1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
We're quite busy actually with the promotion of the new album, also working on a couple of new tracks for an upcoming split with Nachtmystium as well as getting ready for the next live assaults. On November 25th we'll make our first appearance in North-America, at a fest in Montreal with Absu, Inquisition and more.
2. When I listened to the 3 song sampler it sounded a lot different than the previous material that I have heard, can you tell us a little bit more about the newer material and what we can expect when the new album hits stores?
Depends on what you mean by earlier material exactly. The 3 songs sampler doesn't differ so much from our previous record "Meet Us At The Southern Sign". Basically the new album emphasizes the sound of Glorior Belli into a monolith of Southern Rock and Bluesy grooves mixed with the brutal, ominous, doom-laden vibe typical of Black Metal. Every instruments has found its place in the composition, the guitar work is even more sophisticated, the bass lines more intense, drums are alternatively beating from blast beats to rock patterns and make the whole rhythm section implacable. It’s just the logical continuation of what we started with Meet Us At The Southern Sign, but this time we achieved the perfect balance.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the new release?
Well, it took me longer to write the lyrics than the damn music as I've spent a lot of time studying and arranging the texts in a poetic way, like I always did in the past. A French guy rhyming in English and singing about the forces of the nightside, it can't get any better. It's really important for me that people understand the lyrics, as my ultimate goal is to give them the opportunity to forge the weapons of their own liberation, yet my words will confuse the weaker minds just like the fire of Lucifer can both illuminate and destroy. This is one of my favorite part (taken from 'Negative Incarnate'): "From behind the nervous curtains of my trembling cosmic prison, the dark Gods are firmly waiting filled with hatred for the cosmos; outside the frame of creation lies the darkest of all secrets, the magic of the queen dragon waits for us to crush the gates!".
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
“Glorior Belli” is Latin for “to bask in pride at times of war” and obviously there is a deeper meaning behind, it reminds me how important it is to always challenge the cosmic scheme as well as it is a doctrine for self-betterment. For this is what a tenebrous path really essentially is all about, to develop/manifest one’s attraction for the Dark path and transcend it into a liberating Illumination.
5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
It's hard to say, until now we didn't exactly get the best conditions, I mean logistically-wise it's always a fucking struggle for us to figure out how to bring all the equipments and complete line up with the small budgets offered. So in the end we have to sacrifice some of it in order to actually play. Anyway, I guess the best show in my opinion was at the K17 in Berlin during our tour with Horned Almighty last February. Lots of dedicated/drunk people, good venue, good sound. Oh and also the festival in Fredericia (Denmark) was amazing. One of the best sound we ever had on stage and believe me in the end it makes a hell of a difference for both the musicians and the audience. The line up is a bit different now as well as our equipment and stage accessories, so I'm looking forward to new experiences.
6. Do you have any touring plans for the new album once it comes out?
Nothing confirmed, yet besides an Australian tour next year with friends from The House of Capricorn and a couple of shows in November in Europe and the exclusive Canadian date.
7. The new album is coming out on Metal Blade Records, how did you get in contact with them and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far, also have you received any backlash from the more close minded black metal fans about singing to a label like Metal Blade which has not put out that much black metal over the years?
It definitely is the greatest achievement for what started 10 years ago as a small yet ambitious band. It’s not exactly about feeling secure, I only expect the best out of this collaboration as we are absolutely determined to do what we have to in order to promote our new record the way it should be. I can feel that not a single drop of energy is being wasted and there’s a cool symbiosis in the collaboration. I’ve never been confronted to such professional and yet really supportive people, they know exactly how to take care of business with high levels of passion and perseverance. So that’s one less thing I need to worry about as a musician, and it takes a lot of weight off my shoulders to be honest.
8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your newer music from those that have already heard some of it so far?
Reviews are all unanimous, we fucking nailed it! The new album receives high praise from all over the world and it's fucking gratifying considering all the efforts we put into it. Our last record sort of divided opinions, but this one is just legitimate to the general opinion. Nothing to prove anymore.
9. What is going on with the side projects these days?
Not much. I want to focus on Glorior Belli, the side projects usually come later when there's a bit less activity with the main one.
10. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
I guess it's a bit too soon to tell, but you know I think it's not like we're gonna change drastically. Glorior Belli has defined its unique sound and we can now explore a bit further all the possibilities, just darker, bluesier and even more twisted.
11. What are some bands or musical stlyes that have influenced the sound of the new album and also what are you listening to nowadays?
David Eugene Edwards, 16HP/Woven Hand, Mr Phil Anslemo, Pantera, Down, Kurt Cobain, Alice In Chains, Neurosis, Acid Bath, Kyuss, Slash, Snot, Ved Buens Ende, for the influences. Lately I've been listening to The Dillinger Escape Plan, Botch, Rome...
12. How would you describe your views on Luciferan philosophy and Occultism and what are some philosphers and Magick practices that have influenced your view point?
The work of Crowley obviously had a major influence on me at first, and then when i dug a bit deeper I've stumbled upon more underground interesting authors and books. Mostly the teachings of TOTBL are outstanding, as well as Mark Alan Smith, and a few others. Obviously it's important to gather knowledge but you also need to know what to do with it in the end, and it requires a lot of hard work and self discipline. In a few words, the way I conceive Lucifer is as a liberating force that illuminates the path of the chosen few and confuses the weaker minds. But of course there's a lot more to it for once you step in darkness you can only go as far as you push!
13. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
I like looking at photographies, paintings, Art in general, getting out, traveling, designing, tattoos, poker...
14. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
We will defeat and bring down the cosmic scheme! See you all Frogerz somewhere down the road.
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