We've been working on some newer tunes hopefully for a follow up EP. Also practicing a couple times a week as were are hoping to hit the road to support this album.
2.Recently you have released a new album, what are some of the things you feel you have done different musically with this recording that you where not able to do with your previous material?
We've really slowed things down a lot. We let more of our influences come thru on this album. We kind of just do what we feel like, we don't have a huge fan base to alienate or piss off or anything like that so we just write music that we enjoy.
3.The earlier material was more black metal influenced while the mew album has more of a stoner, heavy metal or hard rock vibe, what was the decision behind going into this direction?
The decision to go in this direction has to do with wanting to expand our sound. Sure we could blast our way thru everything but what's the point? We'll leave that to others. We are huge rock fans...classic, psychedelic, prog and it's just getting to the point where it's naturally starting to appear in the music. Rather than start some side project we've done it all under the Arcticcircle banner.
4.You label your music as 'bush metal', can you tell us a little bit more about this term?
Bush Metal is our term for what we do. We are kind of alienated from musical scenes because we live in a small town in the middle of nowhere. Five minutes in any direction and you are in the valley, fields, rivers, bush or other natural environments and this is where we derive a big part of our inspiration. Also, Bush Metal is the total sum of all our influences.
5.This is your first album since 2012, can you tell us a little bit more about what was going on during that time span?
We recorded the Avoid Of Blasts EP in 2014 which signaIed our start to a more Doom/Sabbath influenced sound. I moved to Edmonton for a few years and kept writing and recording demos which eventually became Where Ice Meets Ocean.
6.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you explore with the newer music?
Honestly, for the most part, the lyrics are very abstract and can take on many meanings. But they do touch on eternal topics like space, time, nature, the cosmos...
7.Some of your earlier lyrics also dealt with Native American Folklore and Astral themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in those topics?
Yeah sure, my interests lie in the spiritual realms, Native folklore, magick, the macro and microcosm and all everything that falls under those headings. It started as a kid with an interest in the horror and sci-fi themes, basically the 'unknown' and progressing to where we are today. Still with an interest in the mysteries of the universe but with a grounding in reality, if you can believe that!
8.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Articcircle'?
I always thought it was cool how Black Sabbath was originally called "Earth". I wanted a name with a similar sort of vibe. Something big. A big ol' slab of metal but without the 'hate' or evil influences that sometimes defines a metal band.
9.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
It's a literal description of the album title. Two substances meeting that have the same elements but are very different. But if you really analyze them they are one and the same, just with different outward forms. It's an intriguing title that can mean many things. We propose to concentrate on the unity behind the apparent multitude of forms on this earth.
10.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
We do try to have a certain intensity when we play, this isn't an opera! Our best shows were in Vancouver, Lethbridge and Calgary. Heavy music lives out West!
11.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?
We've got CD Release shows planned for our town and Winnipeg. Hopefully we will head west again later this summer or fall to promote the album.
12.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
Yes we are seeking a label to call home! Any takers?? haha No we haven't received much interest at all.
13.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your newer music by fans of metal and hard rock?
So far we've only heard good things about the album. It's quite different than our previous output so we've been expecting the worst but so far everything has been positive!
14.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?
Well i've got a side project, Rosicrucian, that i work on at home with ideas that don't fit Arcticcircle. The last couple tunes ive did have been a collaboration with R.C. of Winnipeg's Hezrou on drums. Thats kind of taken a death/doom direction lately with him involved. Drummer Jon Cloud is involved in a sort of Amrep style band with some other guys. And by this time our bass player is involved in a punk/metal project named Numbskull. Drinking tunes i believe.
15.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
I see us expanding on our present sound and when the time feels right we will include elements from past albums. Just because we don't blast much on this album doesn't mean we won't in the future.
16.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?
Of course heavy metal and hard rock have been with me since a kid. KISS captured my imagination as a youth and Black Sabbath brought the Doom element that we all love and cherish. All the Earache bands had a big effect on me in the '90s and local acts Kittens and Meatrack made me want to pick up the guitar and write my own songs...lately i've been listening to the new Wilt album entitled Ruin and also the debut cassette from Hezrou! 2 killer local acts with black metal influences.
17.What are some of your non musical interests?
Spending time outside, camping, hiking etc is a lot of fun and very calming. Also getting into the spiritual side of life has been a growing interest of mine. From becoming involved in Freemasonry and the sweat lodge, Kriya Yoga and meditation, Rosicrucianism and dabbling in Magick, Life has become much more interesting and worth living.
18.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Check out the new album and come check out the show if we make it to your area!! Stay wild!!!
Answered by Sean Vermentor, guitars and vocals.
https://arcticcircle2.bandcamp.com/album/where-ice-meets-ocean-2
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