It's been quite sometime, since last speaking to the guys in Empyrean Throne. During which time, things have changed for the better, including which they will release all new material in the form of their debut album titled "Chaosborne". That said, vocalist Andrew Knudsen labeled "A" in the piece, as well as cellist Kakophonix labeled with a "K" in the piece, both discussed their past differences, and future plans!
Answered by:
Andrew Knudsen (Vocals) A
Kakophonix (Cellist) K
1. Back then you guys, decided to go with the more casual appeal, but since then, times have changed and so has your appeal and appearance, why the change-up?
K- Since the release of “Demonseed,” our vision and message have become more solidified and more extreme. Consider what you saw and heard from us in the past more or less a blank piece of parchment. The once-fresh parchment has now been well etched upon by the passage of time.
2. Speaking of changes, the band's line-up has changed, as well as the member status, going from 6 to 5, why the cut off?
A – Those who were unfit to stand behind our banner and embrace our message were inevitably culled from our ranks. Some left with dignity, others disgrace. This line up is stronger now than it has ever been. Those holding our sigil all help foster the growth of Empyrean Throne and play a vital role in that development.
3. Back in 2013 you released your debut album "Demonseed", but your new album “Chaosborne”, is said to be your "first full-length album" so, which is which?
A – “Demonseed” was our debut release, yes, but it would only be appropriate to classify it as an EP, a major accomplishment for us at the time but a first sampling of the venom that we are capable of producing. “Chaosborne” is 11 tracks of fury, clocking in at over an hour of music. Hence it is bearer to the title “first full length album.”
4. What title did you decide to go with it and is there a meaning behind it?
K- We chose the title “Chaosborne” as a means of highlighting revelation. The revelation that beyond the causal universe exists a churning ocean of formlessness and power that can only be described in simple terms, as Chaos, and that the supremely conscious individual is borne upon it like a raven upon a current of air, for to ride the Chaos is truly to be the master of your own creation. Of course, the album itself testifies to this, as we’re sure will be apparent upon first listen.
5. Is this album going to be a concept release?
K - Of course. Every Empyrean Throne record is a concept release. And the concept for “Chaosborne” is meant to reflect us and our everyday lives, as well as what we’ve undergone as a band and as individuals over the last few years. The record charts the journey of a medieval Templar protagonist, his various ordeals, and his ultimate unification with Chaos, which is also a direct reflection of us, and the journey we have undergone as individuals.
6. Where are you in the recording process of the new album?
A – The album is complete.
7. Who is producing the album? How has the producer aided the recording process?
A – Mick Kenney of the mighty Anaal Nathrakh took the helm of producer for this endeavor. Not only did he have a wealth of engineering knowledge and experience but he provided an outlet for us to explore unorthodox creative choices, which in turn helped push us as artists. Speaking personally, one of those creative choices was undergoing Mick’s “Necro Sprinkles Technique,” which was documented by OC Weekly here:
http://www.ocweekly.com/music/this-recording-technique-for-metal-vocalists-is-totally-insanebut-it-works-7227418
8. Where are you recording the album?
A – The album was recorded at Mick’s private studio. Some elements of the “Chaosborne” were recorded “off-site” at other undisclosed locations.
9. Did the band have any definitive goals they were shooting for before the recording process began for this album?
K- To open a pathway leading back to the truth we had to start with ourselves before guiding others. Now we’re strong and ready to stir the insurrection.
10. Are you using any new instrumentation you've never used in the recording process before?
K- In addition to the usual 16-track cello choir, we’ve built heavily on the orchestral end to include brass, woodwinds, choirs, and auxiliary percussion. Not to mention the multiple vocal layers, both clean and harsh. And all of this is coupled with the strong foundation of the typical guitar-bass-drums metal band. It’s an extremely dynamic album.
11. When did you start writing for this album? How was the songwriting process different/similar to previous Empyrean Throne releases?
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| Photo By Anabel Dflux |
K-There’s no clear answer to when we “started writing.” You can’t pen in creativity to a timeline. However, there was something motivating this record that made the whole process really cohesive and special. That very same force we’ve chosen to dedicate our work to. Consider the process, and the album that resulted, an expression of our gratitude for what we were given, and for what was revealed to us.
12. Did you feel any pressure to follow it up?
A – My question to you would be a “follow up” to what exactly? “Demonseed?” Our singles we have done since the release “Demonseed?” Or this new offering, “Chaosborne?” In terms of if we felt any sort of pressure that would imply that we bow to the whims of the outside world, which we don’t. The only pressure we feel is that which we place on ourselves to dive deeper into the Abyss, and only when we feel that time has come. Make no mistake: wolves do not heed the opinions of sheep.
13. Can you go into one or two tracks on the new album? If so, can you give us the track title and brief description of how the track sounds and how it came about?
K - One that immediately comes to mind is “Sed Nomini Tuo Da Gloriam”, a galloping war anthem with a distinct middle-eastern flavor. This track emphasizes the more wrathful and violent aspects of the Shadow Self, which is something the individual has usually been conditioned to be very afraid of. Rest assured it’s these kinds of arbitrary fears and “morals” that we staunchly oppose. This song is meant as a battering ram to open the floodgates. It also contains historical references to The Battle of Montgisard.
A – My personal favorite is “Haereticus Stellarum Part II.” It is final chapter of the album’s concept and a complete summation of Empyrean Throne’s journey as a whole. It also serves as our vow to continue that journey ever deeper into the maw of the unknown. It’s raw, visceral, and tribal. Looking back at what we have undergone, and the trials we’ve bore upon ourselves to free our spirit and ignite our inner fire, this song represents that triumph. Many people, even those close to us in our lives, sometimes try to understand these things or this “awakening”, but ultimately cannot for they are still entangled in their own mundane struggles and fears be it by their own choosing or lack of trying. However when we have performed this song, it has provided a few of those in the audience with a sense of awakening to something greater than themselves. Something that we hope that they continue to explore and foster.
14. When can we expect the new album to be released?
A – That time will be revealed when it is deemed necessary. At current we can’t disclose a release date.
15. What can the fans expect to see from you in the future?
A – Blood, fire, and Chaos, unrelenting and without mercy.
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