WITCHTHROAT SERPENT - Unleash the Serpent Within (Doom Metal - Interview with Fred)
Please, introduce yourself and tell us how it all began ?
I'm Fred, guitarist and singer. It was after the death of our drone band that we decided with Niko (drums) to form Witchthroat Serpent, born in October 2011. Initially the band was a trio, but Loïc (bass) left the group in 2018 making way for Ugo... Djé joined us some time later to consolidate the line-up with a 2nd guitar.
Describe your sound and explain why I should listen to YOUR band at all costs?
Our sound is abrasive, and we try our best to find the ultimate grain, especially with 2 guitars. A lot more possibilities to crush your eardrums. The last album was recorded in 1 live take and on analog tape at Kerwax studio in Brittany. We do our best to create the most menacing riffs possible... ...To be listened to very loudly for maximum results !!!!
Lyrical and musical inspirations/influences? How important are lyrics to you? Are there any specific messages or thoughts you try to develop and share through your lyrics?
Nico and I listen to a lot of experimental and drone music like Sunno)), Magma, Zeni Geva for example, but we've turned to something simpler... with verses and choruses... Electric Wizard, The Melvins and Cough, for example, have been among our main influences since we started out. We don't try to make a single piece of music, but whatever makes us tick. The lyrics are rather Laveyen, as the philosophy of the Church of Satan has always inspired me in music and in my life. The others are based on Vampire stories or witchcraft. The lyrics have to be as menacing as the music! Recited like a black mass!
What about your latest album?
We were ambitious for this latest album, recording in September 2022 at Kerwax in Brittany. As mentioned above, everything was analog and live. No screens on site. The old-fashioned way... The cover was designed by our friend Pol Abran of Branca Studio BARCELONA. It depicts a bleeding house, in homage to the excellent 1971 film "The house that dripped blood", and a nod to the Church of Satan with its title "Trove of oddities at the Devil driveway"! You can get it in vinyl or cd format on the Heavy psych sounds record website!
Are you about to release something new very soon ?
We're currently working on our 5 th album, which will be recorded in exactly the same way as the previous one. But as for the rest, I can't say much more...
Your most insane dream with the band would be ?
To play a concert in a crypt filled with thirsty vampires ! (Hmmmm... something like in the "From Dusk 'Till Dawn" movie ? Ed.)
Your BEST & WORST concert and why?
All concerts are good, whether in a cellar or in the open air... my best memory so far is our date on April 8, 2023 at the Connexion café in our hometown Toulouse... The audience was there, and it was great to see them in their own city! Thanks Noiser!
Next live appearance(s)?
Our next concert will be in Barcelona in October 2024.
Some words about your local scene - any bands you're friends with that you'd like to name?
I don't have too many contacts with our local scene; the people we're closest to come from elsewhere.
Last word is yours...
Thanks Rough times for the questions, don't forget to choose the left-hand path!
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