| Interview: Andreas Båtsman of Ghamorean |
| Interview published: 2009/02/21 |
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The somewhat blackened death metal unit Ghamorean was formed as early as 1997, but it wasn't until 2005 that the debut release of this Swedish metal band arrived via the much-critized Karmageddon Media. In december of 2008 the second offering entitled "Eon Eschatos" was unleashed upon the world, this time released by the band itself. I figured an interview was in order.
First and foremost; your latest offering "Eon Eschatos" is a completely self-financed and self-released album, right? What prompted you guys to take care of everything by yourself?
Yes it is, but we have a distribution deal with Stockholm based Plugged Records. We had a goal to release the album within 2008 but as no label made an offer satisfying enough we took matters in our own hands. People don't seem to realize that most record deals for new and unknown bands are based on the do-it-yourself/pay-for-it-yourself doctrine. Instead of taking a chance signing with a label, we decided to be in total control, from recording to release.
How do you feel about the reactions to the new album by fans and critics?
The reactions in magazines have been mixed, mostly positive though. I just heard we got 8/10 in Sweden Rock Magazine. A very well written review I must say. When it comes to the fans I just have rely on the ones I've met and talked to, and it seems like they all enjoy the album.
Is there anything you wish you could go back and change on the album?
There are always things you want to change but I feel satisfied. It could have been released earlier though. Too much label related fuss.
Please elaborate a bit on the album title "Eon Eschatos", what exactly does it mean?
Eon Eschatos are two greek words, eon means time and eschatos means last. I chose those words because they fit very well together and the phrase "the last time" also summarizes the lyrics on this album perfectly, as they tend to be somewhat apocalyptical.
Song titles like "Burn Me Like The Kings", "Humanity Dethroned" and "Obey You Shall" tell of an equally nocturnal mindset as that of "Plaguempire". Can you give us a deeper dive into the lyrics of "Eon Eschatos"?
The lyrics on "Eon Eschatos" are darker and even more targeted on the fall of man. I have also written about personal issues alongside lyrics more connected with history and philosophy. You might say all lyrics are about the decline of civilization and my part in it.
Do you have any special form of promotional activities planned? Such as making the entire album available for streaming through your MySpace profile or something like that?
I think the best promotional activitiy is to tour and that is something we really want to do. We haven't really discussed making the album available for streaming. We'll see...
What about the video for "The Imperial Eye", are you satisfied with it? Why was this particular song chosen to promote the album, music video-wise?
We are satisfied. We chose it because it is a very "in-your-face"-song, not even four minutes long with a cool guitar solo and a striking chorus.
Can you hand out some information about the immortalization of "Eon Eschatos"? Where did you guys record it and how long did it take? Are you thinking about using the same studio for the next effort as well?
We recorded it in two studios in our hometown of Umeå. Drums, guitars and bass were recorded in Enhanced Audio Studios and the vocals were recorded in Dimrakk Studios. It was recorded in the late summer of 2007 and it took about two months. I don't think we will use the same studio again as we always wants to explore new territory.
What is your take on the music industry of today? There is no denying that more and more bands are turning to the internet when promoting and releasing music.
Maybe I am old-school but I don't understand bands that only release their music digitally, I need a physical product. This doesn't mean that I disregard the internet with all its possibilities, I'm just not that interested in digital forms of communication.
Would it be unthinkable for Ghamorean to sign with a record company in the future? Or are you completely devoted to the do-it-yourself approach from now on?
No, but we want a deal we can benefit from. What's the difference of having a logo on back of the CD cover when the label is nothing more than just that. That was the case with our first release "Plaguempire". We need a label ready to put some real effort into their work.
Do you guys have any tricks to stay motivated when writing and performing music?
To keep pushing boundaries when it comes to arrangements and riffing keeps us motivated. It is also important to always explore yourself and your abilitites in order to evolve, both musically and personally.
I'm a bit curious about the band name Ghamorean, what does it stand for and who came up with it?
I came up with it a long, long time ago. I liked the way it sounded and it felt unique. It has lost its original meaning and now I see it only as our band name exclusively. It stands for everything written in the lyrics.
Which bands would you say have influenced Ghamorean the most?
Personally, Emperor first and foremost but also the rest of the norwegian scene. Bands like Satyricon, Mayhem, Darkthrone and Dödheimsgard are some I really appreciate.
You've made it clear that touring is something you'd like to do. What if you could assemble a touring line-up of your own, what bands would you personally like Ghamorean to go out on tour with? How would you describe a live show with Ghamorean?
We'll go with anyone at this point. It doesn't matter that much. It will just be a bonus going with bands we respect and appreciate. I think we are a high quality live band with lots of intensity and soul, but we want more experience. We are ready for the stages around the world.
You're already writing what will become the third Ghamorean record. Can you tell us something about the direction of the new material? Are we in for any surprises?
Oh, it will fucking great. I am really excited. Much darker than its predecessors and more profound. We have evolved a lot in every possible way. There will be surprises but I don't want to reveal too much just yet.
Has the songwriting process within the band changed over the years? Who does what? Is the whole thing a collaborative effort?
Yes it has, since "Eon Eschatos" the music are written by Samuel and me, and I provide the lyrics. Before he became a member of the band I wrote everything myself. I really enjoy collaborating with Sam, even though we tend to get on each others nerves all the time. The two of us are the ones with a clear musical vision and the rest of the band, with their specialized skills, are tools to perfect that vision.
What are the future plans for Ghamorean?
We want to do some extensive touring as soon as possible. In the meantime we're working with songs for the next album. It will be released late 2009 or early 2010.
I guess that's about it. Any last words you would like to add?
Thanks for this interview. I really appreciate it. Buy the album folks!!!
Peter Eliasson
Links:
Ghamorean at www
Ghamorean at MySpace
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