[MUSIC INTERVIEW] BLOOD RED THRONE Interview
- Imperial Congregation sees the band now with Nuclear Blast Records. How did the relationship with Nuclear Blast start and what is like being signed to such an iconic label?
I met the US label manager when we played in LA 11 years ago. He was super-fan and we stayed in touch. I kept sending him our newest album and we always tried to sign the band. However, 10 years later, we got the green light from the main office and the band and label were ecstatic. I think it’s well-deserved and about time. We have been around for almost 25 years, released 10 quality albums and toured most parts of the world. We can already sense a progress in streams and the promotion is better than before. Nuclear Blast is simply a professional label and exactly what we need to bring this band to the top!
- There is a very fresh sound to this album. Was that something that you were aiming to achieve with this album?
Main focus was to write the most killer riffs and songs ever, but also have a modern and heavy production. It’s always old-school death metal, but for some reason this one feels kinda fresh in some way. The leads are also great and much more melodic than before.
- What were some of the other objectives or goals you guys wanted to achieve with this album?
Basically make the best BRT album. Especially since it’s our 10th album and also first one on Nuclear Blast. To be honest, we wanted to make an album taking the band to the next level. An album being recognized in the scene. An album people talk about 10 years later.
- What were the themes or inspirations that were inspiring you during the writing process of this album?
It pretty much went naturally. I noticed from the very first riffs that this would be some strong material. Everybody was hyped and the songs came easily. Also, the vocals and lyrics were done faster this time and we were all inspired to deliver top notch quality.
- Was the writing process changed at all due to the pandemic?
Not at all. I write most of the music and I record all my albums in my home studio. Except drums, which Freddy is taking care of wherever. Then we mix everything in a different studio. We don’t rehearse and we only met once to shoot the music video.
- You all had to record at home because of the pandemic, how was that experience for you? What were the positives and negatives of recording at home? Is that something you would do again in the future?
I’ve done 25 studio albums so far. The last decade, I have recorded guitars, bass and vocals in my own home studio only. There’s no point in spending money going to other’s studios. I know what I want and what to do and I record whenever I feel like…for free. When I create a riff, I record it 100% right away and this is what ends up on the album. I never make demos. This is why albums are made over a long period of time. Some riffs on Imperial Congregation were written 3 years ago and some 1 year ago. Regarding the drums, this was the first time Freddy used his rehearsal place to track his shit. And he did it all by himself. No band, no sound engineer. He basically plays 90% like I programmed the drums when sending him the songs.
- What has the last two years felt like not being able to tour? Are you looking forward to getting back out on the road and playing these new tracks live?
It’s been ok I guess. I mean, we had a lot of stuff comin’ in 2020 and fortunately most of it will take place in 2022. I released 4 albums this year and I’ve also been busy with other stuff, so this C-19 period went by fast for me at least. We’ll play 2-3 songs from the new album. It’s hard to choose when you have 10 albums, hah!
- The artwork on this cover looks like something that should be hanging on my wall? Tell us a little about the artist who put the artwork together and how you felt when you first saw it?
Nuclear Blast recommended Marcelo Vasco and he’s done work for many big bands. Really cool guy and we talked a lot about music and stuff. I told him my idea for the cover and he nailed it right away. I actually have our self-titled front cover on the wall in my living room. Maybe I should put this one next to it!
- You have been with Blood Red Throne since the very beginning, if somebody had said to you back then that nearly 25 years later the band would still be going strong what would you have said to them?
But of course. I’m a stayer. Death metal is my passion. No one will make me stop this. I’m planning to do 25 more years!
What would you like to say to your Australian fans before they sit down and listen to this amazing album?
First of all, I have been dying to come to Australia. Never been there and we really, really want to play there. So, fans of top notch, old-school death metal, Imperial Congregation is what you’re looking for. Thanks for supporting and bring us to your amazing country!
Digital sales link: https://bfan.link/BRT-imperial-congregation
Physical sales link: https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/cd-blood-red-throne-imperial-congregation-cd?queryID=15423eb1ad5f135d263fa2e647857774&objectID=417257