, but without losing our identity.
13.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?
Black metal and Death metal for sure has had an influence on us, also industrial music. Some bands we're influenced by are Abigor, Ondskapt, Dodheimsgard, Dark Funeral, Blacklodge, Necrophagist, Soreption, etc. Some other bands we are listening to nowadays are Nightbringer, Thy Darkened Shade, Neo Inferno 262, and so many more.
14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thanks for having us, and keep it metal!
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