THE WRETCHED END (Eng.)
– Hello, thanks for taking your time. You will soon release your second album, “Inroads”; how are you feeling about it?
It definitely feels good to have a new album ready. It came together quite well and I can’t wait to have it released.
– For all those who might be interested, what could you say are the main differences between this new “Inroads” and your previous “Ominous?
I think “Inroads” overall are a stronger album. It’s more perfected and complete, both in sound and song writing. I think maybe the thrash metal vibe is a bit toned down, and in general the new album has an even more blackened side to it.
– I could say in this new record you have perfected your own recipe but, what are your thoughts on the final output?
Yeah, as I said, “Inroads” feels more complete in every aspect. It felt in a way a bit easier this time, as we had the experience of our debut album to look back at, and we were more confident in where we were going with the new album. I also feel on the debut we were a bit too eager, and “Ominous” became a little bit too long for its own good. I feel “Inroads” is more complete as a whole album.
– This time, for instance, you have played more and better with those subtle keyboard melodies. Was this something planned? As it was something present in your debut album, but not as much as this time around.
As you say, it was also present in our debut, but we’ve used it a bit more on the new album. It was never really a pre-planned move. It basically came natural when making the songs.
– When we interviewed you after “Ominous” came out you told us sometimes good releases don’t get the attention or recognition they might deserve. Was this THE WRETCHED END’s case when that album came out? And what do you expect with this new one?
“Ominous” was well received by both fans and press, but at the same time I feel that it went a little bit under the radar and didn’t really get the attention it deserved. I think it was a good debut album and I’m still pretty happy with it, even if there always things I know we could have done better and different looking back at it, but that’s always the case anyway. It’s different times in the music industry and it’s hard to make it as a new band. Even if I’m a well known musician, it is still hard to make it with a new project. Also the fact that we never toured is probably also a factor. I hope people will take notice of our new album. We made a conscious effort to follow up with a new record not too long after the debut, to make people see that The Wretched End is not just a one time side project thing. We’ve also made a video for the new album, to help promote it.
– Though this new album is, once more, much more complex as it could seem at first, you have improved a lot the whole songwriting I’d say, making a more enjoyable final result and every song on this effort stands by its own. Has anything changed during the songwriting process? Or did you approach it in a different way?
I think Cosmo and I were more confident going into working on the new album. It wasn’t a brand new project anymore and we had the experiences from the debut to look back at. We’re both experienced musicians, but it still take time develop a new project and a working relationship.
– I could say this album has more contrasts than your first record, brutal parts are more brutal and melodies are stronger, they play a bigger role. There are contrasts in paces, groove, melody, etc. but, how could you describe this new album briefly?
There is a bit of contrast, but so had the first one I think. We include strong elements from both death, thrash and black metal and try to work that flow well without being to schizophrenic in jumping styles. I feel that “Inroads” flows better in that sense. It has a stronger “wholeness” to it in my opinion. Some people viewed “Ominous” as a thrash metal album, and yes, its had some elements and certain songs that had that vibe, but we never felt like a thrash metal band. The Wretched End is extreme metal, and that is really the only label I feel comfortable with. To us both extreme aggression and atmosphere is important, and with “Inroads” we have created a stronger overall sound and atmosphere, that also builds up under the concept of the lyrics and artwork.
– If “Ominous” was full of interesting guitar riffs, this time you have developed the guitar work even more and gone a step further, in fact it seems this is a really guitar-driven CD. Was this what you wanted since the beginning?
We’re both guitar players, and this fucking metal, so of course its guitar driven! It’s from the power of the riff our music is created. Simple as that really!
– In fact both guitar and drum sound is just impressive on the mix, and production sounds really clear and organic. How was the production process this time? Who took those duties?
Thanks. “Inroads” is recorded with the same line-up, engineer and studio as “Ominous”. This made the process quite easy and relaxed, as we were all a part of the first round and all better prepared for the second round.
– After playing the album some times, I could conclude saying it feels like a much more confident and solid than your debut piece, maybe you now have a clear vision on what you want for the band?
Yes, I believe I’ve already answered this question, but to conclude, you are definitely right. I think our vision grows with our experience and inspirations. Nothing needs to be totally stagnant, we can always push our sound and musical expression. Art usually happens; it’s not necessarily planned in absolute detail.
– Anyway all of you are seasoned musicians and this album shows it perfectly. Do you add to THE WRETCHED END influences of all your previous bands and that have you learnt from them?
It’s only natural that we bring with us our music experiences and backgrounds, so yes, I would say so, as well as bringing new creative and experiences to the table.
Glad to hear you see it that way, as it was definitely intentional to follow up in the same feel as the debut album. I very much like this dark and desolate atmosphere, and it made a lot of sense to again use Trine & Kim Designstudio for the artwork. It came out even better this time I think. Most of the photo material is actually taken from around the area were we grew up. I feel this album also have more of a rural feel to it. That can mean different things to different people I’m sure, but to me it has to do with personal surroundings and feelings, thoughts and inspirations that often are brought to the surface in these surroundings. Both Comso and I live out in a mountain area and are both more of countryside people by heart. The album title can also reflect around this…
– You have filmed a video for “Death by Nature”; what could you comment on it?
“Death by Nature” is the doomsday anthem of the album, a more basic “rock n’ roll” style song almost. Very heavy with lots of groove. We filmed the video in rural Norway in cooperation with the contemporary artist Vex. He’s currently putting down the final touches on the edit. The video was a total DIY project, and a learning process for everyone involved, but it has turned out good.
– And finally, what are your near-future plans?
We’ve just started to do press, and will be doing a lot of that in the next couple of months and then its back to the drawing board to see what the next musical endeavour will be. Cosmo are currently also working on a new Mindgrinder album.
– That’s all from my side, thank you once more for your time. If you want to add some final words; last lines are yours.
Thanks for the interview, Tania! To all the fans out there, make sure to check out our new album, ”Inroads”, it deserves your attention! It will be out in Europe on the 23rd of April. For more news check out our official facebook at: www.facebook.com/thewretchedend
Also check out our official webstore for merchandise: www.omerch.com
