1.) To kick things off: Tell our audience a bit about the origin story of your Band.
Originally we all played in Urkraft. Mikael left Urkraft, leading to Richardt joining Urkraft. During the last run of Urkraft shows the main guitarist, Birk, left since he and his family were moving to Africa. Richardt took over for Birk, and Mikael joined Urkraft with renewed energy. Eventually things lead to Urkraft splitting up once again. After the second Urkraft split up we decided it was time for something new. It took some time refining an expression we deemed fit for a new band (which the leap from our EP to the album shows). Urkraft was heavily rooted in melody – which we all liked, but we also wanted to distance ourselves in order not to boil soup on an aldready tired carcass. It took a lot of trial and error to find a sonic identity that would stand on its own merits. But here we are.
2.) If you had to describe the sound of your Band to someone who hasn’t heard you yet: What would you say?
Hard question. An approach to dissonant death/black metal that utilizes guitar ignorance in order to keep the overall expression digestible.
3.) How has the songwriting evolved with the band over the years? What does that process look like for you lately?
When we were starting out as Carbon Tomb a lot of ideas were tried, tested and ditched. Personally I contributed with a few tracks on the last Urkraft record – meanwhile I wrote a lot of tracks for my grind project Genocide Doctrine. Finding a sound for a new project, that would distance itself from my other creative outlets, while being able to stand on its own merits, proved to be a hard challenge. Having said that, I have gained a better understanding of how a Carbon Tomb track should sound and evolve. The writing process has less friction now – and I have finished up the first few tracks for our next record. The melodies are strong while the dissonance are explored further and in an even more ignorant manner while still keeping songs concise and impactful. Meanwhile Mikael writes the lyrics as short poems. Jeppe then decides where and how to phrase the lyrics in a musical context. I then put myself behind Jeppes vocals or start yelling if there is too long before the next oral outburst.
4.) What was the inspiration for your band name? What meaning does it have behind it?
Evolution and technology, Earth and space. And from a pessimistic point of view, philosofically speaking. Also letting the themes explore themselves when writing. Letting the impulses flow and release any written message from the writer himself.
5.) What are some of the recurring themes or messages you find yourself exploring in your lyrics?
Same answer as above.
6.) What is one song you’ve written that you feel captures the absolute core identity of the band?
To me “From the Giants Snout” has a bit of it all; ignorance, melody, firm references while keeping a steady flow. Meanwhile “Of Gods Neglect” has been pointed out by reviewers to be a highlight of this album. Going forward I can see myself exploring the two schools of thought.
7.) Do you find your energy translates better in an intimate club style venue or a massive festival setting?
I think it translates better in an intimate setting, though I would be happy to test it in a large setting as well. To me, multiple notes and complex soundscapes often get lost when there is too much noise and air between the performing act and the audience.
8.) Which show performance stands out as your all time favorite? is there a specific reason?
We are still very early in our trajectory of being a live act. We will return with an answer in a few years.
9.) Which Artists or Band inspired you to be in a Band?
When I was a child I would not believe music were written by humans. How could one possess such power to influence my well being? Having grown up and into music, I have come to realize that music, like people, is flawed. For better or worse. I have always wanted to play in bands – and I am having a hard time pointing out what ignited the initial spark. My inspiration came from my peers and the passionated network rather than from bands above. More than anything, being in a band satiates a social hunger.
10.) If you could sit down and collaborate with any Artist or Band right now, who would be at the top of your list and Why?
I do not necessarily want to collaborate. As I am writing my answers for this interview I am listening to a Danish band called “Ærkenbrand” (I do not exclusively listen to Danish music). So many weird ideas, and a weird experience to listen to their music overall. I would love to be the fly on the wall to see, how the ideas are layered on top of each other – and see how they look at each other when they decide “Yes, this was the right way to go with this”.
11.) What’s the current Pulse of the Metal Scene from your perspective?
I am peeking into various scenes. Personally and creatively I am loving to be part of the Danish “dissonant” outlet – both from my own bands – but also to be able to witness and appreciate acts like Arkæon, Elitist and Frelser. Meanwhile there is strong movements in the brutal death metal scene, internationally. Huge festivals, nice people, incredible bands. I would love to see the same thing happening for dissonant death metal. Someday maybe?
12.) Are there any endorsements or gear brands you’re currently working with that you’d like to shout out?
No, but I have a public service announcement; you are just a regular customer when you are endorsed by Soultone Cymbals.
13.) What does your tour calendar look like? Any big shows or festivals we should be made aware of?
No shows that really matter on the global scale, yet. But feel free to reach out if you want to change that.
14.) What is your very first Metal album you ever bought ?
For me, it was KoRn – Follow the Leader. I was there – the wrong place at the wrong time. A vulnerable teenager taking his first steps into the dark sides of pubeasant anger.
15.) What was the very first metal concert you ever went to?Â
Red Warszawa – a Danish joke-band with the bandmates from my first band. We had a great time stagediving and headbanging to “Børn er Dumme og Grimme” (Kids are Stupid and Ugly)
Where’s the best place for fans to keep up with you and dive into your community online?
Mikael is doing a good job keeping our social outlets alive on IG. Be sure to follow.
