The songs on the demo were written and recorded in 2011, but up until the middle of 2017 Pyre of Descent was kept dormant. More music and lyrics were written during that six year period (as well as other projects explored) but I didn’t attempt to establish the band properly until 2017 after settling in Berlin.
Sonically, I will only call Pyre of Descent dark psychedelic rock music—although inspiration can come from anywhere.
2.You have a new ep coming out in February, musically how does it differ from the demo you had released in 2018?
Aside from having cleaner production and tighter performances, the music simply dives deeper into some of the areas touched in the demo. You could say there’s more variety on ‘Peaks Of Eternal Light’, but ultimately I would prefer to influence the first impressions of someone as little as possible by not describing the music using words and references. The music is to be experienced emotionally first and foremost; then analysed if necessary.
3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?
Lyrically, ‘Peaks Of Eternal Light’ deals with the themes of vision and light—perhaps some could say in a spiritual or occult manner, but as the esoteric and exoteric are not separate I don’t really differentiate between spiritual and mundane. Both are deeply intertwined in the experience of life. The lyrics are inspired by personal experiences and realisations, mythologies, allegories and metaphysical ideas.
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Pyre Of Descent'?
As always, I leave it up to the interpretation of the individual. It is not an enigma, but relevant concepts are death, rebirth and katabasis.
5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the ep cover?
It’s a type of photograph by Elvira Akzigitova taken without a camera. It’s through using a method of electro-photography that is not too dissimilar to Kirlian photography—sending an electrical charge through an object or substance that is placed on top of light-sensitive photographic paper/film. There are two different photographs used in the layout (front and back covers) that utilised this method.
6.Has the band done any live shows or is this strictly a studio project?
We are currently looking for opportunities to perform live for the first time.
7.The ep is going to be released on 'Terror From Hell Records', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?
Terror From Hell Records is an established underground label based in Italy (more information can be obtained from them directly). A friend of mine passed one of the tracks from the EP to Stefano of TFH while we were contacting labels, and we’re grateful for his interest in the band. He made an offer that we obviously took.
8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of underground metal?
Considering the fact that Pyre of Descent is a very small band playing a niche style of music, the reaction has been minimal but positive. Totenmusik, who released our 2018 demo, occupies a niche corner in underground music where the focus is on darkness and atmosphere rather than genres; so naturally the few people who were exposed to Pyre of Descent thus far already have this appreciation, whereas in my opinion the average metal listener doesn’t. It should be noted that while Terror From Hell Records releases a lot of underground/extreme metal, Pyre of Descent is not a metal band and nor are we catering to merely just underground metal fans.
9.When can we expect a full length and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
The music and some of the lyrics for a full-length album are ready but it’s too early to say anything regarding even when it might be recorded, let alone when it will be released or by whom.
10.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?
Obvious influences include psychedelic rock and 80s to early 90s gothic rock. Some doom and black metal, (neo)folk and atmospheric music as well. Lately it’s been an assortment of Morast, Agnes Obel, Cult of Luna, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and (DOLCH).
11.What are some of your non musical interests?
Esotericism, the psyche and ontology; analogue photography and visual design.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thank you for the interview.
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