(1) Could you tell our readers about your band Locus Noir? What kind of music do you perform, when was it established?
Locus Noir began as a personal project, almost like a laboratory, where I could explore a facet of my musical identity that had been present for years but had never been fully expressed. Over time, it evolved into a real band, as the music demanded genuine human interaction, both in the studio and on stage. Musically, it blends elements of gothic rock and post-punk with the density of metal, emphasizing atmosphere, melody and emotional depth. The first album, Shadow Sun, truly lays the foundations for what Locus Noir represents.
(2) Which bands or artists inspired you to play music?
Very early on, I was drawn to bands such as The Cure, Fields of the Nephilim and The Sisters of Mercy. They introduced me to a certain atmosphere and aesthetic coherence. Later, discovering Type O Negative and Paradise Lost had a considerable impact, as they showed me that heaviness and melancholy could coexist perfectly without nullifying each other. This bridge between gothic and metal has been with me ever since, and Locus Noir gave me the opportunity to create my own version of this fusion of genres.
(3) Who came up with the cover art for the new album Shadow Sun?
I designed the cover myself. Visual identity is extremely important to me, and I wanted the cover to be in perfect harmony with the music. It reflects that chiaroscuro atmosphere, something that oscillates between light and shadow, which is at the heart of the album’s identity. There is also a kind of granularity, a presence and texture similar to that of stone, which reinforces the almost liturgical aspect of the cover.
(4) Who wrote the lyrics for the album, and how did they come to be?
I wrote all the lyrics. They often start from personal perception — sometimes from lived experiences — but they are rarely literal. I tend to reinterpret real moments through symbolism, especially through themes connected to duality, nocturnal atmospheres, and inner tension. It’s a mix of introspection and personal mythology.
(5) Who created the logo and handles the graphics and website?
The Locus Noir logo was created by a British company called Very Metal Art, which also produces excellent lyric videos. However, I came up with the sigil myself. I also created the album artwork myself, as I wanted to maintain consistency between the music and the visuals. As I’m also interested in graphic design, it seemed logical for me to take care of this part. I will therefore be responsible for the website and future merchandise designs.
(6) How many shows have you played? What type of gigs do you prefer?
Locus Noir is still at the beginning of its live journey. We are currently preparing the stage format carefully. Personally, I appreciate both intimate venues and festivals. Smaller venues allow a deeper connection and immersion, while festivals bring a different kind of energy and visibility. The important thing is intensity and sincerity, regardless of the size of the stage. But obviously my past touring experience with my other band Sybreed will come in handy to bring Locus Noir on stage.
(7) What is your songwriting process for Shadow Sun?
Most songs begin with an intention and a mental picture — then it can start with a bass line, sometimes a chord progression, sometimes a guitar loop. I compose quite intuitively at first. Later, I become much more analytical, refining arrangements, vocal phrasing, and dynamics. It’s always a balance between instinct and structure.
(8) Who would you most like to collaborate with?
I try not to overthink collaborations. The most meaningful ones are those that happen naturally. The collaboration with Ben Christo on ‘Cemetery Youth’ is a good example: it made sense artistically and personally, and that’s what matters most. However, I would mention two singers I would love to see participate in a Locus Noir track: Dani Filth and, in a completely different vein, Simone Salvatori from Spiritual Front.
(9) What are the main themes in your lyrics?
The album revolves around dualities: light and shadow, desire and restraint, intimacy and solitude. I’m interested in the tension between opposing forces rather than in choosing one side over the other. It’s less about darkness as an aesthetic and more about acknowledging inner contradictions with lucidity. Many of the songs start from very real, sometimes simple experiences, which I then filter through a symbolic lens. I don’t write to explain or to preach — I write to capture a state of mind. Ultimately, the themes are human: longing, distance, memory, self-confrontation. The esoteric layer is there, but it serves as a frame. At the core, it’s about trying to understand oneself without illusion.
(10) Do you have endorsements you want to share?
I must admit that I haven’t been listening to many new bands lately: I’m mainly focusing on older periods of gothic rock and post-punk, and limiting myself to specific metal bands, mainly in the doom and black metal genres. However, I have discovered a few bands that seem to be heading in a similar direction, particularly North American bands. Two names come to mind: Cemetery Echo and Pøltergeist – that have a fresh take on gothic rock with heavy guitars.
(11) Would you like to share any upcoming shows or festivals?
We are currently working on staging Locus Noir in a way that does justice to the album. Announcements should be made in due course. The live dimension is very important to me, so I want to build it carefully and ensure that the live performances are consistent with what I want Locus Noir to convey.
(12) How can fans contact you? What about social networks?
The most effective way is through official social media channels. I try to be very responsive and am always happy to chat. Locus Noir has Instagram and Facebook pages, of course, and I also have artist pages under the moniker Ben DMN. They’re pretty
Check out Locus Noir on Spotify:
