Extreme metallers Noctem has been around for quite sometime. Over the course of that time, they have written, recorded, and released material, played shows and toured non-stop. Some break was needed for they have been hard working on their latest release "Exilium" with more shows and touring in the works. Frontman vocalist Beleth discusses the band, shows and tour and of course their latest album.
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
Beleth: Noctem emerged as an extreme metal band in April 2001. We started playing a mix of death/doom/black metal with a very different line-up, we used keyboards and violins. After a few years we changed our line-up to only me and Expo. In 2007 we started this project in a professional way working with different agencies and labels.
Today Noctem is:
Beleth Vocalist
Exo Guitars
Ul Bass
Verth Drums
Nekros Guitars
2. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
Beleth: Noctem is from Valencia, Spain here in Spain we have a small scene but it's great and extreme! I could recommend Crisix, Angelus Apatrida, Vita Imana, Vendeta Fucking Metal, and a lot more.
3. Why did you want to call yourselves Noctem? What does the name mean and represent for you guys?
Beleth: Noctem is Latin meaning accusative night. We decided on the name 13 years ago and it's because we wanted to focus on the night, the darkness, and the primordial instincts of the humanity as animals.
4. How would you describe your style? Which bands influenced your music?
Beleth: I don't describe our style but the press and metalheads describe's it as blackened death metal. Some of the bands that have influenced us is Blood Bath, Decapitated, Behemoth, Dark Funeral, and old Dimmu Borgir.
5. What lyrical theme do you guys use in your music? What message do you want to send?
Beleth: Ancient gods, mithology, antichristianism. misanthrophy, humanity extermination and antithesis to every human religion.
6. Can you tell me what label will be releasing "Exilium"?
Beleth: Art Gates Records.
7. Why did you want Edmundo Saiz Photography and Victoria Frances to do the artwork for "Exilium"?
Beleth: Edmundo and Victoria are very big professionals with a great trajectory and recognition. For this new album we wanted to try to focus on a more extreme image. Another kind with a more serious and darker artwork, Edmundo did an excellent job with his work.
8. You deiced to work with producer Daniel Cardoso, how come and what did he bring to the table for you guys?
Beleth: We worked with him previously on our album Oblivion, work with Daniel is very easy, he brings a lot of good ideas and professionalism. We are quite satisfied with his job.
9. How would you say the new album compares to your previous records?
Beleth: I don't know, I really don't like to compare our material with previous records. I like to think each record is unique and represent the attitude of the band in that period.10. What’s the writing and recording process for you?
Beleth: Absolutely crazy, we started to compose the material in March of 2013 and we entered the studio in July 2013. We really didn't have to much time to do it. Some parts of the album were composed in the studio, just like all the lyrics.
11. Are there any surprises or any collaborations on the album?
Beleth: The intro was composed by our producer Daniel Cardoso (drummer of Anathema) and in the song The Adamnatine Doors, the orchestra was arranged by Ethenmar (Ex-Evadne).
12. What's your take on "Exilium" as a whole?
Beleth: It's really strange for me to talk about our material. I think the people outside of the band have to do it not me. But I think it's more of an extreme release for the band. It's very dark and powerful surely the best shit we have ever done.
13. What's your favorite song on the album right now?
Beleth: Eidolon.
14. Is it important for you to paint visual pictures with the songs?
Beleth: Not really, we don’t work that way.
15. What would be the cinematic equivalent of "Exilium"?
Beleth: Bambi… hahaha. Maybe the Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
16. Did the band have any definitive goals they were shooting for before the recording process began for this album?
Beleth: The band has always had the same goals, working on the new album, and don't stop touring!
17. Are you using any new instrumentation you've never used in the recording process before?
Beleth: This time, we used more orchestra and choirs to complete the music but as usual we only used it in some of our songs not the whole record.
18. When did you start writing for this album?
Beleth: March 2013.
19. Did you feel any pressure whatsoever to do this follow-up?
Beleth: Not really, we are Spanish, we take our time for everything we have to do. Hahaha!
20. It's been two years since the release of "Oblivion". Why such a long time period between albums?
Beleth: Not really, it was 3 years 2011,2012 and 2013. with Oblivion we were touring non-stop and finally we ended absolutely destroyed. In 2013 was break for us to compose new material and record this new album, full of energy and new blood.21. How was the vibe in the studio?
Beleth: The studio time was really short and fast, we entered in July and in 15 days we recorded the whole album. Daniel Cardoso did an excellent job, he knows how to produce our sound, we were really satisfied with the results.
22. When can we expect the new album to be released?
Beleth: The album will be out on March 3rd in Spain and America and on April 7th for the rest of Europe and the world!
23. Has Noctem ever played in the States or plan to do so in the future?
Beleth: Yes, we very very interested in playing there, we have a good fan base in the States and people there are always asking us to go. A lot of bands have told is it's a hard place to get too but I think it will be a great experience.
24. What should labels/zines/promoters know about your band? Why should they be interested in it?
Beleth: Noctem isn't a new or young band. We've been playing since 2001 and touring non-stop since 2008. We have been working with promotional agencies, promoters, labels, and zines are always receiving info about the activities of the band, so they know and people will know about us more and more.
25. What can the fans expect to see from you in the future?
Beleth: Well, our plans are to start touring again and for sure visit the States and Canada very soon.
26. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Beleth: Well some fans have uploaded our material onto the net, it's not really hard to find. Everyone can buy our stuff through Art Gates Record's Online Store, Code 7, PHD, and Noctem's Online Store: www.artgatesrecords.com and noctemofficial.com/catalog/
27. Have you heard of Noctem?
Beleth: Yes!
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