1.) To kick things off, tell our audience a bit about the origin story of the band THORNDALE?
Peter: Zigor reached out to me via email. Who knows how he found me, some dark sorcery I’m sure. He just told me he liked my playing and wanted to start a stoner metal-style project. Honestly, I almost deleted the email! He seemed genuine though so I thought, “why not give this a try?” So I threw together the demo that would actually become the song, “Lightning Spawn.” He seemed happy, then Gus put some vocal ideas on it and I was thrilled, so the inspiration flowed to write the rest of our first album together.
2.) Who took the lead in selecting the songs for the album Spiritual Chains, and what was the initial spark or inspiration that brought the concept for the album to life?
Zigor: we all did, I guess – we write together even if we’re apart. The initial spark was a continuation of what we’d started with Lightning Spawn but you will notice those 2 albums are not alike. There’s a few reasons for that, Maarten coming onboard is one of them, a different time in our lives and different realities and our surroundings. Will let Peter and Maarten chime in!
Peter: I recall a conversation or 2 between Zigor and I deciding it was time to get writing again. I know I made a conscious effort to make the songs darker, I don’t remember if that was discussed or just an unspoken agreement. Through the writing I just kept reminding myself, “slow and heavy.”
3.) If you had to describe the sound of your band to someone who hasn’t heard you yet, what would you say?
Zigor: dense, deep, dark, foreboding, groovy, thick -heavy as balls.
4.) How has the songwriting evolved with the band over the years? What does that process look like for you lately?
Peter: Our process isn’t much different other than the evolution of our communication. For the first album I communicated mainly with Zigor. As we work on our 3rd album, there’s been input from everyone, we have a group chat, and we’ve done some band calls. We’re just making sure everyone gets to contribute and point out things they’re noticing in the songs.
5.) What are some of the recurring themes or messages you find yourself exploring in your lyrics?
Zigor: human stuff that happens to people, countries, ourselves, others. Sometimes it’s just our experiences on this World, sometimes it’s darker shit like Gods of Pain (a song about what I think happens when we die) or Twenty Thousand souls (life in the largest human settlement on Earth in the 16th century.
6.) The cover art for the new album Spiritual Chains is striking, who was the creative mind behind that vision?
Zigor: thank you – I worked very closely with Costin Chioreanu who I am sure you know to ensure I passed on the idea I had in mind which was… social conventions most people don’t even question or realise and how folks do what they do everyday just because it’s what everybody else does. If you look at that cover you’ll see a lot of those social conventions, be it religion, government, etc. Many people are slaves to those conventions. They don’t question them, they just follow the herd. I think the opening speech to “Spiritual Chains”, the title track, explains it very well. That Irish voice actor chap did a great job at expressing it.
7.) Do you find your energy translates better in an intimate club venue or a massive festival
setting? Also, which show stands out as your all time favorite?
Zigor: I think clubs beat festivals – when you’re that close to the band (and I don’t mean first row either), there’s a magical connection between the 2. Hard to beat the festival spirit: thousands of metalheads coming together for the same thing. So striking a balance is hard, I guess.
Peter: I love the feeling of club shows. It’s like the small room holds all of the energy in.
8.Which artists or band inspired you to be in a band?
Zigor: I think first and foremost was Led Zeppelin. My first heavy metal love. After that, the list became very long.
Peter: Black Label Society sparked that dream in me, but I’m constantly inspired by Devin Townsend, Dream Theater, Black Sabbath, Pantera, Children of Bodom, and more.
9.) If you could sit down and collaborate with any artist or band right now, who would be at the top
of your list?
Zigor: Peter and I have been trying to get this particular guitar player of Greek origin who’s played with some of the greats but the stars haven’t aligned. We will keep trying but there’s others on the list…
Peter: Oh man, there are so many. Devin Townsend would be a dream come true. Any member of Illumishade, I love what they’re doing and they are all very talented and interesting musicians.
10.) What’s the current pulse of the metal scene from your perspective?
Zigor: Gus and I always say there’s so much coming out everyday that you can’t even keep up. I think a lot of it is great, new music. Be it more modern or old school there’s a ton of new music coming out by new bands that are really doing a heck of a job. So metal is alive and well! The music industry… that’s a different story I won’t get into today.
Peter: I think Zigor said it best. The music is alive and well, there are some other issues in the industry.
11.) Are there any endorsements or gear brands you’re currently working with that you’d like to
shout out?
12.) What does the tour calendar look like? Any big shows or festivals we should be marking
Down?
Zigor: we’re playing Laurus Nobilis in Portugal in less than a month (Abbath and Swallow the Sun are headlining) which will be a blast. Next year we’re slotted to play 2 big festivals in Central Europe too but there will be some Benelux dates announced later on this year as well.
13.) Where’s the best place for fans to keep up with you and dive into your community online?
Zigor: I’d say Instagram for now. Choose your preferred platform below though!
facebook.com/thorndaleofficial
instagram.com/thorndaleofficial
open.spotify.com/artist/6cFKQSl7J1VPlleVj8KXSo
music.apple.com/us/artist/thorndale/1720315641
