Ice Vajal :: Music Land :: Metal World
 
editorial :: feedback :: newsletter ::  
   Bands :: A-Z / U / Unlight /

In Words: Unlight



- Blaspherion - October 2010 - Mike Thompson -


www.unlight.org








Unlight
© Unlight


Blaspherion - October 11th 2010 (by email)




German blackened thrashers Unlight recently unleashed the face-melting plague known as Sulphurblooded onto the world. I posed a few questions to the pestilential master of guitar and vocals; Blaspherion.


How happy are you with the reaction to Sulphurblooded thus far? Do you think this is your best album?

There are a lot of positive reviews but of course there are always some that you don't like that much. But it's o.k. as long as it's factual and objective. On the whole we are happy with the reactions.
Yes, it's our best album so far. It's the way we like it rough, fast, powerful and ass kicking, including melodies and leads and still aggressive.


Tell us a little about the concept behind the cover art of Sulphurblooded. The character on the front reminds me of a plague doctor...

First of all it's a new interpretation of Eliphas Levi's Baphomet – a classical one. Then of course you're right that there are connections to be made with the medieval plaque doctors because of the ravenous mask. That's right and we did that consciously because so it also symbolizes death and decay which are a big part of our world.

How do you go about writing songs? Is one person the major song writer or lyricist or do you all have input?

Usually one of us has the basic idea for a song. But then everyone of the band is involved in arranging and composing. The lyrics are written by me, Blaspherion. But in general every band member does his bit in equal amounts.

You've had a few lineup changes in the time between Death Consecrates With Blood and Sulphurblooded. Has this had a negative effect on the band or have the new members brought only positive aspects to the band?

Sure there are always a few negative effects on a band when members are leaving. But for us it's a new chance to proof ourselves to be even better than before. And I proudly can say our new member Raptus brought a lot of new positive aspects into Unlight. We are now stronger than ever before and I think you can hear it.

Before 2004 you had a keyboard player but now you're music is synth-free. Do you ever miss the extra dimension that synths can offer or has the music of Unlight only become stronger since ditching them?

Our music became more aggressive, rough and powerful since we pay more and more attention to the guitar work. We don't miss the synth at all.

Which five albums that have had the biggest impact on your lives?

If I'm just allowed to tell about my 5 favorite albums, it's really not easy for me. There are a lot more bands that had influence on my music. But the list would be never ending I think...

SlayerShow No Mercy
SodomAgent Orange
EmperorIn the Nightside Eclipse
SepulturaBeneath the Remains
Bathory - everything


Undoubtedly my favourite song from Sulphurblooded is the title track. Which is yours?

Uhhh... that's not easy to decide! But the title track and Dead All Things Will Be (Part I) are really cool songs I think.

Will you be doing a tour in support of the new album? Which countries would you most like to visit?

We are planning a small tour in December. But unfortunately it will only be in Germany, I guess. If I could, I would visit every country that has black metal fans. There are no particular favourites.

Which show sticks in your mind as the best one you have played so far? Also, if you could choose any band, past or present, to play a show with, which would it be?

I liked the shows we played with Belphegor or Dark Funeral for example, but if I had to choose which concert was the best, I couldn't tell you again which one it was. There have been a lot of really great shows meanwhile but also some we regret...

Which bands are your biggest influences?

Ok, here are just a few: Sodom, Bathory, WASP, Motörhead, Kreator, Destruction, Emperor, Dissection, early Sepultura, Sarcofago, Maiden, Venom...

Do you listen to many modern bands or do you tend to stick to older releases? What was the last album you bought?

I definitely stick to the old stuff! The last one I bought was Hordes Of Chaos by Kreator.

Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions! Anything else you'd like to add?

I have to thank you! If anyone is interested now in our music, please check out our internet pages. There's a lot of material to listen to and also lots of other stuff.


What are you waiting for? Head over to www.unlight.org and check out Unlight's music and then go pester your local promoter to book Unlight for a gig in your area!



Mike Thompson

up

           ©2008-2014 by Claudia Ehrhardt • E-Mail: contact@ice-vajal.com


Bands U