BLACK SEPTEMBER (Eng.)
– Hi, thanks for your time. What are you currently up to? How is everything doing right now with BLACK SEPTEMBER?
We are currently preparing for our record release show later this month with Abysme and Coffinworm.
– You have just released a new album, «Into the Darkness into the Void». How is its feedback being so far? What are your expectations on this new opus?
Feedback has been very positive so far. I don’t think a lot of people expected the album to sound the way it does. It’s a huge step forward for us. Our expectations have already been fulfilled by seeing the release of the album. Anything that comes after is out of our control.
– Your debut album got an overwhelming response so, is it easy to work under not so high expectations after such a successful first record? Has this had any effect on you?
The Forbidden Gates Beyond was a turning point for Black September. We had lost a few of the original members and while I was in the process of getting a new lineup I wrote a record for myself. It was perfect for the time, but unrefined. For the new LP all of the members were involved in the writing process and it went much faster than the previous album. We wanted the same fire from the first album, but we also wanted to add another level of depth that wasn’t on the first LP. I think we have achieved our goals.
– I could say this new «Into the Darkness into the Void» is a step forward for the band, with a more mature and elaborated sound. Could you say after the first experience you are now feeling more confident on what you are doing? Is this the record you have always wanted to do?
Black September has been a constant evolution from the beginning. I don’t ever want to write the same album twice. This is our most in depth album to date and it will be the pinnacle of everything we have strived for until we create the next album.
– I think it’s also more diverse so, was this the vision you had about the album? How important is dynamism for BLACK SEPTEMBER?
We felt the last album lacked the depth that we wanted for the new album so we consciously added that aspect.
– I’ve also noticed certain Thrash elements, even some SLAYER influences. Have you opened to new inspirations or do you just let things flow?
The writing process is very organic. We don’t normally sit down with an idea and come up with the song. It chooses to come out when it wants.
– Due to this I would like you to tell us how has the songwriting process been this time around and if it has changed compared to your previous piece.
I wrote most of the last album by myself, because it was only me and JM for a while. I spent hours and hours obsessively going over the songs and changing them for around a year before we recorded them. This time we spent more time writing as a group and it was a lot smoother. In the end I think we ended up with a better result.
– The band’s sound reminds me to different bands, from DISSECTION to GOD DETHRONED or SKELETONWITCH but, what could you say have been the most influential bands for BLACK SEPTEMBER?
I think influences like Bathory, Dissection, Bolt Thrower and His Hero Is Gone can all be found in our music.
– Leaving the musical aspect of the album aside; how did you work on the cover artwork and what did you want to express with it?
I wanted to create a sense of space and depth with the album cover. The void that lies within.
– And what are some of the lyrical ideas covered on this «Into the Darkness into the Void»?
The lyrics take a look into the depths of our bodies and minds and the tension that lives within. Searching the dark recesses of human emotion and reaction.
– You’ve also had an excellent production by Andy Nelson. What kind of sound did you want to get? And do you think Andy has succeed?
We told Andy at the beginning of the recording session that we wanted the exact recording he gave us on the first LP. I think we only improved on the sound.
– All this about your new CD being said; how could you describe it in just 3 words?
Untamed, personal and symbolic.
– You are hailing from Chicago, a city with a great Metal quarry with bands as yourself, NACHTMYSTIUM, BROKEN HOPE or CIANIDE but, how do you see the Metal scene like out there as an insider?
Bands like Cianide give me hope that there will be other younger bands to follow their lead. They have been doing there own thing for over 20 years. Chicago also has so many different types of metal bands there is something for everyone.
– And finally, what are your near-future plans?
We plan to play a number of live performances in support of the new album.
– That’s all, thank you once more for answering our questions. If you want to add some final words; feel free to do it.
Pick up the new LP at blackseptemberchicago.com
