Interview with LOATHFINDER
We had a conversation with XVIII (Vocals). Enjoy!
Welcome to the FILTHY DOGS OF METAL Webzine.
You are going to release your debut album ''Broken Branches and Torn Roots''. Tell us a few things about this project.
This album is about navigating spiritual disappointments. It took quite long to make and I would compare it coming out to puncturing a big cyst if a cyst can be beautiful.
The cover artwork has a sick atmosphere! Tell us a few things about it.
Cover art was made as a pencil sketch that we wanted to appear slighlty unfinished, by very talented painter Mirella Jaworska. It is directly related to the fourth song “Dead dogs”. When you eat the dog from the silver platter it's easier to digest the sword.
And what about the lyrics?
Lyrics are crucial for me as a creator and as a recipient. It's the easiest way to see if the band treat what are they doing seriously and actually have something to say. For me, writing usually precedes music, even sometimes formation of a band/project, then the sketches of ideas get molded into tracks. If you want to know more, I'd suggest to read them.
How did your cooperation with Godz Ov War Productions occur? What do you prefer, Label or DIY and why?
We have reached out to Greg many years ago, he liked what we were doing. And he stills likes it apparently. In general, I prefer to collab with a label but I put out diy tape releases sometimes.
Do you prefer Vinyl, Tape, CD or Digital Format and why is that?
For me it's tape. I don't like when something sounds too good.
Your music style is Blackened/Doom Metal. Which are your main influences (Favourite Artists / Bands etc.)
Around the time when Loathfinder got its name, my main inspirations for it was Skitliv and the album “When all became none” by Coffinworm.
Which things do you think a band should sacrifice in order to succeed? Have you ever sacrificed anything in your life for a better future for your band?
I don't really consider what I do artistically as sacrifice. It comes from a point of honest need and I don't have much of a “normal life” to sacrifice to begin with.
Describe your ideal live show as a performance band. Have you already experienced that?
I guess we did, I would only change the scale. Everything that we already do, just bigger and louder.
What do you think about the rise of AI in music production?
Every use of AI in art should be ostracized and ridiculed at very least. I hate it with every fiber of my being.
What attributes do you think that a new Black/Doom Metal Band should have in order to gain identity and be unique?
Listen to a lot of weird, good music. In general, “unique” is not always something to strive for, novelty factor is not an advantage by itself if it lacks meaning and honesty. And if you need tips for your band lacking identity there is not much that can be done, maybe find something else to do.
Do you believe that Digital Platforms help the new Black/Doom Metal Bands? Which, do you think, is the ideal way for a band to promote its work?
I think I rather go back to era of rapidshare/mediafire piracy if it comes to accessibility. Streaming platforms are not really helping smaller or medium bands, except of bandcamp or maybe youtube in few cases. Accessibility also create overabundance of mediocre music and listeners are more and more casual. Ideal way is to have a lot of situations when some guy sends your music to his friend with “you've got to listen to this one” and the friend actually listens.
From your experience in the music industry, what would you tell to a new Black/Doom Metal band to avoid or what to do?
Nothing I guess.
What does Metal means to you? And give us 10 metal albums that run in your veins.
I personally consider Black Metal and bands related to it quite a separate entity from rest of metal. I really find a spiritual purpose in bm and I wouldn't be a same person without it. I never really fucked with the “classics” and contemporary tribute bands that are more of a hobby than an artistic endeavor. I guess I don't generally like “fun” in music, I need purpose. I don't really want to make up some monumental ranking of 10 albums that made me who I am, so here is 10 newer albums I really liked recently:
Thallid – Eternal Spiritual Conquest
Trucizna – Wrzenie Krwi
Wulkanaz – Luftuz
Aptorian Demon – Liv Tar Slutt
Weathered Crest – Blossoming of the Paths
Hevn III – Hevn III
Todestrieb – Corona Tenebra
Sexmag – Sexorcyzm
Hasslig – Apex Predator
Krabol - Never
Do you know anything about the Hellenic Metal Scene?
I really love “Vampiric Rituals” demo by Necromantia. I know Kawir or Ravencult and probably few bands that I don't know they're from Greece, but never really dwelled deep enough into the scene.
What are your future plans?
Tour, to put some work into neglected projects, release some tapes, maybe be slightly healthier but not too much.
Thank you very much for your time & keep up the good work!
By Steve the Filthy Dog.
LOATHFINDER CONTACT:
https://www.facebook.com/Loathfinder/
https://www.instagram.com/loathfinder
https://loathfinder.bandcamp.com/album/broken-branches-and-torn-roots
https://open.spotify.com/artist/36iqNhP5nn1rlJIXEaTZCw