Ελληνικά
Last Updated on 04:23 PM by Lilliana Tseka
Moonreich is an upcoming power in the French black metal scene, with seven years of experience and three full length albums on their backs. We had a chance to discuss their new album and the character of the band, getting an inside look on how things work for them.
Your latest album “Pillars of Detest” was released a while ago, how do you feel about the feedback I has received so far?
Hi, For the moment the feedback is really positive, even if I don’t pay that much attention to it. So it feels quite good.
Do you spend time reading reviews / people’s comments generally, or are you simply interested in creating your art in a way you find it satisfying?
I read some of them but it’s not really what interests me. To me, a review only represents the tastes of one individual, so I don’t really care if that individual liked our album our not, making music, and making art in general is not about giving a shit to what people think about your art. Creativity is the key, every Moonreich’s release is so personal, as it comes from the heart.
Is Moonreich an one-man project? I’ve seen live footage but there’s only one official member, I think. If it’s like that, how hard can it be to be all by yourself?
Actually, a lot of people think that it is a one-man band. But it is not. It’s just that we had some line-up changes recently. So Moonreich is a band.
Give a brief explanation on why you chose Moonreich as a band name. Are you afraid people might judge you wrongly because of the “reich” part of the word?
There is no accurate interpretation for this name. It’s actually a metaphoric statement about humanity’s decline. In fact, some poor-minded people picked us in the NSBM genre because of the “reich”, I get fascinated on how stupid they are.
Your lyrical subjects revolve around war a lot, is there anything else you talk about?
Our latest album “Pillars of detest” is not really a war-themed one as some may think. It is a piece of reflexion about the modern world. It’s also about mental illness and hate.
What are the musical and the non musical influences of the band?
To be honest, we listen nearly all kinds of music! We don’t put any limits to ourselves, we just let ourselves being touched by music’s emotion, wherever it comes from. I can listen to rock for a day and then listen to some classical music, it’s not a problem for me. I’m also really influenced by some books, documentaries and by every kind of art that touches me.
How much time do you spend on Moonreich? Did you work on the latest album more than the previous ones?
I don’t consider composing as “working” in fact. For me, composing is a very natural thing. I actually spent more time composing this one, as the music is clearly more diversified.
What’s the composing process of your music?
There are absolutely no rules, I don’t need to put myself in a certain mood or don’t need to get drunk or whatever. Music just comes naturally in my head, I just let emotion flow and I just have to translate it into music.
Could you please give some information about the album’s artwork?
Yes, I did it by myself. I wanted a dark atmosphere, an intriguing cover art that could make you find your own interpretation of it. I think it is a disturbing art, that’s what I feel.
The French modern black metal scene is growing day by day lately, do you have any other underground bands from your country you would suggest?
The french scene is really good these days, we have a couple of amazing bands like Celeste, Orakle, Mime for example.
Where do you stand on elitism within black metal?
I don’t give a fuck to be honest, I think it’s just an illusion for some people to feel superior.
I haven’t heard your band before. Would you suggest me to start from your new album or from the beginning?
It depends on your tastes, If you prefer traditional black metal, then listen to our first album. If you like diversified music, just take an ear on our latest album “Pillars of Detest”.
What aspects of Moonreich have improved since their early days?
I don’t really know. The only goal has always been to make the music we like to the present moment. That’s what we continue to make and it will always be like this for moonreich.
Do you want to get huge as a band or do you prefer living behind the mainstream lights of the genre?
I don’t really care about it. The most important is to keep our artistic integrity. The rest is secondary.
“Believe & Behead” is truly a brilliant track. How did that come together specifically? Do you have a favorite from “Pillars of Detest”?
Like every Moonreich song, it came very naturally, nothing special. Thank you! I don’t have any favorite track, it’s really hard to say, every song means something different to me so…
Since you haven’t released a split yet, are there any bands you would like to share an album with?
We have a plan for it but it’s too early to speak.
Thanks for your time! Last comments are yours.
Thanks for your support ! It means a lot to us !
