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We are Sotabosc, an atmospheric black metal band with antifascist roots formed in 2023 in Barcelona, Catalonia. Some of us come from post-metal, hardcore or doom metal bands, as well as raw black metal bands and even dark folk. This is the sum of our experience and musical tastes with a clear message of resistance against fascist oppression.
2.Recently you have released your first full length, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?
We chose Siete Barbas studio for the recording as we had some really positive experiences with Daniel (the person behind the studio), and knew he would capture the essence of our sound well since he also has a past within black metal, but also give an organic and natural feel to all the more delicate parts of our songs.
3.The band members also have experience working in other genres, how would you compare to black metal style you have with this band to your previous or current projects?
It’s a matter of intensity. We all love fast and aggressive music, but also melodic and beautiful melodies. The conspiracy was a matter of time to happen.
4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?
For this album we’ve chosen to talk about the history of our country, the oppression it has lived and the resistance it gave from a guerrilla called the ‘Maquis’, who hid in the mountains and forests and fought the francoist fascist army until the very last moments of the civil war. With metaphors and poetic language, we seek to evoke the feeling of nostalgia to this bitter past and not letting their memory fade.
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'SOTABOSC'?
It translates to ‘undergrowth’, or beneath the forest. It was a name that resonated with us from the very beginning and felt it captured the essence of our sound well. Since the band originates from Ulmus, the dark folk project of Xavi, which has a deep connection to pagan and nature inspired themes, it felt even more appropriate.
6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
The album cover is a mix of artworks from Manel (Woodcvtter Illustration) and Xavi (Error! Design), both members of the band, drummer and guitar player respectively. On one hand, the three arrows emblem by Woodcvtter Illustration is a reinterpretation of the antifascist symbol originated in Germany for the Iron Front in the 1930’s. And the background is a collage artwork by Error! Design that captures the atmosphere and nostalgia of the forests where the ‘Maquis’ fought and hid during the spanish civil war.
7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
No shows played so far, our first show is after release date: April 18.
8.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?
We’re already confirmed in festivals such as Gloomaar Festival in Germany, Dunk! Festival in Belgium, Okkult Session in Barcelona, as well as a tour through europe and a festival outside europe that’s still not announced but we’re really looking forward to it.
9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?
So far, the album has received really positive reviews. We, as long time black metal fans ourselves, wouldn’t be playing something that we wouldn’t listen to or enjoy in the first place, sot it’s both relieving and amazing to see such good welcoming to our debut album.
10.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?
All of us are still active in our other bands and projects. It might mean we’re busier and schedulewise trickier to manage, but we’re all in.
11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
We are currently already writing new material for perhaps a new EP or album, who knows, but we want to maintain as much as possible the sound and essence but evolve it and make what we most enjoy listening to.
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?
Summing it up for all the members, probably Heretoir, Enyor, early Dimmu Borgir and Habak.
13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thank you so much for the interview. Remember to fight fascism, support the underground and to take care of your loved ones.
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